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.

St. John USVI promoting Community through Gardens

While many gardeners in northern U.S are starting to harvest the bounty of their summer gardens...here on St. John, USVI a wonderful new project is just coming into bloom. St. John Community Foundation has just completed the first phase of their Community Garden located on 2.5 acres on Gifft Hill.

According to the St. John Tradewinds 8.2.12 http://www.stjohntradewindsnews.com, the garden is open to volunteers looking to work with other community members in maintaining the various areas of the garden. Currently there are paths and newly-planted trees to enjoy and future plans include a butterfly garden, an herb garden, and a bush tea garden.

To learn more about the Community Garden as well as the proposed Arts & Cultural Community Center which would be a place of history, culture and art, check out the St. John Community Foundation website http://www.sjcf.org/.

St. John Takes Part in the 2012 Summer Olympics

Mimi Roller competes in Laser sailing 

All St. Johnians and hopefully many around the world will be poised in front of their TVs watching the 2012 SUMMER OLYMPICS taking place in London, England which opens this Friday, July 27.  You can learn about the 45 year history of participants from St. John, St. Thomas, and St. Croix, USVI on the website http://www.virginislandsolympics.org/.

Of special interest to all who know and love St. John, is the Laser sailboat competitor, Mimi Roller.  Mimi is one of the 7 athletes that are representing the U.S. Virgin Islands and she got her start in sailing right here in Coral Bay with the local sailing non profit organization called KATS (Kids And The Sea) which introduces local children to the fun of sailing their own boat.  We wish all the best to Mimi and will be cheering for all our local athletes as they compete in the next two weeks!

Peace and Solitude at Sundown, Trunk Bay Beach , St. John, USVI

July brings warm waters and fewer people to the island, where you can stroll and feel relaxation wash over you as the sun goes down at beautiful Trunk Bay Beach.