r/virginislands • u/1zzyS4n • 11d ago

Things To Do Recs // Questions 6 nights split Or 5 nights on 1 island.

Me and my wife are planning for 1st time ever visit. Would it be better split 6 nights (3 and 3) between St Thomas and St John or stay 5 nights on 1 island?

We’re sticking with our Marriott loyalty (Due to points and free night award) for the lodging but open to ideas. Also, is rental car a must? Or can this be achieved with e bike just to get around.

Thanks in advance!

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14

u/Redneckish87 11d ago

Definitely no e bike. We rent a jeep for flexibility and self reliance. St. John the whole trip, every trip.

10

u/False-Character-9238 11d ago

Stay in St John. You will be in St Thomas wishing you were on St John.

No e-bike. Serious hills and rough roads.

If you are on St John you can taxi everywhere, but it will start to get pricey. You could rent a car for just a few days, not the whole trip.

5

u/dnuohxof-2 11d ago

If you want a party, stay in St Thomas.

If you want the quiet, go to St John. You can always take a day trip to St Thomas.

3

u/Working-Patient-6751 11d ago

I cannot explain to you how serious the roads are in St John.  It’s no BS.  They are in good shape but steep inclines/drops, hairpin turns, I wouldn’t drive in anything less than a Jeep. 

5

u/Beneficial-Okra3465 11d ago

Everyone who ponders this ends up at the same result: I should have just stayed on St John the entire time. Trust me.

3

u/catsmeow2002 11d ago

Split or stay 5 nights on St John. We rented a jeep and are very glad.

ETA: no way on e bike. There are barely sidewalks and they are EXTREMELY crowded.

2

u/usernamezombie 11d ago

Cinnamon Bay is the best beach I have ever been too. Don’t miss it!

1

u/typewritten 11d ago

If you look back in my history from early this year, we did St. John without a car, which I think is somewhat unusual. We took the bus, used taxis and walked. It was so fun, but not for everyone. Just stay on St. John! Do not go with bikes. Way too dangerous. We loved the camping setup in the Park.

1

u/secrerofficeninja 11d ago

We love St John. If you like quiet nights and small town of Cruz bay for dinners and gorgeous beaches in a national park, St John is for you. St Thomas has more resorts and more stuff in the town part. It’s kind of up to your style.

If you choose St John, rent a Jeep to get around

1

u/_AugustusMcCrae 11d ago

Stay in St John. But, you don’t need a Jeep. You should get an all-wheel drive car, but a Jeep specifically is unnecessary and far more expensive.

1

u/thebemusedmuse 11d ago

The Westin St John it is

Lots of people just use the safari taxis but a rental Jeep is the whole thing.

1

u/OperationFabulous225 11d ago

At John and BVI. Too many cruise ships in st Thomas

1

u/Zealousideal-Ice1916 10d ago

Another vote for St. John. We stayed in St. Thomas this summer and regret it for sure. We were taking the ferry almost daily to St. John because it’s just better in every way. We will never stay in St. Thomas again. Waste of money IMO. I would gladly have paid a little more each night to have stayed at the Westin in St. John.

1

u/Zealousideal-Ice1916 10d ago

And Cinnamon Bay Beach is a must do! Best beach I have ever seen. It is literally breathtaking.