The U.S. Virgin Islands

Columbus discovered the U.S. Virgin Islands on his second voyage to the New World in 1493. Over the course of time, the islands were ruled successively by the English, Dutch, French, Spanish, Knights of Malta, and the Danes.

There were no permanent settlements on St. John until about 1720. Seeking to grow sugar cane for the rum trade, various European countries laid claim to St. John. Great Britain and Denmark sparred back and forth for control over the tiny island for centuries, and the British had claimed St. John when the Denmark took physical possession in 1684.

In 1733, slaves on St. John revolted against plantation owners and slavery. They were spurred on by the recent arrival of an elite group of African tribal rulers who preferred death to a life in slavery. In 1825, the Danish government built a new courthouse and prison in Cruz Bay. The structure was intended to improve the treatment of slaves on St. John, by making justice a government issue rather than leaving it to individual planters. This building is known as the Battery and is the only government building from the Danish Colonial period still standing. In 1848, Governor General Peter von Scholten abolished slavery in the Danish West Indies.

With the end of slavery came the decline of plantations on St. John and a dramatic drop in population. Between 1850 and 1870 St. John lost about half its population, and by 1913, the population of St. John had dwindled to about 930 persons, all eking out a living through fishing and subsistence farming.

With their former importance an all but forgotten memory, the U.S. government was able to purchase the sleepy islands of St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John from the Kingdom of Denmark during World War I for a mere $25,000,000 in gold bullion.

By the 1930s, word of the islands' beauty had reached the U.S. mainland and tourism took shape. Further good fortune struck in 1956 when Laurence Rockefeller donated to the Federal Government 5000 acres of land. That acreage today makes up most of what is better known as the Virgin Islands National Park, the nation's twenty-ninth. Through further donations and purchases, the National Park Service today protects some 7200 acres of land and 5600 acres of underwater lands on and around St. John. More than 20 hiking trails cross through the park --  a stone's throw from Horizons Cottage!

Pisarro lived in the USVI

Maubi is made both at home and by local bottlers

Soursop fruit

The unique culture and history of the USVI is a result of its West African, Danish, Spanish, Irish, Polish, and German heritage. With the many new settlers and slaves brought to the islands since the late 1400s came the rhythms and lyrics of the calypso, cariso, soca, reggae, and steel pan melodies that can be heard throughout the USVI. Virgin Islanders are also very artistic in other media - painting, drawing, sculpture, and photography.

Camille Pissarro, the famous Impressionist, made the USVI his lifelong home. Local culture expresses itself in numerous festivals around the islands and also in its unique cuisine, which has its origins in Africa, Puerto Rico, other West Indian islands, and Europe. Many island recipes originate from times when imports were scarce, but today's typical island fare includes locally grown and raised spices, tropical fruits, root vegetables, and meats. 

One favorite local beverage is maubi (you'll also see it also spelled mauby or maubey), a fermented drink made of ginger root, yeast, herbs, and the bark of the maubi tree, which is brewed both in home stills and by some local companies. Other non-alcoholic specialties include ginger beer, bush tea, soursop juice, and the creamy sea-moss cooler.

Restaurants in the islands feature international cuisine such as French, Japanese, Italian, and Chinese, but also many island specialties such as conch fritters, cactus soup, docouna, goat water, fried plantains, sweet potato pudding,  curried chicken, roasted fig salad, or tortie, a turtle stew with black beans and banana. Lobster, wahoo, grouper, mahi-mahi, tuna, and other daily catches are staple menu items, too. One local specialty dating back to slavery is fungi, best described as a stiff cornmeal mush with okra.

Desserts never fall short, either - try a coconut or guava tart, the local specialty soursop ice cream, made from the juice of the soursop, a member of the custard apple family which has white fruit pulp and a rather astringent, refreshing taste. Other local specialties for those with a sweet tooth include delicious rum cake, bread pudding, stewed gooseberries on a stick, tie-tie sugar cake, dundersloe, or jawbone.

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 slow pace of this Caribbean jewel. Some of the best-known beaches include:

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.
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.
Trunk Bay:  Known to be one of the top ten most beautiful beaches in the world. There's an underwater snorkel trail, a snack bar, gift shop, showers and changing rooms.
Solomon & Honeymoon:  Close to the town of Cruz Bay, Solomon 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 Solomon 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.
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.
Caneel Beach: A world-famous white sand beach lined with lush tropical foliage, located at the Caneel Bay Resort. The beach 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.
Maho Bay: This long beautiful, white sand beach is close to the road so 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.
Francis Bay: One of St. John's longest beaches and an excellent spot for bird watching. The beach is usually sparsely populated. There is good snorkeling, and there are also picnic tables on this beach.

Photos of these beaches and many others may be found on the Photo Gallery page.

What's There To Do, Other Than Swim and Relax?

St. John is well-known for its relaxed, slow pace. If you're seeking Vegas-style entertainment and never-ending nightlife, neon and glitz, this island is definitely not your "cup of tea." Locals like to relax, hang out and listen to music with each other and visitors and are generally very friendly and welcoming. If 'chilling out' is your idea of fun, then you'll enjoy the many open-air 'watering holes' and small bars and restaurants on the island; live music, including reggae bands, is another popular pastime. The most colorful bars are found in Coral Bay and Cruz Bay, where it's not uncommon to find people gathered in front of small bars, sitting nearly in the road, just drinking, talking and generally having a great time.

For a more romantic night out, enjoy a nice dinner, dessert and a few drinks at a great restaurant. There are several to choose from and some excellent suggestions on the Links page.

There are also many live performances, local events and festivals throughout the USVI year-round. For an up-to-date listing of upcoming events, visit here.

Shopping areas are in Cruz Bay and Coral Bay, the two biggest settlements on the island. As neither settlement is very large, it might be somewhat of a stretch of the imagination to call them towns... Both feature quaint tropical buildings and beautiful stone Caribbean structures that house small stores. In Cruz Bay, there are shops at Mongoose Junction, along King Street and at Wharfside Village, all in walking distance from the ferry dock. Readily found merchandise will include swim wear, bags, liquor, art work, handmade pottery, paintings, and jewelry. Get good deals on beautiful gold earrings and necklaces and pick up unique souvenirs, too. Great restaurants are mixed in among the shops, which makes it easy to go shopping, have a great meal and still get in quality beach time all in the same day.

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, all within very close proximity to Horizons Cottage. 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.

Most people, however, don't come to St. John to shop, but rather to hike, explore and enjoy the fabulous sporting opportunities the island affords. Whether its guided hiking, kayaking, deep-sea fishing, charters, jet skis, horseback riding, tennis, snorkeling, diving, St. John has it all. See the Links page for a variety of sporting activities, restaurants, and other activities that are sure to keep you happy and busy while staying at Horizons Cottage.

St. John from A to Z

• ATMs: The island offers around 50 ATMs at bank branches, transportation centers, shopping centers and other convenient spots throughout the island.

• Area Code: 340

• Banks: Bank of Nova Scotia, Citibank, Banco Popular, Bank of St. Croix, First Bank Puerto Rico, Virgin Island Community Bank. Banks on St. John are open from 9 AM –3 PM Mon.-Thursday and from 9 AM-5 PM on Fridays.

• Boating: The waters around the U.S. Virgin Islands are so crystal clear that many visitors elect to explore the islands islets and cays by boat. The island offers many vessels to choose from and countless coves and bays invite a variety of vessels from day and evening sails to charter yacht rentals.

• Climate: Warm and sunny temperatures between 75ºF and 90ºF (24ºC-32ºC) year round. During the winter, the nights are slightly cooler, so it may be a good idea to bring a cotton sweater. Current conditions may be checked anytime on our Home Page.

• Cell phones: Your U.S. cellular phone company at home must have a contractual agreement with Sprint or Cingular Wireless or must be a Sprint or Cingular Wireless carrier. Check with your U.S. or Canadian cell phone company before you depart. If your cellular company is associated with Sprint or Cingular, then there will probably be roaming charges applicable in the U.S. Virgin Islands that you must pay if you use your cell phone on St. Thomas, St. John or St. Croix.  If your cellular company does not have an agreement with Cingular, then your cell phone will probably not work on the islands either.

• Customs & Duty-Free Allowances: U.S. Citizens duty-free allowances: Departing citizens whose stay is in excess of 48 hours may on their return take back, free of duty, articles totaling up to US $1,200 (based on the retail value of the items in the country of purchase). A family of four, then, would be able to bring home $4,800 in duty-free items. Additionally, you may bring home up to 4 liters of liquor per adult or 5 liters if the 5th bottle is either Cruzan Rum, Chococo or Southern Comfort, all of which are made in the USVI. and are duty-free. Loose precious gems (diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires) are completely duty-free no matter what the cost (as long as the stone is loose and not in a setting). Additionally, there is a duty-free allowance of 5 cartons of cigarettes and 100 cigars.

• Currency: The U.S. Dollar is used throughout the territory as well as the neighboring British Virgin Islands. Major credit cards and traveler’s checks are widely accepted as well.

• Deep-Sea Fishing: Vast arrays of big game fish live in the oceans surrounding the U.S. Virgin Islands. Indeed, fishing from the U.S. Virgin Islands is synonymous with blue marlin angling-especially from June through October. Four 1,000 pound blue marlins, including three world records have been caught on the famous North Drop, which is located approximately 20 miles north of St. Thomas. Several different companies on the island offer guided St. John fishing excursions with a focus on the big game fish like marlin, sailfish, dolphin fish/mahi mahi and Wahoo. Both half day and full day excursions are available.

• Departure Tax: None

• Documentation/Personal ID: Proof of citizenship such as passport (photo ID) or original birth certificate (raised seal, certified copy) for U.S. and Canadian citizens. European travelers and those from other areas must present a passport to enter the USVI or BVI. If a visa is required for U. S. entry, it will be required for the USVI.  Visas are not required for stays under 6 months in the BVI, as long as an outgoing ticket is presented. TAKE NOTE: New requirement! U.S. citizens reentering the USA from the USVI must have one of the forms of identification mentioned above. A driver's license alone is no longer sufficient.

• Dress: Dress is casual chic, meaning not too casual and definitely not "slob"!  While on the street, it is actually illegal to go shirtless or to wear a swimsuit only. The same holds true for island stores as well; swim wear should be confined to the beach or pools. Bikini tops are also a no-no when shopping downtown, and shirts must be worn in all other public buildings and banks. Otherwise, the local dress code requires only casual lightweight clothing.  Nights and evenings can sometimes be cool, so a sweater or light jacket could be needed and is a good idea to pack when preparing for your trip to Horizons Cottage.  Some upscale restaurants and casinos may require men to wear a jacket (but no tie), in such places you'll probably want to cover up even more to be comfortable in the omnipresent air-conditioning.  Topless sunbathing is not acceptable in most resort areas, although there are some secluded beaches which do "look the other way."  Nude bathing is illegal throughout the USVI.

• Electrical current: 110 volts, 60 cycles - the same as in the United States.

• Embassies: There are no embassies in the USVI. If you have a problem or need assistance, go to the local police station. Assistance will be offered or you will be directed to whoever can provide the help you need.

• General Information-Government & Standard of Living: St. John (with all the U.S. Virgin Islands) was purchased from Denmark in 1917 for $25 million and remains an unincorporated territory of the United States. Although Virgin Islanders do not have a vote in the U.S. national elections, they vote for their own governor, lieutenant governor and the members of the legislature. Additionally, they elect their representatives in Washington who lobby on their behalf.

• Golf: There are no golf courses on St. John. The closest golf course is on nearby St. Thomas at the Mahogany Run Golf Course.

• Grocery Shopping: Visitors will find St. John's stores and mini-markets well stocked and offering a huge variety of exotic and distinguished specialty foods for the good life. The island boasts four stateside-style mini-markets that provide a more than adequate supply of fresh and frozen meats, staples and an array of basic frozen and canned goods. The island also has a gourmet/health food store, a produce store, an excellent bakery and a great deli. Generally, the small savings in cost is not worth the aggravation and loss of vacation time that a trip to a St. Thomas supermarket entails.

• Highest point: Bordeaux Mountain, 1,277 feet above sea level

• Internet Access: The following companies offer Internet access in the islands:  VIAccess, VIPowernet, AOL & AT&T. Note: WebTV does not work on St. John, nor does the MSN Network.

• Internet Cafes: Cyber Celtic Café/Quiet Mon Pub: Cruz Bay, www.quietmon.com, Phone: (340) 779-4799

• Language: The official language is English spoken although islands residents often speak it with a Creole or West Indian lilt.

• Local Hazards: Black Sea Urchins. These spiny creatures live on the sea bed or coral reefs and have needle-like spines that can penetrate rubber fins, clothing and skin.  If stepped on or handled, spine tip often break off and cause hours of discomfort.  What to do if stung: 1. Immerse the wound in nonscalding hot water to tolerance. 2. Carefully remove any readily visible spines. Do not dig around in the skin to fish them out — this risks crushing the spines and making them more difficult to remove.  Purple or black markings in the skin immediately after a sea urchin encounter do not necessarily indicate the presence of a retained spine fragment. If there are still black markings after 48 to 72 hours, then a spine fragment is likely present. If the sting is caused by a species with pincer organs, use hot-water immersion, then apply shaving cream or a soap paste and shave the area. 3. Seek the care of a physician if you feel spines have been retained in the hand or foot, or near a joint.

• Local foods: Local favorites you may not have heard of before are salt fish (fish that has been salted for preservation and boiled to rehydrate), patés (fried breads with meat fillings), fungi (a corn dumpling), dumpling (thick flour dumpling), lobster (Caribbean), stewed mutton (soup), conch (an island delicacy often added to fritters), plantains (similar to a banana, but not sweet), Johnny cake (fried unleavened bread), and green sweet potatoes (which taste similar to orange sweet potatoes, but are not as heavy). 

• Location: St. John is located approximately 1,500 southeast of New York City.

• Marriages & Weddings: Getting married on St. John is relatively easy. Couples should apply for applications through the Territorial Court of the Virgin Islands, Box 70, St. Thomas, USVI, 00804 or call (340) 774-6680. There is an eight-day waiting period required upon receipt of the notarized application in the islands. The waiting period, however, may be waived at the discretion of the judge if the couple’s documents are in order.

• Medical Assistance: General Practitioner/Family Practice - Doctors Clayton & Hartshorn, Boulon Center, Cruz Bay, Tel. (340) 776-6739; Obstetrics and Gynecology - Dr. Leo Sorger, Harbor Village, Cruz Bay, Tel. (340) 693-7444 (Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist offering Complete OB-GYN Services. Accepts Blue Cross & Blue Shield of the VI, Visa, MC, Amex.) Note: These physicians are listed only for informational purposes. Their listing here does not imply or constitute a reference or a recommendation by the owner of this website.

• Newspapers: The local newspapers are the Daily News, The Tradewinds, and the Island Trader.

• Parking in Cruz Bay: 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!

• Population: 3,300 year-round residents; many more during tourist season

• Postage Stamps: Mail is delivered via U.S. Postal Service with the same postage rates.

• Sun Protection: The Caribbean sun is strong! - be careful when you are in the sun, particularly during late morning & the early afternoon hours.   Each year, 2.5 million tourists visit the Virgin Islands wanting to go home with a suntan.   However, many get burnt on their first day due to the cooling effects of  the trade winds, not realizing how much sun they are really getting.  It is very important to limit your sunbathing at first (10 min) to see how your skin takes to the local sun, and only gradually increase the length of exposure to the sun's rays.  Even those with dark complexions should be cautious, sunburns can be painful.  A good rule of thumb is to stay out of the sun from 11am to 2pm to avoid the highest concentration of UV rays.  As a precaution keep yourself and your children especially well protected with a high factor of sun screen or clothing, paying particular attention to the top of the head (wear a hat), the nose, the backs of the knees, ears and the tops of the feet. When snorkeling, always wear some sort of protective T-shirt to protect your shoulders & back

• Taxes/Duty: There are no sales or luxury taxes, and U.S. citizens are allowed a $1,200 duty-free shopping allowance per person - twice that of any other Caribbean island and three times that of European countries.  In addition to this exemption, shoppers may also mail home to friends and relatives one duty-free gift per day (other than perfume, liquor or tobacco) worth $100 or less.

• Telephone service: As in the U.S., toll-free numbers can be accessed from anywhere on St. John.  To make a long distance call from St. John to countries which have a country code of '1'  including the USA, Canada, Hawaii and most Caribbean countries, you must first dial 1 + Area Code + Telephone Number.  For all other countries, including Europe and the Far East, dial 011 + Country Code + Area Code + Telephone Number.  The area code for the British Virgin Islands is 284. Phone cards in denominations of $5, $10, $15 and $20, can be purchased throughout the islands to allow you long distance calling from any phone. 
  Time Zone: St. John is in the Atlantic Time zone, which is one hour ahead of U.S. Eastern time. The island does not observe daylight savings time.

• Tipping: Baggage handlers are normally tipped up to US$1 .00 per bag depending on the weight and size of the item.  All restaurants expect a standard tip of 15% and some will even expect as much as 20%, many add this automatically onto your bill, though an additional tip for good service is not out of the question!  Taxis also expect a tip, especially if you expect the driver to help with your luggage.  Tipping is appreciated on tours, normally at the end of the tour.

• Topography: St. John is 9 miles long and 4 miles wide with a total area of 20 square miles. It is mountainous with a majority  (86%) of the land surface consisting of  wooded slopes rising to 1,277 feet at Bordeaux Mountain and features a very irregular coastline of fabulous beaches tucked between the many bays and coves.

• Tourist Board Contact Information: USA/New York Office: (212) 372.USVI

• Water/Drinking: Local water is safe to drink, but for those who have delicate stomachs, it may be wise to drink bottled water

• Zoo: Gotcha! There is no zoo on St. John!