Spotlight on Cruz Bay, St. John
Discover Cruz Bay, St. John, nestled in the U.S. Virgin Islands, home to secluded white-sand beaches and coral-rich reefs brimming with marine life
For those who may not be familiar with this secret Caribbean gem, St. John is the smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, sitting just east of St. Thomas and approximately 80 miles east of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Who would have known that a tiny Caribbean island could also be a national park? Occupying two-thirds of St. John, the territory’s namesake national park shines with gorgeous white-sand beaches and vibrant coral reefs, beckoning exploration. Virgin Islands National Park boasts both land and marine ecosystems, including moist forests, salt ponds, mangroves, seagrass beds, and more. Redefining off the beaten track, St. John is often considered the “most virgin” of the U.S. Virgin Islands, with an unspoiled beauty and local charm that is hard to match.
With SeaDream Yacht Club, St. John’s intimate yachting harbor of Cruz Bay serves as your entrée to the island, where you can snorkel Trunk Bay’s underwater guided trail or enjoy a hike to Caneel Bay, stopping at secluded Honeymoon Beach for a quiet swim.
Lounge Secluded Barefoot Beaches of St. John
Swim, snorkel, or simply stroll the beautiful beaches of Maho Bay, Trunk Bay, Hawksnest Beach, Francis Bay Beach, or—our favorite—Honeymoon Beach, a secluded beach on the island’s west coast that is accessible by boat or a short hike from Cruz Bay.
Discover Colonial History
Like the other U.S. Virgin Islands of St. Thomas and St. Croix, St. John was previously a Danish colony, with sugar plantations established in the eighteenth century that heavily relied on slave labor. Few know that St. John magnifies more than 3,000 years of rich history that visitors can experience through historic plantation sites and the Indigenous Taino's ancient petroglyphs.
Showcasing St. John’s rich heritage and Danish colonial architecture, the Catherineberg Sugar Mill ruins are remnants of an eighteenth-century sugar and rum factory located in the Virgin Island National Park.
The ruins of the Annaberg Sugar Mill are perhaps the best place to discover the history of early planters on the island. The site includes the ruins of a windmill, sugar factory, rum still, and slave quarters. From the crest of the hill, take in views of crystalline Mary Creek, the green hillsides of Mary Point, and mountaintop of nearby Tortola.
Spend the Day Snorkeling
Trunk Bay, known for its quarter-mile strip of pillowy white sand and sparkling water so blue and clear has been dubbed Mother Nature’s swimming pool, is ranked as one of the top beaches in the world. Lounge on the beach or take advantage of your yacht’s snorkel equipment to explore the St. John National Park Service's underwater marked trails of Trunk Bay. The trails include plaques on the bottom of the sea, describing the coral formations and fish that call these waters home, including parrotfish and yellow-tailed snappers. The nearby grass beds afford an opportunity to spot stingrays and green turtles.
Watersports for Everyone
Cruz Bay’s calm turquoise waters are the perfect playground to enjoy SeaDream’s signature watersports Marina—equipped with a new water slide and all the watersports equipment required for a proper yachting vacation.
Hike Up Bordeaux Mountain
Within the Virgin Islands National Park sits Bordeaux Mountain, its highest point rising to 1,286 feet. While the hike is moderately challenging at more than a mile long, you will be rewarded with magnificent views. If you’re up for the challenge, the 6-mile roundtrip Reef Bay Trail weaves through some of the island’s oldest and tallest trees; it’s here you might spot ancient petroglyphs carved by the pre-Columbian Taino and their ancestors.
Explore Cruz Bay by Foot or Bike
Cruz Bay is pedestrian-friendly, a short walk from our anchorage point to the town’s quaint cafés, upscale boutiques, and beautiful beaches. Beach bars and restaurants serve up local Caribbean fare and flavors, from grilled mahi mahi and seared scallops to conch fritters. And in true laid-back island style, no reservations are required. Although the island itself is defined by its hilly terrain, the town is also easy to navigate via bike.
Spend the Day at Lovango Cay
Perched strategically between the main islands of St. Thomas and St. John–mere minutes away from both but hidden from each–Lovango Cay offers the intimacy of a private island. The island’s Lovango Resort & Beach Club, a secluded Caribbean hideaway reminiscent of a South Pacific deserted island, opens its doors to SeaDreamers. Soak up the sun from your private terrace, snorkel from the dock, or enjoy chilled champagne and the resort’s signature lobster Caesar salad. From Cruz Bay, your tender takes you to Lovango Cay in minutes.
Are you ready to experience the playful yachting harbor Cruz Bay, St. John and its secluded beaches? SeaDream provides you with an intimate view of the island unlike any other boutique travel line. Click here to check availability and reserve your next voyage.
