🌴 A Caribbean Escape to St. John: Featuring Top 10 Hikes
By Angelika Gale | February 16-22 | 2025
From sunrise hikes to snorkeling with sea turtles, this seven-day island itinerary is packed with my favorite hikes, hidden gems, and vibrant moments that now live on in my Tropical Escape Collection. Inspired by a cruise that stole our hearts, we came back to experience the island more fully- on our own time.
✈️☀️ Day 1: Arrival, Land in St. Thomas, Sunset in Cruz Bay
February 16
We traded winter in Minnesota for turquoise water and palm-lined roads with an early 8:14AM direct flight to St. Thomas, landing just after 3PM. Jeep keys in hand from Hertz, our first stop was Drake's Seat, where sweeping views of Magen's Bay greeted us like a postcard come to life.
📖 Verse of the Day: "Go everywhere in the world. Tell the Good News to everyone."
Next, we hopped the ferry to St. John, soaking in the salty air and island colors. That evening, we wandered Cruz Bay Beach, dipped our toes in the water, and caught the sun setting over the harbor before heading to dinner at Karma and grabbing a few essentials at Starfish Market.
🏝️ Day 2: Francis Bay Ruins, Historic Sugar Mills & Sea Views
February 17
Kicked off the morning with a green smoothie from Provisions (highly recommend), then hit the trails toward Leinster and Francis Bay. Along the trail, we explored centuries-old sugar mill ruins and sweeping views of Tortola across turquoise waters.
After some local shopping in Mongoose Junction, we ended the day with dinner at 1864- island charm and elegance on a plate.
🤿 Day 3: Jungle Hikes, Secret Beaches + Snorkel Magic
February 18
Fueled by breakfast sandwiches and coffee, we hiked the shaded Honeymoon Beach Trail, detouring to Salomon Beach and Hawksnest Beach. Along the way, wild donkeys wandered the paths, and jungle plants looked like something out of The Princess Bride.
We spent the afternoon snorkeling at Cinnamon Bay, where the underwater world came alive- schools of technicolor fish, coral, and sunbeams dancing below the surface.
💡 Island Style Highlight: wearing "Keep Groovin" Turban Twist Headband- a burst of tropical joy for your everyday look or work shift. Shop the look >> https://angelikagale.com/products/keep-groovin-turban-twist-headband?_pos=1&_psq=keep+groovin&_ss=e&_v=1.0
That evening, we returned to Cruz Bay just in time for another golden sunset.
🐢 Day 4: Reef Bay Trail, Hermit Crabs & Ancient Petroglyphs
February 19
This was one of our most rugged, rainforest-like adventures- Reef Bay Trail, a 4.1 mile journey through lush trees, a waterfall (that was more like a trickling stream), and lots of inclines. We hiked through sporadic rain showers, which only added to the jungle ambiance. Along the way, we spotted hermit crabs, a turtle, and stumbled upon petroglyphs- ancient carvings etched in stone by the island's early inhabitants.
The trail ends with a serene, quiet bay perfect for a post-hike snorkel session. So bring your gear!
Snorkel mask: https://amzn.to/4n7mGxa
Snorkel life vest: https://amzn.to/3SQUroA
Snorkel fins: https://amzn.to/3ZwcuUR
We rounded out the day with a relaxing meal at The Beach Bar, toes-in-the-sand and island rhythms in the background.
🌅 Day 5: Sunrise Hike & Trunk Bay's Famous Underwater Trail
February 20
We rose before the sun and made our way to Gibney Beach, where the sunrise painted the sky in coral and lilac. We stopped by Denis Bay and hiked up to Peace Hill, where time stood still.
That afternoon, we headed to the iconic Trunk Bay to snorkel and sun bathe.
Dinner that night was at Ocean 362- sustainably caught seafood, tropical cocktails, and a dreamy golden-hour view of the bay.
⛰ Day 6: Ram Head Lookout, Cactus Trails, and Sunrise Views
February 21
Our most epic hike of the trip: Ram Head Trail. We set out early from Salt Pond Bay, hiking through coastal cactus fields, wind-whipped cliffs, and rocky beaches with dramatic views in every direction. We made it to the bluff summit before anyone else arrived, which really made it feel like we were on our own movie set.
Post-hike, we grabbed BBQ at Johnny Lime's, then caught a quick burst of tropical rain before hiking the Cinnamon Bay Trail up to Cinnamon Bay Beach.
Dinner at La Tapa was the perfect endcap- wine, seafood, and laughter under string lights.
🚤 Day 7: Dinghy Day + Sea Turtle Surprise
February 22
On our final day, we rented the last dinghy available and spent the afternoon cruising through bays and quiet coves. Taking turns at the helm, we laughed, swam, and soaked in the freedom of the open water.
The highlight? I swam alongside a sea turtle, spotted two stingrays, and even glimpsed a rare black-and-white Spotted Eagle ray.
Top right photo features Aquamarine Turban Twist Headband available here: https://angelikagale.com/products/aquamarine-turban-twist-headband?_pos=1&_sid=858aded61&_ss=r
✈️ Day 8: Ferry, Flight & A Heart Full of Island Light
February 23
We said goodbye to St. John with a final ferry ride and sleepy plane ride back to snowy Minnesota.
The spirit of this trip lives on in my designs, where each island-inspired piece is meant to make you feel like you're on vacation wherever you are.
✨ Bring the island with you:
Whether you're on the floor of a busy hospital or dreaming of your next escape, these deigns are meant to carry the spirit of the Caribbean with you:
- Shop "Shades of Blue" Collection: https://angelikagale.com/collections/shades-of-blue?_pos=1&_psq=shades+of+blue&_ss=e&_v=1.0
- Explore the Tropical Statement Scrub Jacket: https://angelikagale.com/products/the-custom-statement-scrub-jacket-for-nurses-and-healthcare-providers
- Wear the "Azure Break" Dress: https://angelikagale.com/products/wrapped-in-strength-head-scarf-by-angelika-gale-copy
Drop your favorite St. John hike or moment in the comments- I'd love to hear your tropical escape story too.
