St. John is home to the Virgin Islands National Park. The Park offers over 20 hiking trails that vary in length, difficulty, scenery, and terrain. Some lead to the top of mountains, others to a beach, and some to ruins that offer a glimpse into the island’s history. Hiking is the most popular way to explore St. John. Take a hiking tour on St. John with a professional and knowledgeable guide. The experience will allow you to learn about the island’s natural resources and its history, while appreciating the beauty of St. John.
Guided Hiking Tours on St. John
Hike through Salt Pond & Drunk Bay
Drunk Bay is located on the southeast side of St John adjacent to famous Salt Pond. The Salt Pond Bay Trail is a 1/4 miles long and well maintained. Another 1/4 mile of scenic trail brings you to Drunk Bay. The Salt Pond affords excellent bird watching and during a drought produces beautiful salt crystals. As you near Drunk Bay you will be surrounded by a dramatic windswept coastal hedge of 100% native vegetation. The area's unique ecology hosts plants occurring nowhere else on St John. After exploring Drunk Bay and the salt pond with your guide you return to Salt Pond Bay for a guided snorkel or a relaxing break at the beach. The snorkeling at Salt Pond Bay is excellent for beginners as the bay is usually very calm with an easy sandy entrance. Three-hour tour. $85 per person for groups of 2-4 People Priced per Person. $59 per person for groups of 5-10 People.
Hike to Brown Bay
This wonderful hike is just over 3/4 miles from the inland trailhead to the shore of Brown Bay. The first half of the trail is exposed and rocky, steeply ascending 200 feet through cactus and agave. The trail passes several historical ruins along the way to the summit. The second half follows an easier grade down to the shoreline of Brown Bay as the surrounding vegetation transitions to a lush tropical environment. The sand & grass covered bottom of the shallow waters of Brown Bay provide an easy entrance, great for beginner and intermediate snorkelers. The bay is very protected and provides a perfect environment for queen conch and sea biscuits. As you swim out of the bay you encounter a mature fringing reef teaming with aquatic life and a dazzling variety of gorgonians (sea fans, sea whips, sea plumes and others.) At the west end of the beach, you can access and explore a major historical ruin from the sugar era. Three-hour tour. $85 per person for groups of 2-4 People. $50 per person for groups of 5-10 people.
Hike the Wellington Trail
Discover the unique coastal ecology of the area while hiking the Wellington Trail through a private estate to the historic ruins of the Lamburtos Estate at Pleasant Lookout. Finish your trip with a guided snorkel in the warm waters of Hansen Bay to Pelican Rock where you will encounter an abundance of sea life. Three-hour tour. $85 per person.
Hike to Waterlemon Cay
Waterlemon Cay is located on the east side of Leinster Bay on the north shore of St John. This area has many Danish ruins including a plantation, school and guard house. This area is equally rich with history and natural beauty! Our hike follows the flat, mile long Leinster Bay Trail along the water’s edge through dappled shade and ending near Waterlemon Cay. Once there you can relax on shore, explore the Johnny Horn trail, or take a short 1/10th mile swim over starfish & sea cucumbers to Waterlemon Cay and some of St John’s best snorkeling. Circling the cay the sea is usually calm and sea life is plentiful. Parrotfish and colorful blue tang abound, spotted eagle rays & green turtles are common and if you are lucky you might spot a well camouflaged octopus. After our explorations we return back along the trail, ending our journey at the fascinating Annanberg Ruins where you can take a self-guided park tour. Three-hour tour. $85 per person for groups of 2-4 People. $50 per person for groups of 5-10 people.
Hike through Newfound Bay
This 1 mile hike across East End peninsula takes you up the Wellington Trail through a private estate to the historic ruins at Pleasant Lookout where you can enjoy incredible views from the shade of a century old tamarind tree. Then it's down to Newfound Bay where you can relax in the warm, shallow waters of this remote bay or explore on your own and snorkel over shallow barrier reefs and sea grass beds. This hike is over exposed & rugged terrain and is recommended for active & fit people. Three-hour tour. $85 per person for groups of 2-4 People. $60 per person for groups of 5-10 People.
Eco Hike & Snorkel Tour: Lind Point to Honeymoon
Explore the best of VI National Park above and below the water. Depart from the Visitor Center in Cruz Bay and hike the Lind Point Trail. Learn about flora, fauna, cultural and historical trivia along the way. At Honeymoon Beach your guide will teach you to snorkel and identify the colorful sea life. The final portion of your hike takes you through a grove of wild cinnamon, the botanical gardens of Caneel Bay Resort and the ruins of a Sugar Plantation. Perfect for wedding, corporate and private groups.
National Park led Hikes on St. John
The National Park Service offers seasonal guided hikes of Reef Bay Trail, and a Bird Watching Hike at Francis Bay Trail. They are typically led by a ranger. The Reef Bay Trail hike is a popular choice. Reservations are strongly recommended on park led hikes. Contact the National Park Visitor’s Center on St. John for more information.
Go Hiking on St. John, on Your Own
You can explore the trails within the Virgin Islands National Park, St. John on your own as well. Visit Virgin Islands National Park Trails to see the various trails that are available. Trail descriptions are included. To help you explore St. John on your own a guidebook like St. John Off the Beaten Track is worth getting, and the Trail Bandit Map for St. John also a good choice.
