This island is not as busy and cosmopolitan as her sisters but one thing is number one here, the exotic beaches are unique among the beaches of the Caribbean and the world.
St Johns USVI has many interesting sites and exotic beaches
The island is only nine miles long and three miles wide and two thirds of the island is the Virgin Islands National Park and therefore protected by the USA Park Rangers. This is to assure the preservation of the land, the flora and the fauna for future generations. There are all kind of tours with expert guides that will explain all about the island, from history to geology and from plants to animals.
But, most of the tourists arrive in St John USVI for its beaches. They are unspoiled and surrounded by pristine waters touching the while sand beaches. This is the reason they come back and back again. We went to Caneel Bay in St John USVI in the 70’s and never stopped visiting this beautiful island.
Only 20 minutes by ferry from St Thomas
It is located to the east of St Thomas on a 20 minute ride by ferry from Red Hook in St Thomas to Cruz Bay in St John USVI. This ferry operates on an hourly basis and it is very reliable.
Coming from St Thomas that is populated and very busy, you will notice that you arrived to a place totally the opposite, St John USVI is laid back, relaxed and the calm can be felt all over.
But don’t think you are going to miss every amenity of the grand resorts of the Caribbean. St John USVI has it all. It just doesn’t have an airport, you have to go to the island by flying into St Thomas, driving to Red Hook and taking the ferry.
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Trunk Bay in St John USVI is one of the most beautiful Caribbean Beaches
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Getting around in St John USVI
Several companies offer cars for rent and this is a great way to visit the island. The roads are well paved and convenient and cover the whole isle up to the very east corner of Coral bay, the nice yacht harbor. If you arrive there with your yacht or Sailing boat, there are many taxis waiting for you to take you to the hotel or to offer tours of the island.
Beaches
• Trunk Bay
This is one of the most famous destinations in the Virgin Islands. It is located about two miles from Cruz Bay. It is a hearth shaped spectacular exotic beach.
This beach has visitors facilities, like showers, changing areas, restrooms, food area, as well as picnic facilities. It is kept by the services of the National Park. The entrance is a nominal fee and includes access to Annaberg Plantation.
The white powdered sands are surrounded on one side by coconut pal trees and on the other side by crystal clear blue waters.
When visiting Trunk Bay pay a visit to the Archaeological dig where many prehistoric artifacts were found. You’ll see remnants of bones and plant material.
And at the same time very popular with groups of Cruise Lines passengers, that like to spend the day here.
And last but not least for this beach, enjoy the awe inspiring undersea life while you enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving or plain swimming.
Trunk Bay is easily accessible by public bus, taxi or car; there is a scenic ferry ride across Pillsbury Sound to St. John.
• Cinnamon Bay
Larger than Trunk Bay, this beach offers beautiful jungle like surroundings, featuring mango and cacao trees, as well as great underwater life and water sports.
It is located three miles distance from Cruz Bay on North Shore Road. The beach is great for kayaking, windsurfing, snorkeling, diving or swimming through flagrant corals and colorful tropical fish. This place is an Eden for Water sports of all kinds.
The Cinnamon Bay Complex offer camping facilities from tents to cabins and cottages steps from the beach. You will also find here all facilities for visitors like changing rooms, showers, lockers and a local restaurant offering the best of the Caribbean Cuisine. There are also facilities for picnics and family reunions.
• Salt Pond Bay
This is a fairly unknown beach along the southern coast of the island. It features a salt pond where locals take salt from. The salt is formed from sea water that enters the pond via subterranean tunnels. Once the water evaporates it leaves a white foamy residue of sea salt.
It is becoming popular among those that want to spend a relaxed day for sunbathing and snorkeling. To get to this beach you will have to park in the National Park Facilities for Salt Pond Beach and follow a trail to the beach.
• Blue Cobblestone Beach
This beach gets its name from the cobblestones along the beach. It is great for a snorkeling adventure along the large rocks. In this place, please, do not touch the yellow fire coral or you can be subject to a sting. This area is also renowned for bird watching because the area is more secluded and the birds abound here.
World renowned Caneel Bay - World famous Beaches Resorts
• Caneel Bay
Cannel Bay is an idyllic resort area. The beaches are made of powdered white sands great for sunbathing, swimming and snorkeling.
To get there you will take a ferry from St Thomas provided by the resort and dock in their private pier. Or if you are already on the island you’ll take route 20 and turn left where the sign tells you to get to the beach.
As all beaches Caneel Bay is also public. There are no fees for visitors, but all facilities are private and dedicated to the property guests only.
You may use the restaurants and bars of the resorts and then go back to the beach to continue your ideal beach day. Snorkeling along the reefs and rocks is a unique experience like star fish, sea turtles and stingrays.
You can enjoy lunch at the Caneel Bay resort and get out of the sun for a few minutes and then return for a relaxing nap on the beach.
Cruz Bay in St John
Many start here their Caribbean Sailing vacations
• Hawksnest Beach
This beach is very accessible and popular among locals in St John USVI. It is a short drive from Cruz Bay. On route 20 going east, the parking for this beach is very close to the sea, making it very easy to carry all you need for a great beach day.
They have all facilities for picnics and barbeques. The locals celebrate here birthday parties and many family reunions. The corals and tropical fish here are incredibly beautiful. Some of the fish you’ll find here are the grunt, fry and goatfish. Your entire family will love the scene under the sea regardless of age.
• Maho Bay
This beach offers a lot to families with small children and those who like calm and shallow waters for swimming.
You can get to this beach going past Cinnamon Bay one more mile. You may park below one of the maho Trees and enjoy your day. There are no signs or parking spots, just plain beach. The road is lined by coconut palm trees.
The name comes from the maho tree that is very common in the Virgin Islands. Another type of tree common here is the genp tree, known as honeyberry and Spanish lime.
The snorkeling between Maho Beach and Little Maho is great. You’ll enjoy and array of tropical fish and exotic coral reefs.
Salomon Beach
It used to be a Nude Beach, but since the new legislation on public nudity, this is no longer possible in St John USVI. Those breaking the law may get fines of hundreds of dollars and even jail time.
It has become a family beach, but it is accessible only by boat or by hiking through a guided trail. This trail is one of many provided by the authorities.
The waters are calm and shallow in Salomon Beach and the coral reefs are spectacular. This is a great place for beginning snorkelers. The reefs between Salomon Beach and Honeymoon Bay are unique.
View of the sister island of St Thomas USVI from St John USVI
Villas or Resorts
You will find in St John USVI villas and accommodation for any budget from inexpensive guest houses to All Inclusive Luxury Resorts.
You can find here a large variety of restaurants offering Continental and Caribbean Cuisine and many bars offering entertainment featuring the best musicians attracted to St John.
There are million dollar Luxury Villas that are available for rent through local agents.
These villas offer all amenities expected by those looking for a Deluxe vacation including concierge and maid services.
I recommend the following resorts in St John as well as these rental villa agents
Caneel Bay invites you to disconnect in pristine natural surroundings and low-key luxury. The exclusive resort, nestled within the Virgin Islands National Park on St. John, remains faithful to the vision of founder Laurance Rockefeller and his reverence for the environment.
Seven secluded white sand beaches border 170 lush acres where Caneel's accommodations have been artfully built to blend into the landscape. A true escape, the resort remains purposefully absent of modern glitz, digital distractions and the furious pace of the world at home.
White sugar-sand beaches lead to unsurpassed turquoise waters, creating the sublime destination that is The Westin St. John Resort & Villas in the US Virgin Islands. Spend your days swimming, snorkeling and playing tennis.
Enjoy a tropical drink around our freshwater pool featuring waterfalls and palm tree islands. Or perhaps you prefer to simply relax and rejuvenate during you dream vacation on this Caribbean island paradise.
In harmony with St. John's unparalleled beautySt. John U.S. Virgin Islands…there is no equal in the entire Caribbean. Nearly two-thirds of St. John’s 21 square miles are a part of the U.S. National Parks system and will forever remain a natural wonder of turquoise seas, sparkling bays, tropical forests and trails, and mile after mile of white powder beaches. Whether you are planning your island wedding or honeymoon, enjoy adventure sports, or just want to relax, we are the perfect blend for everyone. Solo and corporate travelers find our intimate size and closeness to town appealing.
Your perfect vacation begins with the most exquisite Caribbean Vacation Rental. We offer the largest and finest selection of St John villas and luxurious condominiums on Tortola.
Place yourself walking on a sandy beach or in a cool pool overlooking the blue ocean. We'll help you plan your ideal Virgin Island trip. Will you need transportation? No problem! We can arrange for a jeep or boat rental on your behalf. Do you require a chef or other services and activities? Count on us!
Share your Caribbean vacation dreams with us and we will make them a reality! We've been based in St. John since 1986 so you know you can trust us with your plans. You have long time friends in the islands.
St John USVI is a sailing paradise and features many exotic beaches