St. John, the 19-square-mile U.S. Virgin Island located east of St. Thomas and southwest of Tortola, BVI, is the only major Virgin Island, U.S. or British, without a marina. Now, there are two marina projects currently proposed. Proponents say a marina on the island, specifically in Coral Bay on the eastern end of the island,…
Overnight visits are not allowed in St. John’s V.I. Coral Reef National Monument except when a major storm threatens. This includes the popular Hurricane Hole, park officials have said.
Below the surface of the calm azure waters surrounding St. John lives a thriving tropical marine ecosystem. Humpback and pilot whales, dolphins, brown pelicans and sea turtles all use the waters to forage, breed, nest and rest. It’s a spawning habitat for commercially important groupers and snappers. Countless species of fish, invertebrates, and plants use the reefs and mangroves during their lives….