St. John, US Virgin Islands

(3.1 based on 24 votes)
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Motorboats near St John, Virgin Islands

Of all the US Virgin Islands, St. John is probably the most unspoiled, thanks to the contribution of one of the world's best known philanthropists, Laurence Rockefeller. Had it not been for Rockefeller's gift of money and his desire to preserve beautiful St. John, the landscape would probably look more commercial, much like the other Virgin Islands. More than half of the island is designated as a National Park, making for a wonderfully unspoiled tropical island with 22 preserved nature trails.

In 1956, Rockefeller donated 5,000 acres to the United States National Park Service to initiate this preservation project. The park contains many beautiful beaches, some of them among the most photographed in the Caribbean; it also has a bounty of wildlife, birds and marine life, and provides a clean nesting places for a variety of turtle species.

Throughout the island are the ruins of many sugar plantations, some of which have been preserved, such as the Annaberg Plantation, a National Park site that offers demonstrations and placards with background information. The restored plantation includes an animal-powered mill, a wind mill, a sugar factory and slave quarters. Other interesting plantations include the Windberg Estate and the ruins of Fredriksdal.

Overall, St. John has a small community feel and has managed to stay quaint, either thanks to or in spite of controlled tourism development, depending on who you ask. At one end of the main town of Cruz Bay is the attractive shopping area called Mongoose Junction, built of local stone. Beautifully designed, the Junction includes upscale shops, art galleries and restaurants.


The rest of the island has a variety of attractions. Coral Bay and Coral Harbor have several bars, restaurants and businesses, and offer fun activities such as water sports.

In the center of the island is the Bordeaux Mountain, more than 1,200-feet high from which one can see the British Virgin Islands.

Ratings & Reviews

29 reviews of St. John, US Virgin Islands
Charter Catamaran on St John well worth it
Submitted by:hangalen
January 28, 2009
I highly recommend Sail Safaris sailing excursions to the British Virgin Islands. The staff is great and even they're "big" cat only takes six guests. They also offer snorkeling tours to reefs off St John. Lunch is served aboard and there's an open bar. It's a great way to explore off the beaten path and away from the crowds. ... More
I highly recommend Sail Safaris sailing excursions to the British Virgin Islands. The staff is great and even they're "big" cat only takes six guests. They also offer snorkeling tours to reefs off St John. Lunch is served aboard and there's an open bar. It's a great way to explore off the beaten path and away from the crowds.
Date of Trip to : January2009
Purpose of your trip: Personal
Cost of your stay: $500-$1000
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Maho Bay
Submitted by:fmmlb
September 3, 2008
Maho Bay I think is at least on par with your AOL's pick on ST. John... More
Maho Bay I think is at least on par with your AOL's pick on ST. John
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Best Day Sail
Submitted by:HETHER II
May 26, 2008
If you are going to St. John and are planning a day sail you should consider Calypso. It it a family owned company. Sheree and Scott are your hosts and have several crew members to make your day sail to Yost Van Dyke one that you will treasure . It starts with a continental breakfast. After that a snorkel stop that is great. Then you are on your way to two stops at Yost. First famous Foxy's for lunch then to White Bay and a stop at the home on the \painkiller\ or the Soggy Dollar Bar. The... More
If you are going to St. John and are planning a day sail you should consider Calypso. It it a family owned company. Sheree and Scott are your hosts and have several crew members to make your day sail to Yost Van Dyke one that you will treasure . It starts with a continental breakfast. After that a snorkel stop that is great. Then you are on your way to two stops at Yost. First famous Foxy's for lunch then to White Bay and a stop at the home on the \painkiller\ or the Soggy Dollar Bar. Their crews are the best. (and we have tried others) We have been fortunate to visit St. John every year for the last 15 years and a day sail on Calypso is always inculded. Look up Calypso.com and see the many sails they have to chose from. (We have also taken the Waterlemon trip several times and it is great if you just want a snorkel trip)
Date of Trip to : November2007
Purpose of your trip: Personal
Cost of your stay: $3001-$5000
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