St. John vs St. Martin?

[jhillss]

My wife and I are trying to decide on where to vacation. We can't decide between St. John and St. Martin. We spent our honeymoon on St. John two years ago and Iwould love to go back but my wife is asking about going somewhere we have never been. Are there any advantages to visiting St. Martin as opposed to St. John? How do the snorkeling and beaches on St. Martin compare to St. John?

[Bug]

I personally feel the two islands are like day and night. Nothing similar about them other than they are both islands.

What are you looking for on your vacation? STM has tons more night life, casinos, and lots more shops. STJ is more like a laid back do-nothing type place. I always say that STM to me was like a floating Las Vegas!

XOXO
Bug

[John LMBZ06]

I have been to both and there are some big differences. St. Martin is very populated and busy. There were some areas that I did not feel safe at night. The food was fantastic. I liked the two islands that are very close to St. Martin in St. Barts and Anguilla. They were more my speed. I try to get away from the crowds. St. Martin beaches were fine, but they were always very crowded.

St. John is my favorite for many reasons and there is just so much I like about it that it would take an hour to tell you. I will say that if you are going to St. John, get a rental vehicle and explore the island. There are a couple of books that explain where to go and what to do that are great. You can spend some time with just the two of you on St. John. However, if you are after night life, St. Martin is pretty good. St. John just does not have the night life, but that is how I like it.

[Diana2]

No comparison and no contest. STJ wins hands down. We tried St. Martin once but will not return. The beaches on STJ are much better and prettier. We could have left our snorkle gear at home because their was nothing to see on St. Martin.

Save you time and money and go back to STJ.

[Bobbyboy]

we were in st martin 2 times on the french side. There was no decent snorkeling off the beach and no hiking.
there are some nice beaches and clear water to swim in. and many of the beaches have restaurants, bars like orient beach ( with a clothes optional area). You can rent wave runners and go para sailing. and at night, there is grand case and marigot with great restaurants.
there is really good eating on the french side. My wife and her friend were walking near Dawn beach during the day and someone came up to them and told them it was not safe. We like St John much more because of the pristine beaches, snorkeling, hiking trails, beautiful scenery, much less crime, and more laid back atmosphere.
the only drawback that I see is that for the most part, unless you can afford Caneel, it is difficult to stay right on the beach and be able to run into the ocean from your door.

[alw1977]

I have been to St. John three times and St. Martin four times. St. John is my personal preference, though SXM (St. Maarten) has its benefits. It's really about what you are looking for.

St. John: excellent snorkeling, hiking, natural beauty, relatively safe, laid back

St. Martin: I've only stayed on the French side as the Dutch side is wayyy to commercialized for me. No snorkeling, great beaches, not as safe (if you want more info, I can tell you some stories), AWESOME food, very European, good shopping, great wine.

There is a lot to recommend St. Martin, but the two islands are very different. I am happy to send pictures or give you more info. Feel free to PM me for more info.

[jhillss]

Thanks for the info. We have decided to make a return trip to St. John!!!!!

[Boston Mike]

Good choice.

[RickG]

St. John is more beautiful and rustic. St. Martin has Orient Beach (clothing optional) and more beach bars. We have friends who prefer St. Martin and go for a couple of weeks every summer. We prefer St. John.

Cheers, RickG

[djmom]

Did you read the disclaimer that we are all biased?

Welcome to the forum!