Leave No Trace On St. John

There are many reasons why people flock to the island of St. John, but let’s be honest, it’s all about the beach. All 36 of them!

Typically, the Virgin Islands hosts just over 2 million visitors a year. That number skyrocketed to over 8 million at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. Our island needs your help in minimizing the impact of human visitors now more than ever. By taking care of our beaches, we maintain the health of our land, oceans, wildlife and marine life while promoting a safe environment for all to enjoy.

Our handy guidelines to keep our island pristine.

• Leave rocks, plants, historic structures and other natural objects as you find them.

• Observe wildlife and marine life from a distance. Do not approach or feed the donkeys, sheep, goats, deer, fish, birds or any other animals.

• Store your food and belongings securely away from wildlife.

• Repackage food and utilize reusable water bottles to minimize waste.

• Dispose of waste properly. Pack it in, pack it out.

• Be courteous to other visitors by yielding on trails, avoid loud voices and music, and give each other plenty of space.

• Use only reef safe sunscreen.

• Set up beach chairs and towels on open sand to avoid erosion of nearby vegetation.

• If you dig holes on the beach or build sandcastles, please fill them in before leaving.

• Contact the National Park Service if you encounter a sick or injured animal.

• Leave nothing but footprints, taking nothing but photos.

Recycling bins are located at the following places:

1. Cruz Bay: Main VIWMA site across from EC Gas Station & Alfredo’s Landscaping

2. Gifft Hill Road: VIWMA site just past Gifft Hill School

3. Coral Bay: Main VIWMA site across from Love City Mini Mart

4. Island Green Living’s ReSource Depot located behind VITEMA on Gifft Hill Road just off Centerline

5. Bin at Connections in Cruz Bay