Iguanas – Take a Closer Look
If you have spent time in the U.S. Virgin Islands, particularly St. Thomas and St. John, you have likely come across the popular resident, the
Overall Rating
Overall rating
4.4
Scenery/View
4.5
Water
4.5
Shore/Sand
4.5
Snorkeling
4.0
Visit Francis Bay and you will find yourself on one of St. John's longest beaches. This beautiful beach has calm waters and a lovely, sandy shore. Often sparsely populated on weekdays it's easy to find a nice quiet spot. Picnic tables are available. The Francis Bay Trail runs along a salt pond and offers great bird watching. There is good snorkeling for beginners along the western end of the beach towards Maho Bay. For strong swimmers, enter the water from the rocky section of other end of the beach. Halfway out from the bay's point begins a varied, narrow reef. For those with a kayak, Whistling Cay, adjacent to the bay, offers very good snorkeling.
Beach Amenities
- Swimming
- Parking Available
Photos
Map
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Small, But Best Beach on St. John
Overall rating
5.0
Scenery/View
5.0
Water
5.0
Shore/Sand
5.0
Snorkeling
5.0
This is the best, quaint, beach that St. John hasto offer. Swim around schools of fish, even in the shallow end. This beach is not only calm, but FANTASTIC! Definitly try this beach if you can.
RF
Ryan Freesmithers
Use a Map
Hiking on St. John is a popular activity that lets you enjoy the tropical outdoors. We recommend using the St. John Trail Bandit Hiking Map/Guide to plan your hikes.
Virgin Islands Nature
Hiking Tips
- Tell someone where you are going and when you will return. Avoid hiking or swimming alone.
- Allow for sufficient time to explore, swim and rest.
- Remain on park trails – some trails cross private property, do not trespass into private property.
- Wear cool clothing, comfortable walking shoes. Sandals are not recommended. Sneakers are your best option.
- Protect yourself against the sun and insects.
- Bring water and snacks.
- Do not leave items or garbage on the trails. Make sure you leave with all the items you brought with you.
- Do not remove anything from the park property; this includes but is not limited to shells, rocks, artifacts, flowers, plants and animals.
- Pace yourself to prevent fatigue. Watch footing on wet rocks and trails made rough and slippery at times by heavy rainfall.
- Do not eat unknown fruits, nuts or berries. Some plants and fruits are poisonous and can cause allergic reactions. Do not touch unfamiliar plants. Avoid handling or picking plant life that may harbor stinging insects, cause rashes, scratches or skin punctures. Many plants have thorns beware, look but don’t touch. Some ground covering shrubs cause severe itching – it is in your best interest to stay on trails.
- Do not climb on fragile historic structures. Leave artifacts in place.
- Hike early and return early.
