Food St. John

[riverdees05 Platinum Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close riverdees05]

We are going to St. John over the Christmas break. Not staying in a timeshare, but a rented condo.

Is there a recommended grocery store on St. John? Is there a place to buy fresh fish and fruit.

Should we consider carrying stuff from home? If so are there any restrictions? We fly into St. Thomas on Christmas eve and will spend the night there, then take the car ferry to St. John on Christmas Day and return to St. Thomas on New Years Day to fly home.

Any recommendations on things to do, etc.?

[lawren2 Malibu Beach Barbie & A Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close lawren2]

Depends on what you are used to. I never found the market to be wildly expensive, (with the exception of ice cream and you can't pack that!) but I live in the NYC area. Starfish market is very very nice and has everything you'll need.

I have stayed in a couple of different homes on St John and really enjoyed vacationing that way.

ETA: Don't know if you are too late to get on the hike down to Reef Bay run by the Nat'l Park Service. Call and put yourself on that list or stand-by.

Snorkel at Trunk Bay. Snorkel at Waterlemon Cay. Try a different beach each day....snorkel some more.

[riverdees05 Platinum Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close riverdees05]

I went to nps.gov and couldn't find that hike or a phone number for them on St. John, do you have any additional information in your files?

[lawren2 Malibu Beach Barbie & A Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close lawren2]

Reef Bay Hike

Times: 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Location: Visitor Center

Summary: 3-mile down through a sub-tropical forest.

Fees: 21.00 per person for transportation

Details:
The secrets of St. John`s tropical forest, petroglyphs, and sugar mill ruins come alive on this three-mile downhill hike. Participants should bring lunch, 1 - 2 liters of water per person, any special medication (taken daily), and a swimsuit for a quick swim at the trails end. Wear good hiking shoes (no open-toed footwear or aqua socks), and cool comfortable clothing.

The hike is mostly downhill, but is not necessarily easy due to its length, steep rocky terrain, short but strenuous uphill sections, and the prevailing heat and humidity. In addition, there is the remote possibility that deteriorating sea conditions might require hiking back uphill to the trail head. Visitors with circulatory or joint/muscle problems, other medical conditions, or with small children, should carefully evaluate their ability to do this hike.

This program is normally held on Mondays and Thursdays. Fridays are added during the busy season based on demand. However, participation is limited and the list fills up fast; therefore you must call (340) 776-6201, ext. 238 between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM to make reservations at least two weeks in advance. Please do not attempt to make reservations via the internet.

This hike includes transportation - a shuttle ride to the trail head (cost $6.00 per person) and a boat pick-up which returns hikers to the Visitor Center (cost $15.00 per person). All hikers MUST meet at the Visitor Center by 9:30 AM.


Virgin Islands National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

[GrayFal Silver Contributor and supermoderator Find all posts View Profile Close GrayFal]

I agree about Starfish Market.....and because I am a cheapskate I bring stuff from home. Coffee, wraps for sandwiches, chicken/tuna in a can, small jar mayo, oatmeal and dry cranberries, micro popcorn. Stuff that is cheap home but expensive there.

I also like Cinnamon Bay Beach for snorkeling/swimming.

[riverdees05 Platinum Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close riverdees05]

Thanks

Thanks for the input. I was able to get us on the Reef Bay Hike. How rough is it? I reserved 5 spots, for my daughter, her husband, two grandsons - ages 7 & 9 and myself. After reading the write-up, I thought it wouldn't be suitable for my wife, since she has had double knee replacement.

[lawren2 Malibu Beach Barbie & A Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close lawren2]

Thanks for the input. I was able to get us on the Reef Bay Hike. How rough is it? I reserved 5 spots, for my daughter, her husband, two grandsons - ages 7 & 9 and myself. After reading the write-up, I thought it wouldn't be suitable for my wife, since she has had double knee replacement.

I think you will really enjoy this hike. I know I have and have done it twice. It is very steep downhill in some places and a pretty steep climb to the petroglyphs. If you are in decent physical shape you'll be fine. Bring plenty of water.

It is definately not suitable for your wife, it is a pretty long hike. You're moving along most of time, with a break for your sandwich on the beach or at the plantation ruins before the boat picks you up at the bottom for a nice ride back to Cruz Bay NPS office.

It is a very unique and informative tour and I'm glad you were able to book. Bring exact change for jitney ride and boat as you pay the driver & crew not the parks departmart for those segments.