Official Name: St. John Capital: Flag: Population: 4,197 Language: English Currency: US Dollar (USD) Government Website: ltg.gov.vi Chamber of Commerce: www.usvichamber.com Emergency Info:

About St. John Island

If St. Thomas is like the New York City of the Islands, then St. John is surely the Hamptons. The smallest Island of the three US Virgin Islands, St. John is an unspoiled treasure attracting visitors by its tranquil nature. Unlike it’s nearby neighbor St. Thomas, the Island has virtually no “hustle or bustle,” in fact quite the opposite, St. John allows its visitors to loose track of time, sharing in the relaxed character of the locals. So peaceful is this little unspoiled slice of paradise, it has attracted many high profile names including the Rockefeller family, and celebrities such including John Travolta, Kenny Chesney, and Billy Joel can be spotted enjoying the Island frequently.

St. John has a rich agricultural history which includes extensive sugarcane farming. Remains of these sugar plantation can be found on the island, including the Annaberg Sugar Plantation which offers guided tours through the Estate built in the early 1700’s. Not only is the Plantation a spectacular sight, the views from the plantation are some of the best on the Island.

The Annaberg Sugar Plantation is a part of the Virgin Islands National Park. In fact, two-thirds of the entire Island of St. John are part of the VI National Park. So essentially, it is impossible to come to St. John without seeing the National Park. But the best way to see all the best spots, is to take the famous Reef Bay Trail, which takes hikers through incredible range of surroundings including thick subtropical forest and plantation ruins.

In harmony with St. John’s eco-friendly attitude, the Island provide options for travelers to stay in “Eco-resorts” or environmentally sensitive vacation stays. They include the Maho Bay Camps, and Concordia Eco-Tents which have kitchens and porches with a view! Maho bay’s “Harmony” has cottages built with recycled materials and use solar and wind power.

One of the best reasons to come to St. John is for the beach. St. John’s beaches are world renowned, and it is no surprise they are some of the most photographed beaches in the world; in particular, St. John’s Trunk Bay. Trunk Bay is a postcard perfect beach with all the conveniences, including snorkel gear rentals. One of the best attributes of Trunk bay is the underwater snorkel trail. The trail features different aquatic life using underwater signs on a trail guiding snorkelers past all the best spots of Trunk Bay. It’s a great place for all snorkelers, and especially for first timers.

Just the name of Cinnamon Bay conjures up sweet thoughts, and quite accurately, this is one of St. John’s sweetest spots. This gorgeous beach has everything. There is a national park campground with a range of staying places from fully equipped cottages to basic campsites. Rental equipment including kayaks and snorkel gear are available on site, and sugar plantation ruins frame the beach. The snorkeling at Cinnamon Bay is top notch.

After a day at the beach, you’re likely to find yourself in Cruz Bay, St. John’s “downtown.” This is where you’ll come across some delicious Caribbean food from a range of unique restaurants, art galleries featuring local artists, and shops full of treasures. Cruz Bay’s night life is relaxed and thick with smells of hibiscus; and most evenings, you can stand and watch a local play steel drums… a sound which has long carried it’s soulful beat through many a Cruz Bay evening.

St. John Island Map