Enjoy a Laid-Back Atmosphere When You Vacation in St. John in the Caribbean
Have you been searching for a vacation that’s truly relaxing? Too many people arrive home from their vacations thinking that they could use a vacation from their vacation. That’s not necessarily a good feeling. Thankfully, there is a place where you can truly unwind. It’s St. John in the US Virgin Islands. St. John is renowned for its laid-back atmosphere and diverse outdoor activities. Let’s take a look at why you might want to book your next vacation at this wonderful island in the Caribbean.
Traveling to St. John, USVI
The best way to get to St. John is to fly into Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St. Thomas and take a ferry or a water taxi to St. John. This is because there are only two main airports in the US Virgin Islands. The other airport is Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) on St. Croix.
St. Thomas is served by Cape Air, American Airlines, JetBlue, Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. There are several places to eat at the airport, including the Cruzan Landing Bar, the Galley Sandwich Bar, the Hibiscus Cafe and Bar, the Island Grind VI, and the Island Grind VI Pizza.
In addition to the two main land-based airports. There are also two seaplane bases that are owned by the Virgin Islands Port Authority. The first seaplane base is Charlotte Amalie Harbor Seaplane Base (VI22) on St. Thomas, and the second seaplane base is Christiansted Harbor Seaplane Base (VI32) on St. Croix. Seaplanes are often used for transportation between islands, just like ferries.
Traveling from St. Thomas to St. John
Ferries are a regular part of everyday life on the islands. Locals and vacationers often take them to travel between the islands. The ferry trip from Red Hook, St. Thomas, to Cruz Bay, St. John, takes about 15 minutes. There is also a longer route from Charlotte Amalie to Cruz Bay. Visitors love the latter route because it’s only 10 minutes from Cyril E. King Airport (STT).
Why Do Vacationers Love St. John?
Vacationers love St. John because the Virgin Islands National Park covers 60 percent of the island, or about 7,259 acres of land. It also includes 5,650 underwater acres. While at the park, visitors can enjoy boating, hiking, and swimming. The national park is home to 25 hiking trails, and there’s even a boardwalk that runs through some of the ruins, like the Old Sugar Mill.
Reef Bay Trail
The Reef Bay Trail is a guest favorite if you like strenuous hikes. This trail takes between two and four hours. Guests can enjoy viewing some of the oldest trees on the island, exploring the Danish sugar plantation ruins, and taking pictures of the rock art. However, don’t forget to wear plenty of sunblock, bring water and snacks for the hike, and stay hydrated throughout.
L’Esperance Trail
The L’Esperance Trail also takes between two and four hours. It’s a four-season trail that follows an old Danish road. The trail spans 2.6 miles from the trailhead to the beach. While on this hike, it’s recommended to wear lots of sunblock and a wide-brimmed hat due to the lack of shade. Bringing water and snacks is also a good idea.
Francis Bay Trail
The Francis Bay Trail is a short trail that’s great for all ages. It takes between 30 minutes and 1.5 hours to complete. The trail starts at the Francis Bay Sugar Factory and is renowned for being a wonderful way to birdwatch, so be sure to bring your binoculars. As you hike, you’ll notice the trail turn into a boardwalk. It ends at two viewing platforms.
Cinnamon Bay Trails
The Cinnamon Bay Trails take between 15 and 30 minutes to complete. The trails get their name from the Cinnamon Bay Sugar Plantation, and hikers can enjoy looking at the ruins. The trails include a half-mile circular nature trail and a one-mile straight trail through the forest that’s considered moderately challenging.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling is allowed at two places inside the national park. One great place to snorkel is Cinnamon Bay Beach. The water is extremely clear and calm. Novice snorkelers love it because it’s a great place to view the sea turtles and fish.
The second place to snorkel is Hawksnest Bay. Snorkelers can enjoy swimming and snorkeling around the three fingers of the Elkhorn coral reefs. The park does ask that snorkelers not swim over the reefs, as they are federally protected and easily damaged.
Take a Self-Guided Tour of Cruz Bay
Many residents of the island recommend making your first stop in Cruz Bay, and it’s not because the ferry docks there to pick up and drop off passengers. It’s because it’s scenic, and there are plenty of open-air cafes and bars where you can grab an adult beverage or a coffee. Next, walk over to Mongoose Junction. This wonderful shopping and dining establishment is renowned for its stone and mosaic walls, as well as its stunning courtyards.
While you’re at Mongoose Junction, consider stopping in The Tap Room for lunch. They have an amazing draft brew menu that includes Single Blonde, Tropical Mango Pale Ale, Island Summer Ale, and Chocolate Hole, among many other brews. The dining menu includes cheesy bread, baked chicken wings, burgers, salads, and pizza. You can even get nachos, pretzels, and mini corn dogs.
Visit the Beaches
St. John is home to plenty of beaches, including Honeymoon Beach, Trunk Bay Beach, Hawksnest Beach, and Mayo Bay Beach.
Trunk Bay Beach
One of the most well-known and loved beaches on the island is Trunk Bay Beach. It’s located at Trunk Bay and is revered for its beautiful white sand and plethora of amenities, including a snack bar, showers, restrooms, and lifeguards. This beach even has an underwater snorkeling trail. The only thing to keep in mind is the beach’s popularity. It can get crowded, and if you want a beach chair, it’s recommended to arrive early in the morning.
Mayo Bay Beach
If you’re looking for an amazing spot to swim, you may want to check out Mayo Bay Beach. This is a sheltered beach that sees very little wave action. Beachgoers can enjoy a shallow grade into the water, which is great for wading, and, like Trunk Bay Beach, there are a few amenities, including food and drinks, as well as bathrooms.
Hawksnest Beach
If you’re looking for a beach that’s within easy walking distance of its parking lot and has flush toilets, you’ll love Hawksnest Beach. This beach is also extremely close to Cruz Bay, so you could visit it right after you step off the ferry.
Honeymoon Beach
Honeymoon Beach is located next to the Caneel Bay Resort and the Virgin Islands National Park. It’s important to note that the resort is closed for environmental cleanup and repairs from the 2017 hurricanes. However, Honeymoon Beach is open to the public. Visitors can access the beach via the Lind Point Trail, shuttles, and by boat. Due to the resort’s closure, beachgoers should bring their own snacks and drinks.
Where to Eat on St. John
St. John has a plethora of tasty places to eat, including Morgan’s Mango, Dave and Jeyy’s Island Steakhouse, and Miss Lucy’s.
Morgan’s Mango
Morgan’s Mango is known for its fabulous neo-Caribbean cuisine. The restaurant requires a reservation and is open from 5:30 PM until 10 PM. Diners can choose from a variety of tasty dishes, including Cajun shrimp, coconut shrimp, calamari, salads, bread baskets, lobster, citrus chicken, and steaks.
Dave and Jerry’s Island Steakhouse
If you’re in the mood for a great steak, you might want to check out Dave and Jerry’s Island Steakhouse. You can start with a cheese plate, octopus salad, coconut shrimp, or a crab cake. Their main courses include oven-roasted half chickens, pork chops, seared duck breasts, lobster tails, and various cuts of steak, such as ribeyes, porterhouses, and New York strips.
Miss Lucy’s
If you’re looking for a no-fuss meal, you may head over to Miss Lucy’s. This beachfront restaurant and bar serves hot dogs, grilled cheese sandwiches, grouper reubens, chicken tenders, and burgers. Pair any of those with French fries or coleslaw.
If you’re ready to go on a laid-back island vacation, consider St. John. You can fly into Cyril E. King Airport (STT) and take a ferry over to St. John. Stay in one of the vacation rentals and explore the national park, beaches, shopping, and delicious restaurants. You’re sure to return home feeling rested and rejuvenated.