Coral Bay & South St John Attractions
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Roads to the southern end of St John branch from the small village of Coral Bay. The southern tip of St John features coastal wilderness and the island's most remote beaches.
Coral Bay, United States Virgin Islands
Originally known as "Crawl Bay", in the 19th C this area featured the largest settlement on St John. Coral Harbor is the largest and most protected anchorage in St John, attributing to the early good fortune of the settlement.Today, the village center offers only a handful of shops, restaurants, and pubs surrounding the base of a hill.
Emmaus Moravian Church
The Emmaus Moravian Church is on the National Registry of Historic Places and holds an interesting place in St John's history. The Caroline Estate plantation originally stood on these grounds, the site of a 1733 slave revolt that resulted in the murder of the plantation owner and his 12-year-old daughter.In the 1750s the Moravians arrived on St John and began setting up congregations. After the slave revolt the re-establishment of Coral Bay was slow to come, however the Moravians built this church and dedicated themselves to ministering to the slaves and teaching them literacy. The church continues to serve descendants of those slaves today.
Fort Berg Ruins
The ruins of Fort Berg lie on a wooded peninsula jutting into Coral Bay. Built by the Danish in 1717, the fort was reduced to rubble during the slave revolt of 1733. Another battery was built here during the British occupation from 1807-15 and some iron cannons remain.
Haulover Bay Beach
Haulover Bay Beach is a rocky and exposed beach, although there is good swimming and snorkelling along the reef and coral heads on calm days. When there are waves it's not recommended. It is secluded and offers an excellent view of the British Virgin Islands.
Great Lameshur Bay & Little Lameshur Bay Beaches
Both Great Lameshur Bay and Little Lameshur Bay offer excellent swimming and snorkelling among the rocks and reefs. Both coves are within the boundaries of the Virgin Islands National Park.
Salt Pond Bay
Salt Pond Bay is protected from trade winds and features calm waters. Good swimming and snorkelling are found at this beach that is within the boundaries of the Virgin Islands National Park. Two hiking trailheads are found at Salt Pond Bay.
Coral Bay & South St John Pictures
