Whistling Cay: A Secluded Island Escape

Whistling Cay, a 19-acre islet, lies just 300 yards west of Mary Point on St. John, within the Virgin Islands National Park. This secluded island offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. Covered with trees and high cliffs reaching up to 130 feet on its northern side, Whistling Cay presents a dramatic landscape. A gravel beach on the southeast side provides a landing spot for those arriving by boat or kayak. The island's name is derived from the whistling sound once created by the prevailing winds as they passed through the island's unique rock formations. Separated from St. John by the Fungi Passage, a waterway with a depth of 21 feet, Whistling Cay is a popular destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. The waters surrounding the island teem with marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and vibrant coral reefs. Snorkelers can explore underwater canyons and rock formations, often described as an underwater garden, particularly around the western tip of the island. In the 19th century, Whistling Cay played a role in maritime activities, serving as a customs house where officials inspected vessels traveling between the British and then-Danish Virgin Islands. Ruins of a stone structure, originally built in the 1800s, stand as a reminder of this history. The building once served as a watch station to capture slaves seeking refuge from St. John to the British Virgin Islands. After the slave revolt and emancipation, the structure was transformed into a customs house that inspected vessels for smuggling and tax evasion. The guardhouse was rebuilt in 1972 as part of a restoration project for the National Park Service. Today, Whistling Cay offers a tranquil escape from the more crowded tourist spots. Visitors can explore the island's rocky shores, snorkel in its clear waters, and discover the remnants of its historical past.