USVI-On-Line

We are returning to SJ in April for our 10th year in a row but hubby would also like to visit another island this year. Does anyone have any suggestions for another island that offers the snorkeling/beach experience of St John? (Remember Snorkelqueen is writing this post! ) Thanks for any information and see you all at the Beach Bar in April.

be looking forward to seeing you at the Beach Bar. We're newbies to STJ and to snorkeling(only once) but am so excited to be doing it again & plan on many days in the water, face down.

I suggest taking a charter to the BVI and stopping at the Indians for some really great snorkeling. We've had some pretty good snorkeling at a reef by, I think is was, Green Cay near Jost Van Dyke. We also found some pretty good spots around Norman Island. Let your charter captain give you some suggestions.

Are you looking for a side trip or are you asking about somewhere to go on a completely separate trip?

If it's the former I'd go with the BVI advice given above. If the latter, Bonaire and Grand Cayman are two of the places where I've had better "from shore" snorkeling experiences.

Hi - I agree with Augie about Bonaire and Grand Cayman. Bonaire is a flat desert island, so its not green and hilly like STJ. Since it is so dry, the water was incredibly clear (no runoff) and tons of coral and fish. We saw huge "beds" of elkhorn coral in some places. Saw our first octopus there.

The other place to consider is Virgin Gorda. We had fantastic snorkeling at several places right off the beach. Forumite Maggie goes to VG a lot and can attest to the snorkeling. If you decide to go to VG, post a question the OT forum about best places to snorkel and people can give you pointers to the best places.

Happy trip planning!

Are you thinking about a day trip or visiting an island for a couple of days?

Agree about good snorkeling at several beaches at Virgin Gorda.

If it's just for the day, I would recommend taking a boat charter (private so you can decide where to go) and do a full day with snorkeling. How about the Indians, The Caves, Cooper island/Cistern point, Ginger island and then either Virgin Gorda or go to Marina Cay and snorkel Diamond reef and Monkey point at Guana island.

Maggy