Car or Jeep in St. John?
 

Is a jeep really necessary to get around in St. John? I know the place we're staying is not located on a dirt road, but we would like to drive to the good snorkeling beaches around the island.

For less than half the price we could pick up a car at the airport on Saint Thomas and take it over to St. John for the week.

What parts of St. John would we not be able to access if we had a car rather than a jeep?

It's better to have a 4wd on St.John. The roads are steep and winding and the hills can be slippery after rain showers. Also the car co. on St.Thomas may not allow the car to leave the island and if you have a problem with it on St. John that could turn into a real hassel. Besides it's fun to have the 4wd to have access to explore St.John. My favorite beach is Little Lameshur Bay on the south shore, which you definately need 4wd to get to but it's worth the drive! Very small, secluded and nice snorkeling off the east side of the beach.

I'd agree with every point that jofus made including Little Lameshur Bay. We loved that place. I acutally took our Jeep Liberty out of 4WD after a rain shower on the North Shore paved road and had to reapply it. Main reason is that you're on your own if anything happens.

I took a Nissan Sentra from St. Thomas to St. John last Saturday. It had rained the night before and made driving conditions tricky. Since it was only for a day, we managed, but for a week on St. John I would definitely want some type of 4WD. Upon leaving Francis Bay we were not too keen on taking the shorter route to Cinnamon Bay. After an attempt, we backed up and took the longer, but more manageable way there.

Its not necessarily 4wd that you need but the clearance. An SUV type that rides higher is best.

Definitely get a jeep with 4 wd. we always rent from Dependable in st thomas and take the car over with no problem. Ferries run often and then you don't have to hassle a cab from the airport to the ferry dock etc.