St. John is the smallest of three main US Virgin Islands (St. Thomas and St. Croix) reaching only 9 by 3 miles at its longest points.  There are no stoplights on St. John.  About 3,000 people have their primary home here, almost all of whom are in Cruz Bay.  They vacation in Coral Bay, the only other "town" on St. John, where things are "slower and more relaxed."  

Driving, it takes about 30 minutes to get from Cruz to Coral Bay and from farthest points on the island, about 45 minutes due to the steep ups and downs.  The average speed of twelve miles per hour (9 miles in 45 minutes) reflects the roads.  Four-wheel drives are the only rental vehicles available. 

St. John is known as the most virgin of the Virgin Islands.  The pristine beaches, protected coral reefs, archeological sites, and extensive hiking trails are why people come.  About 3/5 of the island is a US National Park (see map below).  The white sand beaches of the north shore have ranked St. John as having at least one of the top ten beaches in the Caribbean.  
   

 
All 39 beaches on the island are public, but you may have to swim to the few with private property abutting.  Fortunately, the prettiest ones are owned and operated by the US and our Park Service.  Trunk Bay (see above), a picture perfect beach, is the main site of action; there is even an underwater snorkel trail for visitors.  Cinnamon Bay, next door, offers a similarly beautiful beach, but also windsurfing, snorkel & drive trips to outer reefs, kayaks, and other sports equipment and amenities. 

Beaches &Snorkeling

Best snorkel beaches:

• Trunk (but crowded)

• Jumbie

• Peter

• Waterlemon

• Salt Pond

Good snorkeling beaches:

• Hawksnest (reef is close to beach, but careful b/c coral is close to surface).

• Salmon

• Bibney

• Cinnamon

• Little Maho 

Best beach for kids: 

• Maho (shallow a LONG way out)

Clothing optional beaches (note: illegal but people do it)

• Salmon

• Jumbie

Tips for snorkeling:

• Saliva will prevent your mask from fogging up (rub a thin layer around the inside of the clear area).  

• Put fins on AFTER you get about waist high in water

• If get tired and feel current running against you, swim at an angle to the current even if it means you'll end up far down the beach; you'll go much further, faster.  Chances are, you're above a cut in the reef and that's what's creating the current (water rushing through the cut).  The best way to get out is to exit from the side and swim around the cut.  [This has saved lives]

• Avoid touching coral; you kill it and fire coral will bite you back.

• Wear a t-shirt and coat the backs of your legs and tops of your ears with waterproof sunscreen.

• Fun note: One parrot fish can produce 500 pounds of sand per year as it eat coral and "refines" it.  

North Shore Beaches in Brief

Caneel Bay:
International recognized as one of the finest resorts in the Caribbean, it boasts several of its own terrific beaches that are available to the public. Do be sure to check that you’re not trespassing and that you have the resort’s permission to traverse their property prior to reaching the public beach.
A lovely seaside bar that provides the perfect setting for sunset watching!

Cinnamon Bay:
Camping, water sports, endless white sand, concessions and a small general store compliment one of the nicest beaches on the island. Rental equipment (snorkel gear, kayaks, windsurfing with lessons, sailing) available.  Showers, bathrooms, changing areas.

Hawksnest Bay:
A personal favorite, this beach offers seclusion and good snorkeling on its two coral banks that are just several feet from the shore.

Honeymoon Beach:
Best access is from the Caneel Bay Resort-make sure you have their permission to park your car on their lot…

Leinster Bay:
No maintained beaches, but Watermelon Cay is a tiny island/spit with great snorkeling around 200 yards off St. John. Go to the end of Leinster Beach to make the swim to Watermelon Cay.

Maho Bay:
Secluded and quiet with a restaurant and ecologically conscious grounds and accommodations.

Trunk Bay:
St. John’s most renowned beach it is, also, one of the most photographed beaches in the Caribbean. A combination of the underwater snorkeling trail, watersports kiosk, concession stand changing and restroom facilities and lifeguards on duty make this a beach not to be missed. Small entrance fee.

For more information on the National park, check out www.nps.gov/viis.

On other pages, I list some activities on St. John, ideas on what to bring, and books you might want to read. 

The Wedding Web site consists of four main pages:
(1) Wedding Events -- Information about wedding and other events during the week including sub-pages on La Tapa (reception restaurant) ~ Attendees (who's coming) ~ Who's Who? (pictures & what we have in common) 
(2) About St. John --  General information about the island including sub-pages on Maps ~ Island Activities ~ Books ~ Restaurants ~ Links
(3) Other Travel Info -- General travel information including sub-pages on Flight Info, ~ Car Rental Info ~ Suggestions for What to Bring  ~ and Ferry Schedules 
(4) Housing Options -- Descriptions of your housing options including a sub-page on Villas