Driving Tip: Dodge the Donkeys!

Our island may be small in size (only 20 square miles) but it’s BIG on adventure. The best way to take it all in is by rental car. The U.S. Virgin Islands is the only place under U.S. jurisdiction where the rule of the road is to drive on left. No need to panic; here’s some handy navigation advice:

1. There are three main roads:  Centerline Road connects Cruz Bay with Coral Bay down the center of the island, North Shore Road  hugs the coastline taking you to the most popular beaches, and South Shore Road takes you to all destinations along the south shoreline.

2. There are no stoplights on St. John and only a few streets have names.

3. The one and only roundabout often causes confusion among newbies. If in doubt, yield.

4. Seat belts are required and you will get ticketed for ignoring this law. Interestingly, you can ride in the back of a vehicle, although not recommended. You will also be ticketed for talking on a cell phone.

5. Embrace island time and take it slow. The speed limit is 10 mph in town and 20 mph otherwise, but the quality of the road may dictate a lower speed.

6. Some say that the yellow line down the center of the road is merely a suggestion to stay in your own lane. Another reason to go slow.

7. The farther away from Cruz Bay you go, the more likely you are to encounter iguanas, cows, donkeys, goats, sheep, chickens, deer and mongoose in the road.

8. It’s not uncommon (or against the law) to see two cars stopped in the middle of the road for a chat.

9. If you get off the main road, you will need a four-wheel drive.

10. Roads will be slick after a rain so use a lower gear on inclines and switchbacks.

11. Hitchhiking is common and legal. Instead of using a thumb, the local custom is to point in the direction you are going with your index finger.

12. There is a zero tolerance for drunk driving, but you are allowed to have an open container in the vehicle.

13. Jacob’s Ladder refers to the steep section on South Shore Road. Be mindful of the cars in front of you as some struggle to climb the hill.

14. Parking is at a premium. A paid parking garage and several paid lots are available in Cruz Bay; the largest free parking area is the lot by the tennis courts.

Most people adapt to driving on the left quite easily after the first day. You may find it helpful to remember that your left shoulder should always be closer to the left shoulder of the road. You can always take a safari cab or the VI Tran (bus that runs on no particular schedule) but you’ll be missing out on a lot of trails, ruins and beaches that are only accessible by rental. It’s also customary on St. John to give your vehicle a name if you are attached to it for more than a few days. So go explore with Sandy or Salty and discover why St. John is known as the most beautiful island in the Caribbean!