Tortola: hotels, beaches, snorkeling

Hi,
My wife and two-year old and I will be on Tortola BVI for a week or so
in June. I've been reading the guides, browsing the web, and usenet
and have a few questions for any old Tortola hands.....

1. Place to stay: we're leaning towards Sebastian's (beachfront room or
villa), but I hear the beach on Apple Bay is not so great and we only
plan to rent a jeep for a couple of days. Is there a nice beach within
walking distance from there? How about getting a taxi to take us to
Smuggler's Bay or Brewer's Bay? Other options include Icis Villas at
Brewer's Bay, Mongoose apts or Elm Beach Suites (Cane Garden Bay).
Though Cane Garden sounds like it might be a bit too built-up these
days? (PS the idea of staying close to Bomba's is also
appealing......)

2. Beaches and snorkeling - we need a beach with some sand and waves to
frolic with our daughter, but also want to do some serious snorkeling.
I've heard for sandy beaches Long Beach is good, and for snorkeling
Smuggler's and Brewer's but can anybody recommend any other ones as
well?

3. Day boat trips - how much can we expect to pay for a day or half day
snorkeling tour to some of the smaller islands, and are there any
companies anybody recommends?
Thanks for any help you can provide!
Jon

Hi Don,
Thanks, actually I had seen that photo and your next one, which was one
of the reasons I am now questioning whether I should stay at
Sebastian's! Now I'm thinking a couple of days at Elm Beach on Cane
Garden Bay and then 3-4 days/nights in Virgin Gorda. Still open to
suggestions though.
best,
Jon

Thanks Jere,
That's really helpful. We decided to stay 3 days at the Elms and then
3 at Guavaberry on Virgin Gorda. Looking forward to snorkeling in the
places you suggest! And I do agree that taxis and some water taxis
will probably be the best way to get around.

Any recommendations on St. Thomas/St. John? We're going to be there
the first few days.
best,
Jon