The United States has 63 national parks, which are congressionally designated protected areas operated by the National Park Service. National parks are renowned for their natural beauty, unique geological features, diverse ecosystems, and recreational opportunities. Equity Estates residences enjoy close proximity to over a dozen national parks.
A Protected Paradise
Encompassing two-thirds of the small Caribbean Island of St. John, as well as another 5,600 acres underwater, and almost all of nearby Hassel Island, the Virgin Islands National Park is a truly stunning destination.
Miles of white sand beaches and private coves are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. Hiking trails wind through lush tropical forests to historic ruins and sites of ancient petroglyphs. Mangrove trees grow along quiet shorelines. And colorful reefs beneath clear blue water teeming with abundant marine life. It’s a protected paradise full of spectacular natural beauty and rich history, easily accessible to anyone on the island who wants to visit and explore.
There’s much to see and do within the park and different points of access to choose from, depending on your interests. From either of the Equity Estates’ homes, the main entrance at Cruz Bay is less than fifteen minutes away. There you’ll find the Cruz Bay Visitor Center—a great place to gather information and maps before heading out on your adventure. You can also travel by boat (or trail) to Reef Bay Beach and the Reef Bay Sugar Mill Ruins or take a 45-minute scenic drive through the park, followed by a short hike to reach the protected cove of Salt Pond Bay Beach or the impressive Ram Head Peak on the southeastern tip of the island.
What the park is best known for:
It’s no exaggeration to say that the beaches on St. John are some of the most beautiful in the world and are the main attraction within the park. Trunk Bay Beach (the most photographed beach on St. John), Cinnamon Bay Beach (the island’s longest beach), and Maho Bay Beach (home to sea turtles and rays) are three of the most popular with both residents and visitors and are great places to spend the day. Each one offers beautiful expanses of soft, white sand, amazing views, and amenities such as bathrooms, pavilions and picnic tables, and rental shops.
Top three things to do:
Snorkeling
With its calm surf, shallows ringed with protected coral reefs, and a lively aquatic ecosystem, the clear, aqua-blue waters around Virgin Islands National Park make for some of the best snorkeling in all of the Caribbean. Equipment can be rented from local shops or you can book guided snorkeling tours to reach spots off the beaten path.
Hiking
Hiking is another popular activity on St. John, and the park provides a variety of experiences (for all levels) with more than 20 trails to choose from. Whether you choose the boardwalk trail through the ruins of the old Cinnamon Bay Sugar Plantation, the Lind Point Trail to Honeymoon Bay, or the more rigorous Reef Bay Trail to see the island’s tallest trees, plantation ruins, and ancient rock carvings, your hike through the park will be one you’ll never forget.
Touring the Ruins
Until 1917, St. John was part of the Danish West Indies, and traces of that colonial legacy still exist on the island today. The park itself includes several sites of interest, including the remains of the Annaberg Sugar Plantation, the Catherineberg Plantation ruins east of Cruz Bay, and the settlement ruins along Cinnamon Bay. You can also explore the Petroglyphs of Reef Bay that predate the island’s European settlement. Self-guided tours are always an option, though guided tours with local experts are always available and can take you on a deeper dive into the history of the island.
About the Equity Estates homes:
Our St. John I residence is a gorgeous five-bedroom modern oceanfront villa with a spacious three-level main home, adjacent pool house/tower, and incredible ocean views. Nestled within lush, green tropical landscaping, with covered patios, indoor/outdoor living spaces, a private pool, and high-end details throughout, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into your own private luxury resort.
The second residence on the island, St. John II, boasts six bedrooms and six and a half bathrooms with stunning views overlooking the ocean with a private pool and hot tub. This home provides the classic Caribbean experience, breathtaking ocean views, a private pool, and plenty of outdoor living areas to soak in the ocean breeze.
Ready to Invest?
Now is a great time to invest with Equity Estates. Schedule time to speak with one of our Investor Relations Team members to learn more about our current offering and prepare to invest and vacation in exclusive travel destinations worldwide.
