Reef Bay Trail

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Reef Bay Trail is one of those trails that you just have to do.

Reef Bay Trail “A Lovely Day in the Woods..!”

I agree with what`s already been said here: If you want to do one trail on St. John, this is the one.

It`s a nice and easy walk (not demanding at all, if you`re in a normal good shape); culminating on a completely deserted (at least in late august..!) coral beach.

We met a local man who`s been fishing, but that`s about it.

The sugar mill ruins are a must-see. The vegetation is fantastic. We saw deers, wild donkeys, huge spiders along the trail, as well as two pretty large sharks feeding near the beach.Recommended!

Reef Bay Trail

“Practical Aspects”

This is truly a fun hike, with lots of worthwhile spur trails. I advise going with the NPS so that the return will be by boat at the bottom.

However, the NPS takes all comers, and there were lots of people that legitimately needed to go slow due to age or conditioning or wearing sandals, and the NPS likes to add a lot of color.

Consequently, those that stayed with the NPS group had very little time to take spur trails or to enjoy the beach at the end.

It was pretty much go on the main trail, arrive at the beach, take a couple of moments, and get in the boat. Instead of that, get yourselves a map and split off and go ahead of the group and explore a bit, including Casa Grande, the petroglyphs, and a few extra plantation ruins off to the side, not to mention all the extra beach time you'll get.

You'll enrich your experience a lot with these neat extras.

By the end of the hike, over half of the others will have split off from the NPS main group too, so while it may seem awkward if you are early in this, by the time everyone comes back together at the beach you'll have merely been prescient.

Reef Bay Trail “Great way to spend a day”

This is an excellent way to spend a day. The hike is almost entirely in the shade, which is nice with the intense sunlight.

If you start at the summit, then it is a nice cool hike down the entire way.

Be prepared for light showers at the top of the trail, as this is common, however, it is refreshing, and not severe enough for rain gear.

It does make the trail slightly slipery though.

The petroglyphs are a common location for travelers to stop and have a picnic, but worth the stop.

As you go through this area you will notice a lot of remains of the sugar plantations.

What is great, is if the park knows what a remain, plant, or tree is, they mark it with a plaque.

When you get to reef bay, be prepared for a very small beach. It is also very shallow, and once you are in the water it is not sand.

If you are a strong swimmer, it is very much worth bringing your snorkeling gear!

After you get beyond the first breakers the snorkeling is spectacular, nice gregorian gardens and huge fish.

Reef Bay Trail: Be prepared when you go on this hike with lots of water for the hike out, it is pretty steep for a long way. It is at least a 2 water bottle day!!!

If you can swing it hike out toward Lampshire Bay to take a dip on the way out, but transportation from there on is a must, so you might want to arrange that before you head out for the day!

Reef Bay Trail “Go After a rainfall”

I have hiked this trail and the spur trail to the Petroglyphs about five times (i live here) but I reccomend going the day after a rainfall to see the waterfalls in full effect.

It is amazing to see, hear and feel the rush of water over the rocks.

Reef Bay Trail “Strenuous Fun”

It's a steep hike down and up, but the reward is worth it--a gorgeous beach all to ourselves, and great snorkeling.

We did the trail on our own, not with a NPS guide, which meant that we also hiked back up rather than getting a boat ride back to Cruz Bay.

If you do the hike on your own, remember to take plenty of water. I regret not sidetracking to see the petroglyphs.

Reef Bay Trail “Take the guided hike but make sure you sign up in advance”

This is a must-do hike on St John. I recommend you take the guided hike the first time.

Make sure you sign up at Park Service HQ in advance. The guided hike isn't offered every day and on our first trips to St John we missed out.

If you take the guided hike you should take a taxi to the trail head since you will be returned by boat to Cruise Bay.

This boat ride gives you a great opportunity to see the south side of St John from the water.

The previous review is right on target about the petroglyphs (a great lunch spot) and bringing your mask and snorkel.

You're going to get wet wading to the boat anyway so you should go for a swim.

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