USVI-On-Line

Okay, in trying to find a vacation destination that's as wonderful as STJ - but DIFFERENT, I have come up dry! We LOVE STJ, but want to explore a new place - that is warm on on the East Coast (we think -although I am considering Kauii - but hubby doesn't want that long trip from NJ)

Thought about:
St. Martin (sounds too much like STT? - not fans)
Riviera Maya (great snorkeling but while the AIs -sound lovely & fun, they also seem a maybe a bit too contrived for us)
Anguilla - tooooooo flat & scrubby for us - we need GREEN!!!
Belize - still in the running - but I've heard the snorkeling from the shore is not great (spoiled by STJ) Love that there are quite a few lovely places similar to Gallows there... and lots to see inland - lots of nature!!!!
Costa Rica - have only heard wonderful things about it- but LOTS of driving - and no beautiful water or snorkeling
Grenada - still in the running - but not great snorkeling???

See everyone - once you "get it" about St. John - no place can really measure up... we are so spoiled!

Try the Grenadines. A bit difficult to get to thru Barbados but absolutely great! Best snorkeling at Tobago Cays.
Or you could just go a bit further east to Virgin Gorda. Still reminds me more of St. John as it used to be.
I used to be like you and then spread my wings - haven't been to St. John to stay since. Some hit the "still not St. John" class but most hit the mark for what makes them great.
How 'bout St. Barth's? Don't know about the snorkeling 'cause it's not a priority anymore but neither SXM or AXA have good snokeling.
There are many non-AI resorts, condos, boutique resorts on the Mayan Riviera. Not hilly but parts are lush and still jungle. Wonderful experience exploring Tulum, Coba and other sites and excellent restuarants in Playa del Carmen.
I don't think many go to Belize for their beaches.

We tried the Abacos this summer and while it was beautiful, it was not St John. We are going to split our time next vacation between ST John and Virgin Gorda. 5 nights in a villa on each island. In the future I would like to try Belieze also. Would have to go out on a boat to snorkle though. The Turtle Inn sounds wonderful .
nancy

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I hear Costa Rica is great

Costa Rica is beautiful, however it's no STJ. I was there a couple of years ago we stayed in Manuel Antonio/ Quepos area. I had hoped for some good snorkling but the water was way to cloudy for me and the chance of running into an alligator, was enough to pretty much keep me out of the water.

That being said it was beautiful, lush, CHEAP, and the people were very friendly. I would recommend to an adventurer/outdoors person.

HTH
mel

ALLIGATOR? Um, no thanks! I have a hard enough time dealing with the possibility of seeing a shark.

Yea, I can't remember if they were alligators or crocs, (but who really cares). We met a couple who had seen one at the swimming beach the day before we were down there....swimming. I to would rather deal with sharks!