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Hi,
I've been to St. John in July several times. I'm going there this February (Feb 7th) and had a few questions (should have asked before I set the trip up!):
1) Is it going to be warm enough for swimming? (I'm from New York). I saw the average high air temps are 81/82 in beginning February. I loved all the snorkeling I did in the summer months, and wonder if the water will be just cool enough to make us want to get out quickly.
2) Are the beaches going to be really crowded compared to the summer months? The most crowded I've ever seen is Trunk Bay since it's probably the most iconic, probably saw max 50 people there in the summer months. I loved all the other beaches and am happy going to the others if not as crowded.
3) I was thinking of renting one of the 25-foot boats from the Westin St. John to go a bit north for a day. I don't know if this is a good way to explore the surrounding islands - I'm sure anchoring in some of the bays of St. John is frowned upon (if not illegal) because it would disturb everyone on the beach. Are there small deserted islands / cays around St. John that we could dock at where we wouldn't disturb anyone? Would be really interested in snorkeling off the usual path.
4) Anything else to expect / watch out for when visiting in February?
Thank you!
Good Morning,
We go to STJ every February (7 years running), we are actually headed out a week from today to STJ.
Yes, the water is definitely warm enough to swim in. We've never felt that it was cold. After hanging out on the beach, hiking, walking etc. the ocean is always perfect.
As for the beaches being crowded, the only time we've really noticed the beaches being crowded was when there are cruz ships in town on STT. Trunk usually gets the busiest as expected because it's the most known beach. We try to avoid Trunk when there are cruz ships in town. If it's a beach day for us and there are cruz ships we opt for other beaches such as Salamon, Honeymoon, Maho etc.
As for the boat question I have know knowledge on that so I can't comment. Perhaps someone else can help with that one!
Enjoy your trip, I know we will. Counting the days until we leave.
We were at Gallows Point last month and rented a dinghy from Noah's Little Arks (right on the beach in front of the Beach Bar) www.noahslittlearks.com Kim and her husband (I forget his name) are the owners. Rented a 14' dinghy for a full day and first went all the way up to Waterlemon Cay (where there are dinghy moorings) and then worked our way back, mooring in Francis Bay, and finally beaching the dinghy on Salomon beach. They provide a map and video instructions on where / how to beach and mooring. Great day for sure. The dinghy's are a little tired and worn, but they mentioned they will be getting some new one's soon.
Ok great thanks all for the info / confirmation that it'll be warm. Very much looking forward to seeing that water again.
i also recommend the dinghy from noahs little arks, it is a great day on the water!
