We can thank one of the Rockefellers for keeping St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands beautiful. It was Laurance Rockefeller back in 1956 who purchased and turned a large portion of the island into a national park. What this means to you is that as other Caribbean islands over build and over develop, St. John remains untouched. It's the smallest of the three U.S. Virgin Islands, but at 28 square miles, almost two-thirds are a U.S. National Park. Naturally this means more people want to see what "pristine" really means.
Click on pictures to enlarge them.
But remember, we have three islands, St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John. Among the three, which are the three best beaches? Ah, hard choices for sure. I bet I could set you down on any one of them and you'd be content with what you'd find. However, after asking many people, I've found everyone has a favorite. Make sure you visit each page we have on the Virgin Islands to make your choice.
Since we're dealing with three islands, we'll give you the Three Best of the U.S. Virgin Islands, and at the same time let you know the Three Best on each island.
Caneel Bay
The beaches along St. John's north shore are simply spectacular. Imagine soft white powder extending into the clear turquoise waters. Coral extends from the nearby rocks and beautifully colored fish can be seen from the surface. When you look out from the beach you are met with the stark beauty of the coastline and other islands with mountains shooting up out of the ocean.
If you are looking for calm and crystal clear, Caneel Bay is your beach. The white powder lined with rich, green tropical foliage is awesome. There is a resort here, the Caneel Bay Resort and you can access the beach right through the resort's entrance. You'll need to check-in at the front desk of the resort where they will give you a day-visitor pass and guide.
Set on 170 lush peninsular acres, originally part of the Danish West India Company's Durloo Plantation, you can snorkel the seven beautiful beaches. The snorkeling is outstanding! If you're a good swimmer, you can snorkel around the points of each beach. You'll feel like you're on your own Island – magnificent! You will spot turtles swimming beneath you.
You can also reach Caneel Bay by hiking from Cruz Bay using the Lind Point Trail.
A word about this fantastic resort; there are no TV's, no phones (although your cell phone from the States will work). They really want you to disconnect. Can you? Worth trying, no?
BEACH INDEX
- Sand - fine grain white
- Facilities - full service
- Shade - sea grape and umbrellas for rent
- Sports - see resort complex on site
- Notes - clear, calm water; recommended
Honeymoon Beach
Honeymoon Beach is tranquility in paradise. This smaller, yet more spectacular beach offers you beautiful white sand and crystal clear waters. You can access the beach via the Lind Point Hiking Trail that connects Cruz Bay to Honeymoon and Caneel Bay.
Why is this beach so exclusive? We think it's because it's not accessible by car it is usually not crowded. The hiking tours, which are very popular on the island, make this beach a stopping point. Honeymoon Bay is also popular with charter boats from mid-morning to mid-afternoon.
And what about under the surface? You will find snorkeling best by the rocky headland that extends into the water between Salomon and Honeymoon Bay.
So remember - you can't drive your SUV rental to this beach. You "can" access it by hiking a bit. The snorkeling is well worth the hike.
It's also accessible by boat. You can hire a sailboat or catamaran to take you to any of these magnificent coves.
Remember to take the camera because the photos here do not do it justice. The views are simply breathtaking.
BEACH INDEX
- Sand - fine white powder
- Facilities - none
- Shade - sea grape/palms
- Sports - bring your own
- Notes - can get crowded
And finally, Trunk Bay...
Probably the most popular beach on the island is Trunk Bay. If you come to St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands for snorkeling, this is where you want to start.
Trunk Bay has a snorkeling trail. Yes, the beach is tops on the island, but before we review it, a few notes about the more than 650 feet of underwater trails. Come early in the day, before the sun is hot and the crowds start churning up the water to see all the markers.
Even if you've been in the water 100 times, this is the U.S. Virgin Islands and it's special. Take the time to "do the trail".
Just like a hiking trail, you can follow the markers along the bottom and see things you would not have seen before. It's wide, you won't run into other snorkelers. And most of all, it's fun!
Trunk Bay is part of the U.S. National Park system and is the only beach on St. John that has an admission fee ($4.00 pp). The beach curves around Trunk Bay and is wide. There are numerous reviews on the beach in guide books, some negative. What we advise is to not miss this beach if you are on St. John.
Arrive early. Tours will come and go. Remember, the cruise ships only have an hour to get their people in and out. You can use the changing facilities/bathrooms and concessions are well stocked, though slightly expensive. Everything has to be imported.
Take the time to experience this jewel of the U.S. Virgin Islands. You won't regret it.
BEACH INDEX
- Sand - fine white grain
- Shade - palms/umbrellas
- Sports - rental close by
- Notes - try the snorkel trail early in the day to mid-morning
Next, hop over
St. Thomas and see the grand beaches of the
that island group,
NEXT! >>Labels: Caneel Bay, Durloo Plantation, honeymoon beach, Laurance Rockefeller, snorkeling, st john, Trunk Bay, us virgin islands, usvi
It's a tranquil beach, seemingly good for relaxing with a book or just blocking out the world. There are rentals for all water sports at the hotels. But, the beach here isn't good for snorkeling. The bottom is mainly sandy.
The hotels serve drinks out on the beach and the sand around the facilities is kept clean. There are a few restaurants at the hotels and open-air bars, always fun.
