Hello All:

As my wife and I gear up for our St. John vacation I would like suggestions on the best beachs and watering holes in St. John.

For beaches I especially like your insight on those "hidden" or "don't tell anyone else" type coves/cays etc where they are not officially on the map. We've had so much fun when we found one while on Vieques!!! (Will exchange secrets!)

As for food/drink, do you have a favorite watering hole? How about the food?

Also, as we have access to a kitchen, what essentials should we bring if we wanted to cook a one night or two? Supposedly food is expensive there?

Thanks!
EzE

Waterlemon Cay is nice for snorkeling. It is on the map but not many people go because you have about a 15 minute walk to get there. I have swam with turtles there. It was great. We were the only ones on the beach, but I wouldn't be surprised if you find a few other couples when you go.
As far as food...we bring our own in a cooler. We freeze steaks and chicken and use them to keep everything else cold. We bring cold cuts and other stuff for lunch too. Your villa should have all the utensils.

Favorite beaches:

Lamesur & Little Lamesur (used to be secret but still good)
Salt Pond Bay
Leinster Bay / Waterlemon Cay (awesome snorkling).

Get Feet, Fins & Four Wheel Drive by Pam Gaffin. By far, IMO the best guide book of STJ.

Watering holes - Skinny's, Island Blues, Woody's

Wishing I was there...Trish

Favorite beaches: Trunk Bay (on non cruise ship days) and Cinnamon Bay. Sleeper beach is Francis Bay. Sea Turtles are a common sight while snorkeling the bay. Very quiet, beautiful beach.

Bars: Woody's - Best Happy Hour....get there early to get a seat at the bar. Try the shark bites for a snack. The Beach Bar is a great watering hole as well...right on the shore of Cruz Bay.

Coral Bay and the East end of the island are never crowded. You should try Vie's Snack Shack for lunch on Saturday. She serves the most delectable garlic chicken and conch fritters. Vie also has a wonderful little beach across the street she charges $2.50 for admission to. Totally worth it. Haulover Bay Northside offers great snorkeling. Privateer Bay is a bit difficult to reach but is very, very quiet and not unusual for you to be the only ones there. Skinny Legs, Island Blues and Shipwreck Landing are great hang-outs, and for food, try Miss Lucy's which is way out towards Salt Pond and has the best Sunday brunches set on the water. Food is definitely more expensive in the islands. Things are generally 10-30% more expensive. If you're only cooking for a few days/nights, I wouldn't bother lugging too much along. Maybe bring a limited supply of your favorite coffee, or any unusual spices. For longer periods, I'd say bring frozen meats preferrably vacuum-packed. Have a great time, it's almost impossible not to.