hi Joe... we will be staying in Chocolate Hole area as well, for our honeymoon in Ocotber. Which villa are you staying in? We will be in Bongo Bongo.

it's our first trip too so sorry I can't be much help.

Congratulations!

mary beth

Congrats!

I would defintely recommend:

Getting a dingy one day and find your own beach. Noah's Little Ark are right on the waterfront by the ferry

Go to Starfish Market and back a picnic for Honeymoon Beach. Sun and Shade, better than average snorkeling at both ends of the beach

My personal favorite is Maho Beach. A long quiet beach with little to no people - Not good snorkeling but oh so beautiful

A day trip over to the Waterlemon Cay and walk around the old sugar mill

Daytrip over to Jost (hope you have your passports) I think old passport with shinny new ring will work find for your bride

And hope for a big rain storm late in the afternoon as only it can in the tropics. Listening to rain, the smells, and feeling the wind whip through your cottage as the birds and frogs make enchanting noises..... then remember you are on your honeymoon!

again congrats - enjoy the island

Hi Mary Beth - we are staying at Bongo Bongo as well! Keeping up with the blog...it looks like it's coming along! We are extremely excited!

Tom thanks for the tips - I will definitely look into the Maho Beach and trip to Jost.

Since you asked about hiking and snorkeling, I'd strongly reccomend the book Feet, Fins and FWD.

It has detailed information regarding both snorkeling and hiking trails and grades them from easy to difficult.

I ordered mine thru this site.

tom, that's so funny! i had a feeling.
I hope you will give a report when you return. we are counting down the days - a whole lot more than you!

Congrats on your upcoming wedding. We were recently married in St. John and some of our favorite things to do were snorkeling at Waterlemon Cay, it's by far, hands down the best. Salt Pond was another favorite spot for snorkeling. If you get a chance go to Vi's Beach, it's a small beach, you pay a very small fee ($2.00 per person I think), the beach is pretty empty but it's tucked away and she has a fantastic snack bar, it's worth it just to have a conversation with her.

The greatest advice however would be to remember you are on a beautiful island and you have to just kick back and go with the flow. Don't try to plan every day, wake up and see how you are feeling and go with it.

We had many a days where we just sat at our beautiful villa until 10 or 11 am and then decided we wanted to head out.....being in paradise is what it's all about.

You may want to spend your last night by the Best Western by the Airport. I think it is ver reasonable but have never actually stayed there myself. That way you do not have to rush to the airport and you are already on STT, Good Luck

Follow this link to one of my previous posts with lots of maps and info for you. Congratulations. St. John is beautiful.

https://www.vinow.com/wwwtalk/read.php?4,52723,52738#msg-52738

If you love snorkeling I have to recommend a daysail with Captain Phil on the Wayward Sailor. He is out of Cruz Bay.See my trip report Part 4 posted on 4/19/06. Here is link for his web site.

http://www.waywardsailor.net/snorkeling_sailing/index.htm

My favorite romantic dinner was at Caneel Bay Resort's restaurant called Equator. We made 6:15pm reservations on the rail. 340-776-6111. You have to ask for the restaurant to make the reservation. The front desk told me the first time I called that we had to be staying at the resort to eat there but the restaurant did not. See my trip report Part 1 posted 4/18/06 for the day 4/9/06.

have a great time!