Lobsters in St. John, USVI

Caribbean lobster--a delicacy found on St. John USVI

Often we are asked what favorite dish is preferred by visitors to St. John....it's a tough one since there are so many amazing choices at restaurants around the island, But we would have to say LOBSTER is at the top of the list.

You may wonder what the difference is between the Caribbean lobster and those you would find served up at lobster shacks along the Maine coast. If you take a look at the photo, you'll see something is missing on local "bugs" here in the islands...they have no claws! They shuffle themselves along the bottom of the ocean with just legs and a big tail. Their primary means of defense are the sharp spines that cover the body.

But don't be concerned about missing the claw meat when you order a grilled lobster at Aqua Bistro, Fish Trap or one of the choice seafood restaurants on St. John. You'll have more than you can handle since these local crustacean grow 5-10 lbs when they're snagged by local fishermen. You may find its the only time you have been filled up on lobster with no room for key lime pie. Bon appetit!

Snorkeling--a St. John Vacation Highlight

One of the beauties of snorkeling off the many white-sand beaches of St. John is that it is FREE..only a mask and snorkel needed (fins are optional).

Everyone has their favorite spots for spotting turtles, incredible fish and amazing coral reefs, but for stepping out of your car and walking into the quiet waters, Big Maho Bay is top of the list for beginning snorkelers. Young and old can enjoy a gentle swim off to the right around the rocks into Little Maho Bay.

On your swim you're sure to see a few blue-green parrot fish, plenty of silver bar jacks, a few blue tangs, and possibly a turtle or two. You may be treated to an octopus sighting as well as some stingrays searching for food at the ocean bottom. We would love to hear what you find in your snorkeling explorations!

Snorkeling the Mangroves of St. John USVI

All who have visited St.John USVI know the beauty and wide assortment of beaches all over the island. Though....there's still more to discover since not all who snorkel have yet tried exploring the mangroves found in the waters of Hurricane Hole, Coral Bay. It's an experience not to be missed!

A wonderful new book has been written just last year by local author, Caroline Rogers called "The Mysterious, Magical Mangroves of St. John, USVI". The photos of coral reefs and fish viewed through the tangle of mangrove roots will nudge any reader to wade into the bay and view the sea life for themselves.

Rogers' book can be purchased through the Friends of the VI National Park website at http://www.friendsvinp.org/books-maps-a-guides/magical-mangroves2012-07-14-21-52-34-detail.

Rules of the Sea...Snorkeling on St.John

Memorial Day Weekend has come and gone so we are officially in summer which brings some of the finest snorkeling on St. John. The ocean tends to be calm which makes for great visibility and the water temperature is a solid 80 degrees.

This artful sign greets you at the beginning of the Leinster Bay trail, a shoreline 20 minute walk, that leads to a white sand beach for swimming around Waterlemon Cay--a must for all visitors to St. John--and a wonderful place for spotting turtles. Be sure to swim counterclockwise to let the gentle current push you around this beautiful island.

Meet our St. John USVI Manta Ray at Francis Bay!

This photo was taken only 20 yards out from shore at Francis Bay last weekend.  Christy McMannus of the VI National Park Service was determined to find the juvenile Manta Ray that's been cruising up and down Francis and Maho Bays close to shore now for a couple of months and has been spotted by many delighted beach goers.   Visitors have been flocking to these beaches to get a rare glimpse of this elusive creature.

Once it came into site, Christy snorkeled out to it and got this great shot with her camera and noticed that its wing span was about 10 feet wide (this was a juvenile - the average width is 15 ft and they can be up to 20 ft).  Manta Rays come to our warm waters at this time each year to feed on krill, and who knows, maybe to enjoy our gorgeous bays!

St. John Snorkeling Reveals Manta Rays

Most visitors who take a St. John vacation spend a good amount of time in the crystal clear aqua waters either swimming or snorkeling.  For those who have snorkeled in Maho or Francis Bays within the last few months, you may be among the fortunate swimmers to see the graceful sightings of two Manta rays who have made their home of Mary's Point along St. John's north shore.

Take a look at the video to see what one visitor captured while he was snorkeling in shallow waters just off the beach.  These Manta rays have up to a 6-foot width to their wing-like bodies and are a real thrill to spot while enjoying a day's swim.

St John Snorkeling - Underwater beauty at Waterlemon and Salt Pond Bays

I just received some gorgeous underwater photos taken by Christian and Elizabeth Mitchel while they were here last month staying at Stonegarden Cottage in Coral Bay. The clarity in the photos of Salt Pond and Waterlemon Cay is unbelievably good. Makes me want to go snorkeling right now!

Underwater Photos from Memorable St. John Vacation

I just received these beautiful underwater photos from a recent traveler to St. John and wanted to share them here.

The first photo is a school of blue tang swimming through coral and was taken at Whistling Cay (the small island north of Cinnamon Bay with the old custons house on it). The next two were taken at Waterlemon Cay, a parrotfish and a hawksbill turtle, nice clear shots. We're so lucky to be able to enjoy these amazing sites in the cays around St. John!!