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!

Come to Love City Live!

If you're looking for a reason to start planning your St. John vacation then check out the newest local music celebration Love City Live! Performing on island January 24-27,2013.

You can join the reggae party and hear some of the most recognized musicians in the world. Starting the lineup will be Steel Pulse, the UK's Grammy-winning artists. Also performing will be St. John's own Inner Visions, as well as popular singers like Reemah, born on St. Croix, and Duane Stephenson, known for his poetic lyrics addressing social change.

Love City Live! is a chance to experience local food, view Caribbean art, and enjoy the amazing vibes of world renown reggae performers. Learn more about the schedule of events at http://www.experiencelovecitylive.com/ and register by 12/31 to get the early bird ticket price.

St. John Author Peter Muilenburg's Latest Book is Out: A Sea Dog's Tale

A book is now available that is a must-read for anyone who loves dogs, sailing, adventure, and who just enjoys a well-written story. Peter Muilenburg's "A Sea Dog's Tale: The True Story of a Small Dog on a Big Ocean" grabs the reader quickly with its story of a schipperke puppy who joins the family and lives on board their sail boat for years of adventures at sea.

Many visitors to St. John, USVI know Peter Muilenburg's hand built boat "Breath" having sailed on day charters out of Coral Bay. Peter and his wife Dorothy have shared their warmth and love of island life with visitors and locals alike. Readers will feel like they are sailing right along with the family as they get to know their amazing pup Santos.

Peter writes of Santos, "“He survived kidnap, hurricane, raging surf, and being lost overboard. We gave him up for dead twice...He may have been an 11-pound dog, but he strode through life like a lion.” The new book is available on http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008MU9IAS/ref=rdr_kindle_ext_tmb and will soon be available at local St. John stores.

Paddleboarding in St. John USVI

Have you glanced up from the beach lately and seen someone who looks like he or she is walking on water? It's just one more adventurer who has joined the new craze of Stand Up Paddleboarding or SUP as another way to get out on the water while vacationing on St. John.

In addition to being a great workout, it's a fun alternative to snorkeling since you can get incredible views of fish, coral, and the occasional turtle taking a dive down into the depths. The key to the first time out is balance ....you can start on your knees but it really is easier paddling once you stand up.

There are a few options for renting a paddle board or getting a few lessons. One company who has proven itself as the premier kayaking trip leader and guide for St. John USVI is Arawak Expeditions http://www.arawakexp.com/sup.htm. And someone who has started her own business is Karen Jarvis with Love City Paddle Boards (340) 642-9419. Pick a nice calm day and get out on those aqua blue waters!

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.

St. John Vacation Rentals

Across the Midwest and into the Northeast the cold winds are starting to blow....which means its a good time to look into vacation villa rentals on the most beautiful island in the Caribbean....St. John USVI.

Here to help you make your decision on which house best suits your needs is our listing of accommodations found at http://www.stjohnessence.com/accommodations.html. There is much to consider including what size house you would like, in which part of St. John you would like to be located, how close to the beaches would you be, and are there any restaurants nearby.

And of course one of the key essentials....what kind of view will you have. Take a look at these incredible ocean views and see which one you would like for a week or two. Come on down and enjoy the 80 degree temperatures year round!

St. John Triathalon THIS WEEKEND!

Come swim, bike, and run in the 14th annual Love City Triathlon and Aquathon on Sunday, Sept. 2nd....race starts at 7:00 am. Or simply show up at Maho Bay beach to cheer on the athletes and join in the fun.

It's a new course and they are staging the race all from Maho Bay. The triathletes will swim a half mile in Maho Bay. Bike to Cruz Bay, Centerline, to the Yogurt stand and go down Kings Hill and finish back at Maho Bay. Then run a new and challenging 4-mile course and return to Maho Bay. The Aquathoners will swim the same ½ mile course, and run a new and challenging 3 miles and return to Maho Bay. For more information about registering for the race go to http://www.stjohnlandsharks.com/.

As a special bonus, anyone who registers before August 30 is eligible for a free night at a Maho Bay Camps tent cottage the night before the race, Sep 1st. To book your free night be sure to call Maho at (340) 776-6226.