The 13 Best Beaches On St. John US Virgin Islands
St. John Island is home to some of the most picturesque places in the world. So what are the best beaches on St. John in the Virgin Islands? The Virgin Islands are a group of islands in the Caribbean that are politically divided between the United Kingdom and the United States. St. John is the smallest of the three main Virgin Islands, and it is located to the east of the larger islands of St. Thomas and St. Croix. St. John was first settled by the Arawak and TaÃno peoples, and it was later colonized by the Danish in 1666.
What are the best beaches to visit on St. John?
The best beaches on St. John Islands are Maho Bay Beach, Francis Bay, Trunk Bay Beach, Salomon Beach, Honeymoon Beach, Oppenheimer Beach, Cinnamon Bay, Gibney Beach, Hawksnest Beach, Scott Bay Beach, and Salt Pond Bay.
The Danish East India Company operated a sugar plantation on the island, and slaves were brought over from Africa to work on the plantation. In 1917, the United States purchased the Virgin Islands from Denmark, and St. John became a part of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Tourism is now the main industry on St. John, and visitors come to enjoy the island’s white sand beaches, clear blue waters, and unspoiled natural beauty.
We have been to St. John Virgin Islands many times. Therefore, we have listed down some of the best beaches in St. John Virgin Islands.
Maho Bay Beach
Maho Bay Beach on St. John in the Virgin Islands is a world-famous tourist destination for its crystal-clear waters and powdery white sands.
The beach is situated on Maho Bay, which is surrounded by coral reefs. Maho Bay Beach was once a coconut plantation and later became a beach resort.
The Maho Bay Beach resort was developed in the early 1970s by an American couple. Maho Bay Beach has since become one of the most popular beaches on St. John.
Maho Bay Beach is also famous for its MahoBay Sunset Celebration, which is held every Wednesday evening. The Maho Bay Sunset Celebration is a gathering of locals and tourists who come to watch the sunset and listen to live music.
Maho Bay Beach is an essential part of St. John Virgin Islands’ history and culture, and it continues to be a popular tourist destination today.
Francis Bay
Francis Bay is a stunning body of water located on the island of St. John in the Virgin Islands. This secluded bay is a popular tourist destination, and it is easy to see why.
The turquoise waters and white sand beaches are simply gorgeous, and the surrounding jungle provides a feeling of total isolation. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities in Francis Bay, including swimming, kayaking, and hiking.
There is also abundant marine life, making it a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. While relatively new to tourism, Francis Bay has a long history. It was originally inhabited by the Taino people, who were later displaced by the Caribs.
The first European settlers arrived in the 18th century, and the bay has been inhabited ever since. Today, Francis Bay is a popular vacation spot for both locals and visitors to the Virgin Islands.
Trunk Bay Beach
Trunk Bay Beach is one of the most popular tourist destinations on St. John. Trunk Bay is known for its clear blue waters, soft white sand beaches, and lush green vegetation.
Trunk Bay is located on the north coast of St. John, about a twenty-minute drive from the town of Cruz Bay.
Trunk Bay was originally settled by the Taino Indians, who called the bay ” Punta de Justicia”. Trunk Bay was named after a shipwreck that occurred in the bay in 1725. The ship, which was carrying a load of sugarcane, ran aground on a reef and broke apart.
The crew and passengers were all safely able to swim to shore, but the sugarcane was lost to the sea. Trunk Bay is now a popular spot for snorkeling and swimming.
There is also a variety of fish that can be seen in the bay, including parrot fish, angelfish, and damselfish. Trunk Bay is truly a piece of paradise on earth.
Salomon Beach
St. John is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and Salomon Beach is no exception. This stunning stretch of sand is located on the east coast of the island, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike.
The beach gets its name from Salomon Bay, which lies just offshore. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Caribbean Sea from the white sand beach, and there are also several small islands nearby that are perfect for exploring.
Snorkeling and diving are popular activities in the area, and there are also several hiking trails nearby that offer breathtaking views of the coastline.
Salomon Beach is a truly idyllic spot, and it’s no wonder that it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations on St. John.
Honeymoon Beach
Honeymoon Beach is a secluded beach located on St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The beach is only accessible by boat, making it a popular destination for honeymooners and travelers looking for a private retreat.
Honeymoon Beach is also known for its dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and white sand beaches. Although the beach is relatively small, it has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Virgin Islands.
Honeymoon Beach is located on the north shore of St. John, about a half-mile from the nearest town. The beach gets its name from the nearby Honeymoon Cottage, built in the early 1900s as a honeymoon getaway for wealthy travelers.
Today, the cottage is available for rent, and Honeymoon Beach remains a popular destination for newlyweds and visitors looking for a quiet place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the Virgin Islands.
Oppenheimer Beach
Oppenheimer Beach is a stunning stretch of sand on the island of St. John in the Virgin Islands. The beach is named after Edward Oppenheimer, who was a major investor in the island’s tourism industry in the early twentieth century.
Oppenheimer Beach is located on the northeastern coast of St. John, near the town of Cruz Bay. The beach is well-known for its dramatic cliffs, which rise up from the shoreline and provide stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.
Oppenheimer Beach is also a popular spot for snorkeling and swimming, as the waters are calm and clear. Visitors can also enjoy a meal or a drink at one of the beachside restaurants, which offer stunning views of the ocean.
Oppenheimer Beach is an essential stop for anyone visiting St. John, and it is sure to create lifelong memories.
Cinnamon Bay
Cinnamon Bay is another popular tourist destination on the Virgin Islands. Located on the island of St. John, Cinnamon Bay is known for its beautiful beaches and clear waters.
Cinnamon Bay is also a popular spot for snorkeling and diving, as the reefs nearby provide abundant marine life to explore. In addition to its natural beauty, Cinnamon Bay also has a rich history.
The bay was once used as a sugar plantation, and the ruins of the sugar mill can still be seen today. Cinnamon Bay is also home to several historical buildings, including the Cinnamon Hill Greathouse, which was built in the 18th century.
Today, Cinnamon Bay is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Virgin Islands, and its history and natural beauty make it a truly unique place to visit.
Gibney Beach
Gibney beach is located on the island’s southeast coast and offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. Gibney Beach is also a great place to relax and enjoy the warm weather and tranquil waters.
The history of Gibney Beach dates back to the early 1900s, when it was first developed as a resort destination for wealthy travelers.
Today, Gibney Beach remains a popular tourist spot and is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush vegetation. Visitors to Gibney Beach can enjoy various activities, including swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and windsurfing.
Hawksnest Beach
Hawksnest Beach is located on the island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The beach is situated on the northeastern coast of the island, offering stunning views of the nearby British Virgin Islands.
Hawksnest is one of the most popular beaches on St. John, and it is known for its crystal blue waters and lovely white sand. Visitors can enjoy many activities such as swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and windsurfing.
Hawksnest Beach is also a great spot for scuba diving, as there are several dive sites nearby. The beach is named after Hawksnest Bay, which was once home to a Hawksbill turtle nesting ground.
Hawksbill turtles are now an endangered species, but Hawksnest Beach remains a popular tourist destination.
Scott Bay Beach
Scott Bay Beach is a beautiful sandy beach located on the north coast of St. John in the Virgin Islands. The beach is well known for its excellent snorkeling and diving, as well as its picturesque views.
Scott Bay Beach is also a popular spot for tourists, as it is conveniently located near many hotels and restaurants.
The history of Scott Bay Beach goes back to the early 20th century when the area was first developed for tourism. Since then, the beach has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Virgin Islands.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy the scenery or to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Scott Bay Beach is an ideal destination.
Salt Pond Bay
Salt Pond bay is known for its clear blue waters, stunning white sand beaches, and lush vegetation. Salt Pond Bay is also a popular spot for snorkeling and diving, as the coral reef is home to a wide variety of marine life.
The bay is located on the east coast of St. John, and is accessible by boat or via a short hike from Salt Pond Beach. Salt Pond Bay was named after the salt ponds that were once located on the bay.
The salt was used to preserve food and was also believed to have medicinal properties. Today, Salt Pond Bay is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying beautiful views.
Hansen Bay Beach
Hansen Bay Beach on St. John in the United States Virgin Islands is a beautiful spot that is well worth a visit if you are ever in the area. The beach is located on the east side of the island, and it is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.
The history of the beach dates back to the 18th century, when it was used as a landing site for ships traveling to and from the nearby British Virgin Islands.
Today, the beach is known for its crystal-clear water and stunning views. Visitors can find plenty of restaurants and bars in the area, making it the perfect place to spend a day in the sun.
Whether you’re looking to relax or have some fun, Hansen Bay Beach is sure to have something for everyone.
Turtle Bay
Turtle Bay is a beautiful cove located on the north coast of St. John Virgin Islands. The bay got its name from the many turtles that used to swim in its waters. These days, Turtle Bay is a popular tourist destination known for its clear blue waters and white sand beaches.
Visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking, or simply relax on the beach and enjoy the stunning views. Turtle Bay is also home to a number of restaurants and bars, as well as a small hotel.
The bay is located just a short drive from the island’s capital, Cruz Bay, making it an easy place to access for both locals and visitors alike. Turtle Bay has a long history dating back to the early 1800s when it was first settled by Danish colonists.
Today, it remains an important part of St. John’s cultural heritage, and its natural beauty continues to draw visitors from all over the world.