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St. John Beaches & St. John Activities

St. John Beach Access:
The most appealing aspect of the Island are St. John’s beaches. Known for its spectacular white sandy strips, St. John beaches are widely respected as some of the best in the Caribbean. Many of the St. John beaches are located on the north shore within the National Park. St. John beaches located in this area are maintained and protected indefinitely because of the funding for the ecosystem. It is important to note that most St. John villa rentals are located on the islands beautiful hillside as much of the land along St. John beaches is protected.

North Coast St. John Beaches:

Caneel Bay:
International recognized as one of the finest resorts in the Caribbean, it boasts several of its own terrific beaches that are available to the public. Do be sure to check that you’re not trespassing and that you have the resort’s permission to traverse their property prior to reaching the public St. John beach. A lovely seaside bar that provides the perfect setting for sunset watching!

Cinnamon Bay:
Camping, water sports, endless white sand, concessions and a small general store compliment one of the nicest St. John beaches on the island. Rental equipment (snorkel gear, kayaks, windsurfing with lessons, sailing) available.

Hawksnest Bay:
A personal favorite, this St. John beach offers seclusion and good snorkeling on its two coral banks that are just several feet from the shore.

Honeymoon Beach:
Best access is from the Caneel Bay Resort-make sure you have their permission to park your car on their lot.

Leinster Bay:
No maintained beaches, but Watermelon Cay is a tiny island/spit with great snorkeling around 200 yards off St. John. Go to the end of Leinster Beach to make the swim to Watermelon Cay.

Maho Bay:
Secluded and quiet with a restaurant and ecologically conscious grounds and accommodations.

Trunk Bay:
St. John’s most renowned beach it is, also, one of the most photographed beaches in the Caribbean. A combination of the underwater snorkeling trail, water sports kiosk, concession stand changing and restroom facilities and lifeguards on duty make this a beach not to be missed. Small entrance fee.

All of the beaches on the island are open to the public. St. John has no nude beaches and nudism is actually illegal.

Day Trips:
Do be sure to take advantage of the island’s proximity to many diversified islands. By ferry, seaplane or airplane such islands as St. Thomas, the British Virgin Islands, St. Croix and Puerto Rico are feasible day trips. Please note that you will need a passport to enter any non-US Islands or other proof of citizenship. St. John is in close proximity to neighboring St. Thomas (a $3.00 & 20 minute ferry ride).
Additionally, there are numerous day sails and boat charters available for island hopping.

Estates & Plantations:
On the northern coast, visitors will find the ruins of Annaberg Plantation a 1700 estate. Visitors may tour the factory buildings and windmill of this 1733 estate and enjoy sensational views of the Caribbean. Local residents conduct period craft demonstrations, such as basket weaving. The National Park Service offers guided tours on Mondays from 9:30 to 11:00 AM and Fridays from 1 to 2:30 PM.

Hiking:
A variety of hiking opportunities exist on St. John. Be sure to stop in Cruz Bay at the Virgin Islands National Park Headquarters (phone 340.776.6201) which is open daily from 8:00 AM until 4:30 PM for a pamphlet describing the 22 trails that meander to and through plantation ruins, open valleys, semi-rainforests and seaside beaches. The park offers 22 trails in all which encompass some 20 miles. The trails range from easy to very difficult and from fifteen minutes to over two hours. Do be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring a hat and sunscreen. The Reef Bay Trail is one of the island’s most popular and it is here that you may see the pre-Columbian petroglyphs.

Parking In Town:
Available parking in Cruz Bay will vary with the time of day and is usually jammed. For shopping, part in either Wharfside Village or behind Mongoose Junction. While there is no metered or pay parking on the island, please note that the time restrictions and handicapped parking spaces are strictly enforced. Regular parking tickets range between $25 and $50 with handicapped violations being upwards of $1000.00

Tennis:
The majority of the resorts (The Westin Resort) on the island have tennis courts that may be booked even if you are not a guest for a court fee. Call the Pro-Shop at the Westin for court times and availability (693.8000 ext. 1740) as well as information on clinics and private lessons. Additionally, there are public courts at the town courts located across the street from the Fire Station in Cruz Bay.

St. John Villa Rentals

Stunning white sand beaches and turquoise seas…Very relaxed and laid back…US Virgin Islands National Park…The quaint shops of Cruz Bay…Sailing, watersports and hiking…Eco-tourism… Villas Caribe offers only the finest private St. John villas available on St. John. St. John villa rentals are ideally set on the hillsides near the pristine US Virgin Islands National Park. Villas in St. John generally do not include full staffs but daily maid and chef services may be arranged. St. John villas fulfill many people's vision of an ideal tropical destination…Visitors to the island arrive by ferry in the town of Cruz Bay. The town of Cruz Bay is charming and offers a decidedly slow and relaxed pace. Visitors enjoy wandering the streets of Cruz Bay and discovering dozens of boutiques, artisan shops, bars and restaurants.

St. John villas reveal an island that is truly unique. St. John villa rentals afford easy access to Cruz Bay, and to the famous strip of beaches including: Trunk Bay, Hawknest Bay, Cinammon Bay, and Caneel Bay. St. John rental villas allow guests to take advantage of great duty free shopping in Cruz Bay, including authentic jewelry and island art galleries. Most St. John villas are not located on the beach, rather they are found perched on St. John's hillside. However, the following villas are located within the protected national park: Coco De Mer, Hakuna Matata, Sea Cove, and Peter Bay 2B. St. John and St. John villas are easily reached from St. Thomas. Cruz Bay has come into its own, boasting a wide variety of restaurants and nightlife that are great for those staying at St. John villas or St. John villa rentals.