coral bay

We spent our over 2 weeks stay in Coral Bay (in a rented house), only going to Cruz Bay for fuel or to meet friends coming in on the ferry. And we were so happy we did, it was the peaceful, laid back vacation we were looking for. We also found that it was very central to and short trips to the beaches and trails that we wanted to enjoy. You have to have a car to really enjoy the island no matter where you stay and you definitely want to have 4 wheel drive to navigate the hills. We really enjoyed our stay in the Coral Bay area (and really hope the mega yacht marina is not successful, it will destroy the peacefulness).

Island time , island attitude, go easy , be easy. Listen , explore, relax. Nothing to prove, everything to enjoy. Be here now . Hike and snorkel the state park and coral reefs. Not for the Cruise line crowd. It's the people you wish you knew more of .

Good food, drinks, slower pace, less crowds, closer to the water side of the island. Beautiful view of water and boats.

On prior trips to St.John we have always tried to stay near Coral Bay on far side of the island. Will not in the future. The town has gone downhill-- now feels run down, dirty, large very smelly dumpster near the center of town-- cannot be within quarter mile of it. Some of the restaurants have closed. Just does not have the same laid back but comfortable feel that it had in the past. Now more delapidated.

We did not swim at Coral Bay, but we had fun driving to the end and poking in at some of the shops in the area. A much more relaxed and friendly side of the island.

Our first visit to the USVI found us staying in Coral Bay. We rented a house (Iola) and from the minute we met our landlords and saw our house, we knew Coral Bay was going to be special. The place is so laid back. It reminded us so much of Molokai. Kind of off the grid, quiet, unassuming. The people are a reflection of the area. They are peaceful, happy, welcoming folks that seem to smile more than most. I don't blame them! I would be smiling if I lived here too. There are plenty of bars, restaurants, shops, trails and beaches to fill your days. Rent a good solid 4x4 if you stay here. You pretty much have to drive everywhere and the mountainous roads will test any transmission. And then there are the many unpaved, pothole laced roads that feel like Test Track at EPCOT. It is money well spent. If you want noise and nightlife and bars that you can hop from one to another, stay in the Cruz Bay area. If you want a quiet spot that offers you great views, great beaches, great food and great people, you have to stay in Coral Bay.

The sunsets and night sky overlooking coral bay were the most beautiful I've seen in my life. Sadly I heard they're going to make a huge marina which I think will ruin the beauty and peacefulness of this bay. I would have given it 5 stars except for having to pass that awful dumpster near the food mart so many times.

So much more peacful, way less crowded...making it much easier to get around. There are so awesome beaches on this side that have very good snorkeling oportunities!! I am almost 30 and staying on this side was a great way to relax and still have so much fun at the same time. There are enough resturants and bars, and the views are gorgeous...oh and there is a great small grocery store that just opened up last year and has virtually everything you need!!

Do you love Coral Bay like I do? Do you find yourself longing to return, as often as you can manage, over many years. Do you enjoy the pristine environmental conditions on the east side of St. John, far removed from chaotic Cruz Bay and St. Thomas? The US Army Corps of Engineers is accepting Public Comment until March 5. Local residents and other concerned members of the "off island" community members have established a "seagrass roots" campaign to coordinate opposition including fund raising for legal defense. Nearly $100K has been collected to appeal the egregious approval of this behemoth by local officials. Won't you give a half hour of your time to write about your concerns for the impact this development will have on our National Park and Coral Reef National Monument. Check out the website savecoralbaydotcom Your input is important for the campaign.

We love Coral Bay. Laid back, relaxed, friendly, good food. Night life is minimal which is OK because the roosters wake you up early. And you get used to stopping for donkeys and goats in the road. But if you want a vacation with beaches and not much else, Coral Bay is the place.

This is the east end of St John USVI. Cruz bay. The east end is laid-back and great place. There are great beaches there. And you do not have to look hard to find them or ask around. It's simple take a trail. Any trail and with a 1 to 3 mile hike you will find several secluded spots. So hike a little and you will have your own beach.

Coral Bay is perfect. Quaint part of the island, yet has everything you need. Wouldn't stay anywhere else.

Rented house 5 years in a row. Always great.Great assotment of houses. People are great very layed back.Dilike nothing.

We enjoy staying the Coral Bay area. It's quiet and there are quite a few snorkeling beaches that are not very busy.

We ended up in Coral Bay by chance. Our driver never returned for us after a snorkeling trip so we begged a ride from a friendly-looking couple. They offered to take us to Coral Bay for lunch and then back to the ferry. We were desperate so we accepted. Turned out to be a great lunch with interesting people in the middle of paradise. Don't miss Skinny Legs!