St John
is the smallest, most laid back, and many say the most beautiful of the U.S. Virgin Islands. It is 7 miles by 3 miles wide, and two-thirds of it is covered with U.S. National Park. Some of the park’s hiking trails end on high plateaus giving incredible views of the white beaches, turquoise waters and emerald cays below. St. John remains unspoiled and offers the perfect yachting destination, with quiet lagoons, underwater coral gardens, sparkling beaches, scenic walking trails, and 18th & 19th century plantation ruins lying in the sun. Wharfside Village on St. John has quaint shops built up and down terraces with easy outdoor staircases. A short walk takes you to Mongoose Junction, a tranquil setting of shady courtyards and stone buildings filled with old world charm and boutiques. Many of the shopkeepers design their own work, such as jewelry, clothing, artwork and pottery. For yachting enthusiasts, there are several choice anchorages; Coral Bay is picturesque and offers drinks and snacks, Hurricane Hole is surrounded by the National Park and Caneel Bay provides boat trips to nearby Virgin Gorda. The visitor center for the Park is at Cruz Bay, and rangers are on hand to assist with your visit. A short ferry ride also connects you to St. Thomas, making it easy to stay on either island to get the most from your Virgin Islands experience.
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