Zileah

My husband and I will be going to the USVI for the first time in September and are looking for some suggestions on activities and restaurants. We will be staying for 5 nights at the Marriot Frenchman's Reef. I think we will take the ferry to St. John's for a day. Should we try to visit another island in addition to St .John's? We love to shore snorkel. Are there any pretty calm areas we should check out? Any easy nature walks or trails? I don't think we will rent a car. Any nice driving tours to take or boat tours? I imagine that a private boat tour would be pretty pricey, but any suggestions on private tours? Also, is the water generally pretty calm? I've read a lot about safety concerns in St. Thomas. Are there any safe areas to just take a stroll at night or do you suggest just to stay at the hotel at night? Nice restaurants, especially any with a nice view? Any spa recommendations? Is there anything that we should make sure we do while there? Thanks!

eastenderusvi

In September the weather can be glorious and it can be stormy, as it is the middle of hurricane season. If you are concerned, buy trip insurance. Also, there will be restaurants which are closed, but you will find plenty open.

Five nights is actually only 4 days. One day for St John, you can snorkel and walk around town. The shortest hike is from the Visitor Center to Salomon Beach, around a mile? You can also get an island tour from one of the taxis at the dock.

You might want to just spend one day relaxing at the Reef. There is a nice spa there, two great pools, the beach at Morning Star- all available to you. The concierge desk can help you with tours and boat trips. You can stroll at night on the beach.

One day for an island tour and beach hopping trip. Save one day for whatever interests you once you see the lay of the land. If you don't have a car, you will basically have to take a taxi anywhere for dinner. Prices are per person and can add up.;-)

diann24

I think with 5 nights one day in St.Johns for snorkeling and visiting will be plenty.

As I recall there was a beach named Morningstar beach which is at Frenchmens Reef. It was a nice beach. You will have plenty to do right at the hotel.

virginia

the restaurant havana blue at your resort is outstanding. try to make your reservation for sunset for optimal view.
this is a wonderful boat tour:
http://newhorizonscharters.com/

Zileah

Thanks for all the information. We did opt for a little trip insurance given the pregnancy and the weather. I'm glad to hear the resort has a lot of good things to offer. I guess we won't have any trouble just waiting until we get there to plan these activities then.

I think we would enjoy going out to dinner a few nights. It looked like there was a ferry that goes from the hotel to downtown. Would that be a safe option to get back from dinner to our hotel one night or is taxi the way to go?

eastenderusvi

The Reefer water taxi only runs during the day. There are good restaurants at Yacht Haven Grande which is a short taxi ride away. Frenchtown and Mim's at Bolongo are also close by. Restaurants will be closed in September, so just go with the flow.