TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums US VI and Puerto Rico How crowded are mooring fields nowadays? Anchoring options?

My last trip to Saint Thomas and St John was around Christmas to New Years 2020/2021, when the BVI were still pretty locked down. Mooring fields around St John were packed and it felt like a rat race to snag a mooring ball. Looking forward to our trip down May 21-29 and wondering if things have relaxed a little, now that the BVI are much more open for travel?
Also, some suggestions on the best locations to anchor around St John if we need to? I know there are only a few options, so any specific details or suggestions would be greatly helpful.

And a bonus question! Where is the best location to leave the boat and set out to hike to the petroglyphs? Reef Bay?

Thanks!

Reef bay is closest and easiest to petroglyphs (not much climbing) but only has 2 day balls which fill fast. Lameshur is longer (about an hour) with more climbing, but nice views along the way.

anchor
Newfound
Rendezvous

We live in Coral Bay. Check out the Coral Bay Cruiser's Guide for tips. Hurricane Hole is a great day stop. Hansen Bay/Long Bay/Round Bay is a nice overnight anchorage.

https://www.cbycstj.org/coral-bay-cruising-guide

No anchoring or fishing in the Coral Reef National Monument. That covers Hurricane Hole and Ram Head to Reef Bay. Fish Bay is an option and the west side of Ditleff Point is popular. There is an anchorage area off of Lind Point. You can see it on the map below if you select the Anchoring feature.

https://www.nps.gov/viis/planyourvisit/virgin-islands-marine-visitor-use-information.htm

On the North Shore, Cinnamon Bay has good breakfast and dinners at their restaurant. Lunch is a food truck with hot dogs. Our favorite north shore anchorage is Francis / Maho. Maho Crossroads is at the west end of Maho with drinks and lunch. There are trash cans at Francis Bay and a new composting toilet. There is also a nice loop walk around Francis Bay Salt Pond to the Francis Great House.

Enjoy!

Cheers, RickG

Thanks Rick, great info here. I didn’t realize there were other locations you can anchor and overnight around St John. I had always thought there were only a couple places around Lind Point and Cruz Bay, and in Coral Bay. Hansen and Long Bay look like nice options. I assume the south side of Haulover Beach would be suitable as well?

I haven't been back since hurricanes, but Cinnamon Bay is a beautiful place as long as there are no northerly swells. Used to have some NPS moorings, but should be able to anchor there.

Yes, the southeast side of Haulover Bay is a legit anchorage.

If you visit Great Lameshure, you will see larger fish. It shows that the fishing ban in the Coral Reef National Monument works. Good hikes from there too.

Cheers, RickG