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"  

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