USVI-On-Line

Hello everyone, this seems to be a great board for the USVI.

We're looking at airfares on all the major travel websites. So far, the cheapest rate from Omaha, NE to STT is about $600. Does it ever get much lower than this? We're not going for another three months so is it reasonable to hold out?

If any of you have been to Caneel Bay, what exactly is included with your stay? I've read that they have a continental breakfast and tea included. What about drinking water? Is there somewhere close by for lunches or breakfast if we want to leave the resort? Also, what can we expect to spend at Caneel for each meal if we don't go with their meal plans?

What's the best way to call back to the States? Our daughter is staying with her grandparents so I'll want to check on her each day. We have a Sprint cell phone but is there another affordable way?

I realize this might be a ridiculous question but I'm not a huge fan of underwater life. I'd prefer to think there is never a crab under my feet, never a fish ready to brush up against me etc etc. Are there any beaches on St. John that are great for swimming but not so great for snorkeling?

Finally (at least for this post), what were the very best day trips you took while on STT or STJ? We'd like to go see the Baths. Was there a particularly good tour for this? Are there other really good tours to consider?

Thanks!

Caneel does have a free continental breakfast that runs until 8 am each morning. I do believe bottled water is provided in the rooms.

You will have no problem catching a cab (or driving) from the resort. Town is less than 5 minutes away.

June is a great time of year to be on St. John

If you're not a fan of sea life you might check Oppenheimer bEach. It's a beautiful swimming beach - very sandy and shallow. The only thing I saw there was a sting ray - no rocks, few fish.

Caneel will place a large bottle of water (and a large bottle of rum!) in your room complimentary, but after that you have to pay. We usually go into town and stock up on water, because we drink a ton of it.

You can't really walk anywhere from Caneel, but a taxi into town will cost about $5 per person, and there are lots of good places to eat. Caneel also runs complimentary ferries over to Red Hook and Charlotte Amelie if you want to go to St. Thomas.

I've never wandered down to the terrace in time to catch the complimentary continental breakfast, so can't comment on that.

As far as a day trip, we enjoyed our day on the New Horizons II. it went to the Baths, Marina Cay. Guana Island, and Jost Van Dyke. Caneel runs their own excursions too, both power boats and sails, so you might want to see what is available when you'll be there.

Fish-free beaches...hmmm...I really can't think of any. I will tell you to avoid Francis though, since every time we go there these small white fish come and nibble around our toes. My guess is that you would not like that!

We are ending this year's trip with three nights at Caneel, so if you are there June 4-7, say hi if you see us!

Too funny, HawkeyeChick, I am the same way...I'd rather NOT know what I'm swimming with. The few times I have snorkeled here, I ended up screaming through my snorkel and scrambling back to the boat/land.
Unfortunately, it is hard to avoid those little tiny fish that want to hang out right next to your legs. The beaches I like for minimal fishiness are Trunk Bay and Gibney Beach, although, you won't find a beach where you will see no fish at all.
Your Sprint cell phone will work, no roaming, as long as you can see St. Thomas. I find I get the best service in Cruz Bay. You can also get good service at Honeymoon Beach, which you can walk to from Caneel (another nice, sandy, minimal fish beach, although it has more fish than Trunk and Gibney based on what I've seen).
Beaches with sandy bottoms and minimal to no coral will be your best bet for avoiding lots of fish.
Caneel is quite close to town where there are a plethora of restaurants. It's best to take a taxi or drive though...it would be a long walk.

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Thanks everyone for all the great replies! I have a running list of things to know and do when on STJ. I've added all of this to it.

Thanks!