(US Virgin Islands)

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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 1700s by Danish immigrants attracted to the  island's potential as a sugar cane-producing colony, St. John soon  blossomed into a thriving society. The ruins of the Annaberg Sugar  Plantation and other smaller plantations on the island attest to the  island's agricultural history.

The extensive sugar cane farming, however, did little to affect the natural beauty of St. John. Its unspoiled forests and stunning beaches attracted the attention of wealthy families such as the Rockefellers, 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."

Today, two-thirds of St. John is part of the Virgin Islands National Park, featuring fascinating trails, secluded coves, and dazzling white beaches. The Reef Bay Trail takes hikers through dense forests, plantation ruins, and rock outcroppings marked by well-preserved petroglyphs. Trunk Bay, Hawksnest Bay, Cinnamon Bay, and Maho Bay are just four of the dozens of beaches. Cruz Bay, the center of activity on St. John, contains colorful shops, lively bars, and fabulous restaurants

Visitors looking for an uncommon Caribbean experience can explore the 22 hiking trails managed by the National Park Service within Virgin Islands National Park. The woodland trails winding through subtropical vegetation can be challenging, especially if your trail takes you to the summit of Bordeaux Mountain, St. John's highest peak. The famous three-mile Reef Bay Trail takes hikers through dense forests, plantation ruins, and rock outcroppings marked by well-preserved petroglyphs.

After touring the island on foot, visitors may also tour the island's scenic roads in a rented automobile or bicycle. Two-hour safari bus tours and taxi tours are available as well, narrated by guides well-versed in West Indian folklore and in the history and natural wonders of St. John.

Snorkeling on St. John is an ideal way to discover the beauty of the island's coast. Trunk Bay's snorkeling trail provides underwater plaques describing the marine life found in the area. Cinnamon Bay is another popular snorkeling destination. Snuba, a unique activity available on St. John, combines the techniques of snorkeling and scuba diving without the heavy dive gear and extensive training courses. Personalized instruction, equipment, and guided underwater tours are all provided. Snuba divers can reach depths of up to 20 feet to discover the wonders of the aquatic world. No prior experience is required. Fishing, sailing, scuba diving, and windsurfing are also popular; rental equipment and guides are available for all skill levels. For more pedestrian pursuits, you'll find that our dozens of famous, secluded beaches are exactly what you need.

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