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Going to St. John in April (never been before), St. John appeals to me because it seems less ‘touched’ than most islands. I like the idea of beaches that are backed by trees and natural growth, instead of hotels. And we will rent a jeep, that seems to be standard practice on the island.
Apologies in advance for the long message, stop reading whenever you like and respond to any parts you can (appreciate any help I can get). I do a lot of research and will continue to (I usually go a bit overboard with my research), but I always like to get recommendations from people because you can’t always tell how good things are online.
First question is where to stay (4 of us, 2 kids 10 and 7)
We usually stay at big hotels but want to try something small and simple so we can explore the many beaches and variety of the island. Condos and villas seem like they might be a good fit, but quality varies significantly. There are four of us and our main requirements are:
- Clean and well maintained.
- A nice view would be nice but not critical.
- Pool access is pretty important. Helps with the kids when we need a break.
- A good location to explore the island (though it seems small enough that that wouldn’t be an issue?)
- Would be nice if someone were available to give advice/answer questions.
- Looking to spend around $2500 for a week, though that is flexible (in both directions 🙂
- Serendip condos seem to get really good reviews on tripadvisor, any thoughts? Saw some other villa’s recommended, but again, curious to hear any experiences here.
- Is there anything that might be missed or can't be accessed by not staying at a 'resort'?
Activities
My kids (9 and 7 year old girls) are fairly timid, not the most adventurous, but they love the water and are excited to try snorkeling. The idea of being able to do it right from shore sounds very appealing. I have been reading a lot of websites and wanted to see if there were any personal recommendations people could make on the following:
- Easy access snorkeling beaches that my kids can get used to it on but still have interesting things to see. She we buy and bring gear or can it be rented at a central place since I assume some beaches don't have rental locations?
- ‘Hidden’ beaches. Read there are some beaches that are not accessible by road but are accessible by a short hike. That sounds very appealing to me, adds some variety to the trip and provides a different experience.
- Any places that aren’t too tough to get out to where there is a chance to see some sea turtles while snorkeling?
- Any small islands or patches of land that can be swam out to (or snorkeled out to) just off shore? My kids love that sort of thing, makes them feel like they are on an adventure.
- Recommendations for things to do on St. Thomas or other island (how is the aquarium?) Any must see beaches or snorkeling spots or scenery that we won’t get on St. John that we should do? I assume if we take the ferry to one we would just use taxi’s that day?
- Boat rentals? Any place to rent a motor boat (21-24’, something like that), or any charters people recommend. Would love to see areas that are only accessible by boat.
- Kayaking? Kayaking and snorkeling combos sound nice.
I was able to reserve plane tickets for the four of us with airmiles, saving a huge amount of money. But I need to decide this week and lock in a hotel so I can book the plane tickets.
Thanks in advance for any help you can provide, it is much appreciated. And sorry again for the long message, figured I would do this than post lots of small messages. I am very excited about this island and want to plan it as best as possible (especially things that need to be reserved in advance).
Peter
This is from the VI National Park Website. You should NEVER feed the fish.
There are as many as 500 different species of fish associated with the Virgin Islands, each with its own ecological niche. Coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and mangrove prop roots, are all important habitats for fish. They provide food, shelter, and nursery areas for fish at various stages of their lives. Snorkelers can visit these different habitats to watch the various behaviors by which fish live. Also, snorkelers can see different behavior by visiting the same area at different times of day.
Please don't feed the fish in Virgin Islands National Park; it disrupts their normal life patterns, and they may become agressive toward snorkelers.
Oh man........from one happy customer of St. John to another...enjoy your first trip to St. John and may you be planning your 10th trip...just like us! It is an amazing place...specially through the eyes of a child. Enjoy every moment! Make memories to last a liftetime. Remember....it's not about counting the years...it's making them count!
Have fun Pedz! Can't wait to hear about your trip when you get back!
I forgot to add...I will send you that link to the other forum....you will love it...and there is a ton of info on there!
Not to belabor this, but if every person with children fed fish every time they were on island, it would have serious affects.
Just like stepping on coral, you step on it and you kill it and then it is not there for you or anyone to enjoy for 10 years worth of trips.
Just because you think it is OK, doesn't make it so.
Have a great day Xislandgirl.....and just because you don't...it doesn't make it wrong. He asked me in several posts...and pm's and I repsonded. So glad you did as well!
No worries.....Enjoy the day!
It's not wrong, it's illegal! Don't do it.
I pm'd you pedz......thank you!;)
Wow, I have never seen someone so aggressively refuse to respect the rules, let alone the law, in a travel forum. I will add my voice too - you are in a National Park, and you are asked not to disturb the natural setting. If you go to Yellowstone or Yosemite, you are not supposed to feed the wildlife either, and the fish in St John are no less protected wildlife than the bears in those parks. That is the point of a National Park: to preserve the setting for the generations. "Take nothing but pictures - leave nothing but footprints." The selfishness of a comment like "I would break the rules again and ruin it for others because it made my child happy" is astounding. And you set a shameful example for your children whom you then encourage to ignore the rules as well. If you had an aggressive child that enjoyed pulling puppy's tails, would that be alright as well because it put a smile on his/her face?? Most Caribbean reefs are in bad shape, dead or dying; and sea life has been completely disrupted at places like Stingray City in the Caymans. St John is a unique treasure of a place - enjoy what it has to offer, as it offers it, and please don't ruin it for others!!
Pedz....I looked on the camera....both videos were from the same day....definitely Francis!
katiesam wrote:
Have a great day Xislandgirl.....and just because you don't...it doesn't make it wrong. He asked me in several posts...and pm's and I repsonded. So glad you did as well!No worries.....Enjoy the day!
It is not just wrong but against the rules of the National Park.
It is incredible selfish of you to suggest to anyone that it is OK to feed fish. The Coral Reefs of the VI underwent years of abuse from HUMANS. Unsafe boating, snorkelers standing on coral or trying to take some home with them; selfish irresponsible behavoir that will take years for it to naturally repair itself.
Feeding fish and upsetting their natural balance is wrong, plain and simple. Not because I said it was, but because acting selfishly with the environment is never right.
katiesam,
I am glad that you enjoy the beauty of nature that is found on St. John. Please don't feed the fish. (bait the waters with food to attract fish = chum). Have fun and keep it natural.
No worries.
And Peter, FYI - note that you are not allowed to remove seashells from USVI beaches either. Though some people probably do it...it is illegal (yes, that word again) and they will confiscate any shells found in your bags at departure inspection at STT. Enjoy the incredible beauty of St John.
mkingstone wrote:
And Peter, FYI - note that you are not allowed to remove seashells from USVI beaches either. Though some people probably do it...it is illegal (yes, that word again) and they will confiscate any shells found in your bags at departure inspection at STT. Enjoy the incredible beauty of St John.
But mkingstone, it was only a few shells and it made me really, really happy. ha ha ha
😀 Very funny Toes...
