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The Caribbean Islands - St. John
St. John remains one of the most pristine islands in the entire Caribbean. Almost two-thirds of the island, the smallest of the three U.S. Virgin Islands, is a national park. This sanctuary for flora and fauna appears much as it did when Christopher Columbus and his crew first sighted the island over 500 years ago.

The Caribbean is known for its superior snorkeling and scuba diving sites, but few islands can compare when it comes to the underwater splendor of the waters surrounding St. John. Snorkeling is the most popular way to explore these waters. Most first-timers head for the underwater trail at Trunk Bay. Cruz Bay, with its laid-back appeal, is the main town on St. John. Along the narrow streets that branch out from its shady public square are boutiques, cafés, bars and restaurants.

The town has two shopping complexes, Wharfside Village and Mongoose Junction, where visitors will find a variety of stores, art galleries and eateries. You can cover the entire town on foot at a leisurely pace in a couple of hours.

To get the most out of your visit to St. John, head to the Virgin Islands National Park Visitor Center in Cruz Bay, just north of the ferry landing. In 1956, philanthropist Laurance Rockefeller donated 5,000 acres on St. John to the Federal Government, establishing the Virgin Islands National Park and leading the way for preservation of this beautiful island.

The park, which marked its 40th anniversary in 1996, now comprises 11,560 acres, 5,650 of which are underwater. At the visitor center, you’ll find a wealth of information, from displays and video presentations to brochures and maps, that covers the history and natural attractions of the park. Rangers are on hand to answer any questions you may have about the park, its facilities and the many programs available to visitors. Activities are scheduled daily and include ranger-led programs, snorkel trips, hikes and historic tours.

Those who are curious about St. John’s history and culture will find the Elaine Ione Sprauve Library and Museum to be an enlightening stop. The museum, actually a resorted plantation great house, has an interesting collection of photographs, newspaper clippings, paintings, drawings and handicrafts by local artists and artisans. It’s located a few blocks from downtown Cruz Bay. If you decide to take a journey around the island, the ruins of Annaberg Plantation, on the northern coast, will make a memorable stop. Once a thriving sugar plantation, the ruins offer visitors a glimpse of St. John’s rich agricultural heritage. Self-guided tour markers lead visitors through the factory buildings and windmill of this 1733 estate. Situated on a hill, the plantation is an excellent vantage point for viewing the British Virgin Islands.

Beaches:
No visit to St. John would be complete without a trip to one or two of its world-famous beaches, none of which charges an admission fee. Heading into the park from the Visitor Center, one of the first beaches you’ll come upon is Hawksnest Bay. This impressive stretch of white sand contrasts with the intense blues and greens of the area. Snorkeling is excellent here, and the beach is usually less crowded than its more popular neighbor Trunk Bay, the site of the renowned underwater snorkeling trail.

Trunk Bay has been recognized as one of the most photographed strands in the Caribbean. This picture-perfect beach comprises turquoise waters, soft sugar sands and lush green foliage. Swimmers and snorkelers are known to spend hours in its shallow waters. A small shop, a snack bar and changing facilities are available.

Cinnamon Bay is a National Park campground with a famous beach. Larger than Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay has a full range of facilities and services for the day visitor. Windsurfing, kayaking and mountain biking are among the available activities. Don’t be surprised to see a donkey or two roaming the grounds; once used by missionaries to traverse the mountain slopes, a few donkeys still live on the island. Maho Bay, Francis Bay, and Leinster Bay are also lovely spots on the north shore worth exploring. If you’re energetic, follow the Leinster Bay Trail to Watermelon Cay, where you can enjoy a swim and view some great coral. All but Francis Bay have changing facilities.

The Caribbean is known for its superior snorkeling and scuba diving sites, but few islands can compare when it comes to the underwater splendor of the waters surrounding St. John. Snorkeling is the most popular way to explore these waters. Most first-timers head for the underwater trail at Trunk Bay. Just a few steps from the shore in shallow water, snorkelers can travel the trail by following the white, red and blue buoys that outline the path. Anchored to the bottom of the sea are 15 underwater plaques that identify the corals and fish that inhabit these waters. You’re sure to see plenty of parrot fish, elusive trumpet fish and elkhorn, staghorn, brain and fan coral. Snorkelers can also practice the sport at Hawksnest Bay and at several offshore reefs.

Activities:
If you are more of a landlubber, you can enjoy St. John’s natural beauty by joining nature enthusiasts on trail hikes, coastal walks, birding trips and other outdoor activities. The National Park has 22 nature trails, ranging from easy walks to difficult climbs. Hikers can explore on their own or participate in a guided hike.

The Cinnamon Bay Self-Guided Trail is a favorite; the loop can be completed in less than an hour. At the trail’s entrance sit the remains of an old sugar factory. As you travel the forested route, you’ll pass strangler fig, turpentine, kapok and bay rum trees. The island’s most famous tree is the fragrant bay rum tree. In the early 1900s, its leaves were used to produce everything from grooming products, such as toilet water, hair lotion and shampoo, to cures for headaches, heartburn and sea sickness. Another popular hiking choice is the Francis Bay Trail. It’s an excellent path for birdwatching. Species such as the West Indian whistling duck and the yellow-billed cuckoo have been spotted here, along with many of the other 160 species known to the region. The half-mile-long trail passes through a dry scrub forest and a mangrove habitat. It takes about 30 minutes to complete the trail.

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