Fishing, Paddleboarding, Hiking, we have it all!
Discover the reefs, the trails and the ruins. Explore the St. John's trails and historic back roads by foot, or by car. Go beneath the waters, snorkel, scuba or snuba and tour the coral reefs and rock croppings. St. John by sea is always an option. Rent a power boat for the day!
The island is networked with tended hiking trails leading to historical sites and hidden beaches which can be hiked on your own or, if you choose, with a knowledgeable guide who will point out and explain to you the unique aspects of St. John's flora, fauna and tell you the history of the old ruins that liberally sprinkle the islands. Learn about the intricate eco system of the precious corals, be awed by the magnificently colored fish.
Annaberg Plantation Ruins is the most complete sugar plantation ruins in the Virgin Islands. Take the 30 minute self-guided walking tour and visit the slave quarters, windmill, horse mill, cistern, oven rum still and dungeon. During the winter season there are demonstrations and tours highlighting the chores and crafts of the Danish Plantation days and the workings of a sugar mill and factory.
The Annaberg windmill was built in the early 1800s, and is almost 40 feet high.The windmill crushed the sugar cane and gravity led the juice through gutters to the factory. Alternatively when there was not enough wind, horses were used to turn rollers crushing the sugar cane.
For more information visit Virgin Islands National Park headquarters in Cruz Bay or contact them at (340)776-6201 ext. 238.
The Battery
Now the St. John's Administration Building, is built on the foundation of a 18th century fort. Small museum in the old prison cells: Open 10-2 Mon-Fri. Free. Seashells, old maps.
Elaine Sprauve Library & Museum
Restored Manor House built in the 1750s. The museum is open 9-5 Mon-Fri. Photos, drawings, local crafts and a few Indian and colonial artifacts. 340 776 6359
Ivan Jadan Museum
Director/curator Doris Jadan, memorabilia relating to the life of the her husband: Ivan a renowned operatic tenor who lived many years on St. John. www.ijadan.vi
Lind Point Trail
This trail will take you to the Lind Battery (early 1800s) once a British gun emplacement
Cinnamon Bay Sugar Factory Ruins
A short walk tour with signs identifying points of interest and vegetation
Cinnamon Bay Archaeological Dig
Taino artifacts dating back 500 years. Take a tour or volunteer some time. The Dig at Cinnamon Bay | Volunteer
Ruins of the Catherineburg Sugar Mill and Rum Factory
(Hammer Farms) Restored in 1986 it is one of the earliest plantations on St. John mid 1700s. A good example of barrelled vaulting construction. Check out the storage vault beneath the windmill the round mill which is found across the road. In the 1733 slave revolt, Catherineberg served as headquarters for the Amina warriors, a tribe of Africans captured into slavery.
Petroglyphs and Sugarmill Ruins along the Reef Bay Trail
Partially restored Reef Bay Sugar Factory, the Jossie Gut Plantation Ruins, Estate Par Force and petroglyphs. The petroglyphs were done by the Tainos, early St. John inhabitants, or another theory is by African slaves of the island's colonial era. Petroglyphs & Ruins along the Reef Bay Trail | Reef Bay Trail / Cinnamon Bay Hike | Petroglyphs
Peace Hill
And the ruined windmill at Christ of the Caribbean in the ruins of the Denis Bay Plantation Built in the 50s it was donated to the BI National park in 1975 represented Inner and Outer Peace. Destroyed by Hurricane Marilyn in 1995
Emmaus Moravian Church
Located in Coral Bay is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. A masonry structure, built by the Moravian missionaries who ministered to the slaves and taught them to read. The cornerstone was laid by slave preacher and mason Cornelius at the end of 1700s. Now referred to as the Bethany Moravian Church if you visit it note the beautiful renovated 18th century parish hall, the vaulted cistern and dutch ovens.
Fortberg
On Fortberg Hill in Coral Bay Built by Danish 1717 destroyed by the slaves during the revolt in 1733 In 1807-14 the British built a battery
National Park Underwater Trail
Virgin Islands National Park. The world's first marked underwater trail located near the shoreline, making it one of the best snorkeling spots in the Caribbean.