For couples everywhere, the arrival of February comes with the promises of sweet sentiments revolving around Valentine’s Day. This moment set aside for honoring the one you love most is often marked by chocolates but in 2020, those looking to take their expression of love to a new level will want to consider booking one of our 1 bedroom luxury villas an unforgettable journey to the island of St. John. This lush and tropical paradise promises to bring the scenery as well as plenty of options for exciting excursions carried out hand in hand. When you’re crafting that most romantic itinerary, be sure to add these activities to the top of the St. John things to do list.

A Champagne Sunset Sail

The beautiful waters that surround St. John have long defined the landscape and when you’re here for Valentine’s Day, you’ll want to maximize your time on the beautiful Caribbean Sea by working with Cimmaron St. John’s professional concierge staff in booking a romantic sunset sail Hop aboard a luxury catamaran and watch the sun go down in island style as you sip Champagne and enjoy a selection of hors d’oeuvres that are sure to be mouthwatering. Reservations are required to enjoy this experience and adult ticketing begins at $80 per person.

Book Time at Mango Bliss Spa

While time spent on the sand and under the sun for Valentine’s Day is sure to inspire love, you can always take the romance factor up a notch while you’re here by booking a pampered couple’s session at Mango Bliss Spa. This Cruz Bay favorite is an oasis of restoration and tranquility where a couple’s massage can easily be paired with a rejuvenating facial, leaving you both looking and feeling your best this Valentine’s Day.

Dine at Ocean 362

Focusing on delicious fare is a sure way to spend a wonderful Valentine’s Day with the one you love most. Enjoy a mouthwatering meal at Ocean 362 when you and your sweetheart share a passion for savory seafood and elegant dining atmospheres. Ocean 362 is located at Gallows Point in Cruz Bay and provides guests with island to table style cuisine that’s difficult to top. Guests can savor everything from shrimp and lobster ravioli to steamed mussels or mahi-mahi and duck breast according to preference. Dining indoors is an option, but the sprawling and stunning patio complete with a waterfront view of the sunset is a highlight of any meal at Ocean 362.

Enjoy Your St. John Escape and All These St. John Things to Do

Whether you’re here for Valentine’s Day or enjoying the island any other time of year, the team at Cimmaron St. John is happy to handle your accommodation details and find the perfect St. John luxury hideaway. Contact us today for more information and to begin planning your adventure around all of these St. John things to do!

Savoring a sensational stay on the island of St. John often begins with ample time spent on the sand in combination with moments spent exploring the lush terrain. While these moments of rest, relaxation and adventure are sure to be inspiring, just as important to making amazing island memories is knowing where to go when it’s time to enjoy a palate-pleasing beverage. From tropical-inspired delights in a glass to classics you just can’t go wrong with, here are a few stops that are known for their great cocktail combos that you won’t want to miss out on while enjoying a St. John vacation.

Aqua Bistro

Situated near Coral Bay, Aqua Bistro is one of St. John’s premier dining stops that also happens to highlight incredible cocktails during a visit too. This locale is open daily for lunch and dinner and provides guests with casual umbrella-covered tables to linger at on an open-air patio with a beautiful view. Live music is regularly hosted at Aqua Bistro, making it an equally fun and entertaining stop. Whether you sip away at a Bistro Rum Punch, Mimosa, Daiquiri or Colada, a stop at Aqua Bistro is sure to please.

Rhumb Lines

Authentic Caribbean flavors and fine Pacific Rim cuisine are yours for the enjoying at Rhumb Lines—but this wonderfully welcoming stop is just as popular amongst those seeking a top-rated handcrafted cocktail. The rustic elegance of Rhumb Lines combined with its local ownership makes it a stop popular amongst locals and visitors alike. This Coral Bay hot spot is a great place to come and snack on Shrimp Corn and Fritters or grilled Mahi-Mahi but no matter what you select, you’ll want to pair it with a cocktail or two. While the list of options is long, the Citrus Ginger Splash or Spiced Caribbean Old Fashioned comes highly recommended.

The Terrace

If you’re looking for a place where sophistication, amazing views and a touch of French-inspired style collide to enjoy a cocktail in St. John, The Terrace is the place to be. This Cruz Bay stop is an upscale dining locale that also features an extensive wine list and handcrafted cocktails designed to bring out the best in each and every dish. Sip your preferred beverage as you watch the boats sail through the bay from a beautiful patio while situated at a cloth-covered table. It’s easy to get lost in the elegance when you make The Terrace your stop for the afternoon or evening.

Book Your St. John Vacation Today

As you make your way across St. John in the name of flavor, be sure you’re also booked into beautiful accommodations that make comfort, luxury and style a priority on your St. John vacation. Contact the team at Cimmaron St. John today to learn more about our many rental options across the island.

St. John eco tours are great ways to explore the island while learning about the incredible wildlife and ocean life that inhabit and surround it. So what exactly is an eco tour? It is a form of visiting pristine and relatively undisturbed natural areas to discover more about them while learning how to preserve and protect them. There are a variety of eco tours that will give you a glimpse of some of the beautiful nature that you will get to enjoy during the rest of your vacation.

These untouched landscapes are entirely awe-inspiring, and the knowledge you receive on these tours will hopefully aid in their continual conservation. Over two-thirds of St. John is protected by the Virgin Islands National Park, including gorgeous beaches, coral reefs, historic ruins, and hiking trails that will offer endless hours of adventure and inspiration. Discover the beauty of this national park while embarking on eco tours in St. John. Here are just 4 of the best eco tours in St. John that you can embark upon during your vacation stay with CimmaronStJohn.  For more information on any of these tours, feel free to contact us at guestservices@cimmaronstjohn.com for our recommendations and local knowledge.  We can make all the arrangements at no extra cost to you!

Hidden Reef Eco Tours

Hidden Reef Eco Tours in St. John offers a variety of tours that will take you on both kayaking and snorkeling adventures through some gorgeous scenic locations around the island. The two-hour Sight Sea-er Kayak Eco Tour will take you on a short trip through some of the more off-the-beaten-path wildlife areas of St. John. You will have a naturalist tour guide to help explain the Caribbean ecosystem and all the wonders you will come across during your expedition.

The three-hour Kayak and Snorkel Adventure offers a little extra time exploring the crystal clear waters around St. John. Explore some of the more remote areas of St. John and let the once mysterious wonders come to life before your eyes. Hundred-year-old coral reefs play a role in this adventure, which includes snorkeling for a portion of the trip. See the underwater marine life as you swim along the turquoise surface, and then stare up at majestic, lush forests while you kayak past. For this trip, you will receive a basic kayak and snorkel lesson and your naturalist will guide you through the landscape.

Virgin Islands Eco Tours

Another great facilitator of St. John eco tours is Virgin Islands Eco Tours. St. John kayak tours, snorkeling tours, hiking adventures, and more are available. In fact, Virgin Islands EcoTours has been voted the best eco-tourism and kayak tour facilitator on St. Thomas and St. John. St. John tours include many blends of kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking. Enjoy the three-hour St. John Eco Hike & Snorkel Adventure that departs from the Virgin Islands Park Visitor Center in Cruz Bay. This multi-eco tour combines both land and sea. You can hike the Lind Point Trail and then snorkel the surrounding coral reefs near Honeymoon Beach.

For a more extensive excursion, opt for the five-hour Best of Caneel Bay & Henley Cay Kayak, Hike & Snorkel Adventure. This excursion includes lunch because of its length and departs from Honeymoon Beach. Combining all three of your favorite ways to get around on St. John, this tour will take you kayaking past palm-lined beaches, hiking down forested trails, and snorkeling in the heart of the Virgin Islands National Park. You will get to experience two different unique locations during this favorite option of eco tours in St. John!

Stay With Cimmaron St. John, and Enjoy These St. John Eco Tours

After an exciting morning, afternoon, or full day of eco tours in St. John, escape back to your CimmaronStJohn vacation home. Enjoy privacy with family and friends along with stunning panoramic views at your very own vacation villa. You deserve a luxurious vacation. Let CimmaronStJohn help you have the trip of a lifetime!

All around the tiny island of St. John, you will find locals and visitors gathering together in fun and friendship. Some of the most popular get-togethers include free entertainment at Open Mic Nights featuring outstanding local musicians. Whether you want to join in as a musical artist or just relax, sit back and enjoy the show at these St John Island restaurants, you are in for a good time!

Enjoy free entertainment by checking out Open Mic Nights at these St John Restaurants on your next stay!

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FREE ENTERTAINMENT ON THE WEST END: CRUZ BAY

The granddaddy of Open Mic Nights on St. John can be found at Sun Dog Café in Mongoose Junction. Every Sunday evening around 6pm locals and visitors gather in the Sun Dog Café courtyard location in Mongoose Junction.  The host, Mark Wallace, leads the show and is joined by other local talent and visitors to present a wide variety of music.  Anyone in the crowd who feels the urge to participate is welcome to join in. It’s not unheard of to catch a celebrity musician joining in for a song or two.

FREE ENTERTAINMENT ON THE EAST END: CORAL BAY

Open Mic Night was launched at Pickles in Paradise in Coral Bay by Michael Beason, a talented musician and long-time resident of St. John. The event, which begins at 4:30pm on Wednesday, brought Open Mic Night to the laid back side of the island. It has become a popular hump day event for locals and island visitors staying on the East side of the island.

FREE ENTERTAINMENT ON THE SOUTH SHORE: CONCORDIA

Also on the Coral Bay side of the island, one of the most popular island Open Mic Nights happens on Monday nights at Concordia Eco Resort. The action starts at 4:30 at this St John restaurant, but get there by 4:00 to get a table. Hosted by two popular local artists, Lauren Magnie and “Johnny B” Bullock, many other local musicians are regularly on hand. This is a high energy event with visiting musicians joining in on the fun.

FREE ENTERTAINMENT ON THE NORTH SHORE: CINNAMON BAY

The newest venue for Open Mic Night is at the Raintree Café at Cinnamon Bay Resort. Bo Magnie (the other half of the Bo & Lauren musical duo) joins Miss Ingrid, an amazing local vocalist, as the hosts of the event.  The talent which this north shore venue for Open Mic Night is sure to introduce has locals on St John excited!   Currently scheduled on Wednesday evening, this show begins at 5pm.

WHERE TO STAY

Finally,  CimmaronStJohn vacation rentals are located near all Open Mic Night venues. Want to share your musical talent on St. John? Looking for some excellent fun and free entertainment on St. John? Then, be sure to add Open Mic Night to your St. John vacation schedule. You will not be disappointed!

The beauty of the tiny island of St. John is undeniable.  Many St. John visitors and local folks alike find a quiet walk along an empty beach, or watching the sun rising or setting over the sea, to be spiritual experiences.  In the United States Virgin Islands, St John’s churches are some of the oldest places of worship established.

Early Places of Worship and St John’s Churches

Emmaus Moravian Church in Coral Bay

The Moravians were the first Protestants to send missionaries to the West Indies in as early as 1732.  The Emmaus Moravian Church in Coral Bay celebrated its 200 year anniversary in 1982. From the building of the original structure, the clergy house, in 1752, the church has been the center of activity in the village of Coral Bay and refuge in many storms.  Located just East of the church is the cemetery dating to the 18th century. Visitors are welcome to attend services at 9:00 a.m. on Sundays.

Nazareth Lutheran Church in Cruz Bay

Frederick Lutheran Church in downtown Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas is the second oldest Lutheran St John’s Church in the western hemisphere. On St. John, the Lutheran congregation dates back to 1720 (the date over the door on the current church in Cruz Bay) but remained homeless after a hurricane destroyed the church near Susannaberg in 1867.  Several decades later, in 1958 the present Nazareth Lutheran Church in Cruz Bay was built. The doors to the Nazareth Lutheran Church in Cruz Bay are always open from early morning to sunset. That’s because the pastor of the church for the past 30 years, the Rev. Carlyle O. Sampson, believes in making himself available to anyone who seeks counsel. Visitors are welcome to attend regular services each Sunday at 9:00 a.m.

Along with an abundance of beautiful sites provided by nature for all types of worship, numerous established churches can be found throughout St. John

Stay With CimmaronStJohn

CimmaronStJohn has premier vacation rental properties throughout the island of St. John, some in close proximity to these historical places of worship. In Coral Bay, Villa Jumbie is on the hillside overlooking Emmaus Moravian Church.  In Cruz Bay, several condos are within walking distance to Nazareth Lutheran Church in Cruz Bay, including: Panacea, Rainbow’s End, The Cottage, Blue Coral, and Bliss at Cruz Views.

Nothing sounds better than an afternoon lounging on St. John’s gorgeous beaches. But did you know that hiking is actually one of the most popular activities on St. John? St. John Island hiking trails offer adventurers of all skill levels views of the lush landscape, cascading waterfalls, rocky shorelines, and sandy stretches that capture the true essence of our island. The Virgin Islands National Park is actually home to over 20 trails worth exploring on your next visit! The next time you are up for St. John hiking, check out this guide to six excellent trails.

For more information on where to go adventuring in St. John, download our Mobile App on your Apple device or Android device! It includes some St. John hiking trails that you will love.  Image courtesy of The Watch Judge.

St. John Hiking for All Skill Levels

Easy Trails

Drunk Bay Trail

If you are in search of an easy walk with no hills, check out the Drunk Bay Trail. This quarter-mile walk opens up to the rocky shores of Drunk Bay Beach. Along the trail, you’ll see wild orchid-lined paths. You might even come across a donkey on your adventure. Once you reach the beach, take in gorgeous views and look for rocks along the shoreline.

Lind Point Trail

Another trail that is fairly easy to navigate is the Lind Point Trail. This St. John hiking trail leads to both the beautiful Honeymoon Bay and Salomon Bay Beaches. The highest point reached along the trail is 160 feet at the Lind Point Battery Overlook. Find a bench along the trail to rest and soak in the beauty of the Cruz Bay harbor.

Difficult Trails

Cinnamon Bay Trail

The more experienced hikers will enjoy the Cinnamon Bay Trail. The beginning of the trail starts off with a steep hill. After a strenuous hike up the hill, find the flat rock that makes a perfect bench for relaxing and catching your breath. Along the trail, you’ll see bay rum trees and a variety of fruit trees. The Cinnamon Bay Trail is 1.1 miles and mostly woodsy and shaded. Once you reach Centerline Road, head left and you will meet up with the Reef Bay Trail.

Reef Bay Trail

The Reef Bay Trail on St. John, which is Virgin Island National Park’s most popular trail, offers two different expedition experiences. If arrangements are made in advance with the National Parks Service, hikers can stride down the trail and then have the Sadie Sea boat charter give them a ride back to Cruz Bay. For more of a challenge, hikers should park at the trail head on Centerline Road, hike down, and then climb back up. Along the Reef Bay Trail, hikers will have the opportunity to see sugar mill ruins, deer, petroglyphs, and a 40-foot marvel among St. John waterfalls. The petroglyphs are decades old and said to have been carved by the Taino Indians!  These carvings can be found near the freshwater pools at the base of the waterfall. At the bottom of the trail, take a dip in the ocean at Reef Bay to cool off.

Johnny Horn Trail

The Johnny Horn Trail is a 1.8-mile trail with steep hills up to 400 feet. The steep incline is worth it to see the incredible views and historic ruins. There are five spur trails off the main trail. The first side trail leads to a great snorkel spot at Watermelon Cay. Hikers should keep an eye out for aloe lining the trail and the ruins of an old Danish guardhouse on Leinster Point.

Bordeaux Mountain Trail

To ascend Bordeaux Mountain on St. John, USVI, you must begin at Little Lameshur Bay on the south coast of the island. Here, you will discover the starting point of the Bordeaux Mountain Trail. A short dirt road leads to a small parking and picnic area, alongside the beach, and from there, the 1.8-mile hike begins. Walk along a rough, sun-exposed access road before a sign directs you onto a more shaded trail. Pass geologic survey markers and enter an overgrown tropical forest as you get closer to your destination. Another mile of hiking will bring you to the Bordeaux Mountain Road, which leads to an unmarked use trail to get to the very top. The forest canopy hides most of the views at the peak, but this rewarding summit will bring you much closer to St. John nature!

Stay With CimmaronStJohn

After you’ve explored St. John hiking, be sure to return each day to a CimmaronStJohn luxurious vacation rental. All of our villas, condos, and homes include breathtaking views of the beautiful, blue waters surrounding St. John. To start planning your getaway to St. John, give us a call at 340-715-2666. One of our elite guest services experts is ready to help you plan the vacation of your dreams!

The island of St. John is home to some of the most incredible snorkeling in the Virgin Islands.  Discover colorful fish, coral reefs, and other fantastic sea creatures at a variety of St. John snorkeling locations around the island. Some areas are off the beaten path while a few other spots are quite popular amongst the locals and tourists.  Grab your mask, snorkel, and fins and check out this list of the 8 most amazing spots for St. John snorkeling!

For more information on outdoor activities you will love near your CimmaronStJohn vacation rental, you can read our St. John Activities Guide! If features some of the best ways to explore the land and waters of the Caribbean, including St. John snorkeling.

8 Amazing Spots for St. John Snorkeling

Great Spots for Beginners

First-time snorkelers or families with children should check out Trunk Bay.  The beach can get busy at times, but this is an ideal location for viewing bright tropical fish and coral along the famous underwater St. John snorkeling trail.  Close to shore, this trail winds along and offers some great and well-traveled views. And unlike many other St. John beaches, a lifeguard is on duty.  Salt Pond Bay is another busy beach location that offers great snorkeling.  Be on the lookout for the sea turtles swimming in the sea grass beds and the large Queen Conch.  And swimming off the center of the bay, you’ll see the large rock hump!

Other Popular Snorkeling Spots

Some of the most popular snorkeling can be found at Haulover Bay and Waterlemon Cay in St. John.  Haulover Bay is named for the thin strip of land where at one time, boats could be hauled over between Coral Bay and Sir Frances Drake Channel.  Once you make it down to the beach, head to the left for the best St. John snorkeling.  Sights to be seen while swimming here include seafans, tunicates, and Caribbean fish.  There is also a variety of coral to be found here, including hard and soft coral and sponges.  Waterlemon Cay is quite calm, with few waves and a shallow reef. You will find incredible wildlife here, including turtles and starfish!=

Off-the-Beaten-Path Spots

A few of St. John’s less crowded snorkeling areas includes Hurricane Hole, Kiddel Bay, Grootpan Bay, and Little Lameshur Bay.  Hurricane Hole is known for its mangrove trees.  In these calm waters, you’ll see a variety of creatures like jellyfish, anemones, and colorful fish.  At Kiddel Bay, you’ll find underwater caves and gullies to explore not far off from the shore.  Grootpan Bay offers snorkeling at a range of 5-feet deep to 25-feet deep.  In deeper water, you’ll find a variety of sea life including rays, tangs, and lionfish.  Lameshur Bay is a great location for both beginners and more experienced snorkelers because of its shallow areas and deeper spots further out.  Snorkelers at this location will be pleased to see Caribbean lobster, octopus, and coral banded shrimp.

Start Planning Your St. John Snorkeling Trips!

Here at CimmaronStJohn, we offer spacious and luxurious properties with amazing views! And some are within a convenient location to premier St. John snorkeling spots.  Just 15 minutes from the Virgin Islands National Park and some idyllic snorkeling is our 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath Villa Jumbie with views of Coral Bay Harbor.  Families will enjoy a stay at La Sirena Villa.  This villa has 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, features awe-inspiring views of Kiddel Bay, and is just a short walk from the beach.  If you desire to snorkel at Salt Pond Bay, you’ll enjoy the 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom Salt Pond Vista Villa, which is less than 5 minutes from the bay.  For reservation information or to start planning your St. John getaway, call us at 340-715-2666!

When planning your St. John travel itinerary, be sure to block off some time for activities that don’t involve lounging on the beach. We know that will be your main staple during your relaxing St. John vacations with CimmaronStJohn, but there is much to see and do on the island that doesn’t involve laying on the beach all day! One of the best ways to explore the island is by embarking on a series of St. John tours that will take you to different locations, teach you tidbits of history, and show you more of the magnificent U.S. Virgin Islands than you can see from the sandy shoreline. Here are just 4 of the best St. John tours that will truly give you a full picture of your vacation destination!

St. John Taxi/Safari Tours

At Star Fish Tours & Taxi, you can embark on private St. John tours for parties of 1 to 22. The open-aired and air-conditioned safari buses will take you on a spectacular sightseeing adventure with a knowledgeable tour guide to show you all the best island stops. You can choose from a 2-hour private island tour, which will take you to St. John’s North Shore beaches, the Annaberg Ruins, and Bordeaux Mountain, and the 4-hour tour, with will also feature a snorkel adventure and lunch stop! Not only will you get to view the gorgeous beaches that you will undoubtedly be visiting during your stay, but you will get a glimpse of the other island terrain, such as the mountains, along with some island history in the form of the old sugar Annaberg sugar mill. This is a great option to soak in a lot in a little time!

St. John Bus Tours

Varlack Ventures also offers a good driving tour around the island. With this company, you can also rent your own Jeep if you’re looking to do some adventuring on your own during your vacation. The guided St. John tours offered, however, include half-day and full-day options. The half-day tour will last from 9:30 to 1, ensuring that you will still get a glorious afternoon of beach relaxation if you so desire. On this tour, you will hear about the Easter Rock, pass Caneel Bay and Hawksnest Beach, stop at Camp Hill for a photo-op, and arrive at Trunk Bay or Cinnamon Bay for that sought after beach time. With the full-day tour, you will get a more well-rounded view of the island, including some of the livestock that share the roads with tourists and locals alike. You will hear of the slave revolt, learn about various island vegetation, and stop at Bordeaux, the highest point on the island. Then, you will head to the Annaberg sugar plantations, do a little shopping, and maybe try a smoothie! The last stop will be the North Shore for lunch and a beach afternoon and evening.

St. John Kayak Tours

Arawak Expeditions features St. John tours that will require a little extra effort than a bus ride or cruise. With a kayak or paddleboard tour, you will get some exercise in while enjoying some magnificent views from the water. The Hurricane Hole full-day trip will let you kayak and snorkel in Hurricane Hole on your way to the Coral Reef National Monument. Enjoy the mangroves, schools to barracuda, starfish, colorful sea anemone, and much more. A picnic lunch will be provided on this tour, which will last from 10am to 4pm.

St. John Cruises

Another type of St. John tour is a day cruise to one of the neighboring islands. St. John isn’t the only place to explore in the Caribbean! Try a cruise to the British Virgin Islands from St. John for as little as $150. This 9-hour adventure will involve a full-day excursion, including a breakfast boat ride to Virgin Gorda’s Baths, where you will be able to explore the grottoes, arches, and tidal pools along the beach. You will also head to Diamond Reef to snorkel with some tropical fish before visiting a restaurant on Marina Cay. Then, you will head to Jost Van Dyke for some swimming, lounging, and beachside bars, before heading back to your CimmaronStJohn vacation villa.

After Your St. John Tours

After enjoying one or several of these St. John tours, settle in at your CimmaronStJohn getaway for a spectacular sunset view and incredible panoramic scenes you simply can’t find anywhere else! Your luxury vacation villa will be equipped with what you need to relax, and our pools and hot tubs, along with wraparound porches and grills, will provide you with an outdoor space to enjoy those cool summer breezes. Book your stay today!

The U.S. Virgin Islands celebrate both stateside and local history through the St. John Festival (a.k.a. Carnival). The unique Caribbean destination is also a United States territory, and revels in the best of both worlds. The St. John Festival starts in June and continues through the first week of July, with the festival parade taking place the day after local holiday Emancipation Day and on the Fourth of July, the biggest summer holiday on the U.S. calendar. This combines both traditions and gives multiple reasons to celebrate freedom. Cruz Bay is the center of activity on St. John, and CimmaronStJohn will provide wonderful vacation homes for lodging while you are experiencing what the festival has to offer. Here are just a few things you will experience at a St. John Festival!

St. John Festival Experiences

Cultural Music

The music at a St. John Festival is one of the main focuses, from the sounds of the grand parade to bands that play nightly at the Festival Village and at different related events throughout the celebration. There will be steel panning up and down the streets in celebration of freedom as well as other great local acts. Expect brass bands, jam bands, spectrum bands, steel drum bands, and more. There is even a Hot Carnival Hits playlist set up on iTunes so you can get in the party mood. And what goes along with music better than dancing? There is some absolutely fabulous dancing by everyone at the St. John Festival – even the moko jumbies!

Pageants

A true St. John Festival wouldn’t be complete without the traditional Princess and Queen Pageants that take place. Expect beautiful girls and women in stunning outfits, but more importantly join in their celebration of personal achievement that is possible from Emancipation Day and the Fourth of July!

Boat Races

One of the competitive events you will see at the St. John Festival is a boat race. With skilled sailors and plenty of water access, St. John is an ideal place for sailing the high seas. Watch the boats launch from the shore and slide across crystal clear waters toward a final destination of victory.

Mouthwatering Food

If the music is the main act at the St. John Festival, the food is a close runner-up. A variety of cuisine awaits in celebration, and there is plenty of it!  Every festival kicks off with a food fair, and the food keeps coming throughout the whole five-week event and is showcased in the Festival Village. Local crafts will be for sale next to food and drink booths, and you can expect spicy seafood, saltfish, West Indies pates, and stewed meat. Once happy hour hits, you can also expect a lot of rum!

Fireworks

The St. John Festival comes to a close on the Fourth of July when the streets turn into one giant carnival full of festivity – beginning with the j’ouvert street party at 6 a.m. and followed be the Festival Parade at 11 a.m., including upbeat music, fantastic floats, bright colored costumes, and joyous dancing! Shortly after dark, fireworks light up the sky over Cruz Bay Harbor to announce the end of another festival celebration.

CimmaronStJohn

Whether you wish to be within walking distance of the action or just venture into Cruz Bay for the highlights and then retreat to your quiet beachfront or hillside vacation home, CimmaronStJohn’s got you covered offering a variety of wonderful vacation villas and condos with spectacular views throughout the island!  Read about more attractions in St. John you can participate in during your stay. We can’t wait to celebrate the St. John Festival with you here in the beautiful Virgin Islands! Read our Arrival Guide to learn how to get here!

For an afternoon spent exploring one of the best-conditioned plantation ruins on the island, find your way to Annaberg Sugar Plantation Ruins.  Named after Salomon Zeeger’s wife Anna, Annaberg Plantation was a leading producer of sugar, molasses, and rum back in the 1800’s.  Today, Annaberg Sugar Plantation is protected by the Virgin Islands National Park.

4 Reasons to Visit Annaberg Sugar Plantation

1. The Windmill at Annaberg is the main focal point at the ruins and the largest windmill in the Virgin Islands. Built between 1810 and 1830, the windmill could produce between 300 and 500 gallons of juice within an hour.  Slaves were used at the plantation to pass the sugarcane through rollers which then made the juice that was caught below and stored until ready for processing.  When there was no wind, a horse mill was used to continue making the sugar.  These remains can still be seen at the plantation today.
2. The Boiling House is a spot at the ruins where you can actually go inside and see where the heating kettles used to sit. The walls of the Boiling House were made of volcanic rock and mortar and are an interesting sight to see up close.  The kettles were the first place the juice from the sugarcane would flow.  After the water would evaporate, slaves would transfer the juice through a total of 5 kettles during the process.
3. Slaves played an important role in the production of the sugar at Annaberg Sugar Plantation. There were 16 slave cabins found which have since deteriorated.  Today there are informative plaques describing their location.  The slave cabins were made of branches woven together and the roof was made of palm leaves. Slaves were used on the sugar plantation for many different jobs including planting, harvesting, clearing the land and processing the sugarcane.
4. When you visit Annaberg  Sugar Plantation Ruins, go and see the ruins but stay for the views. The views are nothing short of breathtaking at the Plantation.  Looking out from Annaberg, you can see Leinster Bay, the Sir Frances Drake Channel and a few of the British Virgin Islands.  The plantation is also within walking distance of Waterlemon Cay which is a perfect spot for snorkeling.

For more information on how to schedule a ranger-led tour, visit the Virgin Islands National Park website for more details.  There is a fee for adults.  And when you have finished sightseeing for the day, there’s nothing like returning to your luxury vacation rental to kick up your feet and relax.  Here at CimmaronStJohn, we have a team ready to help you with every detail of your St. John vacation from picking you up at the airport to helping you plan fun activities around the island.  When booking your getaway, don’t forget to check our list of current specials.  For additional questions or to start booking your trip to St. John, give us a call at 340-715-2666.