Get a fresh fruit smoothie when you disembark from the St Thomas ferry, stow your suitcase and head for the warm sand and waters just out of Cruz Bay. Brilliant blue waters lap the sandy edges of St. John, beckoning swimmers, sunbathers and the overworked. Most of the tangled tropical foliage that blankets the island's interior is part of the Virgin Islands National Park, but don't let that fool you into thinking St. John is just one long walk in the park. Whether you're checking out the nightlife and a bright red sunset or exploring the island's hidden sands there is plenty to do on the island to keep you relaxed for a few days, with the British Virgin Islands just a quick trip away.
Get your hiking shoes on and lope along the 20 plus trails that penetrate the national park if you want some solitude, stopping at a protected beach for an afternoon swim and snorkel. When you've worn out your walking muscles, take in the scenery astride a steed with a guided horseback tour up to some of the island's best vistas.
Join a guided scuba tour to make the most of the reefs off St. John's shore, or snorkel around in the calm waters off the west coast with an eye out for massive turtles.
Rent your own watercraft to access popular sub-surface spots like the General Rogers wreck, or just enjoy wind in your sails and cruise the waters around St. John. Book deck space on a charter sport fishing boat or join a day cruise to the neighboring British Virgin Islands, should you want to explore this stretch of warm water more thoroughly.
If you're after a bit of lush wilderness with your beach, St John is a good place to unfold your lounge chair and feast your eyes.
St John is three miles east of St. Thomas.
