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Best Things To Do in St. John
TO DOThe 5 Best Things in St. John 1. Hiking By Lydia Harris Trunk Bay on St. John is one of the most photographed beaches in the Caribbean. An awe-inspiring heart-shaped bay, its setting in the stunning Virgin Islands National Park offers clear water, fine white sand, plenty of shade, a gift shop, watersports center, snack bar, showers, restrooms, changing areas and a picnic pavilion. None of which seems unusual – on the surface. So what makes Trunk Bay stand out from other beaches? The underwater self-guided snorkeling trail! Hiking is one of the most popular activities on St. John. Virgin Islands National Park provides a wide variety of hiking experiences of various levels with more than 20 trails to choose from. Some meander through historic ruins or take you to a bird viewing deck on one of the park’s lovely salt ponds. Others lead to beautiful beaches. All are scenic and memorable.
Underwater Trail Underwater Trail
threatened species, under the US Endangered Species Act on the World Conservation Union’s Endangered Species List. But there’s good news! US Geological Survey research scientist Caroline Rogers reports that this sea life "appears to be recovering in some areas," particularly in Trunk Bay, where Elkhorn Coral "is coming back naturally," she says. Studies of the species in Trunk Bay are supported by the USGS, National Park Service, Friends of the VI National Park, University of the Virgin Islands and the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund. Admission to Trunk Bay is $4 for adults; ages 16 and younger are free; Golden Age and Golden Access annual cardholders are $2. 2. Beaches & Snorkeling St. John is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. With long stretches of white sandy beaches and turquoise waters lined with palm trees and lush landscape, you will know the meaning of tropical paradise when playing or relaxing on local beaches. Snorkeling here is among the best in the world. Rent or bring your own snorkel gear and step into an undersea world of coral and fish. The 650-foot underwater trail (maintained by the National Park Service) features plaques that provide a wealth of information about the sealife you’ll see beneath the water’s surface. Keep an eye out for colorful Angel Fish, Parrott Fish, Sergeant Majors, Yellow Tail Snapper and Puffer Fish, which swells up when it’s threatened. Also watch for sea turtles that swim effortlessly then pop up their heads for air from time to time.Among the coral in Trunk Bay, you’ll see: Brain Coral, with folds and grooves that look remarkably like a brain; Fan Coral is wide, thin and rounded and sways back and forth to the rhythm of the tides; Finger Coral has large pores, grows in thick colonies, and its branches have swollen tips. Of particular interest is Elkhorn Coral. Among the Caribbean’s most abundant coral only 30 years ago, in March it became the first coral to be proposed for entry as a Plaques guide the way to undersea life on Trunk Bay’s Underwater Trail.
Swim among the fish along the Trunk Bay Underwater Trail.
3. Watersports
St. John offers visitors some of the best watersports in the world. Options include day sails, private charters, parasailing, sunset sails, wave runners, kayaking, scuba, SUP, scuba diving and more. Check out ads in this magazine to find a variety of purveyors of watersports and adventures.
4. Restaurants and Bars
Whether in search of a quick bite and a cool refreshing drink or wanting to linger over cocktails and dinner with an amazing view, St. John plays host to a wide array of places to eat and drink. They range from elegant wining and dining to quaint but fun waterfront or side street bars. Guarantee you’ll find something to whet your appetite or wet your whistle.
the VI National Park, University of the Virgin Islands and Admission to Trunk Bay is $4 for adults; ages 16 and younger are free; Golden Age and Golden Access annual
TO DOAttractions & Activities in St. John
Swim among the fish along the Trunk Bay Underwater Trail.Photos by Erinn Muller
instagram your st. john photos ! #vithisweek
COCONUT COAST VILLAS ST. JOHN, USVI 800-858-7989 • COCONUTCOAST.COM
Coconut Coast Villas on St. John is a “beach house comfortable” boutique hotel offering studios, two-, and three-bedroom vacation condos in a quiet family neighborhood close to town. The two buildings flank oceanfront pool, hot tub and patio. All of the rooms have large ocean front patios where the sounds of the surf and tumbling rocks will relax you. Plus you will have the Caribbean Sea on one side and an Audubon Wildlife Salt Pond on the other side. All the comforts of home await you -- free wireless internet, satellite TV, queen beds, private baths, air conditioning, fully equipped kitchens, guest laundry facilities, coolers, beach towels and off-street parking. They also have beach chairs for to use and snorkel gear to rent while on St. John. Plus you are minutes from some of the most stunning beaches in the world and shopping and dining. For more information or to book your stay, visit coconutcoast.com
Carolina Corral in Coral Bay, St. John is a nonprofit rescue for all domestic animals and offers both tours of the farm and one hour guided horseback rides to support the animals. Horseback riding tours are Monday thru Friday at 3 pm and 5 pm by reservation only. Enjoy a ride along the water to a rocky beach for pictures. Sorry, no sandy beaches to ride on in Coral Bay. All our rescued or adopted horses and donkeys are well mannered and eager to please. Stop in for a visit and see the goats, sheep, cats, dogs, chickens and a hog who call the corral home. Family photo opportunity at 11 am, Mon - Fri. Select three animals to be pictured with (or one horse on a beach) and we'll make a lasting memory! More details on Horsestjohn.com as well as availability for our other activities! Book online with the CAROLINA CORRAL at www.horsestjohn.com or call 340-693-5778. Hope to see you on the trail!
5. Shopping
The shopping on St. John is a cultural extravaganza. Local crafts and art are available in small stores and galleries. Tropical clothing, handmade and locally designed jewelry, exotic clothing from around the world are tantalizingly displayed in the cute and colorful stores of the island. Greatest variety can be found at Mongoose Junction, Wharfside Village and Cruz Bay, but you can find charming specialty shops tucked all around the island between Cruz Bay and Coral Bay.
