Top Things to do in St. John
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The 10 Best Things to Do 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. Scott Bay Beach
Overall Ratings
5 based on 187 reviews
Located on St. John's north shore, this is one of Caneel Bay's seven secluded Beaches.
Reviewed By Loosh22 - Rochester, New York
This is a great beach to snorkel, as the water is clear and there are no waves and the water is very calm. We saw two large sea turtles and many fish snorkeling here. The beach was not that crowded and was our favorite beach at Caneel Bay resort. Next time we come, we will get a room on this beach
2. Maho Beach
3. Hansen Bay Beach
Overall Ratings
5 based on 105 reviews
Reviewed By Harrold J
Hansen Bay is in a beautiful protected cove which has great views, swimming, and snorkeling. On our visit we were able to see turtle, eel, puffer fish, sea horse, a barracuda and various other small fish while snorkeling off shore. The establishment is so friendly and provide picnic tables and lawn chairs for the visitors to use. A word to the wise. LEAVE YOUR JEWELRY AT HOME. I did not and dropped my ring in the sand. I went back the following day to look because I had a good idea where I had lost it. I could not find the ring. I explained to Thalia and Dunia what I had lost and they told me to come back tomorrow and they would bring in their metal detector. I returned the following morning and Thalia had already been out searching the beach. She greeted me as I walked in. We walked to where I thought I dropped the ring and in less than three minutes the ring was back on my finger. Wonderful ladies there who want you to have a great experience and will help you with anything to do with the beach and your visit. Thank you! Beach party tomorrow. I'll be there.
4. Ram Head Trail
Overall Ratings
5 based on 267 reviews
Reviewed By Caribbeanjunkies - Oklahoma
Having hiked this trail in June, it was quite hot and, with the sometimes aggressive climbs, it required a bit of physical effort.
But we persevered and when we reached the summit, we were rewarded with some truly awesome views!
For those who, like us, attack this trail on a sunny summer day, you must remember your proper footwear, sunscreen/protective hat or apparel, and plenty of water.
5. Trunk Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
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.
Reviewed By LesleyRandall - Penfield, New York
Note: still no water and facilities are not up and working yet.
The beach is still as beautiful as ever. There is a small hut with chair and umbrella rentals- but everything else is not operational yet.
One of my favorite places on earth. Don’t skip it! Just bring your own food and refreshments if you want them.
6. Salomon Beach
Overall Ratings
5 based on 178 reviews
Reviewed By EcoTraveler13 - Raleigh, North Carolina
this beach is accessed via a short little hike down lind point trail. trail is approx. a mile, but the snorkeling was not the greatest here, beach is pretty. the cruise ships take snorkelers over from stt to this beach to snorkel so pay attention as to when the cruise ships are in.
7. Cinnamon Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Situated in the unspoiled island refuge, Virgin Islands National Park, this beach offers a variety of water sports from snorkeling and kayaking to sailing and windsurfing, plus a popular beachfront cottage and campsite complex.
Reviewed By NHtrailrnr - Wolfeboro, NH
The housing was kind of typical for a national park, but perhaps was is bit less upscale. We stayed on the concrete block housing, although we could have saved money and stayed in a tent. We also stayed at Maho Bay which was much nicer.
8. Waterlemon Cay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 860 reviews
A short swim from Leinster Bay, you'll find some of the best snorkeling on this small island, with its plethora of marine life.
Reviewed By donnp - Waynesville, North Carolina
We have been to St John a few times, but this was the first time to Waterlemon Cay. My daughter and I left Cruz Bay about 8:30 am. The North Shore Beaches are very uncrowded before 10:00 am. Still plenty of parking, decent bathrooms. The trail is flat and follows the water, it makes for a better breeze and easy hike. It takes about 20 minutes or so to get to where you are across from the cay. It's an easy swim across the channel. People complain about the current ,but it's not a problem. Decent coral, rays and fish. We went up the marked side trail to the old plantation house on the way back for some photos, it's an uphill walk but not bad.
9. Maho Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 434 reviews
Mayho Bay is a popular beach in St. John and home to the Maho Bay Campground, 114 tent-cottages constructed in respect for the environment, making it one of the most publicized eco-tourism destinations in the world.
Reviewed By donnp - Waynesville, North Carolina
Maho has always been of my favorite Beaches. Towards the left it stays shallow pretty far out and the rocks have good snorkeling. To the right, the beach is wider and there is more parking. This side has turtles all over. We saw 12-15 just munching on the seagrass. Several rays were around also. The turtles are not skiddish and seem used to having people gawk at them.
10. Honeymoon Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 688 reviews
Nestled at Caneel Bay, this picture perfect, palm fringed beach boasts a colorful coral reef perfect for snorkeling.
Reviewed By Bruce_Baumbush - St. Thomas
This is one of the most popular Beaches in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Walking distance to the (currently closed until 2019 or later) Caneel Bay Resort. Also accessible via an easy hiking trail about 1/2 mile long from Cruz Bay. Popular stop for charter boats. Also has a dingy channel into the beach (between the red and green buoys). Check out the Eco Tours shack for gear rental and say HI! to Sybille (owner) if she's around. Cheers!
