St. John is a unique Virgin Island in that two-thirds (or three-quarters, depending who you talk to) of it is a National Park: visitors can enjoy terrific opportunities to explore the outdoors. It's easy to rent a jeep and explore the island on your own; alternatively, many tours are also available, on both land and sea.
Fun activities on St. John, US Virgin Islands Families will find it easy to enjoy St. John, and outings can even be done econonomically.
Virgin Islands National Park
This wonderful National Park was established in the fifties by Laurance Rockefeller, who owned extensive property on St. John. Head to the Visitors Center in Cruz Bay and check out hikes with park rangers, and other Park activities such as nature and history talks and snorkel trips. This Park includes marine areas such as beautiful Trunk Bay.
Trunk Bay
One of the most-photographed beaches on St. John is Trunk Bay, part of the National Park, and a perfect example of the Virgin Islands' white sand and azure seas. Admission is $4/person (or $15 for an annual family pass).
You can rent snorkeling gear on the spot; put on the flippers and head for the snorkel trail, where underwater signs tell about the lovely fish and coral. Kids as young as six can snorkel. Kids will also enjoy seeing the weasel-like mongooses (mongeese?) in the picnic table area.
Trunk Bay also offers an opportunity to try snuba, a method of snorkeling with an air hose, suitable for kids as young as eight.
Snorkel boat outing
A fine outing on St. John is a boat trip to one or more snorkeling spots. Climb aboard the Sadie Sea for a tour with three snorkel stops. As a bonus, guide/owner Sandy West tells great island tales. Though the snorkeling may not match Buck Island (on St. Croix), you'll see lovely coral and fish and the variety of visiting three different spots is fun, as is the boat outing itself.
See pictures of these and other outings on St. John.
Getting around St. John:
On St. John, taxis are are called "safari buses" and are typically multi-seat, colorful, and al fresco. (See photo.) Taxi prices are controlled in the Virgin Islands, and reasonable. Many visitors prefer to rent a jeep and explore the island on their own: the island's safe to explore solo, and the traffic's light.
Lodgings on St. John, US Virgin Islands:
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The Westin St. John
Though not an all-inclusive nor specifically a family resort, the Westin is popular with families. Kids enjoy the beach, water trampoline, and daily iguana feedings. Kids programs are offered for ages 3 to 12. Most guests at the Westin explore the island either through tours (land or sea), or on their own in rented jeeps. Both tours and jeep rentals can be easily arranged at the resort. -
Caneel Bay
this luxury resort was established by Laurance Rockefeller. (Reportedly, when he established the USVI National Park, he also negotiated the right to have the only resort on the island for thirty years-- Caneel Bay resort.) Caneel Bay has a Children's Center with programs for ages 3 to 12. - Maho Bay - deluxe camping resort
Budget-minded visitors can stay on a beautiful beach on the doorstep of the US Virgin Island National Park: your abode is an "upscale tent", a tent-cottage on a platform, complete with many amenities and comforts including bedding. Studios are also available.
Continue to more US Virgin Islands: St. Thomas > St. Croix
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