AboutSusie Rano Expertise I've lived in St.Thomas for nearly 20 years. I can answer tourist-related questions regarding this island and may be able to help with questions regarding St.John too.
Experience lived on St.Thomas for almost 20 years
Education/Credentials lived on St.Thomas for nearly 20 years
Question QUESTION: Hi, I will be visiting St. John in Feb. and am trying to figure out if I should buy groceries in St. Thomas and transport them by ferry to Westin St. John. The resort offers unlimited ferry rides to and from the resort for a fee of $95pp. This fee includes transport to and from the airport, which would save me cab fare? However, I wouldn't be able to stop at a grocery store to stock the villa. Do you think I would save a significant amount of money getting my booze and groceries for the week on St. Thomas as opposed to St. John? What to you recommend I do? I am trying to save some money. Thank you in advance.
ANSWER: Hi Dodie- As far as I know, there is only one rather small and expensive grocery store in St.John. It would definately be cheaper for you to stock up while in St.Thomas. The only two places on the east end (in the vicinity of the ferry area), would be Marina Market in Red Hook or The Food Center also on the East End. You can try to see if you can get a "safari" to one of these places. Safari's are for locals and would be $1.00 pp. Just look for the one loaded with "locals." Otherwise you would need a taxi. For bigger savings, you may want to get a rental car and shop at either Cost U Less, Plaza Extra, or Price Smart. All are within a 5 mintue drive from one another. Also about a 15-20 minute drive from Red Hook/East End. I personally think Cost U Less is the cheapest.
I hope this helps. Have a great time in St.John!
Respectfully,
Susie
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QUESTION: Is it also true that you cannot bring cars rented in St. Thomas over to St. John. Again, they are extremely expensive in St. John, much more that St. Thomas. Thanks for your resoponse to my question. It really helps.
ANSWER: Yes you CAN bring a car rental from St.Thomas to St.John. I believe it is about $40 for the ferry to bring a car. I'm sure the resort you will be staying at, will be happy to help you with the arrangements. Let me know if I can be of further help. Have a great day!
Regards,
Susie
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QUESTION: Hi Susie,
You've been so helpful. Thanks again. Another question. Should I rent a jeep or all terrain vehicle or perhaps an all wheel drive to explore on St. John or will a compact car be able to take me to locations off the beaten path. I would much prefer to hike, but my husband is 4 months out of knee surgery and we may be limited as to the amount we will be able to. What type of car should we rent that will afford us the most accessibility to remote locations on the island?
Answer I don't even know if they rent all terrain vehicles here; can't say I've seen one around the island. Since our islands are quite hilly and mountainous, you'd be best off with a jeep or anything 4 wheel drive. If you get a peppy newer compact, you should also be okay going up the hills. I have a 2004 Nissan Sentra and get up the hills fine, I just slap her into low while going up such infamous hills as "Donkey Hill."
Hope this helps. Take care-
