Both Sapphire or Secret Harbour would fit the bill but please don't short change yourself by not renting a car for your visit. This just isn't a "walking island" by any stretch, taxis charge per person and are VERY pricey while the ability to go where you want when you want is priceless.

As mentioned, both are good choices as long as you bear in mind that apart from general location you don't have a unit choice when staying at Secret Harbour. If you go through www.vrbo.com and deal directly with a Sapphire owner you'll know exactly what you're getting in advance. Oh, and as far as the car rental is concerned, as long as you don't rent from Hertz who don't allow their vehicles to go to St John, you can take your rental on the car barge over there and enjoy the day exploring all the beautiful beaches. Have fun planning! 😀

Who would you recommend renting a car from?
Is there any paticular resort or place on Sapphire you would recommend? We have been to several islands but never to St. Thomas.
Also our passports just expired. Do you know if we will need them for USVI?
Thanks for the info!!
Angie

Since your top requirements are snorkeling and an on site restaurant, Secret Harbour is a better choice. Renting a car is good idea too.

There are two condo complexes right on Sapphire Beach - the Sapphire Beach Resort and Marina and Crystal Cove. Take a look at both on vrbo.com. My preference is for SBRM as there is a restaurant close by up the hill in Sapphire Village as well as a nice little daytime BBQ/sandwich/bar operation on the beach during the day. Of course the advantage to renting a condo is that you have your own kitchen so can prepare your own lunches and breakfasts and even a few dinners to enjoy while sitting on your terrace! Here's a ink to the Sapphire webcam to give you a taste of the beach area, while vrbo owner photos will show you more detail:

http://www.sapphireinthesun.com/

The snorkeling off the beach is very good and there is virtually no difference between the snorkeling at Sapphire and at Secret Harbour.

You don't need a passport to enter the USVI but if you plan on visiting the BVI you WILL need to have current passports. Where the USVI is concerned, it's recommended that if you don't have a passport you bring with you a government-issued photo ID (such as a state driver's license) and a copy of your birth certificate. This is in case ICE is conducting one of their routine but unannouced sweeps upon your departure and re-entry into the US mainland and you need to prove your identity and citizenship. Nothing terribly bad will happen if you don't have a copy of your BC but you may be pulled out of line to answer a few basic questions.

Recommended rental car agencies are Amalie and Dependable with Discount and Avis right behind them. Hope that helps.

Anchorage, Cowpit and the Elysian are also beach front and have access to a few restaurants on their properties. There is also the Ritz Carlton, depending on your budget. Sugar Bay is another option on the East End/Red Hook area.

Do rent a car tho! You can take it over to STJ for the day on the barge instead of paying for a RT on ferry as well as for taxi's and waiting until they fill up and drop everyone off at their various destinations which cuts into the quality time you can spend doing what you want. Additionally you can come and go, as you please, when and where you please for however long you please, at any time you please.

In my opinion the snoekling at secret harbor is much better than sapphire. Saphire can get very breezy which stires up the water. Secret harbor is more protected and generally calmer. The reef at shappire takes a beatingform the large volume of day visitors who stand on the coral. Secret harbor's reef is just far enough off shore, is healthlyier and has more varity. That's just my experience. I'm not gonna put the hard sell on for any condo complex.

I agree with everyone. You need to rent a car...preferably a Jeep especially if you are going to STJ. The speed limit is very low and you rarely go over 25 anyways! It will take a little getting used to but the locals are very nice. You will hear honking but it is not in a rude way like in the states. It is to let you know when it's your turn or if someone is coming around a blind corner...that kind of stuff. We couldn't imagine not renting a jeep when we visit. We love to stay on the northside in Caret Bay for more seclusion. It is so beautiful there. Enjoy your trip and don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone...that is usually when your best memories happen!