St. John is known for its beautiful beaches. The better known beaches are along the island's north shore. (The ones on the south shore are generally more difficult to reach). This page looks at five of St. John's best known beaches. There is also a brief word about the Virgin Islands National Park.
The site of Laurence Rockefeller’s original resort, Caneel Bay (above) has restaurants and bars as well as accommodations. The high point, however, is the white sand beach with its clear waters. Cruisers may use the beach area for free but first must check in at the resort’s front desk. Certain of the bars and restaurants are open to visitors. The resort also offers day pass packages that allow the holders to use various resort services as well
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Hawksnest Bay is a local favorite. It is scenic and the lush vegetation that grows down almost to the water provides shade. Offshore is a reef for snorkeling.
Relatively close to Cruz Bay, it is not a long drive to get there and the parking lot is not far from the beach. However, the facilities are quite limited (no flush toilets and no running water) at this beach. |
Named after the tropical maho tree, Maho Bay is a relatively shallow body of water. The floor of the bay is sandy with occasional grassy patches, which attract sea turtles. Because it is a sheltered bay, Maho is a popular anchorage for boaters.
Visitors can drive directly to the beach as the white sand beach is next to the road. The National Park Service has a pavilion and bathrooms at Maho but visitors need a permit to use them. |
Rated as one of the world’s top beaches, it is not surprising that Trunk Bay is probably the most popular beach on St. John. (See separate review). The beach is a long stretch of powdery sand set between the blue sea and the tropical foliage. Offshore, the National Park Service has made an underwater trail, complete with signs, to guide snorkelers through the reef and to enhance their experience.
Trunk Bay has changing facilities, showers, bathrooms, public telephones, picnic tables, barbecue grills, a covered pavilion and a shop. There is, however, a nominal entrance fee. |
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For more about cruising to St. John:
Click here for an overview of St. John Click here for information about getting to St. John Click for a history of St. John |
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Cruise destination travel guide - St. John USVI - St. John Attractions