Do I need to rent a car, and do I need one with 4-wheel drive?
With very limited parking in Cruz Bay, getting around Cruz Bay is easier by foot, so you will absolutely enjoy being within a few minute stroll from Cruz Bay! You may only want to rent a jeep or a car for a day or two to explore the National Park’s world famous North Shore beaches. Exploring St. John with your own rental car is an experience not to be missed and we do advise having one with four-wheel drive to navigate the rustic roads, hillsides and switchbacks that are common. Your condo rental does include a covered parking spot in the garage.
How far away is the condo from town (Cruz Bay) and the beaches?
The condo is located along the beachfront right along Cruz Bay harbor. We are in St. John’s newest luxury resort, Grande Bay. It is approximately 5 minutes by foot to town (Cruz Bay) where most of the shopping and restaurants are located, and about seven to ten minutes drive to the beaches on the north shore located in the National Park. A beautiful 20 minute hike will get you to two of St. John’s loveliest beaches, Salomon and Honeymoon. St. John is a small island; only 4 miles by 5 miles long, so even a trip to the other side of the island (Coral Bay), is only about 20 minute car ride away. Given St John’s small size it is easy to catch a cab to any of the beaches. How do you get to St. John? Since St. John does not have an airport, you will need to fly into nearby St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands and take a short ten-minute ferry ride to St. John. There is a ferry that leaves St. Thomas to St. John and visa-versa, every hour, on the hour, beginning at 6:00 a.m. through 11:00 p.m.
How do we get to the condo once we are on St. John?
We will have our on island property manager greet you at the ferry dock upon arrival, walk with you to Grande Bay to familiarize you with the condo, and give you some pointers about Cruz Bay and St. John so you feel immediately comfortable in your “island home.”
What should we bring?
The condo comes equipped with bed linens, bath and beach towels, hair dryer, cooler and beach chairs for the beach. Pack light. Dress attire is very casual; shorts, t-shirts, swimsuits, sandals and nice tropical wear for evenings out. You probably want to bring sunscreen, hats, and personal toiletry items. However, there is a convenience store very close by to purchase these items as well. And don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the highlights of your holiday.
What is the weather like?
The consistent and balmy weather of the Virgin Islands is what makes it a premier holiday destination virtually year round. In the winter, the average January high temperature is 83 degrees Fahrenheit; the average low is 72 degrees Fahrenheit. In the summer, the average July high temperature is 89 degrees, with a low of 78 degrees. Relative humidity is on average 75% year round. The cooling tropical trade winds average around 15 to 20 knots, which makes it feel cooler than the temperature suggest
Are there grocery stores near the condo?
Yes, there are two grocery stores in Cruz Bay and a well stocked convenience store very nearby. The grocery stores are generally open for business seven days a week from 7:30 a.m. through 8:30 p.m. Starfish Market, located in The Marketplace just outside of Cruz Bay, on the south shore road, is the largest, and is best for fresh meats & fish, dairy products, and fresh produce. There is also Starfish Gourmet located across from Starfish, which has a large selection of wines and cheeses, and other hard to find gourmet items. And there is Dolphin Market, about a 10 minute walk, which has excellent produce, a vast array of refrigerated items and a large wine selection