Vacationing in St. John, US Virgin Islands

Getting There 

Via Puerto Rico

Caribbean Specials on Travelocity

Check travelocity or your other favorite travel site for special deals on flights and hotels. Here are some from Travelocity.

El Convento Hotel, Puerto Rico

This is a great place to stay right in the heart of Old San Juan. I loved it!! It is not inexpensive, but nothing is on the island. A former Carmelite convent built 3 & 1/2 centuries ago, the restored El Convento is a member of the Historic Hotels of America. There is a real sense of history here and, yet, the rooms are equipped with flat screen TVs, for instance. Everyone at the hotel is very, very friendly and there is the sweetest little pool and hot tub on a balcony overlooking the ocean and complimentary wine and cheese served every evening.

Caribe Hilton San Juan, Puerto Rico Hotel - Hot Deals

The Caribe Hilton is an excellent choice if you want to stop off in Puerto Rico, be near both the airport and Old San Juan and right on the beach. It has a great set of pools in addition to an ocean beach and the open air lobby and shops invite you to stroll around. There is also a little garden area with a Koi fish pond, geese and a set of peacocks.

Getting Around on the USVI 

Renting a car vs. using public transportation

Ferry Schedules

Check here for the ferry schedules. For day visits from St. Thomas to St. John, if you stay at the western end of St. Thomas, take the Charlotte Amalie Ferry and the Red Hook ferry if you stay at the east end of St. Thomas.

The little town of Cruz Bay on St. John, where the ferries dock, has excellent restaurants and interesting artsy shops. A trip aboard the ferry on a clear, dark night is like a magical, starry slow dance. Sit up top.

Taxis & Rates

This is a Virgin Islands "Getting Around Guide" with info on catching a cab and the taxi rates for St. Thomas. The taxis are regulated and fares are specified for each destination. You don't have to pay the top rate, though, especially if you use the smaller cabs--not the big vans that seat 12, as these are definitely geared toward tourists. Just ask a local and they will give you tips on taxi deals.

USVI Informational Websites 

History of the Virgin Islands

In 1917 the US Virgin Islands became a part of the United States after it was acquired from the Danish government. Check here for more on the history of these islands.

U. S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism

The official site of the US Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. Take a virtual tour of each island and get the latest information for hotels, activities and shopping.

Virgin Islands Newspaper, A Pulitzer Prize Winning Newspaper

The Virgin Islands Newspaper offers local news, a Virgin Island guide, stories, business and opinion. It can give you a good feel for the islands and what is happening before you go.

Virgin Islands Geography

For all you lovers of detail, here's a geographic summary of the islands.

St. John USVI Your Virgin Islands Information Site

This a great insider guide to St. John USVI including St. John Virgin Islands books, beaches, snorkeling, hiking, history, culture, accommodations, villas, hotels and more. They offer a great hardcover photo book on St. John Beaches and you can buy some of Trinidad Charlie's hot sauces made by Charlie on St. John.

Where to Stay on St. Thomas 

Elysian Beach Resort

The Elysian Beach Resort is located at the eastern end of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. The resort has 67 villas, each with a balcony that overlooks the sea. It has a small white sand beach and a large, beautiful pool, as well as a hot tub. A fantastic restaurant is on the premises: Richard's Bistro and it is worth the trip even if you don't stay here. The bar/cafe on premises, however, is very mediocre. Richard hopes to take it over in the future. I hope so. He is a character: rail thin and friendly. His t-shirts say "Trust the Thin Man. Food Good."

Opportunities are provided to sign up for boat and other trips and they are all worth it. It is a Fairfield timeshare resort, so you will be offered a discount on ticket prices if you attend a meeting. The meeting is not really as bad as they usually are. No high pressure here. If you don't have Fairfield points to use, you can buy them at a reduced rate from someone who has more than they need. I believe you can also book a room without points.

Ritz Carlton

This is a pretty fancy place and more expensive than the Elysian. "Nestled within a 30-acre estate on the east end of St. Thomas, this luxury resort overlooks the sparkling turquoise waters and white-sand beaches of the Caribbean." Yes it does. It is nicely land-scaped and has an infinity pool near the ocean. It is right next to the Elysian (one cove over, but a short walk), making access to restaurants at both places very convenient. There is a taxi post there which makes taxi service for both resorts very accessible whenever you need it.

Where to Stay on St. John 

Westin Resort, St. John

The Westin Resort/St. John is in Great Cruz Bay and has a small private white sand beach. The beach is not the highlight of the resort, but it will do. Plan day trips to visit the many beautiful beaches all over St. John.

The privately owned villas (by time-share) are tucked into the hills, but easily accessible. Try and find a way to rent one of these for the best deals. The whole resort is covered with beautifully manicured tropical gardens. The pool is the largest in the USVI. There are smaller pools at each of the villa buildings, as well.

For the best meals, check with the concierge and eat at some of the many excellent places in town.

This Westin resort is one of their deeded time-share properties. The studios, and 1 & 2 bedroom units have kitchens and washer and dryer. The 3-bedroom units have their own private pool and patio. You can sometimes find good deals for weekly rentals from owners who are not able to use their villa. Check e-Bay below or some of the other timeshare rental sites such as "Redweek".

Caneel Bay Resort

Caneel Bay is a luxury resort and offers top-notch levels of service. Caneel Bay is more natural but still elegant, while the Westin Resort is more fancy and well-appointed. The Westin has flat screen TV's and soundsystems in every room, for example, while Caneel Bay does not provde televisions, but offers many pristine beaches within the expansive, very private property.

Cinnamon Bay Campground

Cinnamon Bay Campground, located in St. John National Park (which covers 2/3's of the island), offers cottages, tents, bare campsites, sea kayaks, snorkeling and sailboat rentals. This is the place to stay if you are on a budget or if you just like the camping experience.

Check For a Good Deal on Timeshare Rentals 

RedWeek.com

Timeshares for rent, sale, and exchange by owner. Resort information, reviews, and timeshare forums.

Exploring Under the Water 

Snorkeling!

Frommer's: Best Snorkeling in the USVI

Information from Frommer's on the best snorkeling locations in the USVI.

Marine Life Around the Virgin Islands

Virgin Islands marine life including fish, sharks and reefs in the USVI. Includes photos and descriptions.

Snorkeling at St. John Virgin Islands beaches

St. John USVI has some of the best beaches in the world. Check here for a comprehensive listing and advice on snorkeling spots.

Guided Water Tours 

Take a Boat Tour

New Horizons

Daysails from both St. Thomas and St. John. We went on a day sail with them and had a great time. Their all-day cruise on a sail boat takes you out for some beautiful snorkeling in 2 locations and includes a very good lunch and frozen drinks throughout the day. They also have a sunset dinner cruise. Its a good chance to meet some interesting people as well as to have lots of fun.

Breakaway

The "Breakaway" tour boat is one which can take you to the British Virgin Islands, with many stops along the way. These day excursions require a passport because you are entering British territory. A large, comfortable powerboat takes you around to several stops. One of these, "The Baths" at Virgin Gorda, is a collection of huge volcanic rocks sitting just off shore. After a strenuous swim into the beach and a reak fight to pull yourself up out of the boiling surf, a walk through the "baths" or rocks will take your breath away. It is stunning and is, in fact, where many photo shoots are done, such as the "Sports Illustrated" swimsuit issues. You will also have lunch on a secluded island then have time for snorkeling, swimming and walking the beaches at Jost Van Dyke.