St. John Island of the U.S. Virgin Islands

Written by Julie Greiner

Being only 28 square miles in size and considered the smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands and least developed, St. John is a serene natural nature reserve. The forested mountainous island has indented coastline rimmed with coves that protect the white sanded beaches. The heavily populated marine waters are wonder lands for snorkelers. More than half of the island and its coastal waters are protected by national parks.

There are major rock formations which are millions of years old on St. Snorkeling on St. John U.S. Virgin Island John. The climate ranges from dry, cactus-covered cliffs and salt ponds on the eastern side to the subtropical forests on the northwestern side of the island. There are more than 800 plant species on the island. The trail to Rams Head on the northeast side of the island to the Salt Pond area and past Trunk Bay takes approximately two hours.

Cruz Bay on U.S. Virgin Islands

On the west coast there is a narrow strip of land between the harbor and the mountains. This little village is restricted to a small area and consists of pastel buildings and gingerbread houses. The town is only three streets wide and four streets deep. Most people visit on day trips from St. Thomas. There is a small park's visitor's center here where maps and brochures are available. For nature lovers St. John has some very Sunrise at Cruz Bay on St. John U.S. Virgin Island

Sunrise at Cruz Bay on St. John U.S. Virgin Island

special excursions. Cruz Bay has gift shops, grocery sores and dive centers and jeep rental services.

Wildlife on St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Sandpipers patrol the beaches where the seaside mahoe trees are abundant. The feral donkey that was used for transportation prior to the mid 1950's is prevalent. The mongoos was brought to the island to control the rat population, but it destroyed other species such as the sea turtle and lizards by eating their eggs. The only mammal original to the island is the bat. The green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles nest at Francis Bay.

Watersports Excursions and Accommodations

Cruz Bay has some hotel accommodations for there is no backpacking allowed in the National Park. Day excursions from the other islands are readily available. There are dive centers in Cruz Bay and equipment rentals available. Nature hikes, snorkeling, sailing, deep-sea diving and fishing are the major attractions. The land around the island rises quickly from the shore and beneath the sea is a tropical wonderland of fish and coral.