ashevegas

My wife and I are going to St. Thomas at the end of Feb. we are going to stay at the Ritz so we'll be at the east end of the Islands. We are looking for all sorts of suggestions on restaurants, bars, day trips, snorkeling and scuba trips etc.<BR>Any suggestions would be very much appreciated.<BR>Thanks in advance.

mersingary

I would recommend the Blue Moon Cafe at Secret Harbor for a nice romantic dinner.For day trips,try the Winifred. She sails out of Red Hook to St. John and it is a wonderful intimate time.Don't miss the beaches on St. John. Take the ferry to SJJ and a cab to the beaches. They are spectacular!<BR>The British Virgin Islands are another destination worth visiting (remember to take your passport)!

Loungin

Make sure you take a shuttle over to St. John and then a cab to Trunk Bay. Beautiful place.

kbe

I would highly recommend Capt. Rick and the Stormy Petrel for a daytrip to the BVIs. You can make arrangements to meet the boat at the American Yacht Club in Red Hook. He took us all around Tortola, to Virgin Gorda and the Baths, to Cooper Island for lunch, and Peter Island for a private snorkeling experience. He does other islands as well, depending on the weather and sea conditions. The staff is SO friendly and fun, and the boat only takes a maximum of 12 passengers, so we were really able to meet some great people, etc. Rick has lived in the VIs for 35 years and not only knows every single island, but tons of history, and lots of interesting current news as well (Jose Cuervo's place, lawsuits by the rich and famous, etc....fun to hear). The snorkeling was SUPER and we were treated like kings/queens. Also, VERY reasonably priced.

Dianebridle

I stayed at the Ritz this past November and did my diving with their divemaster. He was great and since there was a small number of divers, much individual attention was given.<BR><BR>They had a very interesting day trip. Unfortunately, I did not learn of it until it was too late for me to go. I believe it was a steak and champagne boat trip to the National Park on St. John. Once there, they hike to what sounded like some great sites. I think it may also have included snorkeling.<BR><BR>When I return to St. Thomas, I hope to be able to try it.<BR><BR>Have a great trip.

denette

Would second a trip out on the Stormy Petral or the Pirates Penny(sister Boat). We went on the Stormy Petrel (7 of us and a another couple) and had a trip to remember, my kids still talk about it to this day. Our captain was Debby(June 2000), she was leaving in fall to come back to mainland and come back to school.<BR> We also went to the Baths, and after she had taken us through the rock outcroppings, quite throroughly I must admit, she ventured a litter deeper and higher and took the volunteers who wanted to be a little more adventureous(the young newlywed couple and our oldest son-11 at the time)and they all ended up on top of one of the ledges about 20 feet?? up and then jumped out into the water. She prepared us parents for what was going to happen and told us where we could wait and what a great photo shot we have,our son jumping down off that ledge into the water that was so blue/green, absolutely fantastic. He had a blast. <BR><BR>We then went to Cooper Island and they called our order in ahead of time, and we had burgers and conch sandwiches on homemade buns. We snorkeled out around Cooper Island, and then went to Peter Island and snorkeled off of it. Debby snorkeled with us and pointed out some things to all of us and then she went upon shore and picked up sea glass and gave them to my boys. It was a trip not to miss.<BR> We paid $100.00 each, lunch was approx. $10.00 each, customs fees was in cash, and then we tipped her and her co-captain after the trip. We then went upstairs over the marina and ate/had drinks at Sopchoppy(great calzones and homemade pizzas), and watched the sun set. A PERFECT DAY.<BR><BR>We ate at three fantastic places while we were there, Blue Moon, Raffles, and Agave Terrace. If you go to the Agave, call the day ahead and reserve seating out on the outdoor deck, it is a wonderful view, overlooking, Jost Van Dyke and Tortola in the distance. <BR><BR>I would also go over to St. John for at the very least a day and rent a vehicle and get out and go to Trunk, Watermelon, Lenister(sp??), several of the beaches to snorkel, at least one day, there are so many places on St.John to snorkel and try to go when the cruise ships are at a mimimum in St. Thomas, the crowds just overrun some of the beaches when there are three in at a time. <BR>I think you can get a pass onto Caneel for a day, I have seen posts suggesting that and snorkel at their beaches, I do not know personally, Caneel is where we stay on St. John so I do not know about visiting priveleges, but their beaches and access is wonderful.<BR>Safe Travels and wonderful memories.

lisalu

Hi,<BR> Since you will be on the east end I know you will enjoy a place that is right in our condo complex. It is called Agave Terrace. Spectacular views of the BVI and St. John. Call ahead so you can request a table on the edge of the ocean. <BR>Sincerely,<BR>Lisa

KaribIslander

just so you aren't disappointed, Agave Terrace is not ocean side but on a bluff with nice down island views. You'll want a table on the rail on the deck but the food is spotty at best. Too many other good places nearby to take a chance. You don't need a pass for Caneel since the Caneel Beach and Honeymoon beach are avaiable to non-guests. Technically all the beaches are public in the USVI but access can and is restricted by private or commercial property. WaterLEMON is a great snorkeling spot on St. John but becare of the currents. It wouldn't be a place for the beginner. <BR>

ashevegas

i would like to thank everyone for their suggestions. the countdown is 13 days and my wife and i are extermely excited.<BR>thanks again!

pip

I agree with mersingary, St. John is great. You have to go to Trunk Bay, sand is white and water is the clearest I have ever seen.