Adventure in , St John!

Virgin Islands National Park

Why Visit?

Virgin Islands National Park Adventure Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Reef Bay Trail

Begin your adventure in the lush surroundings of Virgin Islands National Park by flying into Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas, then catching a short ferry ride to St. John. Upon arrival, make your way to Cruz Bay, where you can rent a jeep—a popular mode of transport on the island. Drive to the Reef Bay Trailhead for an invigorating hike. This 4.4-mile round-trip trek not only immerses you in the island"s lush flora but also leads you past petroglyphs carved by the Taino people, ending at the historic Reef Bay Sugar Mill ruins. Consider a guided hike which includes a boat ride back, sparing you the uphill return.

Day 2: Kayaking and Snorkeling

Head to Cinnamon Bay early to rent a kayak. Paddle out to nearby cays, such as Whistling Cay, where you can snorkel among vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. The clear waters offer excellent visibility, making it a perfect spot to encounter sea turtles and colorful fishes. After your sea adventure, relax on the white sands of Cinnamon Bay or hike the short Cinnamon Bay Trail through ruins of a Danish sugar plantation.

Day 3: Annaberg Plantation and Sunset at Trunk Bay

Spend your morning exploring the ruins of Annaberg Plantation, where you’ll learn about the island’s colonial history and sugar production. Participate in cultural demonstrations like bread baking in traditional fashion. As the day winds down, head over to Trunk Bay, renowned for its underwater snorkeling trail and breathtaking sunsets, providing a serene end to your adventurous stay.

Fact to Know

Virgin Islands National Park covers approximately 60% of St. John Island, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and historical depth, making it an ideal spot for both relaxation and exploration.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Coral World Ocean Park

Why Visit?

Adventure Tour Itinerary: Coral World Ocean Park, St. Thomas

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Begin your adventure by flying into Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Rent a car or take a taxi for a scenic 30-minute drive across the island to Coral World Ocean Park, located beside the stunning Coki Beach.

Morning: Dive Into Marine Wonders

Arrive early at Coral World Ocean Park to beat the crowds and start your day with the Sea Trek Helmet Dive. This unique experience allows you to walk underwater among colorful tropical fish and vibrant coral reefs, no scuba certification required! Learn fascinating facts about the local marine life and the park"s efforts in coral conservation.

Afternoon: Encounter Exotic Marine Life

After a lunch break at one of the park"s ocean-view cafes, head to the Shark Shallows where you’ll come face-to-face with juvenile sharks. Here, you can touch a bamboo shark and learn about their habitats and the challenges they face in the wild. Next, join the Turtle Encounter to meet rescued sea turtles and assist with their feeding under the guidance of expert marine biologists.

Evening: Relax at Coki Beach

Cap off your day by unwinding at the adjacent Coki Beach. Snorkel in the clear waters, often touted as the best snorkeling spot on the island, where the vivid marine life is immediately accessible just a few feet from shore.

Day 2: Educational and Conservation Activities

Spend your second day participating in educational programs such as the "Marine Gardens" tour, which offers a deeper insight into the ecosystems of 21 smaller aquariums and the conservation efforts undertaken by the park.

Departure

As your adventure comes to a close, reflect on the incredible experiences and newfound knowledge as you head back to the airport, carrying memories of a lifetime from Coral World Ocean Park.

Tip: Purchase the Total Experience package online for the best value on multiple attractions, ensuring a fully immersive visit!

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Magens Bay

Why Visit?

Embark on an exhilarating adventure to Magens Bay, St. Thomas, a gem nestled in the heart of the Caribbean. Renowned for its stunning vistas and crystalline waters, this destination promises adventure enthusiasts an unforgettable experience.

Day 1: Arrival in St. Thomas

Fly into Cyril E. King Airport and take a scenic 20-minute taxi ride north to Magens Bay. Check into a nearby villa or eco-lodge, allowing you the comfort of proximity to the beach. Spend your first afternoon soaking in the panoramic views of the bay, often listed among the world"s top beaches for its heart-shaped shoreline and lush surroundings.

Day 2: Kayaking and Snorkeling

Start your morning with a thrilling kayaking tour. Rentals are available right on the beach, and you can paddle your way along the coastline, exploring hidden coves. After kayaking, grab some snorkeling gear and immerse yourself in the vibrant underwater world of Magens Bay. The clear waters are teeming with colorful coral reefs and an array of marine life, offering an up-close encounter with nature"s wonders.

Day 3: Nature Trail Hike

Gear up for a hike on the Magens Bay Nature Trail. Accessible from the southwestern end of the beach, this 1-mile trail offers a moderate hike through lush, tropical flora. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife, including various bird species and exotic plants. The trail ends at a secluded stretch of beach—perfect for a quiet afternoon swim.

**Magens Bay is not just a beach but an experience, with its $5 entrance fee contributing to the preservation of its natural beauty. Make sure to bring your camera to capture the breathtaking sunset, which is perfect from the bay"s vantage point.

Conclude your visit to Magens Bay filled with not just memories but with a rejuvenating connection to nature. Whether by land or sea, Magens Bay offers an adventure that speaks both to the spirit and the adrenaline seeker within.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Whistling Cay

Why Visit?

Embark on a thrilling aquatic adventure to Whistling Cay, a small, uninhabited island nestled in the azure waters of the U.S. Virgin Islands National Park, a paradise for snorkelers and history buffs alike.

Morning: Setting Sail from St. John

Your adventure begins in the charming town of Cruz Bay on St. John, where you can rent a kayak or charter a small boat to whisk you across the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea. The journey to Whistling Cay is a scenic 20-minute paddle or sail, providing panoramic views of the lush Virgin Islands and an invigorating start to your day.

Midday: Historical Exploration and Snorkeling

Upon arrival, explore the remnants of an 18th-century customs house where duties were once collected from passing ships, a sentinel over the now tranquil cove. Here, history whispers through the ruins, offering a glimpse into the island’s colonial past.

Next, plunge into the vibrant underwater world surrounding Whistling Cay. The snorkeling here is top-tier, with the surrounding reefs home to an array of marine life including sea turtles, colorful corals, and schools of tropical fish. The clear waters offer excellent visibility, making it an underwater photographer’s dream.

Afternoon: Picnic and Leisure

After your snorkeling adventure, relax on the cay’s small beach, a perfect spot for a picnic. Pack a lunch and enjoy the serene beauty with the sounds of the sea and the whistle of the breeze that gives Whistling Cay its name—an enchanting phenomenon caused by the wind passing through the cay’s rock formations.

Late Afternoon: Return to St. John

As the sun begins to dip, paddle back to St. John, filled with the day’s vivid memories. The return trip is a gentle close to an exhilarating day, gliding over the now familiar waters as the sun sets on the horizon.

Whistling Cay offers a splendid blend of adventure, history, and natural beauty, making it an unmissable stop for adventure lovers touring the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.

Hawksnest Bay

Why Visit?

Adventure Itinerary: Hawksnest Bay, St. John

Day 1: Arrival & Exploration

Begin your adventure in the enchanting Hawksnest Bay, located on the north shore of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. Easily accessible via Cruz Bay, take a 10-minute taxi ride that offers scenic vistas of the island’s lush topography, dropping you at the entrance of Hawksnest Beach. Known for its shimmering turquoise waters and powdery white sand, this bay provides a perfect tableau for your first day of relaxation and snorkeling. Explore the vibrant underwater trail where colorful coral reefs teem with marine life. Don’t miss the chance to spot the elusive sea turtles and playful dolphins.

Day 2: Hiking the Reef Bay Trail

Kickstart your day with an invigorating hike on the famous Reef Bay Trail. Arrange a pickup from Hawksnest Bay and head to the trail entrance. This 4.4-mile round trip offers a fascinating journey through subtropical rainforest, past historical sugar plantation ruins, and down to the pristine Reef Bay. Guided tours are available, providing insights into the local flora and fauna and the island’s intriguing history, including ancient petroglyphs carved by the Taino people. The trail ends at a secluded beach, perfect for a cooling swim before heading back.

Day 3: Kayaking & More

Rent a kayak or join a guided tour from Hawksnest Bay to explore the nearby cays. Paddle your way to Henley Cay, a sanctuary for bird watchers and snorkeling enthusiasts, with its untouched coral ecosystems. Later, navigate to Caneel Bay, indulging in the serene environment and perhaps catching sight of grazing deer along the shore.

Conclusion

Your adventure at Hawksnest Bay is packed with breathtaking natural beauty and exhilarating activities, making it an unforgettable escape for adventure lovers. Each activity offers a unique perspective of St. John’s rich ecological and cultural tapestry, promising a deeply rewarding exploration of this Caribbean paradise.

Adventure Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to adventure travelers.