Shoppers will find much more than natural treasures on St. John. The
islands unique boutiques and specialty shops, many of which are conveniently
located at Cruz Bay's Mongoose Junction or Wharfside Village, feature beautiful
examples of local artwork, along with exquisite jewelry, exotic perfumes and
colorful island wear.
Largely due to the national park, St John remains tranquil and covered by
dense forest. Park rangers with encyclopedic knowledge of the local flora and
fauna (which includes mongoose and feral donkeys) lead guided hikes into the
interior, and there are twenty-odd trails to explore under your own steam. One
of the best hikes is the Bordeaux Mountain Trail, which leads to the summit of
the island's highest peak. The national park also encompasses the surrounding
waters and reefs, so you'll find excellent snorkelling and marine life,
especially at the popular snorkelling trail off beautiful Trunk Bay, and at Reef
Bay, Honeymoon Beach and Salt Pond Bay.
Development on St John has been restricted to modest Cruz Bay, where the
restaurants and bars are concentrated, and shy and retiring Coral Bay, a mere
slip of a thing.
Much of the island's natural beauty has been preserved thanks to the efforts
of American financier Laurance Rockefeller. In the 1950s, he made extensive
donations of land to the federal government to help establish the Virgin Islands
National Park. Today the park protects about two-thirds of St. John, including
over 5,600 acres of offshore marine areas.
Hawksnest Beach, located closest to Cruz Bay on the north shore, is smaller
and quieter than neighboring Trunk Bay. Cinnamon Bay is a National Park
campground with a fabulous beach, complete with windsurfing equipment, kayaks
and mountain bikes for rent, along with a nature trail that runs through the
ruins of a sugar factory. On the north shore, Maho Bay, Francis Bay and Leinster
Bay are also lovely spots noted for their crystalline waters. If you're
energetic, follow the Leinster Bay Trail to Waterlemon Cay, where you can enjoy
a swim and view some great coral.
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