Twenty years ago, the allure of St. John’s Island captured the heart of this writer, solidifying its place as a cherished haven. Returning recently to this jewel of the US Virgin Islands, the magic of St. John’s Island was rekindled. This insider’s guide unveils the treasures of St. John’s Island, from pristine beaches and invigorating hikes to the unique island lifestyle that makes it a must-visit Caribbean destination. Discover why St. John’s Island continues to enchant travelers seeking unspoiled beauty and authentic island experiences.
Trunk Bay Beach, St. John's Island, acclaimed as one of the world's most beautiful beaches with its powdery white sand and turquoise waters.
St. John, a petite gem in the Caribbean, remains remarkably untouched. Two-thirds of St. John’s Island are protected as Virgin Islands National Park, ensuring lush landscapes and pristine coastlines remain unspoiled. Unlike many Caribbean islands, St. John’s Island eschews over-development, offering a tranquil escape with no towering resorts or traffic lights. Life here moves at a different pace, where the roads wind narrowly, and the locals share their space with donkeys, goats, and iguanas. The journey to St. John’s Island, though requiring flights and a ferry, is a pilgrimage to paradise. For those seeking respite from the everyday, St. John’s Island offers an embrace of nature’s serenity.
Wild donkeys relaxing on Honeymoon Beach, St. John, highlighting the island's unique wildlife encounters.
Beaches of St. John: A Bay for Every Day
A trip to St. John’s Island is synonymous with beach days. The island boasts an array of stunning bays, each with its unique charm. The North Shore beaches are particularly renowned for their unspoiled beauty.
Trunk Bay: The Crown Jewel
Trunk Bay consistently ranks among the world’s top beaches, and for good reason. Its crescent of powdery white sand meets incredibly clear turquoise waters, creating a picture-perfect Caribbean scene. As St. John’s Island‘s most famous beach, Trunk Bay can get busy, especially mid-morning. However, early mornings or late afternoons offer a more secluded experience. Visiting during the off-season (late August to mid-November) often rewards you with near-solitude on this stunning stretch of sand.
The crystal-clear turquoise water and white sand of Trunk Bay, St. John, making it a quintessential Caribbean beach destination.
Maho Bay: Turtle Encounters
For families and wildlife lovers, Maho Bay is a must-visit. Its calm, shallow waters are ideal for children, and the seagrass beds just offshore are a haven for green sea turtles. Snorkeling in Maho Bay provides incredible opportunities to observe these gentle creatures in their natural habitat. Remember to maintain a respectful distance and never touch the sea turtles or any marine life.
Snorkeling in Maho Bay, St. John, offers frequent encounters with gentle green sea turtles in their natural habitat.
Francis Bay: Tranquil Serenity
Just beyond Maho, Francis Bay offers a more tranquil beach experience. This serene stretch of golden sand boasts glass-like clear water perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Keep an eye out for sea turtles, juvenile fish, and stingrays. Adventurous snorkelers might even spot octopus, starfish, or even reef sharks near the shore.
Gibney Beach: A Hidden Gem
Gibney Beach, also known as Oppenheimer Beach, is a true hidden gem on St. John’s Island. Its secluded sugar-sand cove, framed by lush greenery and turquoise waters, feels like a private paradise. Parking is very limited, which keeps the crowds at bay, making it an ideal escape for those seeking solitude and pristine beauty.
The secluded beauty of Gibney Beach, St. John, a tranquil escape with limited access ensuring peaceful beach experience.
Hiking Trails: Nature and History Combined
Beyond its beaches, St. John’s Island is a hiker’s paradise, with over 20 trails winding through the Virgin Islands National Park. These hikes offer a fantastic way to explore the island’s diverse landscapes and historical sites, often culminating in a refreshing dip in the ocean.
Reef Bay Trail: Ancient Petroglyphs and Sugar Mill Ruins
For a more challenging hike, the Reef Bay Trail is a rewarding choice. This 6-mile roundtrip trail leads through lush forests to ancient petroglyphs carved by the Taino people centuries ago. Further along, explore the ruins of the Reef Bay Sugar Mill, a reminder of the island’s colonial past. The trail ends at the secluded Reef Bay, where you can cool off in the waves before the uphill return hike.
America Hill Trail: Panoramic Views
The America Hill Trail offers a shorter but steeper hike through the historic Cinnamon Bay Sugar Plantation. The trail ascends through a shaded forest to the ruins of the 19th-century America Hill Great House. At the summit, you are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Maho and Francis Bays below. Cinnamon Bay, St. John’s Island‘s longest beach, provides the perfect spot to relax after your hike.
Panoramic vistas of Maho and Francis Bays from the scenic America Hill trail, a rewarding hike on St. John.
Lind Point Trail to Honeymoon and Salomon Beaches
The Lind Point Trail offers an accessible hike to the secluded Honeymoon and Salomon Beaches. Starting near the National Park Visitor Center in Cruz Bay, this relatively easy trail is suitable for families with children. Reaching Honeymoon and Salomon by foot or boat ensures a quieter beach experience compared to the more accessible North Shore beaches, especially in the early morning.
The pristine sands of Honeymoon Beach, St. John, accessible via the Lind Point Trail, offering a secluded beach experience.
Ram Head Trail: Southernmost Point Views
For a hike to the island’s edge, the Ram Head Trail is a must. Starting at Salt Pond Bay, this trail leads to the southernmost point of St. John’s Island. The path winds along rocky beaches and cliffs, culminating in 360-degree ocean views. Afterward, relax in the clear waters of Salt Pond Bay or explore the unique driftwood creations at nearby Drunk Bay.
Accommodation on St. John: Boutique Luxury to Island Charm
St. John’s Island offers a range of accommodation options, from luxurious boutique villas to cozy inns and charming Caribbean cottages. Travelers can choose between staying near the bustling Cruz Bay or the quieter Coral Bay side of the island.
Cruz Bay and Coral Bay: Split Your Stay
Consider splitting your stay to experience both sides of St. John’s Island. Cruz Bay, the main town, offers easy access to amenities and ferries. Coral Bay, on the east end, provides a more secluded and laid-back atmosphere.
Luxury Villas with Breathtaking Views
For an unforgettable stay, consider the luxury villas perched high above Coral Bay. Calichi at Picture Point offers eco-luxury villas with stunning panoramic views. Out of the Blue villa, located near Cruz Bay, boasts incredible views of Rendezvous Bay. These villas provide privacy, luxury, and unparalleled vistas of St. John’s Island and the surrounding Caribbean Sea.
Calichi at Picture Point, St. John, offering luxurious and eco-friendly villa accommodations with breathtaking panoramic views.
The expansive ocean views from Out of the Blue villa on St. John, an ideal luxury retreat in the Caribbean.
Boating to the British Virgin Islands (BVI)
A significant perk of visiting St. John’s Island is its proximity to the British Virgin Islands. A boat trip to the BVIs offers a chance to explore even more Caribbean paradise.
Island Hopping Adventures
Day trips to the BVIs are a popular activity from St. John’s Island. Charter a boat to explore destinations like Sandy Spit, The Baths at Virgin Gorda, and Jost Van Dyke. Island Roots Charters, a local company on St. John’s Island, offers customized BVI boat trips, providing seamless access to these stunning locations. Swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Sandy Spit, exploring the unique rock formations of The Baths, and enjoying the beach bars of Jost Van Dyke create unforgettable Caribbean memories.
Island Roots Boat Charters in St. John, your gateway to unforgettable boating excursions and exploring the Virgin Islands.
The idyllic Sandy Spit in the British Virgin Islands, a short boat trip from St. John, perfect for a secluded island escape.
Conclusion: Embrace the Magic of St. John’s Island
St. John’s Island is more than just a Caribbean destination; it’s an escape to unspoiled beauty, tranquility, and authentic island life. From its world-class beaches and invigorating hikes to luxurious accommodations and island-hopping adventures, St. John’s Island offers something for every traveler. Discover the magic of St. John’s Island and create your own unforgettable Caribbean memories in this island paradise.
