So I was set on St Lucia till I read several posts about its beaches - is it true that St John's are much better? My husband and I love to hike and explore, we also like to lay on the beach but wouldn't go to a flat island (ie: Aruba) where there wasn't much more than beach-laying to do. Would St Lucia or St John be better for us?

We have been to both islands twice. St John's beaches are definitely nicer than St Lucia's, but STL still holds its own charm. St John definitely lacks the Caribbean flavor that St Lucia holds. For your criteria, I would go with St John.

The beaches on St. John blow away the STL beaches. Multihued water, wade-in snorkeling, gorgeous views. You are also only a quick ferry ride to St. Thomas or some of the British Virgin Islands.

We have been to both St Lucia and St John. We've been back to St Lucia and would go again, but would not go back to St John.

If you are really concerned about the beaches being white sand and pretty, STJ would be a better choice.

If you want some of the most amazing hiking and exploring in a true "old Caribbean" setting, I'd go with STL.

Beaches - St John's are much prettier, wider, and are white sand. St Lucia's are less crowded, but darker sand, and many are on the small side.

If you are a beach nut, St. John's is the only way to go. The white sand beaches and clear turquoise water is spectacular. St. Lucia's sand on their beaches is darker and the water doesn't have the classic caribbean "wow" factor to it. Additionally, when we were there, we were red flagged the entire week.

"Additionally, when we were there, we were red flagged the entire week."

What does that mean?

Big waves... rip tides...?

I'm wondering what the red flags were, too. Does St. John have alot to do? Any hiking on St. John??

When a red flag is up on a beach, it means there's a strong surf, strong current, rough conditions, etc...
Having been to both islands, I pretty much agree with the above descriptions of both. We liked both islands but thought St. John's beaches were much much nicer.
No red flags on either island when we were there.