St. John, the smallest of the three main U.S. Virgin Islands, is a Caribbean paradise known for its pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and abundant outdoor activities. The island offers a blend of adventure, relaxation, and rich history, making it the perfect destination for travelers seeking an unforgettable tropical getaway. Whether you’re interested in snorkeling, hiking, exploring local culture, or simply soaking up the sun, St. John has something for everyone. And if you’re up for a short excursion, you can even enjoy a day trip to **Coral World Ocean Park** on nearby St. Thomas, where you can swim with dolphins and interact with marine life.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the top activities to do on St. John and provide information on how to plan an exciting day trip to Coral World.
No visit to St. John is complete without spending time at Trunk Bay, one of the most beautiful and well-known beaches in the Caribbean. Famous for its crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand, Trunk Bay is part of the **Virgin Islands National Park**, making it a protected area with vibrant coral reefs and marine life. One of the highlights of Trunk Bay is the **Underwater Snorkeling Trail**, which is marked with underwater signs providing information about the coral and marine species you’ll see while snorkeling.
With its calm, shallow waters, Trunk Bay is perfect for swimmers of all levels. You can rent snorkeling gear on-site or bring your own to explore the colorful reefs, home to tropical fish, sea turtles, and other fascinating creatures. The beach also has facilities such as restrooms, showers, and a snack bar, making it an easy and comfortable spot to spend a day by the sea.
For those who enjoy hiking and exploring nature, the Reef Bay Trail is one of the best hiking experiences on St. John. This scenic trail takes you through the lush tropical forests of the Virgin Islands National Park, offering stunning views, fascinating historical sites, and diverse flora and fauna. The trail is about 3 miles long and descends from the top of the island to the beautiful shores of Reef Bay.
Along the way, you’ll pass through old sugar mill ruins, ancient petroglyphs carved by the island’s indigenous peoples, and several freshwater pools where you can stop for a break. The trail is moderately challenging, with some steep sections, but the reward is a secluded beach at the end where you can cool off in the clear Caribbean waters.
For those looking to learn more about the island’s history and ecosystems, guided tours of the Reef Bay Trail are available through the Virgin Islands National Park Service.
Cruz Bay, the main town on St. John, is the heart of the island’s social and cultural scene. After a day of exploring the beaches or hiking trails, head to Cruz Bay to enjoy its lively atmosphere, where you can shop, dine, and experience local island culture. The town has a range of boutiques, souvenir shops, and art galleries offering unique items from local artisans.
For food lovers, Cruz Bay is home to some of the best restaurants on the island. From fresh seafood and Caribbean specialties to international cuisine, you’ll find a variety of options to suit your tastes. Popular spots include The Lime Inn for fresh seafood, Morgan’s Mango for Caribbean fusion, and The Beach Bar for casual beachfront dining.
Don’t forget to stop by one of the local bars or cafes to enjoy a refreshing cocktail or a traditional painkiller, a famous rum-based drink in the Virgin Islands.
Cinnamon Bay is another one of St. John’s top beaches, located within the Virgin Islands National Park. This long stretch of sandy beach is perfect for a day of relaxation or adventure. It’s less crowded than Trunk Bay but just as beautiful, with plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the sun.
Cinnamon Bay is ideal for water sports, including snorkeling, kayaking, and windsurfing. The calm, clear waters make it easy to spot sea life, and you can rent equipment on-site for a fun day on the water. The beach also offers picnic areas and a campground for those looking to stay longer and experience the island’s natural beauty overnight.
While St. John offers endless activities, a day trip to Coral World Ocean Park on nearby St. Thomas adds an extra layer of excitement to your vacation, especially if you’re traveling with family or are an animal lover. Coral World is located on the northeastern coast of St. Thomas and is easily accessible by a short ferry ride from St. John to Red Hook, followed by a quick taxi ride to the park.
Swim & Splash with Dolphins at Coral World:
The highlight of Coral World is the opportunity to swim with dolphins near St John on the island of St Thomas, about 1 hour away by ferry and taxi. During this interactive program, guests can get up close and personal with these intelligent and playful creatures. Whether you’re a strong swimmer or prefer to stay in shallow water, Coral World offers both shallow and deep-water dolphin encounters, ensuring everyone can participate. Guests can touch, feed, and even swim alongside dolphins while learning about their behavior and the importance of conservation efforts.
Sea Lion Swim:
In addition to swimming with dolphins, Coral World offers the Sea Lion Swim, where you can interact with playful sea lions in a shallow pool. Guests can feed, pet, and learn about sea lions’ behavior in a fun and engaging environment.
Undersea Observatory:
For those who prefer to stay dry, the **Undersea Observatory Tower** provides a unique opportunity to explore the Caribbean’s marine life without getting wet. The observatory takes visitors 15 feet below the water’s surface, offering 360-degree views of the surrounding coral reefs and marine creatures, including tropical fish, rays, and even sea turtles.
Marine Gardens:
Coral World also features a Marine Gardens Aquarium, where visitors can see a variety of tropical fish, coral, and other marine life up close. The park’s exhibits are both entertaining and educational, making it a great stop for families with kids.
How to Get to Coral World:
Getting to Coral World from St. John is easy and scenic. Take the ferry from Cruz Bay to Red Hook on St. Thomas, which is about a 20-minute ride. Once you arrive in Red Hook, taxis are readily available to take you on a short 10-minute drive to Coral World. The trip itself is enjoyable, offering beautiful views of the islands and the Caribbean Sea along the way.
For a glimpse into the island’s history, visit the Annaberg Plantation Ruins, located on the northeastern side of St. John. This historic site was once a thriving sugar plantation during the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, visitors can explore the well-preserved ruins of the mill, factory, and slave quarters, while learning about the island’s colonial past and the harsh realities of plantation life.
The site also offers beautiful views of the surrounding waters and the British Virgin Islands, making it a perfect blend of history and scenery. There are interpretive signs throughout the site, and occasionally, you’ll find local demonstrations of traditional skills like baking bread in an outdoor oven.
St. John offers an incredible range of activities for every type of traveler, from relaxing on stunning beaches and hiking through lush forests to exploring the island’s rich history and culture. And if you’re looking to add even more excitement to your vacation, a day trip to **Coral World Ocean Park** on St. Thomas to swim with dolphins and explore marine life is an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re visiting St. John for adventure, relaxation, or family fun, the island provides endless opportunities to create lasting memories in one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful destinations.
