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Whistling Cay: A Secluded Island Escape

Discover Whistling Cay: A secluded US Virgin Islands islet offering snorkeling, history, and natural beauty within Virgin Islands National Park.

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Whistling Cay, a 19-acre islet in the US Virgin Islands National Park, offers a tranquil escape with opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and exploring historical ruins. Accessible by boat or kayak, this hidden gem boasts clear waters, vibrant marine life, and a glimpse into the island's past as a former customs house.

A brief summary to Whistling Cay, United States Virgin Islands

  • St John, VI

Local tips

  • Bring your own snorkeling gear to explore the vibrant marine life around the island.
  • Pack a picnic to enjoy on the beach, as amenities are limited.
  • Visit early in the morning to experience the island's tranquility and avoid potential crowds.
  • Exercise caution for currents and boat traffic when approaching the island.
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Getting There

  • Kayak

    Most visitors access Whistling Cay by kayak. Kayaks can be rented from vendors on Maho Bay or Cinnamon Bay. From Maho Bay, the paddle to Whistling Cay is relatively short. Cinnamon Bay is a bit farther, about a 30-minute paddle. Kayak rentals typically cost around $25-$40 per day.

  • Boat

    Alternatively, arrange for a boat trip to Whistling Cay from Cruz Bay. Several local boat operators offer excursions to the island and other snorkeling spots in the area. A half-day boat charter typically costs around $100-$150 per person.

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Discover more about Whistling Cay, United States Virgin Islands

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.

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