I already have a rental for 4 of the 14 days. A friend is now visiting after that and was hoping to take him to the other side to do the Rams head hike and lunch at Skinny Legs. I can't seem to find anyone who reserves high season for less than 3-4-5 days. Totally understandable of course. Some have said you can call they day before to see if they have anything available. Sounds pretty iffy. But maybe not as iffy as trying the bus? I'm guessing the bus will get us to saltpond bay ok. But after hiking to Rams Head and back are the busses regular enough to catch one back to Skinny Legs for lunch?

Any ideas on how to pull off a day trip to the east end? This would be early Feb, so not far off.

The bus is not reliable, at all.

I haven't personally tried to take it but have picked up a number of tourists and residents hitching it and/or approaching us at restaurants because the bus stopped running.

Where are you staying? Some places may have a relationship with a rental company that will facilitate a short term rental.

We use the Vitran bus when we are on the island and it is not the most reliable on timing but if you are on ''island time'' it is an easy way to get around. Just be aware that they only run every two hours, and not on Sundays or holidays. It is an easy way to get to Salt Pond and catch a ride back to Skinny Legs, chill for two hours then catch the next bus back.

We called around for a 2 day rental in early December and found no availability for less than a week. If you can't get a reservation walk around Cruz Bay and stop in at the rental companies to see if they have something available last minute. Most likely you will find a vehicle as yield management has yet to make it to the STJ car renters. And watch out for the excessive sand tax.