TVL

I have used this site extensively and I appreciate any help or advice.

What are the top 5 places to snorkel on St. John?

Without renting a car, how far is it by taxi from the Westin St. John? Is it possible or is it only reachable by boat?

Thanks to everyone! Trying to figure out a fun gift for my sister's honeymoon! (=

Dianebridle

A terrific resource is the book, St. John Beach Guide. In addition to beautiful pictures of each beach, it contains directions, the individual qualities of each and advice for the best snorkeling areas. It can be purchased from Amazon.com.

A great gift for anyone who likes to snorkel, would be the day trip to 4 islands in the BVI with Cathy Packo. It was the most outstanding snorkeling experience that I have had. I did mine through Caneel, but I believe she leaves from the Weston also. You can check with the hotel, but I believe she also has a website. Yhe name of her boat is, SeaGypsy.

Taxi fares are reasonable on St. John, but to do beach exploration, a car, preferably a 4 wheel drive would be best.

What a terrifi brother you are.

RobertoB

Another great little book is 'Feet, Fins, and 4WD'. Available here:

http://www.caribmart.com/stjohfeetfin.html

For snorkeling recommend Waterlemon, Little Lameshur, Haulover, Francis, and Salt Pond. Definitely recommend a 'jeep' to explore St. John.

Sunnyboy

Just a suggestion for your gift - perhaps you might consider reimbursing the newlyweds for the cost of a rental car for a day or two or maybe a week (depending on your budget). It will give them the opportunity to explore the island and visit more of those "off beach" snorkel sites then they would without a car and the cost shouldn't be more than $35 per day. Regardless of what you choose to do, I'm sure the honeymooners will always remember your special gift.

TVL

Thank you all so much for your advice! You all have been so helpful! (= I am going to do research on the car rental and the books you suggested! Thanks again and it is people like you who make this board great! (=

tpatricco

Top three snorkle spots on STJ IMHO... We were just there for two weeks, came home last night...I am still crying.

Waterlemon Cay
Salt Pond Bay
Cinnamon & Little Cinnamon Bays

Little Lamesur Bay is by far my favorite beach, but the snorkling is more limited than these others.

Trunk Bay is best known for it's underwater marked snorkle trail, but it can be fins to mask with tourists much of the time, which to me makes it one to avoid.

The best bet for getting around, especially to Salt Pond & Lamesur is to rent a 4WD and drive. The Vitran bus system does go to Salt Pond, and you can get around somewhat. Taxis are pricy, and how do you get back aferward too? I think the gift of a few days of jeep rental is an excellent suggestion. St. John is so much more than just the resorts and Cruz Bay, without getting out there to explore, you kinda miss the whole point.

Feet, Fins & 4WD is my favorite guidebook as well. Great detailed info in an easy to read format.

This site is a good overview as well: http://www.stjohnbeachguide.com/Beaches.htm

Trish

snowrooster

I agree with the book recomendations - they are wonderful. My favorite snorkeling was around Waterlemon Cay and Salt Pond Bay. However you had to be able to swim pretty well & pretty far to get to the good stuff, so keep this in mind.

mm

I prefer Hawksnest beach. I made friends with a 4.5ft barracuda there and I find other fish wanting...

MM