St John has its fair share of white-sand beaches and stunning azure bays where you can sunbathe, nap in a hammock, float in tranquil waters and snorkel the reefs.

Most offer dressing facilities and restrooms and some have amenities such as beach bars, snack huts, T-shirt shops and water sports rentals.

No beaches charge admission, and by law all beaches (up to 15ft) are public, even those that skirt private resort property. For smaller, more out-of-the-way beaches, such as those on the eastern part of the island like Lameshur and Salt Pond, get a map from the National Park's Contact Station in Cruz Bay.

Northeast of Cruz Bay there's a fine selection of beaches, including Trunk Bay, St John's best and most popular beach. The snorkel trail here (marked by red, white and blue buoys) is stunning and has underwater plaques to help you identify the coral and fish you see.

There's also food and facilities though you'll need to bring your own snorkel equipment. Further east, at Cinnamon Bay, part of the National Park's campground, you can rent kayaks, snorkel equipment, bicycles and even get a windsurfing lesson.

For a break from the beach, head out on the Cinnamon Bay Nature Trail, which loops through ruins and returns you to the beach. Hawksnest Beach, on the other side of the peninsula from the Caneel Bay Resort, is a favorite with locals because it's not tourist-heavy. There's snorkeling, changing facilities and picnic tables here.

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