About St. John
St. John, the smallest and least populated of the three major U.S. Caribbean vacation destination for Virgin Islands is a favorite thousands of international travelers. Much of lovely St. John is an unspoiled wilderness, boasting on of the world’s finest examples of nature’s beauty.
Two-thirds of St. John is protected by the National Park Service--which means that visitors will be able to enjoy the untouched beauty of this Caribbean jewel as Mother Nature intended.
Committed environmentalists, St. Johnians have become pioneers in the field of “Ecotourism.” The U.S. Virgin Islands lead the world in the development of “sustainable tourism,” which protects the beautiful natural environment while allowing visitors to enjoy it in its pristine wonder.
Within the 11,560-acre national park on St. John are many of the island’s accommodations built in the spirit that Laurence Rockefeller intended when he deeded the land to the National Park Service years ago.
Environmentally conscious properties and campsites are abundant.
The wide variety of guest houses and villas available to visitors are also popular on St. John. These accommodations range from charming and intimate to grand and luxurious. Most have breathtaking views, and many have private swimming pools. Beautiful hotels, campgrounds, small inns and “eco-resorts” are available for travelers.
The best way to get to know St. John is to choose from the several modes of transportation available for seeing the island’s exotic and tropical sites. To view St. John’s rugged beauty, you may tour the island by safari bus. Your tour guide will entertain you with tales of the island’s folklore and tropical wildlife. Centuries-old sugar plantations offering a glimpse into St. John’s past may be found along the island’s coastline.
Jeeps are another popular way of getting around on this 19-square -mile island which is composed mostly of green mountaintops and white-sand beaches. Jeeps may be rented in Cruz Bay, one of St. Johns tow towns—the other town is Coral Bay.
Tropical rain forests and wooded hillsides are usually explored by foot—either with or without a tour guide. Hiking trails with ancient petroglyphs, small waterfalls and streams, secluded resting spots and cliffside views are easy to find on St. John.
Unique boutiques, specialty shops, fine restaurants and quaint open-air cafes may be found in Mongoose Junction, Wharfside Village and throughout Cruz Bay. Additional restaurants and shops may be found on the other end of the island in Coral Bay.
Even after just a brief visit, you will agree that St. John is a nature-lover’s paradise.
Day-long boat excursions are available to take you from St. John to any of the nearby islands inhabited or not. What could be better than a deserted island for a romantic picnic? You may also choose to stay closer to St. John and explore the many intricate bays and inlets of this gorgeous island. St. Thomas is also just a short ferry ride away from Cruz Bay.
Elegant jewelry, local pottery and artwork, colorful island-wear and exotic perfumes can be purchased in the island’s many unique boutiques and specialty shops. Local craftspeople often incorporate the island’s natural beauty in their artwork.
Fine restaurants and quaint open-air cafes may be found in Mongoose Junction, Wharfside Village and throughout Cruz Bay. Other fine restaurants are located on the other end of the island in Coral Bay or nestled in the mountains high above St. John.
St. John has some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and the right of access to most beaches is protected by law. You may not have time to visit all of them, but Hawksnest Beach and Trunk Bay shouldn’t be missed.
Endless Vacation magazine reports that St. John is one of ”the best places in the entire Caribbean to explore the under- water world while snorkeling at a leisurely pace. With a snorkel, mask and fins, you can make the brief transition from sun-drenched beach to magical underwater landscape that’s second to none.” Trunk Bay even offers an underwater snorkeling trail complete with illustrations and descriptions of the nearby sea life perfect for either the beginning snorkeler or the more seasoned underwater explorer. Watersports-equipment rental, snack bar and restroom facilities are all available at Trunk Bay.
Party lovers will surely want to visit St. John’s carnival held every Fourth of July. With parades, boat races, a coronation ceremony for the Carnival King and Queen and fireworks, Carnival is one of St. John’s most exciting annual events.
Even after just a brief visit, you will agree that St. John is a nature-lover’s paradise.
