***STSJ - Sept/Oct 2006
8/8/06
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The 5 Best Things TO DO
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IN ST. JOHN
Learn about undersea life on Trunk Bay’s Underwater Trail
instagra m your st. john photos ! #vithisw eek
By Lydia Harris
Trunk Bay on St. John is one of the most photographed beaches in the Caribbean. An awe-inspiring heart-shaped bay, its setting in the stunning Virgin Islands National Park offers clear water, fine white sand, plenty of shade, a gift shop, watersports center, snack bar, showers, restrooms, changing areas and a picnic pavilion. None of which seems unusual – on the surface. So what makes Trunk Bay stand out from other beaches?
The underwater self-guided snorkeling trail!
1. Reef Bay Trail Hike The National Park Service offers guided hikes down the Reef Bay Trail. Transportation is
provided from the National Park Visitors Center in Cruz Bay to the trail head. The hike includes the spur trail to the petroglyphs and the Reef Bay sugar mill. Hikers will be met on the Reef Bay beach and taken by boat back to the National Park Visitors Center. This popular activity is offered at $40 per person. Book your reservations on line at Friendsvinp.org/hike. threatened species, under the US Endangered Species Act on the World Conservation Union’s Endangered Species List. But there’s good news! US Geological Survey research scientist Caroline Rogers reports that this sea life "appears to be recovering in some areas," particularly in Trunk Bay, where Elkhorn Coral "is coming back naturally," she says. Studies of the species in Trunk Bay are supported by the USGS, National Park Service, Friends of the VI National Park, University of the Virgin Islands and the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund.
2. Trunk Bay Underwater Snorkel Trail Trunk Bay is considered one of the most beautiful beaches
in the world and as such is one of the most popular beaches on St. John. It features a 225-yard long underwater snorkeling trail. Underwater plaques along the trail describe the various species of coral. The beach has a bathhouse, snack bar, souvenir shop and snorkel gear rentals. Lifeguards are on duty daily. There is a small entry fee. Kids, 16 and under, are free. If you are on St Thomas you can take the ferry from Red Hook and catch a taxi or bus to Trunk Bay. Plaques guide the way to undersea life on Trunk Bay’s Underwater Trail.
Rent or bring your own snorkel gear and step into an undersea world of coral and fish. The 650-foot underwater trail (maintained by the National Park Service) features plaques that provide a wealth of information about the sealife you’ll see beneath the water’s surface. Keep an eye out for colorful Angel Fish, Parrott Fish, Sergeant Majors, Yellow Tail Snapper and Puffer Fish, which swells up when it’s threatened. Also watch for sea turtles that swim effortlessly then pop up their heads for air from time to time. Among the coral in Trunk Bay, you’ll see: Brain Coral, with folds and grooves that look remarkably like a brain; Fan Coral is wide, thin and rounded and sways back and forth to the rhythm of the tides; Finger Coral has large pores, grows in thick colonies, and its branches have swollen tips. Of particular interest is Elkhorn Coral. Among the Caribbean’s most abundant coral only 30 years ago, in March it became the first coral to be proposed for entry as a
Admission to Trunk Bay is $4 for adults; ages 16 and younger are free; Golden Age and Golden Access annual cardholders are $2.
3. Watersports St John offers visitors some of the best watersports in the world. Whether it is a day sail, private
charter, parasail, sunset sail, or a waverunner rental. We highly recommend Cruz Bay Watersports (340) 776-6234. They will have what you want when you want it. Virgin Islands Ecotours offers daily guided tours from their Honeymoon Beach Hut at Caneel Bay’s Honeymoon Beach. Their All Inclusive Day Pass includes SUPs, kayaks, chairs, floats, snorkel gear and lockers. All items are also available to rent with free delivery to rental cars, hotels, villas, or beaches. Visit www.viecotours.com. Use promocode: STTWE or call (340) 779-2155.
4. Waterlemon Cay Waterlemon Cay is a small cay within Leinster Bay. To get there you'll need to do a short
20 minute hike (.8 miles) in from the Annaberg ruins parking lot. It is a relatively easy hike following a flat trail alongside the bay's edge. This is a top-notch snorkeling spot. You will see all kinds of sea life there. You can go by boat on Calypso Charters Waterlemon Cay Sail & Snorkel (777-7245) or go with Virgin Islands Ecotours on their guided tour of Annaberg ruins and Waterlemon Cay (340-779-2155). Swim among the fish along the Trunk Bay Underwater Trail.
Photos by Erinn Muller
5. Shopping The shopping on St John is a cultural extravaganza. Local crafts and art are available in small stores and galleries. Tropical clothing, hand made and locally designed jewelry, exotic clothing from around the world are tantalizingly displayed in the cute and colorful stores of Mongoose Junction, the main shopping area in Cruz Bay. There you can mix a half-day of shopping with a delightful meal at any of the restaurants located there.
www.virginislandsthisweek.com www.virginislandsthisweek.com
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