Each island offers different things. STT has the shopping, larger resorts, hotels, etc. associated with a more traditional tourist oriented location. STJ has more parks, beaches etc. uncluttered by the above as one would expect of a national park. Both islands have prospered and been "polluted" to some degree by their prosperity. STX offers what many call the "way it was" feel of the islands before tourism became a major part of life. This might sound strange given the Hovensa refinery on island is one of the largest in the Western Hemisphere but STX has kept much of its original character and is large enough to 'hide' the refinery.
I prefer STJ for what we want in a vacation but have found STX very relaxing, friendly and unique in its own way. Actually, in many ways I prefer STX to STT but then we like to get away from crowds, etc. when we travel to the Caribbean.

SunnyBeach - My husband and I just returned from a 3 week stay in St. Croix. Our 6th trip. And as usual we had a blast. We rented a house on the east end (though we prefer the west and North shore) with views of the Yacht club. Bought a suitcase full of frozen meats (as it can get costly down there) and cooked, drank rum and generally had a blast. You will have a great time. Where are you staying?

We made our 3rd trip to the V.I's this past November & chose STX because we had already been to STT & STJ. People have asked if we would ever go back. I honestly don't know...isn't that sad? The restaurants were magnificent - hands down the very best. The beaches were scenic but the water was very rough. We never felt in harms way - everyone was very welcoming. I actually think they were more welcoming then on STT & STJ. It's a whole lot easier to get around, the roads are marked "pretty" well & there is a lot to see. The one and only downside was the snorkeling. I consider myself a very good swimmer and the water was rough for me. Ok, so I would have to say Go for it! It's a new island, lots of fun things to do and maybe the water will be calmer. By the way, we stayed at the Palms - WE LOVED IT! If you have any other questions let me know.

Fair Winds
Jeniffer

PS. We would go back...but on our sailboat 🙂

The North Shore can get rough sometimes, especially in the fall with winds and storms. Most of the time the water is really calm--I call it my swimming pool, especially on the West End. You must just have been unlucky with your week! I expect that if the water was rough in STX that week, then the water was probably just as rough in STT/STJ. All depends on the weather!

We've done STT twice with day trips to STJ. Barbados three times. But we're going back to STX for the sixth time next month. We find STX the most relaxing place to unwind. STX seems more relaxed than even STJ. It's not overrun with tourists and the accompanying service people to cater to them. When you go into a bar/restaurant most of the other patrons are locals. Well, at lease where I like to go.
That being said, we are flying over to STT for a day of shopping, beach and visiting friends.

Sunnybeach, you will LOVE STX. It is truly relaxing and beautiful. Be sure to go to Cane Bay to snorkel. The bars and restaurants are uncrowded. The west side offers very calm beaches and good snorkelling as well. Rent a vehicle because the island has alot to offer on both sides. Take a trip through the rain forest and visit Norma's bar. She puts together some wonderful concoctions. Feed her pigs a beer. The harbor offers great little novelty shops as well as ann awesome view on the boardwalk. There is always something to do...or you caan kick back and do absolutely nothing but soak in the atmosphere and just relax. The locals there are so very friendly. It truly is the Carribean's best kept secret. ENJOY!!!