St. Thomas USVI · Attractions

St. John USVI

St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands

Among the United States Virgin Islands, St. John is considered as the real virgin among them because it is near 20 square miles in size with 90% of it consisting of relatively intact tropical forest and relatively undeveloped lush greenery environment, a condition that makes it the ideal home of the Virgin Islands National Park which occupies nearly three quarters of the whole island territory along with the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and offering protection for the various pristine habitats holding one of the highest concentrations of migratory birds in the West Indies.

The island's big attraction is its condition as great place to enjoy nature in so many ways including, but not limited to sea activities, seashore walk and wade along a sandy beach, explore the ecosystem and the rocky coral-strewn beach, small coral flat at the Mangrove Lagoon area, stop at a natural salt pond before traversing into a dry cactus woodland and out on top of Ram Head point with breathtaking views of St. John's turquoise Caribbean Sea as well as to learn about the unique history of this land and its former inhabitants discovering the island medicinal plants used for generations to relieve common cold, upset stomach, high blood pressure and many other illnesses or simply taking a leisurely walk out on to the peninsula separating Greater and Little Lameshur Bays.

Take the island historic tour by safari taxi including a stop at the eastern end of St. John visiting historic sites of the earliest organized slave insurrection in the Caribbean, the early boat building, the ancient basket making technique and the Hurricane Hole rum production. Also, a visit to Annaberg Plantation and culminating the tour with a relaxing moment swimming at a north shore beach or extended the visit to Cruz Bay.

Scenic day tours on board of an open-air safari bus to Cruz Bay takes the visitors to the most spectacular points on St John and allows you to be in touch with native St. Johnians, including island story telling, history, riddles and attending cultural presentations throughout the year. St. John is better known for snorkeling and the practice of good quality diving around the island and a wide variety of beaches and activities suitable for everybody starting from the beautiful Cruz Bay to the exotic photographers' favorite Honeymoon Beach and not forgetting to mention Jumbie Bay where being nude is usually acceptable.

Visitors to St. John will enjoy at the famous National Park, the surroundings and the uninhabited cays to please sailors, swimmers, snorkelers, sunbathers and beachcombers of all ages; after snorkeling, guests can enjoy the lunch which is prepared and served along with complimentary open bar and snacks.

As for the accessibility to the island, the only way to get St. John is by water. Public ferries depart from both Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook. The ferry from Red Hook dock is better for wheelchair access and the ride shorter, about 15 minutes against 45 minutes from Charlotte Amalie to Cruz Bay. Other options include the use of private ferries operated by the resorts if you are planning to stay at any of them. Once in St. John there are local taxi, bus and rental car facilities; ground transportation is available for just $1 per ride.

At St. John all levels of accommodations are available, from the most luxurious hotels to simple and inexpensive tents while amenities vary from beach to beach but covering most expectations including food service, drinks and refreshments through a wide variety of restaurants and bars including, of course, typical Caribbean meals.

Whatever dream, sun worshiping, snorkeling, funny family holidays, the most beautiful scenario for wedding or honeymoon, camping in paradise, explore breathtaking parks and ruins, enjoy the night life or just relax in a peaceful and quiet place, St. John is your best choice for an unforgettable travel experience.

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See you on the Island, John "Big Hat" Walsh