phoenix4

Thinking about a trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands next winter. Help me decide which island is best for me by giving me your opinion on the following:
Best Beaches
Best Snorkeling and Diving
Best Watersports
Least Crowded
Least Touristy
Fewest Cruise Ships docking
Best Hiking and Nature Viewing
Most Authentic Culture

RoamsAround

No contest - St. John wins on every point. The other USVI's are a distant second and third.

qwovadis

For me maho.org St John spg.com the Westin for more upscale and caneelbay.com luxury. So take your pick. I have snagged
the Westin for $90 bidding priceline.com

mamamo

St. John for sure. We were there in November.
Fabulous for all of your above criteria.
Visit the BVI while you are there.

eastenderusvi

I would add that St Croix has more authentic culture. St John has been taken over by wealthy stateside part-time residents and young folks down for a season or two, waiting tables for a few bucks.

suze

Honestly I think any of the 3 USVI are pretty much of a stretch for your requirements. They are all extremely well traveled and touristy. I'd say St John meets the most of your list, as far as beaches, less crowds, snorkeling, etc. but it's plenty "touristy" and it's just a tiny island as far as seeking out "most authentic culture" I'm not sure what you're expecting to find.

TPAYT

I'll join in the St. John group.

succulent

Don't over look the fact much of St. John is a U.S. National Park. That has preserved many of the best beaches from development. St. John also has Caneel Bay, which is a unique place among Caribbean resorts.

When I look at your list of requirements, the island that jumps out to me is Virgin Gorda, but that of course is in the British Virgin Islands. Good luck choosing.

Bassguy66

RoamsAround hit it spot on...St John...all day...every day!!

Whoever said St John is "touristy" I simply don't agree. Touristy to me is Grand Cayman, Aruba, Cancun....
St John has plenty of untouched areas to enjoy....my favorite island so far!!

saige

St. John meets most of your criteria. Although I agree with eastenderusvi about the culture on St. Croix being more authentic. And, yes, they are all touristy to some degree. St. John beaches can be quite crowded with cruise ship day trippers sometimes, but is normally the least crowded and most natural environment in the USVI.