An Online Blog About the Daily Happenings of St. John, USVI
Good Morning! St. John is one of the Caribbean’s most ecologically diverse islands, so it’s not surprising that visitors come from all over the world. The popularity comes with a responsibility to preserve the area’s environment.
Sustainable tourism is all about making conscious choices that minimize your impact on the environment and support the local community. Take a moment to learn ways to make your vacation more sustainable!
Starting today, one of our favorite nonprofits is kicking off their 8th annual Villas for the Park Auction, giving you the chance to plan an incredible winter getaway or summer retreat! Bidding on Friends of the Virgin Islands National Park’s Auction opens today and closes on Friday, November 29th. Registration and bidding are happening now and can be found here.
Featuring over 30 stays in luxury hotels, villas, and cottages across the Virgin Islands, this auction offers the perfect opportunity for a relaxing vacation in the Caribbean, and if you already live here, then an excuse to go island hopping for the week.
Read moreBid on Your Dream Vacation with Friends of the Park’s Exclusive Auction
When asked for recommendations on must do’s around the island, I always encourage visitors to spend at least one day on the secluded south shore of St. John. Although a challenge to get to, the southern coastline really encapsulates the magic of St. John. Ruins from the Plantation days, interconnected hiking trails (including the well-known Reef Bay trail), and vibrant reefs make it one of my favorite areas of St. John.
When you think of St. John, you likely imagine an island paradise — sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and luxurious relaxation and pampering. But this is a place that’s also rich in natural bounty, where people have been cultivating — and enjoying! — fruits and vegetables for generations.
These plants are deeply intertwined with the island’s history and cultural heritage and offer nourishment and enticing flavors to the traditional dishes that define St. John’s culinary scene.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the island’s most iconic fruits and vegetables.
Read moreTropical Delights: The Unique Fruits and Vegetables Shaping St. John’s Flavorful Cuisine
Colombo’s Smoothies, your island stop for refreshing drinks and and quick healthy bites, is excited to offer fresh, locally-grown kale and arugula from Love City Fresh! They are offering kale and arugula for $12 per 4oz bag.
On island and not sure what to do next? Check out these upcoming November events on St. John!
Good Morning! If you love St. John and want to keep its beauty close all year round, Steve Simonsen’s 2025 St. John Calendar is now available! Known for capturing the essence of the Virgin Islands, Steve has spent over 30 years photographing this Caribbean paradise, from serene beaches to vibrant wildlife. His photography journey began as a scuba diving instructor, eventually leading to a career that blends underwater, aerial, and landscape photography.
Read moreExperience St. John’s Magic All Year with Steve Simonsen’s 2025 Calendar
Good Morning! The Housewives of St. John are back, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome them home! This talented group, with their signature island vibes and high-energy performances, is set to bring the party to the Virgin Islands once again. Their tour kicks off right here on St. John with a can’t-miss show at Lovango Rum Bar on October 30th. If you’ve seen them before, you know you’re in for a treat—and if not, now’s your chance to experience their magic firsthand!
Cruz Bay has seen a surge of development recently, with projects such as The Saint Resort, the Lind Point Complex, and now a new proposal for a dock exclusively for the guests and owners of Gallows Point Resort. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking input from the public, as well as from federal, state, and local agencies and officials, to help determine whether a permit should be issued for the dock. The deadline to submit public comment is Friday, October 25th.
The proposal is for the installation of a 96-foot, 4-foot wide floating dock in Galge Cove, for the guests and owners of Gallows Point Resort in Cruz Bay. The dock would “provide safe access for boats and water-based activities.” Also, it would be convenient for guests coming by boat (maybe from St. Thomas or after a sunset cruise?) to enjoy dinner at Gallow Point’s restaurant, Ocean 362. The water around the proposed dock is only 3.5 feet, making it suitable for dinghies, sailboats, paddleboards, and kayaks.
It’s worth mentioning that Cruz Bay is bustling with activity already. With registered moorings scattered in the Bay (two unregistered moorings will be removed for this project), charters picking up guests several times a day, and the Cruz Bay Ferry departing every hour, this area is a hub of boating activity.
Measures Taken to Avoid Negative Environmental Impact
The location of the dock, in Galge Cove, was selected because it is devoid of coral and native seagrass. The location is approximately across from the cemetery, Lovango Rum Bar, and DR!NK.
During construction, a turbidity curtain and silt fencing will be used to mitigate a negative impact on the area. According to the US Army Corps, turbidity curtains are installed to keep sediment and construction debris from spreading into the waters outside the construction zone. It will be inspected daily for repairs and to prevent turbidity damage that can impinge the local marine life, coral health, and water quality.
The proposal states the dock “would be held in place by 6 sand screws down the center on 20-ft centers. It would have open grated decking in an aluminum frame on pontoons.” The open grated decking will allow sunlight to pass through the dock, providing sunlight access to the seafloor underneath.
Effect on Endangered and Threatened Species
The proposed project may impact several endangered species, including green, loggerhead, hawksbill, and leatherback sea turtles, as well as the Nassau grouper, giant manta ray, and queen conch. Although the project is not expected to significantly affect essential habitats for fish and sea turtles, there remains a slight possibility of impact. To ensure a thorough evaluation, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers states they “will request consultation with the National Marine Fisheries Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with separate letters pursuant to Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act.”
There is no doubt that Gallows Point would benefit from having a floating dock. It would provide their guests with an opportunity for more water-based activities and to have easier access coming and going by boat from the Resort. The dock would allow a direct meeting point for charters, better access to Ocean 362 for boaters, and it could help reduce the boat traffic next to the Cruz Bay Ferry. The question is: does the benefit outweigh the potential damage to endangered species’ critical habitats?
The decision whether to issue or deny this permit is based on public opinion. Anyone is allowed to request a public hearing if submitted in writing to the District Engineer by Friday, October 25th.
Comments regarding the proposed plan can be sent to Karen Urelius, Project Manager, Antilles Permits Section by October 25th at [email protected] or 787-370-8359.
Do you think the benefits of the proposed dock outweigh the possible negative impact? Let us know what you think below.
Halloween serves as the unofficial start to season on St. John and there are plenty of opportunities to flaunt your spooky side this year.
