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How far in advance to book an excursion on St. John?

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How far in advance to book an excursion on St. John?

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(@lovinlife)
Posts: 13
Eminent Member
Topic starter
 

Hi!

I will be in St. John on Dec 6th'08 for a week and I know December is a high time. How far in advance do you really need to book a boating adventure? There will be 6 of us and I'd hate to arrive and not be able to take advantage of this because we waited too long to book something. Will most companies even let you book out this far? Wondering what cancellation policies are as well? Any advice anyone can share is greatly appreciated! As you can tell, I'm anxiously waiting 'til December gets here and it's only March!

Thanks!

 
Posted : March 26, 2008 5:14 pm
(@vi-lover)
Posts: 519
Honorable Member
 

It really depends on your flexibility regarding which day you want to take the trip. If you are there Monday - Saturday (assuming travel Sunday and Sunday), but could go on the trip any of those days, you can wait much longer to make your reservation - even as late as 30-45 days out. If you really only want to go a one specific day - book early to secure your spot. Personally, I like to be booked on special trips 5-6 months out.

Each organization will have their own cancellation policy, and my belief is that they are very fair - not requiring more than a couple weeks notice at the latest. Many are 72 hours notice for full refund.

There are many excellent adventures to take from St. John - you won't be disappointed!

Good Luck! Have Fun!

 
Posted : March 26, 2008 5:22 pm
(@lovinlife)
Posts: 13
Eminent Member
Topic starter
 

Thank you for your feedback...I appreciate it! Now, I just need to figure out which one to book!

Cheers!

 
Posted : March 26, 2008 5:25 pm
(@rickg)
Posts: 243
Estimable Member
 

We book early to get it out of the way. We book in order: Villa, air, Jeep, excursions. We got back last week and I've booked November already. But, most people don't do this so early.

Cheers, RickG

 
Posted : March 27, 2008 8:52 am
(@chris-at-work)
Posts: 1138
Noble Member
 

You will find there are numerous choices for day sails and you really need to decide up front what you want to do i.e. snorkel, party, sight see, etc. Once you settle on that your work is 75% complete. Your party size is perfect to get the entire boat for '6 pac' charters, which are the more prevalent.
Once you determine what type of day sail you want, come back and ask for suggestions.

 
Posted : March 27, 2008 6:07 pm
(@lovinlife)
Posts: 13
Eminent Member
Topic starter
 

We are looking to snorkel and signt see. We're not big into the party scene, so bars do not matter so much. What have been some of the best places anyone can recommend for a day charter for 6 people?

 
Posted : April 8, 2008 9:50 am
(@chris-at-work)
Posts: 1138
Noble Member
 

I like Captain Phil Chalker of the Wayward Sailor out of Cruz Bay. He knows the area for snorkeling and takes his time with newbies.

http://www.waywardsailor.net/index.htm

 
Posted : April 8, 2008 11:02 pm

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