North St John Attractions

Part of the Virgin Islands National Park, the long and arching beach at Trunk Bay is the most popular on St John. The main attraction is the 30 minute underwater snorkelling trail where various fish can be spotted. Underwater signposts tell you what you are looking at as you snorkel.

Restored by the National Parks Service in 1986, Estate Catherineburg Sugar Mill dates from the 18th C and is an example of barrel-vaulting construction techniques. Without restricted visiting hours, guards or tours, the mill is usually a quiet place. The mill is listed on the National Registry of Historic Landmarks.

Francis Bay features a long, broad arch of sand and is a popular anchorage due to calm waters. Tending to be less crowded, this beach is perfect for swimming, walking or hiking on some of the trailheads found here.

Wild donkeys, goats, and even horses can be seen scavenging here. Francis Bay is within the boundaries of the Virgin Islands National Park.

Lying within the boundaries of the VI National Park, Hawksnest Bay is beautifully scenic. The deep circular bay lies between hills and is fringed with white sand.

Scenes from the film "Christopher Columbus: The Discovery" were shot here, and good snorkelling can be found along the reef just a few strokes off the main beach.

Honeymoon Beach is a long, less crowded beach offering snorkelling opportunities off the rocks to the west.

Jumbie Bay beach is somewhat unknown and almost always deserted. Good snorkelling can be had off the left end of the beach. "Jumbie" is the Creole word for ghost, and this beach has several ghost stories associated with it.

Leinster Bay on the northeast end of St John is a popular yacht anchorage. The sandy beach is about 0.5mi/0.8km in length and is found on the eastern shore of the bay. Snorkelling is best at the reef fringe off the tiny offshore islet, Waterlemon Cay.

Maho Bay beach features calm, shallow and protected waters, great for families with young children. Snorkelling is over turtle-grass beds where hawksbills and green turtles might be seen feeding in the early morning.

Islanders often throw communal parties on Oppenheimer's Beach, which is good for swimming and sunbathing. The property and house found here were once owned by Dr Robert Oppenheimer, one of the inventors of the atomic bomb.