Absolutely reccommend Cruz Bay Water Sports on St.John and tell them I sent you. I did exactly what you're doing. Classes in the pool in the hi-rise I lived in in Chicago, down here for vacation a couple days after my 47th birthday!

Weather. Yesterday and today have been unusual - rainy alot yesterday, overcast grey all day today. Since you'll be here for 11 days, not to worry. Generally you are correct, a shower or two and then great sunny days. Over the past 6 months I've learned that when the weather channel says 30% chance of rain, we usually have at least a sprinkle or two....nothing to write home about.

So you get a free shower and when it's over the sun comes out and you dry out quick like a bunny in a laundromat!

I want to hear you got your certification!!!!!! Awesome!!!!1

Did mine at waterworld outfitter in Havensight mall just off the cruise ship dock.Great outfit ,dove wrecks and reefs and also a night dive.

In 11 days, you will hopefully have a little rain and clouds, otherwise you will be a burned cripsy critter! 😉 Next week is Carnival- and rain don't stop de Carnival!!!
Chris Sawyer (www.sawyerdive.vi) is the premier dive operation in the USVI. They do a great job with newbies!! They will take you to the best places given the water conditions.

We are staying in St. Thomas in a villa near Meaghans Bay - we have rented a Jeep but plan on venturing over to St John a few times and maybe even take a day to check out St Croix. Do you recommend any "must sees"? Thanks again!!

If I were you I wouldn't try to day trip to St. Crois. it's too far. You might better enjoy a day trip to Virgin Gorda or Jost Van Dyke.

A good daytrip idea is to split the cost of a private powerboat rental with another couple....with a captain......they'll take you out early in the AM and keep you out all day and can get you to various islands/beaches. Virgin Gorda is a lengthy trip from STT (maybe an hour or a little longer- I forget) so you should try to charter a boat with twin engines....whatever is the most powerful to get you there faster.

Cruz Bay Water Sports on St.John ! My husband did that very thing last year on our honeymoon. He did his classes in Chicago and did his final dives on the island. Venessa was a great instructor. They allowed me to watch some of his skill tests, it was great. I have been a diver for 15 years and his instruction was so so so much better than when I tested.

The weather was predicted to rain everyday of our trip and it did not rain even one day for more than an hour. The rain makes for a greener island anyhow. We got married on 5/4/03 on Trunk and the sunset and clouds from the shower that day made for beautiful wedding photo's.

Have a great time. We are going to be on STJ in one week ourselves and can't wait!

What do you mean too far? Only if you can't afford 20 minutes on the sea plane!!! Right to Christiansted Boardwalk--it's definately worth the trip!!

Hello Janelle,

Magens Bay is a great beach and you will be closeby so definately check it out. Don't miss the milk shakes at the Dairy Stand right up the road from the beach, they are great! Do an island drive and check out Drakes Seat, Mountain Top, the island in general. Check out Sapphire on Sunday afternoon for live music. Check out some great restaurants like Blue Moon Cafe and Bannana Tree Grill. Definately do a day trip or two to St. John. Maybe a day sail one day. Go snorkeling a couple times, Coki Beach, Sapphire Beach and Secret Harbor are good choices for this and for good beaches. Try some local dishes - perhaps have lunch at Cuzzins in Charlotte Amalie and then spend the afternoon shopping. Drive up to Paradise Point for the view and bushwackers. If you want to head to St. Croix you will need to take the seaplane (the ferry is seasonal, so depending on when you are visiting you may be able to take it).

Have a great time.

--Islander