2018 Sail

Just pulled the trigger on a 2018 sail. Will be chartering out of Compass Point Marina with Virgin Island Yacht Charters. Our plan is to do the first night and last night in St. John and spend the rest of the time in the BVI. WE've never been to St. John so looking for advice on the best spot to overnight that is comfortable, with a good beach and some bars and restaurants. There will be 4-6 of us.

St John is not BVI, no real "beach bars" You can eat in Cruz Bay with some mighty fine restaurants. We always eat on the boat and stay in Maho/Francis Bay. we also love the Lamshurs and Salt Pond on the south side.

St John is not like the BVI. The only beach bars are in Cruz Bay. I highly suggest that you moor in Leinster Bay and cook on the boat. Also read up on the park rules for boaters.

STJ is all about peace, natural beauty and days spent exploring the island or underwater with quiet nights on the boat.
If you expect beach bars, crowds and shore dining proceed directly to JVD <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" /> - but a few days in STJ is well worth the time spent otherwise.

We did the same thing in April, Leinster the first night and Francis Bay after clearing back in at Cruz.
As others said... Plan to party/dine on board.

FYI...Highly recommend clearing into BVI at Great Harbor.... No problem

I have to say that some of the best times we spent on our boat were in the summer at Leinster Bay when we were the only boat there. BBQ, wine, and star gazing. Oh, maybe a little Dire Straits on the CD player...

what's a CD player? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

It was an old boat. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/jester.gif" alt="" />

Thanks for the advice. Yes, we plan on heading to Great Harbor to clear and then spend a couple days there. I will definitely check out Leinster for a night!

FYI, if phone signal or internet coverage matter, stay at Maho/Francis, there is no signal in Leinster

Unless you are a die hard snorkeler Maho Francis is nicer. I just spent five days in St John on our boat. One night in Maho, one night at Hansen Bay, one night at Lameshure and the last night at Christmas Cove after a lunch stop at Lind Point/Cruz Bay. It definitely did not suck. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Jay

I am with Captain Jay - Maho/Francis has always been a favorite of ours

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" /> but I will sure never forget you dinghying around trying to find one <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Laugh.gif" alt="" />

But if you are, Waterlemon Cay in Leinster Bay is very good to excellent. Just be careful, because currents can be tricky around the cay.

The outer mooring balls at Leinster Bay have ATT signal. Inner balls have nothing.

Cheers, RickG