?'s about Trunk Bay on our own

[tink1663]

Hi everyone,
I have heard such great things about Trunk Bay that I really want to go. I know it will be cheaper to do it on our own but is it worth it. If we do it ourselves we would have more time there as opposed to doing an excursion with Disney. Is it easy enough and safe enough to go it on our own? It will just be myself and my two kids so I am a bit nervous. Also does anyone have an idea on how much it will cost us round trip with taxi and ferry fare?

 

[Mulljac]

Hi. We went on the 8/21 cruise and our family of four decided to do Trunk Bay on our own. Well for us it was a big mistake. It ended up being more money than we thought and I didn't bring enough with us. Didn't realize this until we were already at the ferry. Too late to go back now! So on we went with assurance from my husband that everything would be alright. I was so worried the whole time that I couldn't fully enjoy myself. We didn't have enough money for the cab ride back to the ship. Thank God the family sitting next to us on beach was also from our ship. I got up the nerve to ask her to loan me $20 until that night when I could repay her. She was an angel in disguise. Afterwards I added up what it would have cost to do the Disney excursion and it ended up being the same amount. And we wouldn't have had any of the hassle. If you decide to do it on your own just remember that the ferry leaves on the hour so you have to time it right to get on. Unfortunately for us on going and returning we missed the ferry and had to wait an hour for the next one. Then you have to get a cab too. We wasted a lot of time just sitting around. And then we didn't get to go into town to go shopping because it was too late. Hope some of this helps.

 

[BeanoC]

Joanne is correct; it is nearly as expensive as a Disney excursion, but I still like it better. You can do things on your own timeframe, and not have to wait for other people in your excursion party. And it will give you more time at Trunk Bay - just make sure you give yourself enough time to get back to the ship!

Just take a taxi from the ship to the ferry at Red Hook, then take the ferry over to St. John, then another taxi to the beach. Same thing in reverse when you're done!



'Beano'

 

[tink1663]

Thanks for the insight. If we do decide to attempt this on our own does anyone have any time frame that we should follow. How long is the cab ride to the ferry,how long is the ferry ride, are the cabs readliy available at Trunk Bay? I am starting to second guess myself about going it on our own. I need to make a decision very soon because the excursion for my cruise have already started booking.

 

[Scotsman]

Hey, We did it last week. family of 4

taxi to ferry. 25mins $32 (8 each)

ferry(on the hour). 20mins $12 (3 each)

taxi to trunk bay. 15mins $24 (6 each)

entrance to Trunk Bay state park. $16 (4 each)

Don't forget to double the taxi and ferry rates for the return and yes it ends up being a long and expensive journey.

BUT when you get there you won't believe your eyes. It is the most beautiful beach you have ever seen. If you go it alone it is very safe and you will want to spend a lot of time there and not be tied to a group.

The only thing we didn't like was the ship leaving at 4.30. St. Thomas is very beautiful and we wished Dsney would extend the time untill about 8.30

It's also a great place to shop!

 

[tink1663]

For my family of 3 that would be the same cost as going with the Disney excursion. The excursion says it is about 5 hours long but you only have 1.5 hours of beach time. That sounds like alot of travel time going with the Disney group. I think we'll stay with our original plans and go it alone. Thanks for everyones input it really does help hearing different experiences and opinions.

 

[SueEllen]

Don't forget you can take the Charlotte Amalie ferry back over and avoid the longer taxi ride. That ferry does not leave on the hour every hour--as it is a 45 minute ride--but does take you straight to downtown, across from the Hard Rock Cafe. We took a taxi to Red Hook over, Red Hook to St. John, taxi to Trunk Bay, taxi back to dock, Charlotte Amalie ferry back over...did some shopping then back to the ship.

It was WELL worth it to do it on our own in my opinion. (for us anyway.)

Sue Ellen

 

[Scotsman]

Sue Ellen, Could you take the charlotte amalie ferry both ways and eliminate a taxi?

Drew

 

[goofydadeo]

Having done Trunk Bay several times on our own, you will not be saving any $$$, but you will be have more time and get more variety if you return via Charlotte Amalie instead of Red Hook.

It is a little bit of a logistical feat doing it yourself but you have the flexibility to explore Cruz Bay and Charlotte Amalie in addition to having more time to snorkle/enjoy Trunk Bay. You could even opt to visit Cinnamon Bay on St. John!

Here is a link to the ferry schedule for those of you considering this option:

St. Thomas Ferry Schedules

Have fun!

 

[Wonderwoman1982]

Well, back in 2001, we did Trunk Bay on our own. It's been SO long that I don't remember the cost anymore, but I do remember it was like 1/4 of the cost on our own than going with Disney. AND we ended up with HOURS more on the beach than with Disney. Disney charges per person. What we did that saved us boocoo's of cash, was we RENTED a small car from Avis, (planned ahead, had a reservation) then 6 of us crammed into it. We then drove to RED HOOK ferry (other side of island- but NOT that far) and took a CAR FERRY. No taxi fare PER PERSON for us. We went on our own time. OH, and I forgot to add, we ALSO went to Magens Bay before we went to Trunk Bay. Did both beaches and STILL spent so much less it was laughable. If you're doing taxis and all that, yeah it'll cost you. Plan ahead and rent a car and do a car ferry. It was fun, although the ferries looked scary, but we made it!! They had life jackets anyways... ;-) While all the pthers here talk about $32 for taxi fare ONE WAY, to ONE place, we paid around $30 for our CAR RENTAL for the WHOLE DAY... Just remember that... If you plan ahead, you can do it. But you must plan ahead.

 

[goofydadeo]

Beware, having spent this past Spring Break in St. Thomas, the only car rental company that will allow their cars on the ferry is Budget!

Also, don't forget, in the USVI you drive on the left, not the right!

Other than that it is very easy to rent a car and take it to St. John. Budget has the largest fleet and a rental office near Havensight (the main cruise ship port).

 

[Wonderwoman1982]

I rented from Avis and took it on a ferry. We didn't ask them if we were allowed or not, we just took the ferry. The ferry people won't stop you, but maybe this is an insurance issue.... Usually your own auto policy should cover you in a rental. Anyways, who knows, I may not know what I'm talking about since it's been so long.

 

[goofydadeo]

Not sure about Avis restrictions - but From the Hertz web site:

Rental Restrictions

All cars must remain on island. No cars are allowed on any
ferry boat.

If a customer attempts to drive the vehicle off the island there is a fine of USD 1,000.00 and they will be subject to arrest.

Rental Restrictions

Just be sure and check with the rental company before you take the car on the ferry cause if you get caught it might ruin your vacation!

 

[jlawall]

i love St. Thomas and I have been there several times. I've been to Trunk Bay also many times....important to remember...there are 2 ferries which go there....one near the ship and one further away.....Red Hook is further, more taxi fare....Charlotte Amalie closer......if you do it w/o DCL, there are many taxis willing to take you back and forth....you will get more private beach time once the cruisers leave. The taxis are everywhere, my family enjoyed shopping and wandering about in the little town before you take the ferry back to St. T


Bottom line...just be back well before the ship departs....shopping in St. Thomas can be fun too.

 

[SuzPasq]

Scotsman, how old are your children? I'm wondering if we'd have to pay for our 1year old. If not, that would significantly reduce the cost.... Thanks.

 

[Scotsman]

My kids are 3 and 5. Both just had birthdays in Sept. I asked about a discount for the kids and they all said "per person"

 

[mickeyboat]

We did St. John on our own in March. The excursions did not allow my little ones, except for the island tour which we were not interested in.

The taxi fare to Red Hook was per head - our kids were 3 and 4 - $8 each.

A couple of words of caution -

The taxi to Red Hook took about 25 minutes. The roads are quite curvey and DD3 almost got car sick. Make sure you take the 2PM ferry back to St. Thomas. Leave enough time to get through St. Thomas traffic, especially if there are a lot of ships in port.

The Charlotte Amaile ferry is VERY rocky. I was quite concerned we would tip over. But the views are spectacular of some of the beautiful homes on St. Thomas. If you dock at Havensight, you will probably want to take a taxi to the Charlotte Amaile ferry. If you tender, the ferry is right at the tender station.

There are car rental agencies on St. John a short walk from the ferry dock. A jeep is a lot of fun on the island.

I was very anxiety-filled the entire day. But it turned out to be one of the nicest days of our vacation. We honeymooned on St. John and really enjoyed seeing the places we visited 12 years ago.

Have a great time.

Denae

 

[SuzPasq]

I forget, is there a way to determine in advance whether we will be tendering or docking in St. Thomas? We're going 11/13.

 

[SuzPasq]

Answering my own question--I just called DCL and found out that we will be docking at Havensight Mall. (11/13) Let the planning begin!

 

[goofydadeo]

This site contains the info you are looking for:

http://www.ships.vi/