St John, located in the Caribbean Sea, is the smallest of the three US Virgin Islands, but what it lacks in size is made up in natural beauty and adventure. More than half the island is covered by the Virgin Islands National Park, which means there is a lot of wildlife to see. Forests shelter resident and migratory birds, including cuckoos, hummingbirds and warblers. The mangroves at Hurricane Hole, in the east of the island, boast corals, while there are dolphins and green turtles to spot in the island’s waters.
Visitors will find numerous St John homes for rent for every budget, making it even more enjoyable to plan a vacation.
By renting a comfortable home, you’ll enjoy more peace and tranquility as well as space and privacy, which is something that few high-rise hotels and resorts can offer. In addition to a sumptuous place to stay, you can take advantage of many land and water-based adventures, as well as unrivalled relaxation.
Here are six reasons why you might want to visit St John island.
6 reasons to visit St John Island
Crystal Clear Waters
The summer waters of St John are often calm and temperatures hover around 83F, which is the perfect temperature for snorkelling or swimming, or simply going for a paddle.
One of the best things about summer in St John is the number of activities you can enjoy in and around the water. As well as swimming and snorkelling, you could try paddleboarding or diving.
Keep an eye out for the plentiful wildlife in and around the island’s waters, such as migratory birds or dolphins at play, or creatures that have made their home in the sea. Diving is one of the best ways to swim deeper to brightly coloured corals and to see fish in their natural habitats.
With all this going on you’re likely to feel the infectious playfulness that is St John in the summer months.
Unmistakable Natural Beauty
For those who love to experience the natural environment or sea and land, St John is one of the best places in the world to explore. Visitors are lured into the sea with the aquatic life found in the crystal clear waters surrounding the island.
Many tour boats operate out of St John, offering visitor easy access to the reefs, many other islands and the wide open sea.
There are also the fantastic scenes of water, palm trees, white sandy beaches and mountain peaks in the distance. Don’t forget that more than half the island is occupied by the Virgin Islands National Park so it’s a place that offers unrivalled opportunities to walk and explore surrounded by beautiful nature.
Hiking and Walking Trails
Sixty percent of the land area of St John is part of a national forest. This means that opportunities for hiking and outdoor adventures are plentiful and complete seclusion is easy to find.
There are more than two dozen maintained hiking trails across the island, and visitors can also sign up for even more adventurous hikes with experienced guides. Whether you’re a beginner walker or experienced at hiking you’ll discover plenty of trails and places to explore.
And where you can walk you can also run, which means the island is a great destination for a range of active people.
Another great way to explore the coastline or national parks is by renting a bike or hopping aboard a helicopter cruise (if you have the spare cash). There is a way to get out into nature and explore the natural beauty of St John for visitors of every age, fitness level, budget and aspiration.
Beaches Galore
St John’s well known for its exotic and beautiful sandy beaches. Just a short drive from St John leads to Caneel Bay. From here, you can take a short trail through the forest to reach Honeymoon Beach.
Another one of the most convenient and amazingly beautiful beaches of St John is Hawksnest Bay, plus you can discover Trunk Bay, Cruz Bay, Coral Bay, Maho Bay, Henley Cay, Leinster Bay, Waterlemon Cay and Salt Pond Bay.
Take a stroll along the sands, explore rocky shorelines or swim in the crystal clear waters all around the island. The beaches are one of the biggest attractions of St John Island.
Day Trips and Excursions
Take a boat ride and enjoy cruising from St John to experience a day’s cruise of the US and British Virgin Islands.
At the Baths located on the island of Virgin Gorda, you can see mysteriously gigantic rock formations. Or go hiking under the tunnels and walk through arches and tidal pools.
How about a snorkelling excursion to Diamond Reef or a cruise to the Jost Van Dyke, where you can swim, snorkel, sit in a beachside bar, or go shopping?
It’s Carnival Time
The end of month of June and start of July bring the grand celebration known as Carnival. It’s a great way to experience and become a part of the culture of the Virgin Islands.
Numerous events take place for Carnival, including a local food fair, parties, parades, concerts and so much more.
A note about the island’s recovey from devastating hurricane storms: St John is a dream destination for many travellers, and summer is one of the best times to visit. While many parts of the island were damaged during the tragic 2017 hurricane season, the Department of Tourism is welcoming all tourists back to the US Virgin Islands. They have stated that all power has been restored, the beaches and attractions are as great as ever and flight and accommodation prices are exceptionally affordable to draw everyone back to the islands.
What are you waiting for? Your unforgettable summer vacation to the island of St John and the US Virgin Islands can be just around the corner.
