new here

[mbw1024]

welcome!
which villa are you renting?

Thank you, we're renting "Just Enough" in Coral Bay, @ 100' up the side of the mt. A very simple Caribbean looking cottage, 2 story - w/wrap around decks on both levels. Found it on VRBO # 51729.
Sorry for not getting back to you sooner, very busy August for us.

Where in NJ do you come from?

Debbie

We live in Freehold - Central NJ.
And I didn't know it when you first posted but we will be on island around the same time. We are there 4/12-21 and will be in Coral Bay as well.

[Capn Dan and Ruby]

Welcome! We just joined ourselves. We have been to St. John twice and love it!!! I cannot stress packing light too much. We go with a carry on and a back pack each. It helps to mail some stuff ahead. We mailed sun screen (lots), Shampoo, our snorkel equipment (short fins are great for that) and some food. A couple of swim suits, couple of shorts, tops and underwear are enough. Keep shoes to a minimum as well. If you don't have to check luggage and haul it everywhere life is so much easier. You will love St. John! It is so laid back. Keep reading the forum for other advice,and have a great time.

[Pianogrl]

Just adding my WELCOME.....
You'll find lots of great info & lots of help from great people on this Forum. Ask any question; someone here will have an answer or can direct you to someone who might can help. I'm still learning new things all the time as I read others posts.
Again....welcome & enjoy your planning!

[cptnkirk]

Welcome to the board. Lot's of good peeps here. Ya got the good reading material thats a great start. Since your hooked on snorkeling, may I suggest a couple super easy great snorkels. One is the point between Salomon and Honeymoon the other is the center reef right of the beach at Hawksnest. Go all the way to the end, tons of elkhorn and fish. That is a great start lot's more out there. Were did you do you first snorkel? Mine was at Coki on STT while on a cruise been hooked ever since Enjoy the anticipation of your trip it's half the fun.

Here's a big school of Tangs that I see everytime at Hawksnest.

[rpplano]

When we started planning our first STJ trip, some folks on the forum told us to pack half the clothes that we thought we would need. They also advised that anyone could pack for a carry-on only trip. We didn't take that advice our first trip and we sure were wrong. Toting suitcases to STJ was a drag, sometimes literally! I donated that suitcase to the dumpster gods while there and mailed back all of my excess dirty clothes parcel post. Now we always pack for carry-on only, even 10 day trips. It really makes for a better, happier vacation. Oh, and bring twice the cash you think you'll need. The Forumites were right about that also. Welcome, aboard.

[Wolfhound]

Welcome. I am sure you will love the island as much as the rest of us do. In addition to the material you have, a website by a frequent poster here is extremely helpful. It belongs to RickG http://www.garvin.us/STJ/St_John_US_Virgin_Islands.html