St John travel guide: Travel tips, reviews, photos, & videos from real travelers.

Reviews(Average Rating: 94% for 6 reviews)

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knaniReviews: 3
Posts: 0
Trunk Bay = Paradise Found
08/26/2008
Rating
95%
St John, US Virgin Islands
I don't know a lot about the island of St. John, as I am just one of thousands of cruise ship passengers who have been ferried to the island with a limited amount of time to explore, but one thing I know is that on St. John, I discovered paradise. Granted, getting to paradise can be a little harrowing on an open-air "Island Taxi"--when you reach your destination, you might even be convinced that you died and went to Heaven! Trunk Bay is an amazing, crescent shaped bay nestled along the island's northeast coast. It's pristine white sands are flanked by tropical foliage on one side, and the clearest, most inviting blue sea I have ever seen in my life. I have earned my nickname "Chicken of the Sea" honestly, but even I had no fear swimming there, as it was like a giant swimming pool...I could see everything around me (and, thankfully, I saw nothing swimming WITH me). If you have the opportunity, Trunk Bay is definitely worth a visit!
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Sandy Snyder
- Top member
Reviews: 11
Posts: 21
The Beauty Queen of Islands
08/07/2008
Rating
94%
St John, US Virgin Islands
Not so much an original description, but the first time I arrived in St. John by boat I thought “paradise”. The island has the most pristine postcard perfect white sand beaches and clear blue water. On Trunk Bay, which is one of the best beaches in the world, you don’t even need an umbrella because the palm and sea grape trees lining the sand provide you with natural shade. My kids splashed and snorkeled in the near waveless water. I believe this was the first time I had taken them to a beach where I didn’t have the nagging anxiety I usually feel worrying about waves and rip-tides. What a great feeling snorkeling next to your child and pointing out all the colorful fish and even stingrays. The amenities surrounding the beach are so seamlessly built-in, almost as if they were also a natural part of the landscape. If you need a snack, shower, chair or snorkel…you will find it there, but there is no commercial or touristy feel to it. And talk about a Dummy’s Guide to Snorkeling...they even have an underwater snorkeling trail which guides you through the coral reef and tells you what you’re looking at! The rest of the island has a charming eclectic feel to it…places to shop for unique crafts and jewelry or browse art galleries. As we departed the island and headed back to Red Hook in St. Thomas, I took a good look back a place which allowed me to take a deep breath and appreciate the true beauty our world has to offer.
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JasonR11Reviews: 1
Posts: 0
Calm Your Voice Mon, We On Island Time!
07/28/2008
Rating
89%
St John, US Virgin Islands
Much to my good fortune, my younger sister elected to have her wedding on the beach at Cinnamon Bay Campgrounds on New Years Eve, 2006. Although somewhat skeptical at first, vacationing in an eco-friendly nature reserve was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. There is something about waking up 20 feet from one of the worlds most celebrated beaches that can make you forget that the reason you woke up was the gecko nibbling on your big toe. True story. Those looking for a vacation filled with hustle and bustle, body shots and wet t-shirt contests, as well as an endless stream of stimulation on the senses, might do well to consider another location. Not that there aren’t watering holes to quench your thirst, or places to go see. In fact, my favorite bartender, when prompted for a rum and coke, merely filled a glass of ice, put out a bottle of Cruz Rum, a can of coke and walked away. Talk about service! But truth be told, I actually prefer the night life on St Thomas, however, for those seeking peace and quiet in an arena that only a tropical wildlife reserve can offer, seek no further.
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wcecilReviews: 1
Posts: 0
The Best Field Trips Happen Here
07/26/2008
Rating
94%
St John, US Virgin Islands
I always loved field trips as a child in elementary school, but assumed they were a thing of the past when I arrived at college. Fast forward to March, 2006: I found myself on an ecology field trip to St. John with fifty of my fellow University of North Carolina classmates, camped out at a campground just off the beach on Cinnamon Bay. We were there to study the pristine coral reefs around the island, as the majority of St. John and its surrounding waters are undeveloped national parks. For nine days, we spent six hours a day snorkeling - a different coral reef dive site for each day -and two to three hours conducting class. After enjoying the white sand, crystal clear water, and spectacular reef diversity, we would usually end up in pleasant (but touristy) Cruz Bay, home to bars, a baseball diamond hosting the local team, delicious local food (if you look hard enough), and a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. The local fare, from barbeque chicken to curried chili to fried conch, is reason enough to warrant a return trip. The beaches and snorkeling sites, laid-back atmosphere, and fond memories will, at least for me, ensure one.
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Laura Nathan
- Top member
Reviews: 6
Posts: 72
Snorkeling paradise
07/14/2008
Rating
94%
St John, US Virgin Islands
I have only spent a few hours in St. John, but those hours have always stuck with me. When I was in high school, my family took a cruise to the U.S. Virgin Islands, and once of our stops was in St. Thomas, so we took the ten-minute ferry ride over to St. John. It was there that I went snorkeling for the first time, and it was even more glorious than my 14-year-old mind could have imagined. The turquoise water sparkled, and from where I was floating—probably no more than 70 feet from shore—I saw turtles and some of the most beautifully colored fish I have ever seen. St. John’s ecosystem has, no doubt, remained vibrant in large part because the island doesn’t allow big cruise ships to dock. But in my mind in remains vibrant because it immersed me in the ocean’s beauty and inspired my addictions to snorkeling and, more recently, SCUBA diving.
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Snowchica720Reviews: 2
Posts: 0
'Law on the Beach' in Paradise
07/02/2008
Rating
95%
St John, US Virgin Islands
I had the opportunity to take a conservation class in St. Johns during law school. Yep...That's right! Law school in paradise!!! A typical day started off with a 6 am "fun run" through goat trails and lush mountainous terrain, then Yoga at the top of our 20 tiered Eco Resort which had a staggering breathtaking view over the water (and parts of the island). We'd explore the beautiful island and learn about its diverse history. We'd snorkel w/ sea turtles, or just nap on the beach. Then, we'd head into 'town' to sip rum drinks w/ the locals and listen to great music. At night we'd bar hop and dance to reggae in the shack-like type "nightclubs". Or we'd hit the other side of the island to a bar called 'Skinny Legs', (the best bar ever!!) which sits on a bay with a sail bum houseboat community. Things not to miss: the island jewelry, the pepper sauces, and the Johnny Cakes!!
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