St Thomas, VI + Marriott ?? anyone been?

[mikebyron]

I have some airline points and some marriott points = free trip. I can do key west, FL., Grand cayman, Curacao, But St Thomas looks most appealing. The hotel simply notes (dive center nearby).
the resort, Frenchman's Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort, looks amazing but they never talk about the dive center/shop. Has anyone dove St Thomas and anyone stayed at this hotel? I have searched but came up empty. So far we have done Coz three times and Belize once. We would be happy to just always go to these places but should spread our wings I suppose.

 

[ppo2_diver]

I stayed at the Marriott a couple years ago when we visited St. Thomas. Very nice hotel. I'd highly recommend it. I didn't use their dive shop. I dove with Blue Island Divers. Their boat picked me up right at the Marriott's dock.

 

[dbh]

I stayed at the Marriott a couple years ago when we visited St. Thomas. Very nice hotel. I'd highly recommend it. I didn't use their dive shop. I dove with Blue Island Divers. Their boat picked me up right at the Marriott's dock.

Ditto. here is a link to a trip report that I did:

http://www.myunderwaterworld.com/St. Thomas Trip Report.htm

The pictures suck.....they are from my very early Nikonos Days.

HTH,
Dave

 

[mikebyron]

Ok, love your report. Exactly what I was looking for. Since you also went to the Marriott in Curacao - which of the two would you be more likely to revisit? I know this is lame, but seeing that my cel coverage is good in St Thomas is a plus - but it sounds like your views on the beaches were better in Curacao.

 

[BurBunny]

I've viewed both resorts and been diving off both islands. I'd vote for Curacao. Definitely felt there was a wider range of good to excellent diving, love the look of the island, and the Marriott is quite nice.

Frenchman's Reef is an excellent resort, St. Thomas has terrific beaches nearby (St. John), but if diving is a high consideration, head to Curacao.

 

[dbh]

I would rank Curacao (and the Mariott) over St. Thomas (and the Mariott) for both diving and for the hotel grounds. You can shore dive in Curacao too.

Dave

 

[ppo2_diver]

I would agree. Curacao would be preferred over St. Thomas. But St. Thomas is part of the US and has to meet certain health and safety standards. When we went there, my wife was six months pregnant. She did not feel comfortable going to another country where the healthcare was questionable. I didn't care where we went, as long as I got to go diving!!!

 

[CAPNVINNY]

I second not using the dive shop at Frenchmans reef,they do cattlecar dives with the cruiseships,try Chris sawyer 's outfit,they are top notch,here's a link(the RMS Rhone trip to the BVI's is the BEST)
http://www.sawyerdive.vi/

 

[ppo2_diver]

Does Sawyer's pickup at the Marriot? I thought they were to far away?

 

[dbh]

Does Sawyer's pickup at the Marriot? I thought they were to far away?

I believe they are too far away. You would most likely have to take a cab or rent a car. Blue Island Divers was a great operation when I was there a couple of years ago.

Dave