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Vacationing on St. John is a family tradition for many.  I’ve met people that have been coming here year after year since the 60’s.  The majority of St. John “tourists”  are frequent visitors.  And most first time guests discover St. John via an Island tour while island hopping from St. Thomas.  I’ve watch my customer’s children grow, and they’ve witnessed my son mature.  St. John is a very welcoming community. Our population is about 4,500, and there are few businesses so we all know one another.  By the middle of your first visit you will become very comfortable with your new island getaway.  By the end of your stay, I’m sure you will be contemplating your next visit.  This will be the beginning of your Caribbean vacation tradition on St. John in the United States Virgin Islands.

The many ruling hands of transformation that shaped theses Islands culturally are numerous. They include Spain, France, England, Holland, Denmark and the United States.  Columbus “discovered” the Virgin Islands in 1493 during his second voyage to the New World.  What he more than likely “discovered” was a peaceful civilization of people living in a sustainable civilization.    

Today it’s the lure of sun, surf, nature and culture—not spice and riches—that continues to attract visitors from across the globe to the United States Virgin Islands.  Natural beauty and friendly people surround St. John, also referred to as “Love City” by the locals.  Here in “America’s Paradise” it’s

always sunny and bright, the climate is mild but dry.  The currency is the good old US dollar and of course we do speak English. . . with numerous Down Island and State side accents.

What to Do In Paradise? If you like the idea of being one with nature, than I guarantee that you’ll enjoy your vacation in St. John. Over half of the island falls within the protective boundaries of the National Park.  No other island in the Caribbean has expended so much resources to insure that St. John remain untouched and undeveloped with modern, western influences, such as high-rise hotels, fast-food restaurants, and commercial industries.   This  is your playground  to explore  and enjoy.  And  please  do come and indulge.
 

Where to Stay? Accommodations on St. John includes luxury resorts:  Caneel Bay Resort, Gallows Bay and the Westin; small inn and bed & breakfast (Sail View); numerous private homes and modest to ultra luxurious villas for rent (Moon Cottage); and budget style, close to nature options such as Maho Bay Eco Tents, Concordia Eco Resort, and Cinnamon Bay Campgrounds in the USVI National Park. (visit our friends page for more accommodations).

Beautiful Beaches. St. John is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches--Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, Maho Bay, Hawks Nest, Honeymoon and Salomon to name a few.  There are  39  pristine  beaches  and  natural  salt ponds. 

They include white sandy beaches shaded by sea grape trees; beaches lined with tall coconut palms, rocky bays, and mangrove bays.  Most are great for swimming and others are perfect for snorkeling, surfing, sailing, sunbathing or beach combing.   Facilities at some beaches include bathhouse, restrooms, snack bar, barbeque areas and non motorized water sports equipment rentals.       

Snorkeling.  Home to a huge variety of sea life, it’s no secret why St. John is known for some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world.  Nearly ½ of Virgin Islands National Park is under water.  Within the parks protected borders are mangrove shorelines, sea grass beds, fringing and patch coral reefs.  Fish populations are abundant and comprehensive.  The beach at Trunk Bay is famed for its self-guiding underwater snorkeling trail comprising a 225-yard trail marked with underwater signs that identify coral reef life.  A guide to the best snorkeling on St. John can be at our National Park Visitor Center located in Cruz Bay. You may also visit Craby's Water Sports Shack in Coral Bay, or Cruz Bay Water Sports.   
 

Boating. The Virgin Islands are the perfect place for a seagoing excursion.  Some of the best snorkeling, diving, sport fishing, beaches (and beach bars) are only accessible by water. There are special sailing packages for families, groups and honeymooners; vessels include power yachts, luxury sailboats and catamarans of all sizes.  There are half day,  full day and overnight trips.  You can have a "boat" with a captain, chef, or full crew; or if you are adventurous (with some skills) you can be you own captain.   

Hiking.  Hiking trails abound on St John.  There are over 20 miles of trails in the National Park alone.   Trails range from easy walks of 10 to 20 minutes to

secluded sandy beaches, to rather challenging day trails through tropical forests, historic sugar mill ruins and mystical Petroglyphs.  There are guided park hikes as well.  A trail guide containing a useful map and 20 trails within the St. John National Park can be obtained at the National Park Visitor Center in Cruz Bay.  
 

Biking.  Take a guided mountain bike tour through the Virgin Islands National Park.  There are several routes to choose from to accommodate both novice and experienced cyclists. 

Kayaking.  Paddle your way around St. John’s beautiful shoreline and its neighboring cays.  Kayaking is great exercise and provides an excellent way to explore remote bays where the snorkeling is excellent.

8 Tuff Miles—a challenging foot race from one end of the island to the other—started with 21 runners back in 1997.  In 2009 (12 years latter) more than 1,000 people ran. www.8tuffmiles.com   

Wildlife.  St John is home to over 160 species of birds, wild donkeys, wild and semi-wild goats, mongoose, small deer, wild boar, lizards (iguanas, geckos, and anole lizards), frogs, bats and over 800 species of plants.   Not to mention the protected bays of crystal blue-green waters teeming with coral reef life and tropical fish.  Go whale watching from February through March, on a large catamaran with eco-guides. Visit our local national Park Visitor Center for complete details to learn more about St. John’s wildlife.
 

Nightlife.  St. John has a low-key,  laid back vibe.  There aren’t many “disco” style nightclubs, or late night lounges or hangouts.  However, the many bars, and fine restaurants in St. John affords you the opportunity to get a good taste of the Island’s local flavor.  Visit Mooie’s in the heart of Cruz Bay.  (Read more about Mooie's). It is the oldest still locally-owned rum shop on the island, and the only bar where you can literally pour you on drink. Other nightlife attractions are bars with live local and state-side bands.  In Cruz Bay there is the Beach Bar, High Tide, and the Banana Deck. As for dancing there are two local live venue-driven establishments—Fred’s Disco in Cruz Bay and Sputnik in Coral Bay.  They both feature excellent live reggae and soca music performances.  “Find  

the Spot” is a new progressive night club in Cruz Bay that promotes an ever-changing array of themed nights consisting of Latin, Reggae, Hip Hop, and even Adult-style entertainment for lady’s and gentlemen on separate nights.  The St. John Annual Blues Festival www.stjohnbluesfestival.com  sponsored by Steve Simon is held in the heart of Coral Bay in Mid March.
 

Restaurants. No matter what you may crave this little island has got you covered.  Featuring a tasty blend of post-Caribbean cuisine, Sweet Plantains features spicy island fare in a cool casual atmosphere.  In Coral Bay there is Aqua Bistro serving lunch and dinner with a continental flair; Miss Lucy’s boast a full moon Caribbean pig roast and a Sunday brunch with live jazz music on their beach.  Skinny Leg is world famous for their burgers and live venues;  and Shipwreck Landing’s lunch and dinner menu has something for everyone to enjoy.  Vie's Beach Shack located on the East End of the Island features the best conch fritters on Island. For a great breakfast be sure to visit the Donkey Dinner.  In Cruz Bay your dinning options

are much more diverse, with Mexican, Sushi, West Indian, Pan-Asian, Italian and American-Continental food choices.  

Traditional Foods. The traditional foods of the Virgin Islands are typical of that of the West Indies, where there is a strong African culinary influence. Provisions like local sweet potatoes, pumpkin, okra, and corn form the staples. (Read more about provisions).  The protein include fish, whelks (large tasty saltwater snails),

turtle, conch, and livestock (beef, goat and pig). The lack of a variety in herbs and vegetation made it necessary for the locals to develop a talent for seasoning their dishes.  Traditional dishes include whelks and rice (a specialty at the Love City food Van in Cruz Bay), conch in butter sauce, boiled fish with fungi (cornmeal, okra and seasoning), fried fish and delicious pastries stuffed with savory seasoned seafood (selfish, conch, lobster, shrimp) called pate. These authentic dishes are a mixture of African, Indigenous locals, and European cooking and can be enjoyed around Carnival time, at local restaurants or road side food vans such Shelia’s Pot and Hercules Pate’ and the Love City Food Van—all located in Cruz Bay.

Culture & History. You would be remised if you don’t take time to learn about the rich history, tradition, and culture of these Virgin islands particularly St. John.  Here are a few places of interest.  The Annaberg Sugar Plantation offers a glimpse of the past.    They host  exhibitions,  concerts  and fairs focused  around the rich

historic traditions of St. John.   There you can visit an old historic kitchen and sample authentic foods from the old foodways.  The self-guided Annaberg Historic trail is both informative and fun.  You take a walk into the past and explore a restored old sugar can plantation; the harsh lives of the African slaves, and the sugar production process, as well as agricultural;   The  scenic  overlook   of  the  British Virgin Islands and protected aqua sapphire colored waters of the National Park are an added bonus.    Tour / hike the Reef Bay Trail in the Virgin Island National Park and see the famous Petroglyphs created by the Arawak Indians.  The Elian Lone Sprave Library and Museum located in Cruz Bay and housed in a restored plantation greathouse has  

local artwork on display, as well as artifacts, and  old  newspaper  articles.  Or play an anthropologist at the Cinnamon Bay Archeological dig to help uncover 500 years of artifacts from the Taino Indians and the more recent Danish plantations.  Also, pay a trip to MOOIE’S located in Cruz Bay.  It is the oldest bar on the island and is rooted in history.  Murals of the old time days adorn the walls, and the owner and bartender Ms Theodora is very welcoming and is more than willing to share the history and cultural customs of her island.  (Read more about MOOIE’S--The Oldest Rum Shop on Island.)

Carnival.  Unlike any other place, the Caribbean is known for its rich history and diverse culture.   The Caribbean    cluster   of    small    island   nations represents an exciting natural fusion of many cultures, expressing themselves in art, music, dance, story and cuisine.  The best place to experience the West Indian lifestyle played-out is at Carnival time in the Islands.  Carnival in St. John, USVI is part of a 30-day celebration.  Carnival starts in early June and culminates with the July 4th celebration of Cultural Day. During this month-long festival, activities include steel-pan ban concerts, beauty pageants, calypso shows, a parades and fireworks. Several important holidays are celebrated during this time—Organic Act Day (third

Monday in June), Carnival and Emancipation Day on July 3^rd. If you can’t get to carnival, come in to Sweet Plantains Restaurant for the culinary equivalent.
 

Island Hopping. Take advantage of the close proximity of our neighboring islands via our ferries, seaplane and chartered boats. St. Thomas, St. Croix and the British Virgin Islands are all short ferries rides away.  You  can  also visit Puerto Rico
via our fast ferries. St. Thomas is a beautiful day-trip; Go downtown to the Capital, Charlotte Amalie for the best duty-free shopping--jewelry, liquor, perfume, clothes and souvenirs. Go early and visit Glady's Cafe for a satisfying breakfast. Glady's Cafe is located in the heart of the downtown shopping district, housed in an old stone and wooden building.  Glady's Cafe (and the surrounding downtown area) is a great place to get a glimpse of the past; genuinely friendly service

(the wait staff sometimes sings while serving....nice touch); Glady's serves local West Indian fare and continental dishes for lunch and dinner;  take back Glady's homemade hot sauce. . .  good on everything!    For the best Roti meal (made with shrimp, conch, goat, chicken), visit Ideal Roti, located behind the US Virgin Islands' Post Office in downtown Charlotte Amalie. (Ask a local person for direction). 

If you’re planning a day trip or sail to the British Virgin Islands you must bring proof of citizenship to present to U.S. Immigration upon returning from the British Virgin Islands. Other Activities. Need more to do? Other organized activities include water sports (sailing, windsurfing, power boating),  sport fishing and horseback riding with    the   Coral Bay Coral. For more info on  these   activities  ask   your  travel  representative.

© 2009 Prince Adams

TROPICAL AMBIANCE / AUTHENTIC FLAVORS / COOL LIBATIONS
16118 little plantation, coral bay, st. john, usvi / tel: 340-777-4653 / em: roger372@hotmail.com