Nature Attractions in St. John
Trying to name the best outdoor activities on St. John is a bit like trying to name the most congested freeways in Los Angeles -- it's a bit difficult, because they ALL are. After all, the main reason visitors come to St. John is for outdoor recreation, so just about everything you can do on the island is outdoors (including sleeping and dining), and it's all fabulous!
Since beach and ocean is what St. John is most famous for, some of the best outdoor activities involve being on (or under) the water. Whether it be kayaking, scuba diving, sailing, or fishing, you can either go it alone -- take yourself and your swimsuit to a gorgeous beach like Leinster Bay -- or you can have someone else take you.
Companies like Arawak Expeditions offer guided kayak tours around St. John's beautiful north shore which let you learn about the tiny islands and colorful reefs. World Class Anglers takes visitors on excursions to catch kingfish, tarpon, barracuda, shark, tuna, wahoo, and more. Sailing charters are offered by companies such as Sail Safaris, and Low Key Watersports is a good place to catch a SCUBA dive tour. If you're not certified, you can always try SNUBA (a cross between SCUBA and snorkeling), which is available at V.I. SNUBA Excursions in Cruz Bay.
If you want to get outdoors but prefer to stay on land, there's horseback riding at the Carolina Corral, birdwatching with Natural Adventures, and of course hiking and exploring the national park.
There are miles of trails in the park, most of which take you past viewpoints, ruins, and even ancient petroglyphs. The Reef Bay Trail, which starts near Cinnamon Bay campground, is a good place to start. The National Park Service offers a series of free, ranger-led walks all around the island, where you'll learn about St. John's marine life, flora, fauna, local culture and history.
Since beach and ocean is what St. John is most famous for, some of the best outdoor activities involve being on (or under) the water. Whether it be kayaking, scuba diving, sailing, or fishing, you can either go it alone -- take yourself and your swimsuit to a gorgeous beach like Leinster Bay -- or you can have someone else take you.
Companies like Arawak Expeditions offer guided kayak tours around St. John's beautiful north shore which let you learn about the tiny islands and colorful reefs. World Class Anglers takes visitors on excursions to catch kingfish, tarpon, barracuda, shark, tuna, wahoo, and more. Sailing charters are offered by companies such as Sail Safaris, and Low Key Watersports is a good place to catch a SCUBA dive tour. If you're not certified, you can always try SNUBA (a cross between SCUBA and snorkeling), which is available at V.I. SNUBA Excursions in Cruz Bay.
If you want to get outdoors but prefer to stay on land, there's horseback riding at the Carolina Corral, birdwatching with Natural Adventures, and of course hiking and exploring the national park.
There are miles of trails in the park, most of which take you past viewpoints, ruins, and even ancient petroglyphs. The Reef Bay Trail, which starts near Cinnamon Bay campground, is a good place to start. The National Park Service offers a series of free, ranger-led walks all around the island, where you'll learn about St. John's marine life, flora, fauna, local culture and history.
Arawak Expeditions
P.O. Box 853 Cruz Bay
(Wharfside Village Shopping Center (Route 105))
Kayaking Tours...
Reef Bay Trail
Off Route 10 (Centerline Road)
4.9 miles east of centerline,
Downhill hike to history...
St. John World Class Anglers
Route 20 (North Shore Road)
(Departs from the Virgin Islands National Park Dock)
Fish for the big ones...
