St. John

St. John: Overview

St. John, the smallest of the three U.S. Virgin Islands, retains a tranquil, unspoiled beauty uncommon in the Caribbean or anywhere else in the world. Settled in the early 1700’s by Danish immigrants attracted to the island’s potential as a sugar cane producing colony, St. John soon blossomed into a thriving economy. The island’s unspoiled forests and stunning beaches attracted the attention of wealthy families who sought privacy and tranquility on the island. In 1956, Laurence Rockefeller was so moved by the island that he bought and donated broad expanses of land to the National Park Service to keep St. John “a thing of joy forever.” St. John was recently voted “Best Island in the Caribbean/Atlantic” by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler in the publication’s prestigious annual Readers’ Choice Awards poll.

The following are some of the island’s highlights and attractions:

Virgin Islands National Park

Two-thirds of St. John’s 19 square miles is designated as protected national park land. Laurence Rockefeller deeded approximately 9,500 acres of rolling green hills and underwater preserve to the federal government more than 40 years ago. There are 22 self-guided hiking trails within the Virgin Islands National Park, where visitors can discover ancient petroglyphs and beautiful foliage along the way.

Ecotourism

Sustainable tourism programs and environmentally safe practices keep the island pristine and clean. Visitors are encouraged to appreciate the previous resources of the natural environment while enjoying the island’s beauty. Numerous ecotourism activities and attractions ensure the preservation of natural resources and ecosystems.

Unique Accommodations

St. John offers a variety of accommodation styles to suit all tastes and preferences. The island has two major luxury resorts – Caneel Bay Resort, and The Westin St. John. In addition, there are a plethora of villas, condominiums, and bed and breakfast inns from which to choose. St. John is also home to several ecotourism resorts and campgrounds for a closer-to-nature experience.

Two towns/two personalities – Cruz Bay and Coral Bay

In downtown Cruz Bay, visitors can enjoy the shops and restaurants at Mongoose Junction or Wharfside Village. Coral Bay is an especially scenic town, boasting the highest point of elevation in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Annaberg Ruins

This former sugar plantation maintains a wealth of history and cultural folklore. Travelers can revisit the remnants of plantation life and the occupation of slaves during the 18th century. Park rangers conduct demonstrations of cultural traditions, including basket weaving, music and dance, each week.

St. John Annual Fourth of July Celebration

This annual festival extends from early June through July 4th to celebrate the island’s rich cultural heritage. Pageants, music concerts, sporting races and food fairs are all part of this month-long festival, which culminates in an awe-inspiring fireworks spectacular.

Beautiful Beaches

St. John offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, including Trunk Bay and Hawkesnest Bay.

Water-based Activities

Snorkeling, snuba and scuba diving are ways to explore St. John’s underwater paradise. Visitors interact with extraordinary flora and fauna at Trunk Bay, where underwater placards placed on the snorkeling trail describe the surrounding ecology. Colorful fish and coral are abundant in the waters off this island. Snuba, an activity that combines the skills of snorkeling and introductory diving skills, is an option for visitors not quite ready for scuba diving, but interested in exploring the island up to 20 feet beneath the surface. Divers enjoy venturing into the deep waters off St. John, particularly near Carvelle Rock and other points near the Pillsbury Sound where the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean come together.

Getting Around the Island

To explore St. John’s unique terrain, visitors can rent a jeep or a 4 x 4 vehicle for getting around the island. St. John has many steep hills and “hook backs” that lead to the most breathtaking landscapes and overlooks in the Caribbean. Only a 20-minute ferry ride away is the island of St. Thomas – perfect for a day trip.

For information about the United States Virgin Islands, call 800-372-USVI (8784) and visit http://www.usvitourism.vi. As a United States Territory, the U.S. Virgin Islands does not require proof of citizenship from U.S. citizens arriving from Puerto Rico or the U.S. mainland. Entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens are the same as for entering the United States from any foreign destination. Upon departure, a passport is required for all but U.S. citizens.

Comissioner of Tourism and its responsibilities include but are not limited to the formulation, implementation, administration and coordination of programs and policies pertaining to all aspects of tourism.

Activities conducted by the Department of Tourism include the following:

Develop strategies that will make the Territory competitive and desirable as a tourism destination
Communicate and cooperate with all local tourist or tourist-related businesses to determine their needs and how best to promote the industry
Promote Virgin Islands culture as a part of the tourism experience
Promote an understanding of the importance of the tourism experience
Develop strategies for the U.S. Virgin Islands in all businesses and industries throughout the Territory
Identify and promote the unique features of St. Croix, St. John, St. Thomas, and Water Island in tourism advertising; and, develop long-term strategies to successfully develop the overall economy

The Tourism Revolving Fund was created by Act 5249 and established under Title 33, Section 3072 Virgin Islands Code. The Fund is administered by the Commissioner of Finance and consists of all sums appropriated from time to time by the Legislature, all gifts, contributions and bequests made, and 100% of all moneys received by the Government from the collection of Hotel Room Tax, which is 12.5% of the gross room rate or rental.

Monies disbursed from the Fund are used exclusively by the Department of Tourism for promoting the Territory as a tourist destination and for industrial promotion.