I wont get into the details of excursions, restaurants, and shops on this blog because the islands are so small. For the most part, you are pretty limited in your options for dining and can explore each island all in one day. The most important aspect is how to get there. The rest can be figured out in the moment or through a simple google search.
There are 3 ways to visit all three islands on a mini getaway. You can take a private boat/yacht, get on a Ferry, or fly between the islands. It all depends on what you are looking for and how long you are planning your visit. For a shorter weekend, I would recommend taking a Ferry and exploring a different Island each day. This way you can fully explore each island without feeling rushed. For a more private, luxurious experience you can take a private boat and hop between all three islands in one day. Flying between the islands is only recommended if you plan on staying at St. Croix or staying at each island for longer than a day. Even then, you can pay a couple extra bucks to take the Ferry instead and avoid the hassle of airports all together.
Where to stay: The best place to stay for the most consistent ferry times and schedules is St. Thomas. This island is also has the most options in terms of shops, activities, restaurants, and hotel/ Airbnb rentals. It is also the most accessible via airplane or ferry from Puerto Rico if you plan on extending your trip to visit that island as well. It is not recommended to stay @ St. Croix unless the goal of your trip is seclusion. You will find that traveling to and from there will require advanced planning and booking.
The Ferry:
St. Thomas has three Ferry docking locations for you to catch a ride to the other two islands: Crown Bay marina, Charlotte Amalie (Edward Blyden Terminal), and the Red Hook Ferry Terminal. St John has one ferry location: Cruz Bay Terminal. St. Croix also only has one docking location: Gallows Bay.
St. Thomas to and from St. John- The Red Hook Ferry Terminal offers the quickest and most efficient travel (only 15 minutes) and runs every hour. It will take you directly to Cruz Bay terminal in St. John. The earliest departure is 6 AM and latest return is 11 PM. The other two terminals take about 45 minutes and do not run as frequently. The price for a non-resident is 12 USD. Click here for more details.
St. Thomas to and from St. Croix- The Charlotte Amalie (Edward Blyden Terminal) is the only location to get on a ferry to St. Croix. The ferry only runs 3 times a week (Fri, Wed, & Sun). It will take you to the Gallows Bay Ferry Dock in St. Croix. A round trip ticket will cost about $90 USD and a one way will cost about $50 USD. There is also only one departure time from St. Thomas (8 AM) and one return time from St. Croix (4 PM). The trip takes about 90 minutes each way. Click here for more details.
St. Croix to and from St. John- The ferries in St. Croix are far and few, so you will have to book this through the Native Son Ferry months in advance. The other option is to fly to this island. Gallows Bay is the only location to get on a ferry from St. Croix to St. John. It will take you to the Cruz Bay terminal. A round trip ticket will cost about $120 USD. There is only one departure time from St. Croix (8 AM) and one return time from St. John (5 PM). The trip takes about 90 minutes each way. Click here for more details.
Comentários