St. John
 

Soon I'll be in St. John for the first time!
I've done a lot of research, looking up all the usual tourist attractions. I'll also be visiting Tortola and Virgin Gorda for day trips. In addition to the well known sights, can anyone recommend what should be considered a "must-see." I'll be there for a busy 6 days, and want to make sure I don't miss anything. We plan on great hiking, scuba, snorkeling, beaches, etc. Any advice would be great!!
Thanks,
Kim

Years ago I went to Tortola and Virgin Gorda off of a cruise ship. Loved them both!! The Bath is a B E A U T I F U L... snorkeling area! I believe that was VG. I'm sure you came across that in your research! We had a cab take us to a very small, quaint, beach for an afternoon when we went to Tortola. I wish I had written down the name of the area because it is a fond memory. It was absolutely beautiful, peaceful, and unspoiled by crowds. Best Wishes to find and experience those beautiful islands as I did years ago!!

krb: If you use the "search" option-- separately put in each island you'll be visiting-- you'll find voluminous detail abt "must-sees" in each place. Have a great time!

Hi krb2020! I'll be in STJ in three short days! Can't wait.

Must see/do's IMO for STJ are:

Ram's head trail hike
Reef Bay Trail (with park guide)
Snorkling at Waterlemon Cay
Burgers & Beer at Skinny Legs
Snorkling & relaxing at Little Lamesur Bay Beach

Aaaaahhhh...did I mention I can't wait to get back? Trish

Just returned from St. John last night... Sitting in the office now, and all I can say is, "culture shock."

As to your "must see" question: Since you mentioned diving, I'd say the wreck of the RMS Rhone is a "must dive." Cruz Bay Watersports (at the Westin) and Low Key Divers (Cruz Bay) are two operators who go to the wreck from St. John. We used the former, because we were staying at the Westin. I took lots of photos on the wreck, and will be posting them online in a few days.

I'd also call Trunk Bay a "must see." It's definitely hyped, but having seen it, I'd say it's worth the hype (not overhyped). There's a reason it's so popular, it's absolutely gorgeous. We even saw a sea turtle while snorkeling there.

Dining: We ate at La Tapa, The Balcony, ZoZo's and the Stone Terrace, and all were excellent -- but our best meal by far was at The Balcony.

Hope this helps!
Mike

AARRGGHH... you had to say it didn't you, Raymond, you saw a turtle!!! Were you one of the lucky ones that actually saw the 500 lb. leatherback who came up on Trunk Bay in broad daylight to lay her eggs? I understand it caused quite the commotion. Welcome back, if that's appropriate to say to one returning to paradise exile. Looking forward to your pictures and trip report (please). Bit of bad news, the culture shock takes a long time to subside if ever. Dare say, you'll have your head in tropical water for a while.

tuxedocat,
You are killing me,(laughing)with the turtle saga :) When we arrived on STT and got on the Red Hook ferry, someone almost immediately said "turtle". And there was one. I INSTANTLY thought of you. Also saw a big one surfacing on the way to JVD. You have seen them while not snorkeling, right? At any rate, hope you have a day swimming with a sea turtle soon. Until then, the saga continues...

Okay, a few photos (including a turtle for Tuxedocat).... I won't have time to post all of them and a trip report till the weekend......

Sea Turtle
http://strick.net/travel/images/stjohn/seaturtle.jpg

Beach in front of the Soggy Dollar Bar (panoramic)
http://strick.net/travel/images/stjo...ndyke_pano.jpg

Deep inside the wreck of the RMS Rhone
http://strick.net/travel/images/stjohn/rhone_inside.jpg

Me taking a "Bath"
http://strick.net/travel/images/stjo...baths_mike.jpg

krb2020,
i will be in st john in 23 days an can not wait! i have made a little checklist of things to do, etc., from the wonderful fodorites. it's a word doc, and i'd be glad to email it to you, if you'd like. it's kind of tailored to my wants, but it may be helpful. or, if you search under my name, you will see many threads and posts about st john. :)

RaymondLuxuryYacht,
love your pics! i emailed my husband the RMS Rhone Dive, since he likes to dive. thanks! :)

krb2020 - I'll be in STJ in 15 days ! I have my own must-do's, but would love to see what you have in mind. Please [email protected] Thanks.