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Year-Round Warm Temperatures
The
average temperatures range from 83°F in the winter to 92°F in the summer.
St. Croix, St. John and
St. Thomas are in the Atlantic Standard Time zone, one hour ahead of
Eastern Standard Time (except during daylight savings time).
Year-Round Festivals and Events
St John's
residents and visitors love to take part in and put on festivals. Check out
this partial listing of year-round festivals and events.
Best Snorkeling: Trunk Bay
First-time
snorkelers and pros alike can follow the colored buoys that mark the unique
underwater snorkel trail at Trunk Bay. Since you can't bring a map in the
ocean, this watery trail posts signs that identify the inhabitants of this
underwater world, including coral, fish and other aquatic life. Snorkel
equipment is available for rental at the kiosk. A post-snorkeling nap on the
white sands of this renowned beach is a great way to end the day.
Best Hiking: the Virgin Islands National Park
Hikers can choose from a selection of more than 20 trails, ranging from
beginner to advanced. While most are easy to navigate and safe to hike
without a guide, organizations like Hike St. John arrange guided trips that
educate hikers about the history of St. John and the significance of the
land, from the dense forests to the historical ruins of plantations.
Combination snorkel-hike trips are also available to give a comprehensive
land and sea view of this lush national park.
Best Beaches:
There are a number of
beaches on St. John, from the long sandy stretch of Cinnamon Bay to the more
secluded Hawksnest Beach, Trunk Bay, Lameshur Bay and Salt Pond Bay. The
snorkeling waters here are some of the clearest on any of the islands and
home to schools of bright multicolored fish and meandering sea turtles.
- Caneel Bay Resort (North Shore)is the original resort of St. John,
established by Rockefeller in the 50's. There are seven wonderful
beaches there, some reserved solely for use by the hotel guests. However
several are open for all to use including the beautifully landscaped
main Caneel beach which is accessed through the resort. Get the guide
for day-visitors at their front desk.
- Solomon Bay and Honeymoon Bay (North Shore) are accessed by a short
hike that starts behind the National Park Center in Cruz Bay. Side by
side, they are not visible to each other. Both offer rocky points for
great snorkeling and sandy beaches for swimming and sunning. Solomon
beach is clothing optional. Both are secluded beaches.
- Hawksnest Beach (North Shore) is smaller and quieter than its
neighboring Trunk Bay. Locals often head here during the peak tourist
season. White sandy beach and plenty of facilities including a large
parking lot, covered picnic pavilions, grills for barbecuing, picnic
tables, toilets and a place to change clothes. Coral and outcroppings of
rocks offer exciting underwater exploration. The pavilions at this beach
are often used by locals for meetings and social events.
- Cinnamon Bay Beach and Campground: (North Shore) Cinnamon Bay is the
National Park's longest beach. This mile long, white sandy beach offers
views of other islands and plenty of shade. Facilities include: an
activity desk, snack bar, general store, restrooms, changing areas.
telephones and a watersports center where windsurfers, kayaks and
mountain bikes are available to rent.
- Across the road from the campground is the Cinnamon Bay Self-Guided
Nature Trail. The loop takes about an hour to complete and passes through an
old sugar-factory site. Along the path, you'll see giant kapok trees, as
well as bay, mango and cacao trees.
- Francis Bay, (North Shore) one of the longest of the beaches is a
local favorite for gatherings. Facilities include charcoal grills,
picnic tables and outhouses but no changing areas. Parking is roadside
but can be convenient for those who arrive early.
- Leinster Bay and Watermelon Cay are accessible by water or by hiking
the Leinster Bay Trail. Both good spots for swimming and underwater
exploring. If that short hike is not enough continue to follow the trail
south, and you will be led to the Emmaus Moravian Church in Coral Bay.
- Maho Bay (North Shore) is easily accessible from the road however
parking is roadside and limited. There are changing facilities as well
as a covered pavilion available for group events by obtaining with a
special VI National Park permit.
- Salt Pond Beach is accessed by a five minute walk from the road.
This sandy crescent shaped beach is usually quiet although it has become
more popular with the locals over the past few years. There you will
find rock outcroppings in the bay that are terrific for snorkeling.
Facilities include picnic tables, grills for barbecuing and an outhouse.
Franks Tings is nearby offering snacks and cold drinks. At the end of
the beach you will find the starts for hikes to the salt pond, where the
beach got its name, to Drunk Bay and to Ram's Head.
- Trunk Bay (North Shore) is by far the most popular beach with the
visitors for swimming, snorkeling, sun bathing and photographing. There
is a shallow 200 yard underwater snorkeling trail clearly marked with
plaques identifying corals and fish. Novices will find this a great way
to break into the sport of snorkeling. Facilities include washrooms,
fresh water showers, changing areas, telephones, a picnic pavilion,
snackbar, shop, snorkeling equipment rental and the presence of
lifeguards.
Best Day Trip: St. Thomas
Only a 20-minute
boat ride from the Cruz Bay dock (ferry departs every hour), nearby St. Thomas offers a change of scenery
and pace from laid-back St. John. Bring along your credit card as the
tax-free shopping is an activity in itself on this island. Outside the US
Custom zone, shoppers can purchase up to $1,200 worth of goods duty-free.
And that shouldn't be hard on St. Thomas with the great deals to be found on
perfume, jewelry, local handcrafts and art, pottery and crystal. While the
shopping is fantastic, there are also a number of activities to keep you
entertained, including local bus and walking tours of the various
neighborhoods, the former pirates' lairs at Blackbeard and Bluebeard's
castles, the Estate St. Peter Botanical Gardens
Boating - Charter Fleet Power and Sailing Vessels
The US Virgin Islands lay claim to the largest commercial charter fleet in
the Caribbean, with both power and sailing vessels available for either
crewed or bare-boat charters. Visitors who want to explore the islands at
their own pace can rent a powerboat and design their own itinerary, visiting
the islands of their choice to snorkel, picnic or sightsee. The range of
scheduled trips by boat includes day sails and high-speed ferry rides to the
British Virgin Islands.
The US Virgin Islands hosts boat races year-round, including
the International Rolex Cup Regatta on St. Thomas and the Mumm's Cup Regatta
on St. Croix.
Boats may use the moorings at Caneel Bay, Francis Bay and Maho
Bay or anchor in the sand outside of the swim areas. Neither motored nor
rowed boats are allowed in the marked swimming areas. 26 feet or less may
follow marked channels to go ashore. Anchoring is prohibited at Salt Pond,
Great Lameshur, Little Lameshur, Reef Bay and anywhere on the south shore.
Moorings must be used at those places.
Hiking Trails
St. John's natural beauty
makes it a perfect place to go hiking. The
National Park offers over 20 miles of hiking trails that lead visitors
through the island's magnificent forest to historic sites and secluded
beaches. Be sure to wear long slacks and comfortable walking shoes and to
have plenty of insect repellent on hand, especially in the late afternoon.
Hiking Trails ~ Self Guided (times are
approximations only)
- Annaberg Trail (.5 hours) Hike through the ruins of the old sugar
plantation.
- Cinnamon Bay Loop Trail (1 hour) Starts next to the road entering
the Bay Campground and takes you by the historic sugar factory and
Danish cemetery.
- Lind Point Trail (1 hour) Travels from the National Park Visitor
Center in Cruz Bay to Honeymoon Beach, Caneel Bay. Near the halfway
point there is a trail leads off to Salomon Beach.
- Francis Bay Trail (.5 hours) Starts near the Maho Bay Campground, at
the west end of the Mary Creek road and takes you past the Francis Bay
Estate House and to the beach.
- Rams Head Trail (2 hours) Starts at the Salt Pond and goes past
Trunk Bay
- Reef Bay Trail (2 hours) This downhill hike begins half way between
Cruz Bay and Coral Bay on Centerline Road. You will pass by a couple of
sugar estates and be able to view the Petroglyphs.
Hiking Trails ~ Guided
- National Park: Ranger Led Walks
- Hike St. John: Hike St. John's
Intention is to promote the natural and cultural history of St. John and
to protect its pristine beauty while having a safe & enjoyable
adventure.
Horseback Riding
Ride to beach for snorkeling, explore the historic mountain roads or
choose a flat ground ride for the younger children and less intrepid. Sunset
and full-moon rides are also available. Half day and Full day rides offered.
Mountain Biking
With its hilly terrain and spectacular scenery, the US Virgin Islands
is the ideal destination for mountain bikers looking for a challenge on St.
John. Guided Mountain Bike Tours. A great way to see the Virgin Islands
National Park, riding top-quality, front-suspension Cannondale mountain
bikes. Several routes to choose from, for both novice and experienced
cyclists.
Snorkeling, Scuba Diving and Sailing
Discover the beauty and wonder of the USVI's underwater world by exploring
some of the best dive spots in the Caribbean. Divers can view beautiful
coral, colorful fish, and solve the mystery of sunken ships, while swimming
along the barrier reefs and through coves. The USVI has numerous dive
operators which provide equipment and instruction for the less experienced.
More than one-third of the national park land is underwater and home to
brilliantly-hued coral reefs, plant life and tropical fish. Some of the best
snorkeling in the Caribbean is at Trunk Bay, where an underwater trail with
submerged markers leads visitors on a fascinating journey amidst the
island's colorful marine life.
Historical and Archaeological Sites
Bordeaux Mountain
At 1,277 feet, it's the
highest point on St. John, and at the top, you'll get a splendid view of the
sea, as well as of the bay trees along the road; the leaves are used in
production of bay rum, the major industry on the island.
Cruz Bay
Situated on a picturesque harbor
at the west end of the islands is the charming town of Cruz Bay. In the
1850s, it was an outpost for a detachment of Danish soldiers from St.
Thomas. Because of its proximity to St. Thomas, Cruz Bay came to be a
popular tourist destination. Today it's a laid-back town. Visitors enjoy
walking its narrow streets lined with shops, cafés and juice bars.
Virgin Islands National Park, St. John
For
more information visit the
Virgin Islands National Park website or headquarters in Cruz Bay or
contact them at (340)776-6201 ext. 238. The V.I. National Park protects the
island from industrial development, while preserving the natural, unspoiled
beauty indigenous to this tropical paradise. More than one-third of the
11,560 acres that comprise the National Park land are underwater, offering
unparalleled diving and snorkeling. The park boasts some of the most
beautiful coral reefs, flora, tropical fish and beaches in the Caribbean, as
well as 22 hiking trails within the park's boundaries.
Accessibility: The Visitor Contact Station in Cruz Bay and picnic areas
at Trunk Bay and Hawksnest beaches are wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair
accessibility to beaches and trails is extremely limited due to the steep
topography of the island. Cinnamon Bay campground has several accessible
campsites. Call the Park for more information.
Virgin Islands National Park Underwater Trail
The world's first marked underwater trail located near the shoreline, making
it one of the best snorkeling spots in the Caribbean .
Ecology Facts
The United States Virgin
Islands is a world leader in the development of "sustainable tourism," which
protects the beauty of the natural environment while allowing visitors to
enjoy it in its pristine wonder. There are numerous activities to be enjoyed
in the USVI by the environmentally conscious traveler. The following are
highlights of the variety of ecotourism activities available on St. Croix,
St. John and
St. Thomas.
EcoTourism
The USVI is a world leader in
the development of "sustainable tourism," which protects the beauty of the
natural environment while allowing visitors to enjoy it in its pristine
wonder. Environmentally-conscious travelers can enjoy numerous activities in
the territory such as hiking, horseback riding, bike tours, scuba diving and
snorkeling. St. John leads the world in ecotourism resorts which allow
visitors to experience intimate encounters with the natural beauty of the
Caribbean outdoors, in addition to comfort and convenience at an affordable
cost. St. Thomas offers a guided kayak tour through its marine sanctuary and
mangrove lagoon, led by experienced naturalists and biologists. Off the
shores of St. Croix, Buck Island offers visitors an unparalled great
snorkeling experience at the only underwater national monument in the US.
General Information
Population of
territory: 101,809 (1990 census) (50,139 on St. Croix, 3,504 on St. John and
48,166 on St. Thomas) Official language is English. Currency is US Dollar .
There are approximately 4,600 hotel rooms. Largest freeport in the Caribbean
with $1,200.00 duty-free allowance
Geography
Located in the Lesser Antilles
of the Caribbean, which is between the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, the
Virgin Islands are comprised of approximately 50 islands and cays
(pronounced "keys"), the largest of which are St. Croix, St. John and St.
Thomas.
St. John: 19 square-miles (two-thirds U.S. National Park)
St.
Thomas: 32 square-miles. (St. Thomas Island Guide)
St. Croix:
84 square-miles.
Water Island: The "Fourth Virgin Island," is the newest
addition to the UA Virgin Islands. Located off picturesque Charlotte Amalie
Harbor, this tiny Caribbean jewel is home to a gorgeous white-sand shore
called Honeymoon Beach.
Ethnic Background
The majority of
present-day indigenous people are West Indian of African descent. Tiano and
Carib Indians inhabited these islands for nearly 3,000 years, but most were
killed off during European occupation. Today's native populations include
people from Europe, North America, India, the Middle East and the Orient
Spanish-speaking.
Religion
Catholic and Protestant with some
Jewish representation.
American Territory
The United States
Virgin Islands is an official American territory governed by US laws. The
USVI has one non-voting delegate to the United States House of
Representatives. All persons born on the islands are citizens of the United
States. The currency is the U.S. dollar and mail is delivered via U.S. mail
services with the same postage rates. English is the native language spoken
by Virgin Islands residents, enhanced with a charming lilt called "calypso."
St. John's Historical Heritage
The nearly
five centuries of the Virgin Islands cultural history is as colorful and
enthralling as a carnival parade. Humans inhabited the area long before
Columbus' arrival. Archeological discoveries show that Indians, migrating
northward in canoes from South America, lived on St. John as early as 710
BC. They hunted and gathered foods primarily from the sea.
Columbus may have named the Islands, but no lasting settlements were in
place until the 1720's. Attracted by the lucrative prospects of cultivating
sugar cane, the Danes took formal possession in 1694 and raised Danish
colors in 1718, thereby establishing the first permanent European settlement
on St. John at Estate Carolina in Coral Bay.
Rapid expansion followed, and by 1733 virtually all of St. John was taken
up by 109 cane and cotton plantations. As the plantation economy grew, so
did the demand for slaves. Many who were captured in West Africa were of
tribal nobility and former slave owners themselves. In 1733, they revolted
and an island-wide massacre of families occurred. Six months passed before
the rebellion was quelled.
The emancipation of slaves in 1848 was one of several factors which led
to the decline of St. John's plantations. The population plummeted, and by
the early 20th century cattle and subsistence farming and bay rum production
were the main industries.
For more information on this period, see A
Documentary History of the Cinnamon Bay Plantation 1718 - 1917 .
The United States purchased the islands in 1917, and by the 1930s the
seed of a tourism industry had sprouted. Word spread quickly of this
untouched Caribbean paradise. In 1956, Rockefeller interests purchased land
and transferred it to the Federal Government to be designated a National
Park. In 1962, boundaries were enlarged to include 5,650 acres of submerged
lands.
Today the Park works closely with local and Caribbean-wide
conservation-minded interests to preserve the area's natural and cultural
resources. In recognition of the significance of its natural resources, the
Park also is part of the international network of biosphere reserves. As the
future unfolds, both the Park and the Territory will strive to ensure the
preservation of America's Paradise.
St John: the Island and its beauty
St John
is 11,560 acres of largely undeveloped sparkling beaches, private lagoons,
nature trails and lush foilage. Such a serene setting complements it's two
larger sister islands of St. Thomas and St Croix, and complete
this beautiful Caribbean trio.
Once known for its sugar cane and farming industries, St. John today is
recognized for its pristine beaches and conservation-minded residents who
dedicate themselves to preserving the island's natural and cultural
resources. Diminutive in size but not in natural splendor, this
19-square-mile island offers a glimpse of what life is like unfrettered by
commercial development and the trappings of a more modern lifestyle.
Coming ashore to soak in what St. John most abundantly affords visitors -
peace and quiet in the realm of gorgeous scenery - vacationers have 40
numerous beaches on which to spread their towels for an uninterrupted day in
the sun. Beginning at the island's western end, three of St. John's most
famous beaches are strung together, fringed with tropical palms and sea
grape trees. Hawksnest, Trunk and Cinnamon Bay beaches are likely to be the
most crowded of St. John's sunning spots, but only relatively-speaking,
considering the privacy and seclusion offered by the island's countless
other bays and cays.
Maho and Francis bays and Watermelon Cay are just a few more of the
beaches encountered as visitors continue eastward along St. John's gently
curving coastline. Powdered with sugary-white sand, the beach at Leinster
Bay is a haven for those seeking the solace of a more private, sunny
retreat. If not solitarily soaking up the sun's rays, vacationers can swim
in the bay's shallow waters and snorkel in the company of an occasional
turtle and stingray among spectacular, colorful coral.
Vacationers who don't take to the sea for recreation or spend day after
day on the beach may instead choose to explore any of the 22 self-guided
nature trails managed by the National Park Service. In sharp contrast to its
white sand beaches, St. John's woodland trails wind through subtropical
vegetation, keeping determined hikers occupied for miles - and hours - at a
time. The three-mile Reef Bay Hike, offered by the National Park Service,
leads nature enthusiasts past ancient Arawak Indian carvings called
petroglyphs.
After touring the island on foot, visitors may also choose to wind their
way along the island's scenic but narrow roads in a rented car or jeep,
making sure to drive on the left as is the law in the USVI. Or, for those
not interested in exploring the island on their own, two-hour safari bus
tours, colorfully narrated by guides full of both West Indian folklore and
first-hand knowledge of the island, take visitors to key observation points
around the island.
After taking any one or all of these numerous forays into St. John's
flora and fauna, visitors to the island still should save time to explore
Cruz Bay, once a bustling port serving the sugar and rum industries and now
home to most of the island's residents. Here, visitors will find an eclectic
mix of interesting boutiques, art galleries, bars and fine restaurants
populate what's considered the island's social and business center.
Just north of Cruz Bay, vacationers will find one of the prettiest
shopping areas in the Caribbean, Mongoose Junction. Cruz Bay is also home to
Wharfside Village, another shopping area in town located right on the beach.
Both Mongoose Junction and Wharfside Village offer everything from funky
local crafts and fashions to elegant jewels and exotic imports.
Valued by many for the slower pace it affords its visitors, St. John has
everything to offer in terms of rest, relaxation and recreation.
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