Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
view includes Cruz Bay, the British Virgin Islands and a
beautiful blue sea.
Sunup to Sundown
Beach-hopping from one coral sand beach to an-
other is a popular and pleasant activity on an
island of 20 square miles and with at least that
many beaches. Nude bathing is popular at sev-
eral of the quieter beaches, but is frowned upon within the
National Park. Watersports dominate the daytime hours,
with swimming, fabulous snorkeling, scuba diving, wind-
surfing and sailing all readily available. The hikes and dem-
onstrations conducted by the Park Rangers are well
attended and you should try to sign up for some that interest
you.
The key to exploring St. John is the Park Service. Their in-
formation desk is on the
National Park Dock
, between
Cruz Bay and Mongoose Junction. Staff here is always help-
ful and, best of all, extremely knowledgeable. You might also
consider taking a water taxi to nearby Tortola and Virgin
Gorda in the British Virgin Islands, or the ferry to St.
Thomas for a day of shopping.
The Best Beaches
The island's finest beaches are along the
north shore, so we'll explore those first,
starting closest to Cruz Bay and moving
eastward. All the beaches mentioned are
within the borders of the National Park. Surrey buses from
Cruz Bay follow this route and you can easily move from one
beach to the next.
