{"id":8003,"date":"2017-09-26T09:00:57","date_gmt":"2017-09-26T13:00:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/snappingtheglobe.com\/?p=8003"},"modified":"2017-09-04T09:38:10","modified_gmt":"2017-09-04T13:38:10","slug":"two-to-sea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/snappingtheglobe.com\/?p=8003","title":{"rendered":"Two To Sea"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u00a9 2017 Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved<\/i>.<\/p>\n

Unspoiled beauty? \u00a0GO find it in St. John.<\/p>\n

The smallest of the three U.S. Virgin Islands, St. John is probably one of the most relaxing and pristine places I have ever been. \u00a0Though I have never stayed on the island, I have made a few day trips, exploring its beautiful beaches.<\/p>\n

\"\"Originally, settled by the Arawak and Carib Indians, the United States purchased St. John from the Danish West India and Guinea Company in 1917. \u00a0In 1956, over 5,000 acres of land was donated to the National Park Service by Laurance Rockefeller, assuring it natural preservation.<\/p>\n

There are many magnificent beaches that lie within the National Park, some more easily accessible than others. \u00a0After our arrival on the car ferry, we decided to drive down Route 20 and start with Trunk Bay, one of the most beloved of St. John’s coves.<\/p>\n

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Trunk Bay, the most famous of St. John’s beaches is also the most photographed with is perfect crescent shape, towering coconut palms, white sands and small island, Trunk Cay that lies just 30 yards offshore. \u00a0It attracts large amounts of visitors each day and can get crowded. \u00a0Trunk Bay also is known for its underwater nature trail which offers snorkelers a self-guided path to follow around Trunk Cay. \u00a0This is one of my favorite things to do in Trunk Bay…the underwater trail is great not only for children and beginning snorkelers, but for all experience levels. \u00a0Following the trail is fun, but I always seems to get a bit distracted by the abundance of fish and even what’s going on above the ocean. \u00a0Trunk Cay attracts many brown pelicans and if you pop your head up, you’ll be greeted by a wave of their wings as they watch you glide by. \u00a0Make sure to continue snorkeling, watching for squid and indigo blue turnicates that seem to thrive here, well past the nature trail and to the far point of the cay. \u00a0If you feel comfortable and the water is relatively calm, try snorkeling around the entire cay, although not much coral life is present on the eastern side.<\/p>\n

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It is easy to spend the entire day at Trunk Bay for the relaxation it provides. \u00a0Walk down the beach, towards the far ends, away from the other visitors, and secure a spot among the trees to get some shade as you may need it…it gets hot! \u00a0Trunk Bay, unique from the other beach areas in St. John, boasts a Snack Bar, where you can buy lunch, otherwise, make sure to bring a cooler. \u00a0Because it is located within the National Park, there are no eateries close by. \u00a0On the premises, there is also a souvenir shop, shower and restroom facilities, public telephones and lifeguards. \u00a0Beach chairs and snorkeling gear can be rented. It should also be noted that Trunk Bay is the only beach on St. John that charges an entrance fee.<\/p>\n

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If you are driving your own car, try to head to Trunk Bay earlier in the day. \u00a0Parking is limited and fills up quickly. \u00a0Taxis head out to all the beaches in St. John, stopping when requested. \u00a0Fare are about $6 per person, each way.<\/p>\n

After lunch, we decided to drive further into the National Park to see what other beaches we could sink our toes into. \u00a0The drive, although winding and narrow at times, offers many scenic overlooks.<\/p>\n

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There were a few beaches that we drove by, Cinnamon Bay, Jumbie Bay, Maho Bay, some with no parking available, so we continued on until we reached Francis Bay. \u00a0A little remote, Francis Bay wasn’t as crowded as some of the other beaches. \u00a0We walked a bit to the right and were greeted by a family who offered to give us their spot with a picnic table. \u00a0Setting our chairs among the trees for the shade they provided, we soon realized that the cool breezes that we experienced at Trunk Bay were not present. \u00a0We also discovered that while trying to seek cooler temperatures among the trees, there were thousands of tiny bugs eager to feast on our skin! \u00a0Yikes! \u00a0Staying in the water was a must!<\/p>\n

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Francis Bay is a long, wide beach with white sands and calm green water. \u00a0It is also a popular mooring for many sailboats each night. \u00a0If you like snorkeling, however, this is another of our favorite spots.<\/p>\n

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The center of the bay is mostly sea-grass, but you are apt to see sea turtles and stingrays gliding by. \u00a0Beginning snorkelers may find it easier to swim at the western end towards Maho Bay, where you’ll find snapper, barracuda, eels, and conch, but more experienced snorkelers may enjoy the rocky, eastern shore.<\/p>\n

After my husband and one of my sons headed this way, we couldn’t imagine why they were gone for so long. \u00a0Eventually, my son returned insisting that we grab out snorkels and fins and join them. \u00a0Never, ever have I experienced something like this! \u00a0From afar, the water appears to be black, so the assumption is made that there is nothing but sea-grass. \u00a0When you dive into this area, you realize that it is something extremely different. \u00a0Billions of silverside fish swim together blocking out the ocean floor and engulfing the waters around you. \u00a0 It is truly mind boggling as to how many tiny fish you are looking upon! \u00a0The best part, however, is when you see the fish part, making way for the huge, 6 foot tarpon the patrol the area. \u00a0These enormous fish, swim near you, unafraid, and provide for amazing underwater photography if you’ve brought your camera. \u00a0Sadly, we did not, but we left excited for the memory, knowing that one day, we will return to see this spectacle once again.<\/p>\n

After returning to our picnic table to refresh with some ice cold water, we decided that we were hot, tired and over bitten and it was time to call it a day!<\/p>\n

With so many amazing beaches on St. John, it would be hard to catch them all unless staying on the island. \u00a0We got to visit two! \u00a0I’d say we had a pretty good day!<\/p>\n

For more pictures, check out Facebook, Snapping the Globe and Instagram, @snappingtheglobe.<\/p>\n

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Trunk Bay<\/strong><\/p>\n