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I've been to the East Caribbean once -- a fabulous vacation in St. John. Would like to return to the area, but thinking of another island next time. Tortola looks interesting. Can anyone give a comparison of these two islands? We liked St. John because it's much more laid back (compared to St. Thomas for example).
Of the BVI, which would you recommend? We love to snorkel; husband is a diver.
Also, is it possible to take a ferry from Tortola directly to St. John? If so, how long does that take?
BTW, we just returned from an island in the W. Carib (Mexico), where getting to the beach at 9:30 a.m. was a must in order to save a patch of sand for ourselves, and my biggest fear was getting smacked in the face by fins, or hurting someone with my own fins. So we want to try to avoid that in the future.
Thanks in advance for your advice ! Much appreciated.
Robin from Wyoming
Comparing places you like is very difficult. I love St John/Tortola/virgin gorda/st croix/anguilla/and....manyotherplaces.....
The mention that you liked St John suggests to me that you like slower paced..less crowded..less commercial vacations.
if you go to the BVI you will find that to a greater degree than you will in the US Virgin Islands. I have not had a fin in my face (except in Hawaii). but I understand what you are looking for. I would suggest that you look at the BVI. The best way to enjoy the BVI is on a small sail boat. You can charter one (with a captain to sail it )for a very reasonable price. Getting away from the crowds is easy if you find the right place. For sure you do not want to be on St Thomas or on the "popular" beaches in St John.
As much as we love these places, they have become far too overused. Look to Virgin Gorda..Norman..even Tortola as an option...
Robin,
As one of the respondees said you can rent a charter boat with captain and crew ... they will take you to all sort s of out of the way places for diving and snorkeling as well as wait on you hand and foot. Take a look at our website at www.vicl.org to check it out. Have a great time!
Pamela
Hello Robin,
"Also, is it possible to take a ferry from Tortola directly to St. John? If so, how long does that take?"
Yes you can take a ferry to St. John from Tortola: Ferry operates between Cruz Bay, St. John and West End, Tortola. The trip takes about 30 minutes. Tickets are $35 round trip. Check out https://www.vinow.com/general_usvi/interisland_ferry/
--Islander
You would probably prefer Virgin Gorda to Tortola, similar to St. John in the smaller, laid back area. Beautiful beaches and great snorkeling.
Best regards
Jane
