St. John vs Cayman
Jan 30th, 2008, 08:31 AM
#21
Join Date: May 2003
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Chellyroo, I want to add my two cents on snorkle spots on St. John. We've been 12 times are very avid snorklers. You don't have to go off the beach to have a great snorkle experience. Anyway here are some of our favorites:
1 - Hawksnest - Very beautiful beach and looks of great elkhorn coral. Two long reefs that run perpendicular to the beach.
2 - Can't remember the name of the beach but park on peace hill & take the path to the small secluded beach. Great spot nobody goes to.
3 - Caneel Bay's main beach. That's right their main beach. Go to the right and around the corner. Lots of fish and nice coral.
4 - The island off Cinnamon Beach is great for small fish & tarpon.
5 - Waterlemon is very nice but a little harder to get to.
6 - Francis Bay is really good if you follow the shoreline to the right all the way toward Mary Point. It's long way but you are always close to the shore.
7 - Chocolate Hole - You must go all the way out to the point on the left side. Deeper depths close to shore and it's really cool.
8 - Reef Bay but you must go on a calm day or you will get beat up by the wave action.
9 - Haulover Bay - My favorite but again only attempt when seas are calm.
10 - Rainbow Beach is also very nice and an easy snorkle.
These are in no particular order and should keep you occupied for a week.
Have fun,
Mike
1 - Hawksnest - Very beautiful beach and looks of great elkhorn coral. Two long reefs that run perpendicular to the beach.
2 - Can't remember the name of the beach but park on peace hill & take the path to the small secluded beach. Great spot nobody goes to.
3 - Caneel Bay's main beach. That's right their main beach. Go to the right and around the corner. Lots of fish and nice coral.
4 - The island off Cinnamon Beach is great for small fish & tarpon.
5 - Waterlemon is very nice but a little harder to get to.
6 - Francis Bay is really good if you follow the shoreline to the right all the way toward Mary Point. It's long way but you are always close to the shore.
7 - Chocolate Hole - You must go all the way out to the point on the left side. Deeper depths close to shore and it's really cool.
8 - Reef Bay but you must go on a calm day or you will get beat up by the wave action.
9 - Haulover Bay - My favorite but again only attempt when seas are calm.
10 - Rainbow Beach is also very nice and an easy snorkle.
These are in no particular order and should keep you occupied for a week.
Have fun,
Mike
Jan 30th, 2008, 10:08 AM
#22
Join Date: Nov 2006
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Bethml-- Wow, Akumal just moved up the list to the top two choices! That is awesome.
Pulley- I really appreciate those locations! We are torn right now between STJ and Akumal. One thing I notice looking on VRBO.com for lodging in STJ is that there doesn't seem to be anything ON the beach, most look to be up in the hills. That's not a deal killer, it's just nice to walk out the door into the ocean. Akumal seems to have a slew of afforadable, beachfront condos for around $150/nite (right up our alley). Thanks again for the info, my list for STJ is growing.
Pulley- I really appreciate those locations! We are torn right now between STJ and Akumal. One thing I notice looking on VRBO.com for lodging in STJ is that there doesn't seem to be anything ON the beach, most look to be up in the hills. That's not a deal killer, it's just nice to walk out the door into the ocean. Akumal seems to have a slew of afforadable, beachfront condos for around $150/nite (right up our alley). Thanks again for the info, my list for STJ is growing.
Jan 30th, 2008, 12:28 PM
#23
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Only decently-priced oceanfront rental on St. John:
http://www.caribbeanvilla.com/calypso/calypso.html
Other than that, there are a few higher end rentals in Great Cruz Bay, but I can't remember the website that features them.
Also, a villa named "Siempre Azul" is waterfront, but I'm not sure if there's a sandy edge to the property.
http://www.caribbeanvilla.com/calypso/calypso.html
Other than that, there are a few higher end rentals in Great Cruz Bay, but I can't remember the website that features them.
Also, a villa named "Siempre Azul" is waterfront, but I'm not sure if there's a sandy edge to the property.
Jan 31st, 2008, 08:46 AM
#24
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STJ is not known for a lot of "Beachfront" accomodations other than Caneel or the Westin. The Westin beach is man-made, and not very desirable (IMO). Caneel is on some of the most beautiful beaches you've ever seen, but you'll pay big $$ to stay there.
STJ to me, is about getting in your jeep and exploring different beaches everyday. Driving around the island is an adventure in itself, and with a little effort, you'll be rewarded with some of the most uncrowded gorgeous beaches you've ever seen. If you are looking to stay on a long stretch of beach outside your door, STJ may not be the right choice.
STJ to me, is about getting in your jeep and exploring different beaches everyday. Driving around the island is an adventure in itself, and with a little effort, you'll be rewarded with some of the most uncrowded gorgeous beaches you've ever seen. If you are looking to stay on a long stretch of beach outside your door, STJ may not be the right choice.
