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We just returned from a week on the Mayan Riveria. Attended a wedding in Paradisio-Iberostar. Watered down cocktails and not really our type of vacation. It was very windy and cloudy the frist 3 days. So no snorkling and of course to windy to go in the water. Pool was very cold and we are not ones to hang out by the pool. So, we have most definitely been (bit by the St. John bug). No comparison at all, but it was one of those things that we had to do. So a big salute to that little piece of island we love so much.
Mricco
When I go to the beaches in STJ I enjoy the quiet, slow paced attitude. I've been to Puetro Vallarta and Cozumel, on both of my trips I kept getting haggled by vendors selling just about anything and everything on the beach. The beaches were very rocky, and if you went to town to do some shopping everyone is trying to sell you tickets for the "Booze Cruise". Hands down the USVI is my favorite.
You've got that right. Of course the little children were what really upset me. Like St. john because you can pull just about anywhere off the road and go to a beach.
mricco
I third you guys on this one. We really loved Cancun & Maya Riviera and Cabo. We went there for 4 years until we accidentally stumbled across STJ.
Now we are in our 4th year coming to STJ. We have no interest in going anywhere else ever again. We have totally fell in love. Snorkeling options are by far better here than in Mexico. STJ is great for families especially with young ones. The beaches are perfect for them to enjoy the calm waters. I asked my 6 year old if he would like to go to Disney World this year and he said "what no STJ" so he wanted to go to STJ more than Disney. WOW!! I asked him why and he said mommy there is no place that is as beautiful as STJ. Plus you can't snorkel there and see "real" fish and the people are so nice and we couldn't eat at skinny legs or vie's. OH OH skinny legs burger. Okay I am convinced where we are going. So if that doesn't sum it up, I don't know what does. Straight from the mouth of a babe!
Totally get what you mean. The Riviera Maya can be hit or miss depending on weather and resort style, and if you’re not into pools or all-inclusive vibes, it starts to feel repetitive pretty quickly. St. John is just a completely different experience, more natural, less commercial, and the water conditions are usually much better for snorkeling when the weather cooperates.
One thing that really sets St. John apart is how easy it is to explore beyond just one beach. Getting out on the water makes a huge difference. A day trip around the USVI or even over to the BVI gives you access to quieter coves and reefs that most resort destinations just can’t match. That’s actually how a lot of people end up falling even more in love with the island.
If you ever go back, it’s worth checking out a local charter option such as Palmara Charters, you can find them through their website. It adds a whole different layer to the trip, more freedom, better snorkeling spots, and none of that crowded, windy beach frustration.
St. John definitely has a way of pulling people back once they’ve experienced it. Hard to compare it to anywhere else.
