My husband and I are staying on St John in July. We'll have five full days to explore and we're considering going over to spend the day and stay a night on St Thomas or somewhere in the BVI? We really aren't interested in a night life or very much shopping, more hiking and such. Any suggestions or opinions?

if and only if you flight home from st.thomas is in the morning then spend your last night on st. thomas. other than that i'd consider 5 days on st. john a short stay and would go nowhere.

St John is National Parks and beaches. St Thomas, along with shopping, comes more beaches and awesome views. It is also quite an historic destination. A sight if you like historic buildings and forts.

RL

We decided on St John because of the National Park and such. While it may still be busy, we didn't think it would be anywhere near as bad as St Thomas or St Croix. It seems as though there is a ton to do just exploring on St John which is really what we're looking for, but is it really not worth visiting the BVI or another island? My husband loves history and architecture though. Thanks for your input, I really appreciate it!

The point everyone is trying to make is that it's certainly worth visiting the BVI on a day-trip from St. John. But with such a short time on the island, it's not worth spending a night somewhere else. Not in the slightest. Unless you absolutely have to. You lost a huge amount of time moving luggage and checking into and out of a different hotel. With only 5 days, that's just a blink of an eye.

Thank you Doug for mentioning the BVI. The other's had talked of St Thomas, which was very helpful, but hadn't mentioned a day trip to the British side.

I also agree that you should take a day trip to The BVI's. You can take the ferry to Jost Van Dyke or Virgin Gorda. The days are limited from St John so you would have to check the schedule. Here is the link.

http://www.bviwelcome.com/ferries.html

Here is a link to more info about The BVI's.

http://b-v-i.com/

Although Water Island is on my short list, it would be more hassle than it is worth on a first visit. You would have to take the ferry back to St Thomas, then taxi to Crown Bay Marina where there is a frequent 10 minute ferry to Water Island.

Former resident of the US Virgin Islands here..If you are staying on St John..I would recommend a day trip to "The Baths"on Virgin Gorda,BVI..There is nothing else like it and its a relaxing day trip..You will need a passport.A number of ferries leave from St John several days a week and return late in the day..a great day trip..Also, rent a jeep one day and travel the north shore to Coral Bay and have lunch at Ship Wreck Landing..great views and food..(not much on Water Island)

For more insider tips on the Virgin Island be sure to ck out this website: http://www.travelaskthelocals.yolasite.com

I would strongly recommend a day-trip to Water Island if you stay on St Thomas. Nice cosy island that is perfect to explore by foot if you like hills and small roads. Try a lunch at the Honeymoon-beach...it's great

Friendly people and just a great place to be.

I have uploaded some pictures at http://www.g8journey.com/experience/...el=album&id=98

have nice trip and good luck!

/nimrod

Thanks all!!! This entire vacation is going to be about our style of relaxing and mostly just exploring and we can't wait. We still haven't decided how we'll break up the trip. Seven days (two for travel and five for fun) I suppose isn't long for many people but it's a very long trip for us. We usually don't get this much time away alone I appreciate the opinions. We're definitely still considering spending a night on another island since this is what fits our personal "wants" the best. We haven't decided exactly where but we're leaning towards The Baths. When I asked which place people preferred, it seems that The Baths were at least mentioned the most We've heard really good things about there. Thanks again!