Our journey to St John USVI was the perfect combination of adventure and relaxation. We chose this Caribbean destination since two thirds of the island is designated as a national park, leaving much of its real estate in pristine condition. It wasn’t hard to find an uncrowded beach bordering clear blue waters waiting to be snorkeled. My trip report follows:

June 2014:  We stayed in Surfside Villa on the Reef Bay side and loved the seclusion of being next to the National Park and having an almost private beach.

Best items I brought with me: “Neat Sheet” so we did not have to haul chairs to the beaches, lots of sunscreen, head band to keep hair out of my face while snorkeling, quick dry clothes, Columbia water sandals for the beach/hiking, mosquito clip on fan, cash since many places did not take credit cards, water bottle, small packable lunch cooler, packable hat, St John Off the Beaten Track book and trail map (marvelous resource), and “Swimways” spring floats (easy to pack and open for floating in calm water).

Items I regretted bringing: way too many clothes, pants, light jacket, books and movies (scenery way too stunning to compete with television), and dress clothes (everything super casual).

Things I’ll do next time: Pack a suitcase of dry or canned food because groceries are at least twice the normal cost and the variety is limited. Starfish Market had the best prices and choices. Use Sam and Jack’s Deli for prepared dinners (reasonably priced and delicious).  Go to beaches early or late to avoid crowds. Days you hike, go early and then finish cooling off at the beach, and always bring snorkeling gear (never know when you might find a place).  Purchase mask and snorkel to pack in luggage and only rent heavy fins.  Bring defogger gel for mask (what a difference).

Best time to go: For stunning night views of the ocean, go when there is a full moon. Summertime usually has less crowds than winter.  June is especially nice since there is more lush scenery after the May rains and mosquitoes have died down.  Occasionally there are seasons of sea lice in the ocean.  While they do provide an temporary sting, they are merely a nuisance and should not prevent you from exploring the waters.

Favorite moments: hiking to Dennis Bay (most secluded beautiful beach) and coming up on Kenny Chesney doing a photo shoot, sipping a drink in the evenings on a quiet beach, hiking trails at Cinnamon Bay near the ruins and being surprised by deer, eating fresh Carribean lobster at Lime Inn with terrific service and topping up with frozen key lime pie (amazing!), driving over to East end of Island, stopping at Haulover Bay, eating at Skinny Legs and snorkeling at Salt Bay Pond, hiking front part of Reef Bay Trail (waited too late to sign up for guided tour-should have booked weeks in advance), spending the morning at Francis Bay (no mosquitoes) and enjoying the seclusion and snorkeling at the reef, walking around Annaberg Ruins and viewing the overlook, hiking the Leinster Trail with beautiful views (didn’t snorkel since wind strong), and shopping at Mongoose Junction at night and listening to the music.

Can’t wait to go back!