1 Reef Bay Trail Hike
The National Park Service offers guided hikes down the Reef Bay Trail. Transportation is provided from the National Park Visitors Center in Cruz Bay to the trail head. The hike includes the spur trail to the petroglyphs and a visit to the Reef Bay sugar mill. Hikers will be met on the Reef Bay beach and taken by boat back to the National Park Visitors Center. This popular activity is offered at $30 per person and reservations must be made in advance by calling (340) 779-8700.
2 Trunk Bay Underwater Snorkel Trail
Trunk Bay is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and as such is one of the most popular beaches on St. John. It features a 225-yard long underwater snorkeling trail. Underwater plaques along the trail describe the various species of coral. The beach has a bathhouse, snack bar, souvenir shop and snorkel gear rentals. Lifeguards are on duty daily. There is a small entry fee. Kids, 16 and under, are free. If you are on St Thomas you can take the ferry from Red Hook and catch a taxi or bus to Trunk Bay.
3 Watersports
St John offers visitors some of the best watersports in the world. Whether it is a day sail, private charter, parasail, sunset sail, or a waverunner rental. We highly recommend Cruz Bay Watersports (340) 776- 6234. They will have what you want when you want it. Virgin Islands Ecotours offers daily guided tours from their Honeymoon Beach Hut at Caneel Bay’s Honeymoon Beach. Their All Inclusive Day Pass includes SUPs, kayaks, chairs, floats, snorkel gear and lockers. All items are also available to rent with free delivery to rental cars, hotels, villas, or beaches. Visit www.viecotours.com or call (340) 779-2155.
4 Waterlemon Cay
Waterlemon Cay is a small cay within Leinster Bay. To get there you’ll need to do a short 20 minute hike (.8 miles) in from the Annaberg ruins parking lot. It is a relatively easy hike following a flat trail alongside the bay’s edge. This is a top-notch snorkeling spot. You will see all kinds of sea life there. You can go by boat on Calypso Charters Waterlemon Cay Sail & Snorkel (777-7245) or go with V.I. Ecotours on their guided tour of Annaberg ruins and Waterlemon Cay (779-2155).
5 Shopping
The shopping on St John is a cultural extravaganza. Local crafts and art are available in small stores and galleries. Tropical clothing, hand made and locally designed jewelry, exotic clothing from around the world are tantalizingly displayed in the cute and colorful stores of Mongoose Junction, the main shopping area in Cruz Bay. There you can mix a half-day of shopping with a delightful meal at any of the restaurants located there.
+ Don’t forget St. Thomas…
Check out our article about the best things to do on St. Thomas too!
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