Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
To reach the best snorkeling, continue past the beach on the trail until you are adjacent
to the offshore islet, Waterlemon Cay. If you are a strong swimmer, head out to the island
and explore the cay's reef fringe. You will probably not be alone here - Leinster Bay is a
popular anchorage for yachts. Dive operators bring snorkeling tours here as well, so watch
out for moving boats. Turtles, spotted eagle rays, barracudas and nurse sharks swim in the
waters. Some folks claim this is the best snorkeling on St John, but the East End is arguably
better. Be aware the current can be quite strong, especially on the Tortola (northeast) side
of the cay.
Activities
Cinnamon Bay Water Sports Center
MULTI-SPORT
(Cinnamon Bay; 8:30am-4:30pm)
Situated at the campground's beach and stocked
with a good selection of sailboats, windsurf boards, stand-up paddleboards and kayaks
(each ranging from $20 to $35 per hour). Lessons cost around $65 per hour. Snorkeling
gear ($7 per day) is available a few steps away at the Beach Shop.
THESE TRAILS ARE MADE FOR WALKING
St John's greatest gift to visitors (aside from the awesome snorkeling, feral donkeys,
eco-camps and happy-hour booze) is its hiking trails. The national park maintains 20
paths, and any reasonably fit hiker can walk them safely without a local guide. The
park visitors center provides trail details in the helpful free
Trail Guide for Safe Hik-
ing
brochure. Uber-enthusiasts should also buy the
Trail Bandit map
(
www.trailbandit.org
;
$4)
that lists several additional footpaths; it's available at the
park visitors center, Maho Bay Camps store or online. Perhaps the best resource of
all, with free step-by-step directions for each trail, is
See St John
(
www.seestjohn.com
)
; click the 'hiking trails' link on the page's left side.
If you prefer guided hikes, the National Park Service sponsors several free ones,
including birding expeditions and shore hikes. Its best-known offering is the
Reef
Bay Hike( 340-776-6201, reservations ext 238; $21; 9:30am-3pm Mon &
Thu year-round, plus Fri Dec-Apr)
. This begins at the Reef Bay trailhead, 4.75
miles from Cruz Bay on Centerline Rd. The hike is a 3-mile downhill trek through
tropical forests, leading past petroglyphs and plantation ruins to a swimming beach at
