WELCOME TO ST JOHN

A BRIEF HISTORY
The smallest of the three U.S. Virgin Islands, St. John was settled in the early 1700’s by Danish immigrants who saw the potential for sugar cane production. As the sugar cane plantation economy grew, so did the need for slaves. Eventually, the emancipation of slaves in 1848 was one of several reasons leading to the decline of the plantations, remains of which can still be seen today.

By the 20th century, the main industries had shifted to cattle and sustenance farming along with bay rum production. The United States purchased the island in 1917, and by the 1930’s, tourism had begun to prove itself as a new industry on St. John. In 1956, Laurence Rockefeller, touched by the island’s beauty, purchased and donated huge expanses of land to the National Park Service to keep St. John “a thing of joy forever”. To this day, 2/3 of the island is devoted to National Park land, allowing St. John’s unique beauty to remain untouched by development.

THE ISLAND TODAY
St. John is small, only 28 square miles, but it is home to 33 gorgeous beaches and approximately 22 hiking trails. The National Park Service Visitor Center, located in the main town of Cruz Bay, is a great place to get access to maps of the island and learn about its history and culture. Cruz Bay is also a shopper’s paradise, with many quaint shops to choose from, along with dozens of great restaurants and bars to experience. Coral Bay, on the other side of the island, is the sleepier town but still home to many fun shops and tasty restaurants. If you are interested in any tips for the best places to go, we are happy to help guide you.

CLIMATE
Average rain fall - 43" Sept-Nov& May-June
Winter temperatures - 77° - 84° F
Summer temperatures - 82° -90° F

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