Chocolate Hole Beach, St. John USVI
There’s so much of St. John to drink in --from tourist resorts to incredible lookouts-- that it may seem a bit overwhelming. If you’re more interested in getting acquainted with the locals and taking in some of the natural charm of St. John, perhaps you need to take a trip to Chocolate Hole. This spot is mostly frequented by people from the neighborhood or boaters who keep their boats docked.
It’s incredibly easy to access via car or taxi; however, you won’t find a great deal of tourists lounging about in the area. Mostly you’ll see locals fishing or boaters with their boats moored to the sandy shoreline. The beach is, for the most part, relatively uncultivated land. It’s perfect for those who simply want to take a bit of hike through some uncharted Caribbean beach. If you’re the type of person who likes your vacation secluded and incredibly personal, Chocolate Hole is just the beach you’ve been searching for.
Though it’s mostly rugged land, it’s perfect for lounging about and enjoying the sun and the soft sounds of the waves rolling in from the sea. As well as being relatively unvisited by the tourists, it’s also quite incredible for snorkeling. There’s a wide array of underwater wildlife for you to sift through. You’ll be able to get an uninterrupted look at the beautiful underwater culture for which the Caribbean is known. Once you’ve put on your equipment (you’ll have to bring your own as there are no amenities on the beach itself), you’ll be able to explore as far as your interest holds you. There are conch, sea turtles, rays, and an incredible variety of young fish that live among the thick sea grass. More than just the marvelous animals that live under the sea, you’ll be able to see the rainbow colored reef and get an up close and personal view of some of the larger fish that live just off the bay.
Mostly, Chocolate Hole is a perfect spot for those who want to explore and take photos of the landscape. With hills and an unparalleled horizon, you’d be hard pressed to find something more incredible than the view of the bay from one of the hills. You’ll also be able to take in a bit of a hike and get a more personal understanding of the beauty of Chocolate Bay --and St. John as a whole. You won’t be disappointed once you take a long walk, come back to the beach, and just gaze up the sky to see the remarkable sunset as it creeps over the water.
There have been talks of adding a bit more flare to the natural beauty of Chocolate Hole --with the construction of what is to be known as the Pond Bay Club. Some of the land behind the beach has been cleared to make room for such renovations; however, those who are still looking for a private beach experience shouldn’t be put off. The beach is still incredibly secluded and perfect if you want to get away from it all.