The US Virgin Islands, nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean about 40 miles east of Puerto Rico, are a popular vacation destination. Among them, St. John stands out as a gem.
Before you go, it’s useful to get a sense of the island’s unique geography. A good St Johns Virgin Island map can help you plan your trip and navigate the island’s national park, beaches, and other key attractions.
This article provides an overview of St. John and its most notable features, with a particular emphasis on the maps that will help you explore this beautiful island.
The US Virgin Islands: A Quick Overview
The U.S. Virgin Islands are located in the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, about 40 miles east of Puerto Rico. The three main islands are St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix.
- St. Thomas is the most populated of the three and home to the capital city, Charlotte Amalie.
- St. John is the smallest, and about 75% of the island is dedicated national park land.
- St. Croix is the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands and lies south of St. Thomas and St. John.
Exploring St. John’s Geography and Key Features
St. John is a fairly small island, but it’s packed with beautiful scenery and opportunities for outdoor adventures. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you look at a map of the island.
National Park Dominance
Much of the island is dedicated to the Virgin Islands National Park, which keeps development to a minimum and protects the island’s natural beauty.
Coastal Features and Beaches
The island’s coastline is jagged and dotted with bays, coves, and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, including Caneel Bay, Cruz Bay, and Trunk Bay. A map is essential for finding and accessing these beaches, some of which require a bit of a hike.
Inland Terrain
The island’s interior is hilly and valleyed, with lots of hiking trails. You’ll definitely want to consult a map before you head out for a hike.
Activities and Attractions
St. John is a great place to explore the outdoors, especially if you enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, and fishing.
Understanding Maps of St. John
You can find several different types of maps for St. John, including road maps, topographic maps, nautical charts, and tourist maps. Road maps are great for navigating between towns. Topographic maps are useful for hikers who want to understand the island’s terrain and elevation changes.
Use maps to plan your activities, estimate travel times, and get a sense of distances between locations.
You can find maps online, at visitor centers, and in local shops.
Final Thoughts
A good map is essential for both getting around and truly appreciating the beauty of St. John.
With its stunning natural landscapes, protected national park land, and many activities to choose from, St. John is a unique and unforgettable destination.
So, grab a map and get ready to explore all that St. John has to offer!