St John Travel Guide
The smallest of the islands, two thirds of St John consists of a national park, a peaceful and largely unspoilt paradise for nature lovers offering pristine forests, hidden coves and coral reefs, as well as secluded white beaches and miles of hiking trails.
Danish immigrants were the first settlers and became extensive producers of sugarcane. Today, the abandoned 18th-century plantations scattered about the island provide a reminder of its agricultural industry. A walk around the ruins of the Annaberg Sugar Plantation gives a historical glimpse of St John, boasting magnificent views of the British Virgin Islands.
The Virgin Island National Park offers numerous guided or independent hiking trails into the interior with stunning views from the ridges. There's also a variety of flora and fauna, including wild cats, hummingbirds and iguanas.
Of the dozens of beaches, the most popular is Trunk Bay. It's one of the world's most photographed spots and has excellent marine life in the protected reefs. There's an underwater snorkelling trail, as well, with signs identifying the types of coral and its inhabitants.
The centre of activity on St John is Cruz Bay, a small town that has speciality shopping, lively bars and delicious cuisine, as well as jeep rental services and dive centres. There's limited accommodation on the island so visitors should make sure to book well in advance.