Getting the most out of two days on St. Thomas

My nephew is going to St. Thomas for a business meeting and will have two free days (plus some free hours here and there). They'll be staying at the Marriott Frenchman's Reef. I'm trying to give him advise on things to do, but my knowledge is limited since St. Thomas is usually a stopover for us on the way to/from the BVI.

So, any thoughts? I have a few specific questions, but would appreciate any relevant advice. My questions are:

He might be interested in a Discover Scuba session. Coki Dive Center looks like a good place for this. Any other dive operations you'd recommend?

Should he hop over to St. John? If so, is it a good idea to ask a cab driver for a tour? Any other ideas of things to do there?

Is the beach next to the Marriott a nice one? Any other favorite beaches? I'm only familiar with Lindbergh Bay.

Are there any good opportunities for day sails?

I guess I would avoid downtown Charlotte Amalie after dark. Is this misguided? Any other advice on staying safe?

Thanks in advance for any help.

Dan <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />

Might try Oceana in Frenchtown for a great diner. Beach at Frenchman's (Morning Star Resort) is just fine w/ nice pool and bar. Magens Bay is a great beach or Hull Bay next door is off the beaten path for locals only... Kind of neat history around Hotel 1829, Amber Museum, Bunker Hill. All kinds of sailing, snorkel trips. Golf? Mahogany Run makes Golf Digest calendars regularly. IMHO, there is plenty to do on St. Thomas but a day trip to St. John could be fun too.

Well, random ideas:
Red Hook Dive Center in Red Hook is my "home" scuba center.
St John is great. Not sure what he likes to do. You can go for an afternoon and evening and have a great time. Hike to Salomon Beach, beer at the Tap Room, wander and see what looks interesting for dinner.
Morning Star is a great beach, although it is usually windward, can have some waves. There is a very nice beach store there, Coco Joe's. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Wink.gif" alt="" /> What does he like to do with his beach time?
I'm pretty sure there are day sails booked out of the Adventure Center at the Reef. Might go to Buck Island,which actually has some nice snorkeling.
Downtown Charlotte Amalie pretty much closes at 5. Close to the Reef is Yacht Haven Grande- several bars/restaurants, shops, too. Mega yachts to drool over, too.
I agree that Frenchtown is a great place to dine- Bella Blu, Hook, Line, and Sinker, the Pie Whole, etc. If he goes to St John, he can stop in Red Hook on the way back- ITP, Fish Tails, XO...Lots and lots of ideas. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Coki is a great shore dive. Walk in from the beach to about 30-40' of water and dive around Coral World. Wayne at Red Hook Dive Center has been taken care of us for years, first class operation.

Day trip to St. John might include a stop at Mongoose Junction, particularly if you have shoppers in the group.

Also, a short ferry trip from Charlotte Amalie to Water Island and hanging at Honeymoon Beach is a nice way to wile away the hours in a low-key way.

For what its worth, good friend got married last May at the Marriott Frenchman's Reef and I went down for it (like you DanS, I had used St. Thomas as a through route to get to the BVIs). I really enjoyed the access you gain from staying at the Marriott. There is a water taxi that runs every hour or so from the resort to Charlotte Amalie for maybe $12 round trip. It allowed us to go into Charlotte Amalie easily without having to cab all around the island (and obviously gives you easy access to all the ferries that leave from there for Water Island, St. John etc.). Beach was good, food at the resort was pretty good, rooms were nice.

Thanks all! Very helpful answers.

Dan <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />