Red Hook or Charlotte Amalie ferry to St. John?

[70sGringo]

We will be in St. Thomas on AOS (Sat. July 2, 2005) and was wondering, in order to maximize time on St. John, is it better to take the ferry from Charlotte Amalie? Looks like there would be more travel time taking a taxi to Red Hook and catching the ferry from there.

 

Does one need to take a taxi from where AOS docks to the Charlotte Amalie/St. John ferry?

 

Also, what about the return? Same answers?

 

What time in the afternoon can we safely return to Cruz Bay to catch a ferry to get back in time for the posted 5:30PM departure?

[richtersl]

The ferry ride from Charlotte Amalie to St. John is about 40 minutes.

 

The taxi ride from Charlotte Amalie to Red Hook is about 20 minutes. The ferry ride from Red Hook to St. John is about 15 minutes.

 

So timewise there's really not a lot of difference as to which ferry you take.

 

But the ferry from Red Hook runs more frequently and on a more regular schedule than the one from Charlotte Amalie does.

 

:) Ferry schedules can be found here: http://www.*****/stjohn/getting_there/

[wulicny]

Also, if I recall, the Charlotte Amalie ferry leaves from the opposite side of the harbor than where the ships dock. So, you will have to taxi over to there before getting on the ferry - add another 10 minutes to that.

 

My recommendation is to take the Red Hook ferry TO St. John, and if you can time it right to come back a bit early, take the CA ferry FROM St. John to CA. It gives you a bit of time to shop before taking a 10 minute taxi "back to da ship".

 

Bill

[70sGringo]

Thanks for the tips. It's exactly what I needed to know.

 

I like the idea of doing RH to St. John, then the CA ferry back.

 

One big loop, the scenery will be different the whole way!

[serene56]

If your ship is departing st thomas at 5:30 you will need to be onbaord 30 minutes before then. So make your plans having you back on the ship before 5pm.

[OCruisers]

But the ferry from Red Hook runs more frequently and on a more regular schedule than the one from Charlotte Amalie does.

 

Agree! Red Hook is the way to go! In addition to a better schedule ... as many will tell you ... the ride is LOTS calmer on Red Hook! ;)

 

Happy Sailing! OCruisers :)