Why Jumbie?
If you're looking for a small, private, intimate beach without
having to walk a long trail to get there, then Jumbie is an
excellent choice.
Getting There
Heading east on the North Shore Road 2.5 miles from Mongoose
Junction or 0.2 miles from Peace Hill, is the small parking
area on the right side of the road for Jumbie Bay. Cross the
road and walk east about twenty yards to the rustic wooden
stairs on your left. At the bottom of the stairs is a short
trail leading to the beach.
Moko Jumbie
The
Name
Jumbie Bay is the only beach on St. John with an African name,
coming from the word djambe, and referring to a malevolent supernatural
being, similar to the duppy of Jamaica and the zombie of Haiti.
Jumbie Bay is situated in such a way that it cannot
readily be seen from passing vehicles on Route 20 or from boats
sailing to and from Cruz Bay. Years ago, when there was only
a donkey trail on the north shore, Jumbie was even more remote
and private than it is today and was reputedly the venue for
lovers enjoying private liaisons. Because of this, it was nicknamed
Honeymoon Beach. (At that time, Salomon and Honeymoon Beaches
did not have separate names, the entire bay being called Salomon.)
Jumbie Bay
Want
More Privacy and a Bit of Shade?
Put your beach blanket down in one of the little coves of sand
that extend inland under the small seagrape trees for filtered
sunlight and enhanced privacy.
Beach Rock
The shoreline at the center of the beach is dominated by a smooth
cement-like material called beach rock. Nonetheless, you can
still get into the water in soft sand on either side of the
rock.
Trade Winds
Jumbie Bay is more exposed to the trade winds than most of the
neighboring north shore beaches and the water can get choppy
on windy days. On the positive side, the breeze can be refreshing
and the rough water can lend a certain drama and intensity
to the beach.
Jumbie Morning
The
View
From the beach at Jumbie Bay you can see Trunk Bay and the islands
of Jost Van Dyke, Green Cay, Whistling Cay, Trunk Cay and Great
Thatch.
Facilities
There are no facilities at this beach other than garbage cans
made available and emptied by theVirgin Islands National Park
Service.
