New to the Forum -visiting next week

[Carl Nils NJ]

Hi folks- Heading down with my wife Sherry and dear friends Dave and Edna to celebrate my 50th 10/23-31. Staying at the Reef Madness in Coral Bay. This is our second visit to St John - we're hooked! Anyway, I'm hoping everything is OK on the beaches and reefs. Is it true that the beach at Maho Bay (one of my favs) is gone? We were booked at the Westin for our first night but opted out of that mess and booked at Gallows Point - just for the one night. How is the road up to the Reef Madness, I think it's Seagrape Hill? Also, we are hoping to book a full day sail/snorkel trip later in the week. Any ideas for a boat sailing out of Coral Bay? I found some online but all were out of Cruz Bay. Can't wait to get there! See ya at Skinny Legs!
-Chuck

[Nancy_B]

Welcome and lucky you!

I stayed at Reef Madness a couple of years ago - you will LOVE it!

The hill to the villa is about 5 switchbacks - it's a shock the first time you do it but then, it quickly becomes old hat.

Have an amazing time and happy birthday.

[liamsaunt]

Breath sails out of Coral Bay:

http://www.sailbreath.com/

I think a lot of the boats are out of the water right now for the slow season, but if you call Connections (the number's on the webpage I linked to) they will be able to tell you better.

Re: Maho Beach, after the storm, yes, the beach was gone. I saw a photo that showed about a 2-3 foot drop down from the road to the sand, and the water all the way up...no beach. But, sand shifts back naturally over time, so I don't know what the status is now.

[tamisoja]

Do you have a picture of Maho???

[carron]

My son and daughter-in-law stayed at Reef Madness for their honeymoon in May and absolutely loved it. Have a great time!!!

[Tracy in WI]

Welcome to the forum and Happy Birthday! I will be St. John about the same time as you and will look for you at Skinny's or the Beach Bar (which is where I plan to be alot!).

I'd also like to see a picture of Maho and hope the sand is returning quickly.

[Randy in MD]

Carl Nils... I am at Reef Madness NOW. (Disclaimer: It's my home away from home). But I'm leaving tomorrow... The road up here is fine. Same as it ever was... Centerline Road to Coral Bay is pockmarked with landslides along the side of the road but completely passable. Maho is eroded in places, but I'm guessing by the time you get here, nature will do her thing and make it well again. Bring bug spray! Jumbie was amazing today and no-one else was there... The Smoothie Stand owner was spiffing up the place today, getting ready to open. Food at Aqua Bistro was excellent the other night. Skinny's is rocking... Don't forget to feed our bananaquits! Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions...

[mbw1024]

welcome and enjoy RM!

[SOonthebeach]

Never stayed at RM but have heard nothing but GREAT things on this forum about it. Happy birthday and have a blast! Welcome to the forum- send a trip report if you can!

[nancyg]

Hi,

You will love staying in Coral Bay. For our 20th anniversary we did a charter from coral bay with Flyawy. You meet them behind the fire station right by skinny legs. We had a great day on the water with them. Here is the link.
http://www.stjohnlinks.com/Charters/Fly ... el-Day.htm

[Diana2]

Lucky you to be looking forward to your first trip to STJ. I'm betting that it won't be your last. Have a wonderful time. Be careful of the mosquitos as they will be hatching out in huge numbers soon.

[Kentuckygirl]

Here's another vote for Flyaway Charters. We've been out with them twice and had a great time... love them! Have a wonderful trip, and welcome to the forum!

[Carl Nils NJ]

Thanks everybody!
- Chuck

[Chet]

Chuck - this will be your best vacation EVER! Slow down and soak in it. There's back stories but you get to write your own version.

No worries, you'll be back.

[California Girl]

Welcome to the forum! Believe everyone who says you'll need bug spray! I've been on STJ when the mosquitoes are out in force, and although it didn't ruin our good time, we were thankful for OFF!! Up at Reef Madness I'm betting you'll get a good breeze so maybe it won't even be an issue while you're "at home" but you'll want to use it if you go into town and sometimes at the beach.

No worries! Just try not to get bit!