Boat Rental - St. John
 

I am planning on renting a boat in St. John from Ocean Runner (unless someone has a better suggestion) for a day during my honeymoon in late April. We want to go to Jost Van Dyke, but are also looking for other snorkeling/exploring sites we can visit while we have the boat. Any suggestions?

Just got back from Jost, STJ, etc. We usually do several boat trips during our stay...all wonderful! On the way to Jost, stop at Lovongo(?). Try renting a dingy for a day- get the ones with the center console- and hit Watermellon Cay. Tie up to a buoy and ENJOY the snokeling then head back to Cruz Bay stopping at as many beautiful beaches as time will allow. Talk to Brenda in the activities center at Gallows Point for rental advice.

LoveToLeave, Did you by chance stay at Gallows? If so, what did you think? Owa

I highly recommend Ocean Runner for a boat rental. We rented a twin OB 27 ft Mako our last trip to STJ and it was the highlight of our vacation. The boats are in top condition and well equipped. Bring your CDs as they are equipped with CD changers. A great spot to snorkel is off of Pelican Island, on your way to Norman Island, called The Indians. Ask at the charter desk and they can chart it for you. Also, if Willy T's is still in operation....a great place to stop for a Bloody Mary. It is a 100 foot schooner moored in the Bight of Norman Island. We navigated back to JVD for the afternoon and hit Sandy Cay on the way. You'll need to go through Customs at West End, Tortola. I recommend taking care of that first. Then you are free to navigate the entire BVIs where you'll most likely spend the majority of your time. Bring lots of water! Plan on at least $100 in gas/oil on your return fillup in Cruz Bay. Worth every penny!

Owa,
My husband, son and I have just returned from our 12th stay at Gallows.We've visited many other islands including Hawaii (where we got married) and South & Central America but we always seem to return to STJ and Gallows. The loft rooms are spacious and well appointed and the views can't be beat. It's private and laid back but still only a stone's throw to the Beach Bar and town. The "beach" is small and mostly coral but the snorkling is good. We spend most of our time visiting the other white sand beaches on and around STJ. I'm trying to get info for a friend on the condos at Lavender Hills... Can you help?

was just reading a trip report on another travel board from someone who just returned from a stay at Lavender Hill.

http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.co...ec2f77f59e4a0f

oops... that should have said

"I was just reading a trip report..."

My cat walked across the keyboard just as I was posting!

LoveToLeave, The reason I asked about Gallows was that I was trying to figure out why Lavender Hills was so much cheaper. From what I can gather, it looks like all units do not have AC. I am taking my family of 10 in August which requires 3 units at Gallows. The cost is the same as staying at Caneel. We are staying four nights at Caneel and four at Gallows. I thought we needed to be close to Cruz Bay part of the time. I'm glad to hear you like Gallows enough to return so many times. Reviews on Trip Advisor are mixed, but so are Caneels. My husband and I have stayed at Caneel so we know what to expect.

I had read the report cawhite mentioned about Lavender Hills. Sounded fine. Thanks for answering me. Owa

LoveToLeave - I just read Part 2 of the trip report from the other forum.

It sounds like even though they liked Lavender Hill, there is currently A LOT of construction noise in the area (apparently this is mentioned on the website). You should ask about how long that is supposed to be taking place, in relation to your trip date.

http://www.virgin-islands-on-line.co...pic.php?t=2069

To cawhite-
Thanks so much for the info and the link. It was very helpful.