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FLIGHTS:
If you have not yet booked your flight, we recommend
trying
CVOA a
consolidator that offers discount fares if staying in one of
our qualifying villas.
During hurricane
season (or blizzard season in the States) we encourage you
to get Travel Insurance that covers both airfare and
lodging.
Various credit card companies offer coverage, or
we will be happy to suggest some independent companies.
RENTAL CARS & RATES:
To rent a car on St. John drivers must be 26 years
old or older, with a valid drivers license and a major
credit card. You should check with your credit card
company to make sure that your rental car insurance
applies to the U.S. Virgin Islands and to SUV's.
All of the
rental car companies charge just about the same price
(there are no bargain companies, and Stateside deals for
corporate rates or airline miles are not honored here). 
There are a limited number of rental cars on St. John -
so limited that during high season there are not enough
cars to go around. In order to ensure that you will have a
car, we reserve a vehicle for you when we receive your
deposit. This is a free service.
Should you not wish to
have us do this, please notify us immediately of your
alternate arrangements.
Upon authorization of a vehicle
reservation, the agreement becomes binding between you and
the rental car company for the agreed upon time.
Should an adjustment of type or size of car become
necessary, every effort will be made to oblige, but can
not be guaranteed. We have compiled a comprehensive list
of available vehicles and average rates.
Click here to view them.
ST THOMAS TRANSPORTATION:
Once you arrive at St Thomas Airport, you will need
to take a taxi to catch the ferry to St. John.
The taxis
are located just outside of the baggage claim area and the
fare is about $13 per person to Red Hook.
Virgin Island
taxis are a little peculiar – they load up to 10
passengers in a large van then drop people off at various
spots along the way.
This can increase your travel time
considerably (you may get a complete tour of St Thomas).
There are private taxi services that will meet you
at the airport and deliver you directly to the next boat.
These services charge a little more than the regular taxi
rates and require pre-payment.
Contact Direct Taxi Service
at (340) 777-7112 or Christopher Taxi Service at (340)
775-9257.
FERRIES
TO ST JOHN:
The St. John ferries leave St. Thomas from two
locations (but arrive in St. John at the same place –
the ferry dock in Cruz Bay). You must have
photo identification to board.
The Redh ook Ferry is a 20-minute ride that costs $3 per
person and leaves every hour on the hour; the last boat
leaves St. Thomas at midnight.
The Downtown Ferry is a 45 minute ride which costs $7 per
person and leaves the waterfront at Charlotte Amalie at: 9
AM, 11 AM, 1 PM, 3 PM, 4 PM, 5:30 PM.
Note: If you are prone to seasickness do not take this
boat on stormy days. UPON
ARRIVAL IN ST THOMAS:
After retrieving your luggage, take a moment to call us at
our local number,
340.693.8692.
This lets us know which ferry to meet on St. John.
If you are not planning on going directly to the ferry
please tell us that in advance.
We will be waiting for you on
the dock in Cruz Bay holding a sign with your name on it.
From there we will proceed to finish the car rental
requirements and proceed to your villa.
Check in is between 3 PM and 8 PM, and check out is at 10
AM.
If other arrangements are needed, please inquire.
If your flight has a major
delay please call us at 1-800-341-2532.
 ACTIVITIES
and BABY EQUIPMENT RENTALS:
Contact David, our Activities Director, to set up
day sails, boat rentals, kayaking, snorkel and scuba
trips, private chefs, wedding arrangements, and plenty of
other activities.
We can also help with crib, stroller,
high chair and car seat rentals .
Snorkel gear and dive
equipment is easily available to rent or purchase.
FOOD:
If you are arriving
late in the evening, and will need a few groceries (restaurants stop serving at about 9 PM) we
will be happy to stock the refrigerator with
first day
supplies for you.
e-mail or fax (309.437.9243) us your grocery list.
 St. John has a few small grocery stores. They are fairly
well stocked, but if there is something that you (or your
kids) just can’t live without, maybe you should bring it
with you.
We have many wonderful
restaurants
ranging from ultra-expensive nouvelle cuisine to
traditional West Indian takeouts, or we can arrange for a
private chef to come to your villa.
GENERAL
ST JOHN INFORMATION:
If you would like more information about St. John contact
the following:
VI
Department of Tourism’s Visitors Bureau – (800)
372-8784
St
John Guidebook and Map – (340) 776-6922 or www.stjohnguidebook.com
Friends
of the Virgin Islands National Park at www.friendsvinp.org
Books
about St. John – www.americanparadisepublishing.com
WHAT
TO BRING:
Each villa is fully furnished, including all
linens (except infant crib linens) and kitchen utensils, as well as beach towels and
chairs.
You need to bring: sunscreen, hat, camera and
film, personal toiletries, prescription medicine, water
bottles, bug repellant, bathing suits, a sweater or light
jacket for cool evenings, casual shorts and shirts, a
little fancier (but certainly not formal) outfits for
going out to dinner.
Construction: As the lure of the Virgin
Islands becomes ever more popular, St. John continues to
enjoy a booming economy. Unfortunately this growth
results in the need for additional housing and
construction island-wide, sometimes even near rental
villas. Fortunately most work is performed during
the day between 7am and 3pm, and is not necessarily
every day in the same locations. Great Caribbean
Getaways sincerely hope the possible noise and traffic
do not disturb your hard earned Caribbean vacation.
We will do our best to advise you of any concerns near
your rental, but we cannot be held responsible for
nearby construction noise.
Dengue fever is caused by a
virus transmitted to humans by the bites of infected
mosquitoes. There are four types of dengue, and there is no
vaccine for dengue. Symptoms of dengue are flu-like
and include a high fever, joint and muscle pain, severe
headache, backache, rash, eye pain, nausea and vomiting.
Treatments include rest, fluids and pain relievers. The best
way to prevent dengue fever is to eliminate mosquito
breeding grounds and to take precautions against being
bitten. The mosquito that most commonly carries dengue is
the Aedes aegypti. The Aedes aegypti feeds in the early
morning and late afternoon. Anyone experiencing symptoms
that could be signs of dengue should consult a physician if
the symptoms persist.
ISLAND
MANNERS:
Greet everyone with a “Good Morning” or Good
Evening”.
It is very offensive (and is actually against
the law) for you to stroll around t own in your bathing
suit – please cover up. Wait patiently while cars stop
in the middle of the road to talk to each other or to drop
people off.
Remember we drive on the
left, and pull
over to let the car behind you pass so they can make
the ferry on time and you can continue enjoying the
magnificent scenery.
Slow down and enjoy life on “Island
Time”.
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