More than half of tiny St. John island is designated as a National Park, thus ensuring that the beauty of this, the least populated of the US Virgin Islands, remains unsullied. One can wander the twisting mountain roads that roll past the crumbling ruins of old sugar plantations, up the verdant hillsides for a panoramic view of the St. John, then back down again to explore hidden coves.
Trunk Bay is one of the most acclaimed beaches on St. John. Its sparkling reputation sometimes draws crowds, and the underwater trails are irresistible to snorkelers. Divers, swimmers and sailors also congregate here. The sleepy village of Cruz Bay is the destination for low-key bars, restaurants and shops. Cinnamon Bay has a campground which is quite popular. St. John is not the place for partiers seeking wild nightlife. It is, rather, a haven for travelers seeking peace and tranquility. St. John has recently become of interest to archaeologists, who’ve unearthed artifacts relevant to both the spiritual and domestic lives of the Taino, who lived here from AD1000-1500. Relics from the island’s slave driven sugar plantation era have also been found, and bones from slave graveyards sometime are found poking from the eroded soil near the beach.
