St. John

St. John is the quietest, most non-commercial, relaxed and low key of the three islands. Over fifty percent of St. John is preserved as a national park. The island's legendary beaches are said to be some of the best in the world, while under the water you will find extraordinary diving and snorkeling. Enjoy the laid back lifestyle still found here, the way it used to be in many Caribbean resorts 20 to 30 years ago.

St. John's Beaches

Some of St. John's best-known beaches:  (Click on any image to enlarge)
Caneel Bay: Seven world-famous white sand beaches lined with lush tropical foliage, adjoining the ultra-posh Caneel Bay Resort. Caneel Beach itself is accessible through the resort's entrance. While open to the public, the resort requests that you check in with the front desk and pick up a day-visitor guide. The beach offers good snorkeling and a water sports concession that rents small watercrafts.
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Cinnamon Bay: One of St. John's largest and prettiest beaches, it's also a National Park Campground. Cinnamon boasts full facilities, a restaurant, store, occasional live entertainment, kayak and windsurf rentals. If you visit on a Sunday, you can join the locals in a friendly game of volleyball.
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Hawksnest:  This popular beach has crystal blue waters, soft white sand, and excellent snorkeling. There are two gazebo areas for parties, barbecues, or family outings, as well as changing rooms and full bathroom facilities.
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Jumbie Beach: Located right across the bay from Trunk Bay, this small, relatively secluded beach has great snorkeling and is an ideal spot from which to watch magnificent sunsets.
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Maho Bay: This beautiful, long white sand beach is close to the road. Access is easy, but roadside parking is limited. Boaters often visit Maho on the weekends. The bay is calm and sheltered, and turtles and rays are often spotted. The water is relatively shallow, so Maho is good for children. It's also home to the Maho Bay Campground, a collection of 114 expensive tent-cottages constructed for eco-tourism.
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Salomon & Honeymoon:  Close to the town of Cruz Bay, Salomon is a small, sandy strip of heaven on Earth. It's also known as St. John's unofficial "nude" beach and has a stunning view of St. Thomas, shady palms, and is a serene getaway. There is no road access, you must visit either of these two beaches by hiking or boat. Honeymoon Beach is just past Salomon and is a little larger and often visited by passing boaters. Take notice: Nude bathing has officially been illegal in the USVI since 1921 and you may be arrested if observed. The same holds true anywhere in the National Park - park managers can cite nude bathers and fine them for failing to wear "appropriate attire" on the beach, according to local regulations.
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Salt Pond Bay, home to Horizons Cottage and Captain's Cabin, has a beautiful beach with crystal clear and enticing water. The beach is not touristy and usually sparsely populated, probably because it is 'off the beaten path' and requires a short hike down hill from the parking lot. There's also the opportunity to go hiking around nearby Salt Pond itself. Salt Pond Bay offers excellent snorkeling.
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Trunk Bay is regarded internationally as one of the top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world. There's an underwater snorkel trail, a snack bar, gift shop, showers and changing rooms. The good news: this world-class stretch of white sand and turquoise water is St. John's most photographed beach, which features a marked underwater trail for beginning snorkelers. The bad news: because of its popularity, it can get very crowded with cruise ship passengers and members of sightseeing tours.
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Waterlemon Cay and Leinster Bay: Waterlemon Cay is a small cay within Leinster Bay. To get there, you'll need to take a quick 10-minute hike in from the Annaberg Ruins parking lot. It's a relatively easy hike following a flat, but rock, trail along the edge of the bay. Leinster Bay offers amazing snorkeling and is one of the most popular destinations visited on day cruises aboard Shakti! Leinster Bay is home to Hawksbill turtles, stingrays, and baby barracuda. From the beach, you can swim out to Waterlemon Cay, but be wary of currents. Once you reach the cay, you can snorkel counter-clockwise around the cay, resting on the small sandy beach before swimming back to Leinster Bay beach.
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