Caribbean Islands: Part 1 "St. John"

Caribbean Islands: St. John

This month, we are focusing on Caribbean Islands, and what makes them unique. Every island has qualities that sets itself apart from the rest and I wanted to highlight all of those features. This week, I am talking all about St. John!

Sweeping Views from a Trail on St. John

St. John is one of the most idyllic places that you can travel without a passport. Imagine yourself in azure waters that never cool and white sand beaches you only thought could exist in a postcard.

A short flight from the US mainland and then a quick ferry ride from the main island of St. Thomas gets you to downtown Cruz Bay St. John. Beachfront restaurants and bars all in quaint Caribbean pastels welcome you to one of the most welcoming ports in the Virgin Islands. Don't forget to grab your free shot of local Cruzan Rum as you step off the ferry into an incredible adventure.

 

Enjoy the Scenic Ferry Ride!

Beaches

St. John is one of the best places in the Caribbean to get away from it all without the threat of rampant over tourism and the constant nuisance of people trying to sell you trinkets. Most of the beaches on St. John are protected as part of the Virgin Islands National park. In fact, over sixty percent of the entire island is protected. The best part, no entrance fees. Unlike many of the other national parks in the U.S., the Virgin Islands National Park only charges boaters who are using the various mooring balls in the coves around the island. 

Solomon and Honeymoon beaches are locate side by side only a twenty minute hike from the Cruz Bay area. If quite and solitude is your cup of tea, then Solomon beach in the early morning can't get any better. Because it is only accessible by hiking trail and there are only a few moorings in this cove, Solomons beach is relatively quite most of the time. You will want to bring your own provisions since there is no infrastructure for miles.

Trunk Bay is arguably the most famous beach on St. John as it is consistently ranked one of the top ten beaches in the world. Looking for an easy day, this is your one stop shop with almost everything you need to camp out and enjoy the water. This is the only place in the park where there is a nominal entrance fee.

Trunk Bay Overlook

Cinnamon Bay is the best place to get wet on STJ with one of the most comprehensive water-sports venues on all of the Virgin Islands. From Paddleboards to Sailboats and snorkel gear rental, they have it all. A wonderful camp site is located right on the beachfront so you can truly get away from it all while having the most beautiful scenery at your fingertips. Also located on site is a camp store with basics and provisions as well as a full service restaurant.

Walked to the end of the beach  

Snorkeling
 

Waterlemon Cay is located on the north side of the island and provides some of the world’s most beautiful reef where you will see incredible sea life. Take caution as the current can be strong during the winter months and always be on the lookout for passing boats.

           

Hiking
 

Many trails crisscross the National Parks’ hills, but there are a few in particular that will take your breath away every time

Reef Bay Trail is located mid-island and is a strenuous three mile trek. Don't be deterred, for those who are fit the reward is amazing. Ancient petroglyphs from the Arawak and Carib tribes that once inhabited the islands before modern day settlers arrived. During rainy times a beautiful waterfall descends.

Salt pond and Rams Head Trail, located adjacent to the magnificent Coral Bay harbor, this hike will seem like a different world. As you walk along the edge of the salt pond, be on the lookout for huge land crabs. Once you reach Drunk Bay, you will be treated to thousands of coral sculptures left by previous visitors… make sure to leave a sculpture to commemorate your island excursion! The Rams Head trail veers up a steep rocky cliff face and at the end you meet an amazing 360 degree overlook.

Salt Pond

Crazy Awesome Terrain

 

Big Crab!

Food and Fun

St. John has numerous amazing culinary delights and unique watering holes to satiate your every desire. Skinny Legs in Coral Bay has some amazing burgers and great conversations with the unique local crowd. Don't forget to check out The Tap Room in Mongoose Junction in Cruz Bay Where the Locally Brewed St. John Brewers Beer is always cold right out of the tap.

With all of the amazing things to do and see on St. John you have to make sure you take the time to take a step back and relax taking in the incredible vistas that surround you. 

           

Cruz Bay

Click the links below to read more:

Caribbean Islands: Part 2 "Jost Van Dyke"
Caribbean Islands: Part 3 "Water Island"
Caribbean Islands: Part 4 "Virgin Gorda"  

Visit our website at www.ziplinestthomas.com and

our facebook at www.facebook.com/ziplinestthomas

Caribbean Cruises: Part 4 "Ships"

Out of all things to consider before going on a cruise, choosing a ship is one of the hardest. You have a number of factors that come into play: destinations, prices, family friendly, adult friendly, etc. I’ve created a “cheat sheet” to help you decide what is best for you!

        Where do you want to go?

Ever dream of laying on white sandy beaches, sipping tropical drinks under palm fronds swaying in the wind? Then obviously you would enjoy the Caribbean! Every place has their charms, and every time you cruise, you might want to go to the same place, or switch it up.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines are known for their awesome Caribbean cruises (hence the name). So if you’re dying to see the Caribbean, why not go on a ship that specializes in it? Then there is Norwegian Cruise Lines. Norwegian is known for their European cruises and their freestyle cruising. If Europe is the place for you, Norwegian is something you should defiantly consider. 

There's nothing like a relaxing day in the Caribbean

What cruise line would cater to your needs?

Each cruise line is a little different. They all cater to a certain group of people. For example, Disney is great if you want fun for the whole family, Princess Cruise Lines are geared more toward couples that want to relax, and Carnival is great for families looking for an affordable, yet incredible vacation.

It’s easy to know what cruise line would best suit your needs! Just do a little research, and that will give you a clear understanding. Also, look at the pictures they display on their website. If you could imagine yourself in their pictures, then that might be the ship for you!

Can you see yourself here?

How much do you want to spend?

Cruises can be more affordable than you think! Staying at an all-inclusive resort can be twice as expensive even if you do stay half as long. Sometimes, to get the best deal, you can talk to a cruise ship representative. The representatives also will be able to help you find what cruise is best for you, and help you book it. There are also ways to cut your costs, depending on what room you choose, how much you want to spend on souvenirs, and going out to eat.

If it is your honeymoon or special occasion on the other hand and you want to go all out, there are some nice high-end options that you may choose from. Cruise ships tend to have upgraded options, from suits, dining options, and spa treatments.

Cruising on into St. Thomas while the sunrises

Click the links below to read more:

Caribbean Cruises: Part 1 "Is Cruising For You" 

Caribbean Cruises: Part 2 "All You Can Eat, See, and Do"

Caribbean Cruises: Part 3 "Excursion or No Excursion, That is the Question" 

That wraps up our month all about Cruises! Stay turned for next month’s four part blog post all about Caribbean Islands and what makes them awesome and unique.

Visit our website at www.ziplinestthomas.com and

our facebook at www.facebook.com/ziplinestthomas