I'm in the very early stage of planning a Feb getaway. We're fairly active and like snorkeling and sailing. For lodging we usually prefer b&bs, but could be flexible. If you've stayed on St. John, please share your experience and recommendations. Thanks!
We went a year and a half ago in June, and it was incredible. We rented a villa and a car, and loved it - there's a nice grocery in town so it was easy to have food for breakfasts, a few dinners, coffee, wine, etc. Our villa had a pool and a hot tub, so while we went out for dinner 3 or 4 nights, we spent every night on our deck in the water with an awesome view of St. Thomas.
The island is gorgeous - definitely rent a 4wd. We pretty much hiked and snorkeled the entire week, and were sad to leave because we missed so much. The Reef Bay trail is fun; about 5 miles round trip, I think? We also hiked down to Honeymoon beach - not challenging, but a nice walk. Our favorite snorkeling was at Leinster Bay/Waterlemon Cay. We saw an eagle ray, tons of tarpon, nurse and lemon sharks, turtles, etc. Maho Bay was great for turtles and rays, and the area around that bay was fun to explore. Trunk Bay was nice for the views and the visit, but it's definitely the most crowded beach on the island, and the snorkeling when we went was practically non-existent. We did a half day sail on a beach catamaran, which was really fun, and we also did a kayak tour with Arawak Expeditions of Hurricane hole/Coral Bay area, which was awesome.
For food - definitely head out to Coral Bay and go to Miss Lucy's! It's basically a little building on the beach, and the food was amazing, and the view was so nice. We also hit Columbo's smoothie stand after snorkeling every afternoon - there's basically one road on the island, so we passed it on our way back to the villa. Free rum in every smoothie, lol! Deli Grotto is a good place to pick up sandwiches or picnic stuff, and the shopping in that area is nice for a wander through.
Have fun - we're trying to figure out when we can go back. Maybe next November!
We are going in January (based on a recommendation from this board!) and we can't wait. We rented a cottage in the Coral Bay area because we wanted something more remote/quiet. It's a little one bedroom one bath with incredible views and a hot tub overlooking the bay. We rented a jeep as well. The Trip Advisor St. John board is a great resource as well.
I would recommend booking your cottage/B&B and your jeep ASAP as peak season fills up quickly.
You definitely will want a car on St John. I would look at air bnb or vrbo to rent a condo/cottage/villa. Not sure if you are into camping but you could look to see if any of the cottages at Cinnamon Bay. I stayed there once for a couple of nights and it was great beng right at the beach and going to sleep to the sound of the waves. The cottages have shared baths with the campground but you are sleeping in a bed and not a sleeping bag.
Depending on how long you go for look into day trips to the BVI as well.
As someone who is a local to the area you 100% need a car. Caneel Bay and also Westin are quite nice (haven't been on there since 09 so check recent reviews). There are tons of villas and guest houses so check VRBO.
I just booked the trip for the last week of Feb. Thanks for the tip about VRBO. It turns out to be the only option for us as all the b&bs and inns are fully booked. We were lucky to get a nice cottage not far from the Westin. I reserved a car from Budget at the St. Thomas airport. Woohoo! Winter just became bearable with this trip to look forward to. Thanks again for all your helpful suggestions.