Top Things to do in St. John
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The 10 Best Nature & Parks in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
Ecotourism is alive and kicking on St. John. There's more than enough to do on land, from watching for wildlife in the national park to hiking miles of trails or strolling sandy white beaches. Hit the water for amazing snorkeling, swimming, even underwater photography—of course. This is the Caribbean, after all.
Restaurants in St. John
1. Hurricane Hole
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 26 reviews
A storm-protected bay in the arms of mangrove trees with a lively and colorful nursery of fish.
Reviewed By noseeums2019
My fiance and I rented a tandem kayak from Crabby's in Coral Bay and spent the day kayaking around Hurricaine Hole and out to Princess Bay. Gorgeous trip. We were on our own the whole day. We stopped in Borck Creek and found a secluded stop to get out of the kayak and snorkel. Absolutely beautiful starfish we saw here. Then we kept going to Princess Bay, checking out the Mangroves and then stopping at Whitesand Bay on our way back to Coral Bay. We were completely alone and the views were so amazing. Bring snacks and drinks!
2. Scott Bay Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 193 reviews
Located on St. John's north shore, this is one of Caneel Bay's seven secluded beaches.
Reviewed By BPKBroiler - McLean, United States
We made a great stop at Scott Beach at Caneel Bay during our VI Ecotours kayak tour last week. It was an easy paddle from Honeymoon Beach and virtually empty with Caneel Bay Resort still closed and with no available land access to the beach. We had stayed in one of the rooms on Scott Beach the summer before the 2017 hurricanes, and it was incredibly sad to see these rooms completely destroyed and still not rebuilt. Fortunately, the beach remains pristine (it's my favorite on St. John) and can still be accessed from the water. After relaxing on the white sand soaking in the sun, we snorkeled in the clear, calm water and spotted five sea turtles. After continuing down to the rocks at the south end of the beach, we spotted stingrays and a octopus. There also is a rock ledge on the north end of the beach with lots of fish that you can see close up in very shallow water. All and all, it's a great location to visit by boat or kayak if you plan on visiting Honeymoon Beach.
3. Turtle Bay
4. Salomon Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 184 reviews
Reviewed By cebirch25
This beautiful and tranquil little beach is just a short hike off Lind Point Trail. Its definitely worth the hike and you are rewarded with a calming, beautiful beach. We loved this place, even had a little picnic on the beach.
5. Ram Head Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 327 reviews
Reviewed By leighi2019 - Greenville, United States
Awesome Hike with Awesome Views! I recommend tennis shoes or hiking boots. Best for early morning or late afternoon as it gets hot-amazing views. Landscape dotted with cactus along the way. Our favorite hike while in St John! Hit the Salt Pond beach afterwards! Others have provided information on where to park and how to get to the hike. Very cool to cross over the Blue Cobblestone Beach on the way up!
6. Maho Bay Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,679 reviews
Reviewed By LR417 - Barnegat, United States
This beach is absolutely beautiful. However, snorkeling is only average as there is virtually no coral. No schools of brightly colored tropical fish. However, turtles, sting rays and some large fish were sighted. The beach offers a bar, refreshments and rudimentary bathroom facilities. The taxi ride from the ferry in St John also offered glimpses of other pretty west side beaches.
7. Henley Cay
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By 464toddl - Dallas, United States
The Kayak and Snorkel Adventure to Henley Cay by our guide Sydney of VIECOTOUR was fabulous. She gauged our skill level and confidence quickly to make sure everything was perfect and comfortable for us. Sydney's pace was sufficient to get us to all the highlights of Henley Cay and Scott Bay while still adding to the trip with education about the fish and corral we were seeing. We saw so much and still were allowed to spend extra time on the Eagle Ray, many turtles and unusual fish and coral we encountered. All in all we spent just over an hour at each location after an easy Kayak to Henley Cay and back to Scott's Bay. Be sure to ask for Sydney, she is so sweet, knowledgeable and made the trip so much fun! We highly recommend this tour. Martha and Todd from Dallas TX
8. Caneel Hill Trail
9. Hansen Bay Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 288 reviews
The beach offers a very calm bay with excellent snorkeling, turtles, stingrays and an array of assorted fish. Food Truck and clean bathrooms available along with ample parking.
Reviewed By JudyK288 - Boston, United States
Private beach where you are greeted by a friendly owner who will offer free parking and then suggest a donation when you leave. This was a nice way to conduct business. They provide a couple of porta potties and some chairs on the beach. There are some small palms for shade on the beach. The snorkeling was just amazing here with turtles, squid, rays, a shark and plethora of tropical fish (tangs, sergeant majors, parrot fish, etc). All the way on the other side of the island from Cruz Bay, past Skinny Legs.
10. Coral Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 204 reviews
A home decidedly away from home for a number of U.S. expats who now reside in this eclectic community.
Reviewed By Cosmopolitan724616 - Wailea, United States
Peaceful, gorgeous location. aqua bistro for the best food take out we thought. zemi had the coolest most unique jewelery on the island, and the best prices. beaches are just about as close from this side. you do need a vehicle, a jeep most likely. miss lucy's is great for a laid back meal on the water. flyaway charters leaves for private boat snorkel tours out of coral bay and was the best snorkeling we have done anywhere. we hit cruz bay about once a week for a meal, gas and extra food shopping but didn't miss the crowds of tourists at all. if you are coming to party stay in cruz bay. if you want to enjoy the natural splendor of st john and try to enjoy the local culture when you travel, coral bay will give you more of that.
