Twenty years ago, the pristine shores of Trunk Bay on St. John Island witnessed the start of our married life. Returning this summer for a month-long anniversary celebration with our three children felt like coming home. St. John Island is more than just a vacation spot; it’s our happy place, a sanctuary we revisit to reconnect, recharge, and embrace a slower, more meaningful pace of life.
Trunk Bay St. John Island, renowned as a top beach destination.
What makes St. John Island truly special is its unspoiled beauty. Approximately two-thirds of the island is protected as Virgin Islands National Park, ensuring lush green hills, immaculate white beaches, and crystal-clear turquoise waters remain untouched. Unlike many Caribbean islands, St. John Island offers a tranquil escape, free from all-inclusive resorts, bustling highways, and even traffic lights on its modest 19 square miles. Home to around 4,000 residents, the island retains a unique charm, where driving on the left side of winding roads and pausing for local wildlife like donkeys, goats, and iguanas are part of the everyday experience.
Donkeys lounging on Honeymoon Beach, a common sight on St. John Island.
As the smallest and most preserved of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. John Island allows for a true escape from daily pressures. Days here unfold with vibrant sunrises and the sounds of island life, transitioning into evenings of stunning sunsets and gentle breezes. The heart of each day is invariably spent immersed in the island’s natural saltwater haven.
Reaching St. John Island from Austin is an adventure in itself, involving multiple flights and ferry rides, culminating in a rewarding arrival at this island paradise. Despite the journey, the anticipation of experiencing St. John Island makes every travel hour worthwhile, a sentiment now shared by our children who have grown up cherishing this family escape.
My personal connection with St. John Island began during a college trip and deepened when I returned post-graduation for a work exchange program, eventually leading to a role at the island’s newspaper. Over two decades, my affection for St. John Island has only strengthened, evolving into a cherished family tradition. For those considering a visit, here’s an insider’s guide to the best of St. John Island, encompassing its beaches, hikes, activities, and lodging.
Trunk Bay's pristine white sand and clear waters, a must-see beach on St. John Island.
Discover the Breathtaking Beaches of St. John Island: A Bay for Every Day
Our family’s mantra on St. John Island is simple: every day is beach day. With a stunning array of bays, you’ll find a new coastal haven to explore each day, especially along the unspoiled North Shore.
Trunk Bay: The Iconic Beauty of St. John Island
Trunk Bay, famous for its crescent of soft white sand and clear turquoise water, consistently ranks among the world’s top beaches and is undeniably the most popular beach on St. John Island. While it attracts visitors, arriving early or visiting during the off-season (late August to mid-November) offers a more secluded experience of this iconic beach.
Maho Bay St. John Island, a prime location for observing sea turtles in their natural habitat.
Maho Bay: Your St. John Island Turtle Spotting Paradise
Maho Bay, with its gentle, shallow waters, is perfect for families and renowned for sea turtle sightings. The seagrass beds just offshore provide a habitat for these gentle creatures. While swimming, you’re likely to encounter sea turtles, but remember to observe them respectfully from a distance.
Francis Bay: Tranquility and Marine Life on St. John Island
A short drive from Maho Bay leads to the serene Francis Bay. This golden sand beach offers calm, clear waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Here, encounters with sea turtles, juvenile fish, and stingrays are common, with occasional sightings of octopus, starfish, and even reef sharks adding to the underwater allure of St. John Island.
Gibney Beach St. John Island, a hidden gem known for its tranquility and beauty.
Gibney Beach: A Secluded Gem on St. John Island
Gibney Beach, often referred to as Oppenheimer Beach, is a true hidden gem and a family favorite. Its secluded, sugar-sand shore, framed by lush greenery and vibrant turquoise waters, creates a picture-perfect Caribbean scene. Limited parking enhances its exclusivity, making it a tranquil escape on St. John Island.
Hiking Trails on St. John Island: Nature and History Combined with Coastal Cool-downs
Exploring the over 20 trails in Virgin Islands National Park is a fantastic way to experience St. John Island’s natural beauty and historical sites. Many trails reward hikers with a refreshing dip in the ocean at their conclusion.
Reef Bay Trail: Discover St. John Island’s History and Coastal Views
For a challenging hike, the 6-mile Reef Bay Trail leads through forests to ancient petroglyphs and the ruins of the Reef Bay Sugar Mill. Cool off in the waters of Reef Bay before the uphill return, experiencing both history and nature on St. John Island.
Panoramic views of Maho and Francis Bays from America Hill, St. John Island.
America Hill Trail: Panoramic Vistas of St. John Island
The America Hill Trail takes you past the Cinnamon Bay Sugar Plantation ruins to the America Hill Great House ruins. The climb is rewarded with stunning views of Maho and Francis Bays, followed by a relaxing swim at Cinnamon Bay, St. John Island’s longest beach.
Lind Point Trail to Honeymoon Beach: Seclusion and Serenity on St. John Island
The Lind Point Trail to Honeymoon Beach is an accessible hike even for young children, leading to the secluded Honeymoon and Salomon beaches. Reachable by foot or boat, these beaches offer tranquility, especially in the early morning before boat tours arrive, showcasing the serene side of St. John Island.
Honeymoon Beach St. John Island, accessible by hiking and known for its secluded charm.
Ram Head Trail: Adventure to St. John Island’s Southernmost Point
For a more rugged experience, hike the Ram Head Trail to the southernmost point of St. John Island. Starting at Salt Pond Bay, the trail leads to panoramic ocean views, followed by a refreshing swim in Salt Pond Bay or exploring the unique shores of Drunk Bay, offering diverse landscapes on St. John Island.
Where to Stay on St. John Island: Luxury and Island Charm in Cruz Bay and Coral Bay
St. John Island distinguishes itself with its unspoiled character, offering a range of accommodations from luxury villas to cozy inns. Splitting your stay between Cruz Bay and Coral Bay allows you to experience different facets of the island.
Calichi at Picture Point, offering luxurious and eco-friendly accommodations on St. John Island.
Cruz Bay vs. Coral Bay: Choosing Your St. John Island Vibe
Cruz Bay is the livelier side of St. John Island, while Coral Bay offers a more secluded and tranquil atmosphere, each providing unique experiences for your stay.
Calichi at Picture Point: Eco-Luxury in Coral Bay, St. John Island
Calichi at Picture Point, nestled high above Coral Bay, provides an eco-luxury villa experience with breathtaking views. Its Tower Villa offers panoramic vistas of surrounding islands, combining luxury with environmental consciousness on St. John Island.
Out of the Blue villa, showcasing stunning views and luxurious stay options on St. John Island.
Out of the Blue Villa: Rendezvous Bay Retreat on St. John Island
Out of the Blue villa, located near Cruz Bay, overlooks the beautiful Rendezvous Bay, offering a luxurious retreat with stunning ocean views and easy access to the more active side of St. John Island.
Explore Beyond: Boating to the British Virgin Islands from St. John Island
A significant advantage of vacationing on St. John Island is its proximity to the British Virgin Islands (BVI). A boat trip to the BVIs is an essential excursion, offering a taste of another Caribbean paradise.
Island Roots Boat Charters, your gateway to unforgettable boating experiences around St. John Island.
Island Hopping to BVI: A Must-Do Excursion from St. John Island
Exploring the BVIs adds another layer to your St. John Island vacation, with opportunities for island hopping and discovering unique destinations just a short boat ride away.
Island Roots Charters: Your BVI Adventure from St. John Island
Consider Island Roots Charters for a customized BVI boat trip. Their local expertise ensures a memorable day exploring the best of the Virgin Islands, departing directly from St. John Island.
Sandy Spit, a picturesque islet easily accessible from St. John Island via boat.
Sandy Spit, The Baths, Jost Van Dyke: BVI Highlights Near St. John Island
Highlights of a BVI boat trip include Sandy Spit, the unique rock formations of The Baths at Virgin Gorda, and the lively White Bay on Jost Van Dyke, each offering distinct Caribbean experiences easily accessible from St. John Island.
St. John Island is a destination that captivates and rejuvenates. From its pristine beaches and invigorating hikes to luxurious stays and easy access to the BVIs, it offers a rich tapestry of experiences. Plan your visit to St. John Island and discover the unparalleled beauty and tranquility of this Caribbean gem.
