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At just 27 square miles, St. John, USVI, is a tiny,
three-by-nine-mile island gemstone, little brother to its two U.S.
Virgin Island larger siblings, St. Thomas, which is minutes to the
west and St. Croix, to the south. Together, the three main U.S.
Virgin Islands are a United States Territory, your very own
"American Caribbean," with all the security, safety and ease that
implies. With plenty of flights from the U.S. mainland, St. John
Island is an easy-to-get-to vacation hideaway of inviting, lush
emerald mountains, soft white coral sand beaches and a scuba divers'
and charter boaters' Shangri-la of stunning coral and aquamarine
waters. Two thirds of St. John Island, thanks to Laurence
Rockefeller's generosity in the 1950's, is actually the incredible
Virgin Islands National Park, which includes 5,600 acres of
off-shore marine areas. Many experienced vacationers and naturalists
see St. John as by far the most beautiful and striking of the U.S.
Virgin Islands. Truly, St. John beckons you to stay, play and live
here with us.
Although only a 20-minute ferry ride from the eastern tip of St.
Thomas, its scenic charms and friendliness of its residents is
worlds removed from St. Thomas.
Numerous near-deserted beaches, snorkeling and hiking trails,
historical ruins and coral reefs full of sea life populate the
island; one of the most tranquil environments you will find
anywhere.
The community consists of an interesting and diverse population of
hardworking locals, transplanted continentals, and wealthy retired
corporate executives.
While the island is compact, it is also extensive. It would take
weeks, perhaps months, to visit and thoroughly explore all the
snorkeling spots, hiking trails, and nooks and crannies of
historical significance. The views are consistently knock-dead
gorgeous. Accommodations range from camping to some of the
Caribbean's finest resorts. There is plenty of gourmet dining as
well as "pub grub". Quality sailing, diving, kayaking, and power
boating excursion opportunities abound around St. John.
The topography is geologically complex, comprised of
multi-million-year-old rock formations, which rise steeply from the
shore. It's three highest ridges range from 1,147 to 1,277 ft above
sea level. Its terrain ranges from sub-tropical forests in the
northwest to an arid environment on the east end. There are over 800
species of plants and 160 species of birds to enjoy. Over 400
donkeys freely roam the hills.
St. John's main town is eclectic Cruz Bay, which is the St. John
ferryboat arrival point. A variety of shops and dining can be found
at Cruz Bay. Regularly scheduled ferries from Red Hook and Charlotte
Amalie in St. Thomas create a constant even flow of visitors to and
from town. Car ferries also operate. The island is also accessible
by ferry from Tortola and Virgin Gorda. It is easy to walk anywhere
in town. To visit other parts of the island, you can take local
transportation, which comes mainly in the form of open air taxies,
or you can rent a car or jeep. A bus service also operates and is
considered to be the best value on the island. Land tours and sea
excursions for snorkeling and fishing are all available on St. John.
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