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Cinnamon Bay Plantation was established in 1717 and was one of the earliest and most prosperous sugar plantations on the Island. In 1903, the Danish West India Plantation Company bought Cinnamon Bay and began growing bay rum trees to produce bay leaf oil, which was used in popular colognes and lotions known as St. John Bay Rum.
Learn about the history of St. John from the arrival of humans (about 840 BC), through plantation and maritime eras to present. Archaeological exhibits recovered from the nearby dig surround the laboratory (a converted sugar factory warehouse) within a preserved 17th century structure. If planning a visit, call first to ascertain that the building is open.
Cinnamon Bay offers a long gently sloping snow white beach to stick your toes in, or go for a leisurely stroll. The crystal clear waters provide many delights for even a novice snorkeler. Turtles and fish of all sizes and colors can be seen here. There is a water sports center that rents snorkel gear and windsurfing equipment. You can also arrange day sailing, snorkeling and scuba diving lessons.
Francis Bay Trail starts at the Francis Bay Sugar Factory. It continues past the Mary's Point Estate house and around a salt pond. The dry tropical forest and salt pond provide an excellent opportunity to view birds. The lower portion of the trail is an accessible boardwalk that continues through the mangroves to the two viewing platforms.
Hawksnest Bay offers three fingers of mostly Elkhorn coral reefs to snorkel. It is not advisable to snorkel directly over the reef. The Elkhorn corals are a federally protected species and extremely fragile. Snorkeling around the fingers you will see many juvenile fish and other reef creatures in and among the branches of the Elkhorn corals. Hawksnest has changing rooms, picnic tables, grills and restrooms. It is the closest beach to Cruz Bay. Restroom facilities are not close, amplified music is not allowed, and there is a 10PM noise curfew.
The Lind Point Trail starts just behind the park visitor center and ends at breathtaking Honeymoon Bay or Solomon Bay. The trail offers several spurs one of which heads to the overlook. Stop and rest on the bench as you watch the boats sail by.
Beautiful beach. 1/4-mile hike from the parking area to beach, with only a slight grade.