St. John

St. John combines sheltered bays, wooded hills and small coastal communities in the US Virgin Islands. Virgin Islands National Park protects much of the island, and ferries from St. Thomas arrive at Cruz Bay, the main base for restaurants, supplies and onward journeys. Along the north shore, Trunk Bay pairs a white beach with an underwater snorkelling trail, while Maho Bay is known for turtles feeding in seagrass. Cinnamon Bay and Honeymoon Beach offer further coastal stops, with the Lind Point Trail providing a walking approach to the latter.

Inland, Annaberg’s sugar-plantation ruins explain a landscape built through enslaved labour. The strenuous Reef Bay Trail leads through forest past historic remains and ancient petroglyphs, with a demanding uphill return for independent walkers. Show more

Coral Bay offers a quieter base in the east, and Salt Pond Bay and the Ram Head Trail reveal a drier, more exposed coast. Waterlemon Cay is another snorkelling outing when sea conditions allow. Leave space between beach stops, bring water for walks and observe turtles without touching or feeding them. The island rewards a few unhurried days split between the sea, trails and local communities.