Welcome to Vacation Rentals of St. John

ST JOHN STRONG – AN ISLAND IN RECOVERY:
10/11/17 – 3:00 pm – We have more news coming in from St John. The ferry has added additional runs between Red Hook, St Thomas and Cruz Bay, St John. Currently the new ferry times from Red Hook to Cruz Bay are: 7:30a, 8:30a, 9:30a, 11:30a, 1:30p, 4:00p and 5:30p. The ferry times from Cruz Bay to Red Hook are: 7:00a, 8:00a, 9:00a, 10:00a, 12:00n, 3:00p and 5:00p.

Low Key Watersports is opening as of December 1st this year. Morgan’s Mango had damage from the hurricane but they are rebuilding and hope to be open for this coming season. Miss Lucy’s in Coral Bay had damage but the concrete building is still there. They are doing cleanup and hope to be open for season. Skinny Leg’s in Coral Bay is rebuilding. Woody’s, in Cruz Bay and Sam & Jack’s Deli is open.

When you drive around the locals are seeing the donkeys and pigs out and about. If you have driven around St John, you know this is a common site as you go exploring.

Wapa is predicting there will be power in Cruz Bay within the next two weeks. They are working on the poles and lines now. Wapa has also notified all villa owners to have an electrician check the meter boxes to their villa. An electrician will have to sign off on the box and if the box is damage, the home owner needs to have it repaired/replaced by an electrician. They are having this done so when power is restored area by area, the villa will be ready.  Diane, owner of Caribbean Villas of St John is on island now and will be going around to our villas this weekend with an electrician.

The National Park Service is asking everyone to stay out of the park so their crews can continue to work on clearing and doing cleanup and repairs. They do not want to have a lot of foot traffic around while they do this. They are requesting people do not go swimming yet as the water has not been tested and there could still be run off from the hillsides.

If you follow Facebook, Steve Simonsen, a professional photographer has been posting pictures of the island. He has also done some swimming and snorkeling in the BVI’s and the waters were clear and the sea life is returning. His photos are beautiful! Once the water is tested in the National Park, I am sure we will see more underwater pictures.  Follow us on Facebook for more island updates as well!

The hillsides are beginning to turn more green every day and the flowers are continuing to bloom. As with everything in life, changes are inevitable and each day can bring something new. One learns to adapt and overcome. You can see this happening every day on St John. Some people will leave and others will return. Others will look for an island adventure and move to this wonderful community, as they will want to experience first hand the life of living in the Caribbean. The restaurants and shops might change but the one thing I know will never change, is the feeling you get when you step off the ferry for the first, second or fiftieth time……it is a feeling of coming home, a feeling of being welcomed no matter who you are. Not every island has this atmosphere – St John is a place that will always be there, waiting for you to return, with its arms wide open, welcoming you in to its embrace.

The video below was taken in Cruz Bay on October 10, 2017. The difference between the day after Irma on Sept. 6, 2017 and Oct. 10 is amazing! Yesterday, there was a crane in town to remove the two sailboats that had washed ashore by the ferry terminal. The island is coming back to life!

We have more and more guests wanting to know how to help but there is some confusion on what sites can be trusted.  Here is a link to a central source to find out information and make contributions for St John recovery.   https://www.whattodo-vi.com/hurricane-irma-relief-in-the-virgin-islands-how-you-can-help/

St John Office – New Location!

Our St John Office is now located at Palm Plaza, Unit 1B, Rt 104 (South Shore Road)! Stop by and visit us! 340 776-6152

Driving on St. John is an adventure, it’s a great way to tour the whole island. This island is hard on vehicles which is why we recommend a Jeep. We have our own fleet of rental Jeeps because guests have told us they prefer to get their Jeep rentals from the same company as their villa rental. Another benefit is that if you have an issue with your Jeep, we are on-island to help you. No problem, mon!

Many guests want a private chef or other personalized service. We can suggest activities for your family or group. We can recommend local wedding / event planners. For those wanting to go sailing, power boating, snorkeling, or scuba diving we can suggest a company. We live here. We know the island well and are happy to assist you in any way we can!

We have been welcoming our guests at the dock with a smile since 1990.