Annaberg Sugar Plantation Tours and Activities
Back in its heyday, the Annaberg Sugar Plantation was one of 25 facilities on the island producing sugar, along with molasses and rum. All that remains today are ruins, but they are an important reminder of St John’s past, and visitors can walk a trail that leads them through important structures such as slave quarters, windmills and factory remains.
Learn about 18th- and 19th-century sugar production and the importance of Annaberg, where slaves were brought in to clear the dense hillsides and terrace the slopes, allowing for farming. Slaves were also involved in actual sugarcane production and completed tasks like planting, harvesting and processing. When slavery was later abolished, the plantation was subdivided into small farms.
Evidence suggests there were at least 16 slave cabins at Annaberg, each constructed using branches woven together with a mud, coral and lime mixture called daub. Visitors can see placards depicting the areas where these slave cabins once stood and also view Annaberg's windmill, a key structure from the 1800s and one of the tallest windmills on St John at 38 feet tall.
Several factors contributed to Annaberg’s ultimate demise, including its steep and rugged terrain, which provided only marginal growing conditions; the introduction of the sugar beet, which could be grown in a multitude of climates; and the end of slavery in the British West Indies. The final nail in the coffin for Annaberg was the 1867 hurricane, earthquake and tsunami.
Practical Info
Annaberg Sugar Plantation is located on the north shore of St John, west of Mary’s Point in the Maho Bay quarter. There are no official visitor hours for Annaberg itself, but the Cruz Bay Visitor Center is open from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. daily. There may be occasional live cultural demonstrations at the site, including basket weaving, baking or agricultural techniques utilized at the plantation.
Address: Leinster Bay Rd, St John, US Virgin Islands
4 Tours and Activities to Experience Annaberg Sugar Plantation
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Book Your Private Two & a Half Hour Island Tour today!
48
Experience St. John's through the eyes of a local with this private guided tour. You'll learn all about the island's culture and ecology as you visit famous beaches and other tourist attractions. such as Oppenheimer Beach and Hawksnest Beach. You'll also get the chance to visit the Annaberg Sugar Plantation
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From
$123.08
Price varies by group size
From
$123.08
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
Private Four Hour Historic/Beach Tour with Star Fish Tours & Taxi
28
Your Private Four Hour Tour offers the best of both worlds. You get the history of St. John, visit our historical sites and also get to enjoy, swim, sunbath and or snorkel at two of our most beautiful beaches. Our guest get to interact with their driver/tour guide. There will be refreshing drinks for the duration of the tour.
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From
$501.29
per group
From
$501.29
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
Local History, Beach & Fun in the Sun Four Hour Private Island Tour!
5
The U.S. Virgin Islands are much more than sun and beach. Embark on a half-day tour to explore some of Cruz Bay’s cultural and historical landmarks with a private tour guide. Stop at the Annaberg Sugar Plantation for a brief history of the island, walk along a few of the island’s stunning beaches, observe local marine life while you snorkel, and more. Ideal for groups of nine or greater.
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From
$250.65
Price varies by group size
From
$250.65
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
Private St John Tour including Trunk Bay
St. John is known among the Virgin Islands for its pristine beaches and wildlife, as it is the only island in the archipelago protected by the National Park Service. Tour the island’s best-known beaches and historical sites on this private tour, which includes all transport and logistics for a relaxing sightseeing and beach day experience.
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From
$325.00
per group
From
$325.00
per group