You're correct about snorkeling at the Westin. The Westin beach was constructed and isn't especially nice. Get yourself a guidebook, such as Off the Beaten Track listed at the top of this page, and head off to explore the island. It's also a good book for hikes, which too few visitors do. Trunk is beautiful, also probably the most crowded. The further you get from Cruz Bay, the fewer people you'll be sharing the beach with. We've been all alone at Haulover in midday.
Rent a 4WD. Prices are pretty much the same everywhere. We've used St. John Car Rental and always been satisfied. A plus when you're renting on STJ is if the company has a lot where you can park while in Cruz Bay.
Plenty of restaurants. In Cruz Bay, we like Chilly Billy's for breakfast, Hercules' pates for lunch, maybe Morgan's Mango for dinner. Get over to Coral Bay, too. Over there you can have breakfast at the M&M diner next to the Sputnik bar. Lunch dinners at Island Blues or Shipwreck. I'm kind if burned out on Skinnylegs, but it's a fun place. For a special dinner, you could go up to Chateau Bordeaux. And you already mentioned Vie's in the East End. Definitely get over there. It's a world and a culture away from Cruz Bay. It's old Caribbean.

We really like the beach at Cinnamon Bay. We have a 2 year old and it helps that there is a restaurant, small grocery and restrooms there. The snorkeling is ok; but the last time we were there, it was a little cloudy due to weather conditions. Salt Pond is a bit of a drive, but we've had a great time snorkeling in that area. We actually saw turtles when we snorkeled at Little Maho Bay.

As far as restaurant recommendations, I would have to agree that Morgan's Mango is good, but our two favorites are Fish Trap and Lime Inn, both in Cruz Bay.

We're heading down again Apr 24 for our Westin villa week, and counting down the days as it is cloudy and cold here in Toledo.

Have fun!

Lori,
My husband and I are in Toledo, Ohio as well. We just got back last Friday from St. Croix. You aren't kidding about the Cold and Cloudy part!!
Send an email if you want to get together here in Toledo...

Lori,
We will be going to our Villa on Sat. 4/17 - 4/24. I am praying for good weather this time. Pam

P.E. Lynn,

It's not lemon tree but lime tree. For snorkeling, waterlemon key. A bit of work to get to but worth it. Like the above poster said, get the book, Off the beaten path, or if you can find it, Feet Fins and four wheel drive. Both good books.

As for car renal, no harm in asking if there is room to negotiate.

Good luck and all the best.

Hi P.E.,

Trunk is a great place to snorkel...but I would recommend doing it first thing in the morning when nobody is around. That way you aren't swimming into people! I also like Salt Pond, but it is a drive and a hike. We actually saw a nurse shark there. You can always rent a boat at the Westin and take it to a bunch of small secluded beaches nearby. That's a lot of fun.

Your restaurant list sounds good! If you like italian, add Cafe Roma...it's our favorite. It was up for sale a year ago...I hope it is still there. Woody's is always a good spot to have a drink after being at the beach all day. The Lime Inn is probably the best place for rock lobster-if you like it. I love the Fish Trap for their chowder.

I have never tried to negotiate a car rental price. In the last 5 years we have paid about $500.00 for the week-that is for a Jeep from St. John Car Rental-including all taxes. I would recommend 4WD...the roads can be difficult when wet.

Thanks for all the great comments. Also enjoyed the other thread about car rentals in St. John.