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Are you planning a trip to the stunning Caribbean island of St. John? If so, this comprehensive St. John USVI travel guide will ensure you have the tropical vacation of a lifetime. If this is your first time visiting the island, you are going to be in awe of its turquoise white sand beaches and lush foliage. However, St. John is no ordinary island, and there are many unique factors to consider when planning your trip.
The views on St. John are certainly quite stunning to behold, and I’d choose it every time if I could only pick one place to “get away from it all”.
It’s a slow paced life on the island, and it’s quite easy to get lost in it and forget all about the daily grind. There’s always a handful of times each year where my husband and I look at each other and seriously consider whether we could just drop everything and move here.
However, there’s no getting around the fact that little island nations like St. John come with their own set of challenges. After eleven years of visiting this beautiful, albeit sometimes frustrating tropical paradise, we’ve encountered plenty of setbacks in various degrees. Just when I think I’ve seen it all, there is always something new to keep us on our toes.
That being said, I still think St. John is one of the best places on this earth to vacation. So, let’s get into this St. John USVI travel guide and make your trip as amazing (and smooth) as possible!
The Complete St. John USVI Travel Guide
Why St. John?
There are so many Caribbean islands to choose from, so why should you choose the little island of St. John? Well, as I mentioned above, St. John is freaking gorgeous. This can be largely attributed to the fact that about 60% of the island is Virgin Islands National Park. For that reason, you are treated to unadulterated views of rocky island terrain completely covered in lush plant life. The island is smaller and less developed than the other USVI’s, but has incredible beaches and plenty of things to do.
You cannot get to St. John by plane and you will not find mainstream chain restaurants, stores or large resorts overtaking the beaches. This provides the rare opportunity to truly unplug and be present in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Don’t worry – they definitely still have plenty of beach bars where you can get your vacation quota of rum-filled beverages.
The sun seekers who return to this island, including myself, appreciate St. John’s laid-back and fuss-free culture. There is no dressing up required in this casual beach bum environment, which is how I like it. T-shirts and shorts all day!
Need some Christmas gift ideas? Check out my St. John themed gift guide!
St. John USVI Island Overview
As any good St. John travel guide should do, I’ll give you a brief overview of this island’s logistics. So, first things first, St. John is one of several islands in a group known as the Virgin Islands. The Virgin Islands are located in the Caribbean Sea about 50-ish miles east of Puerto Rico and 1100 miles south of Florida. They are broken up into the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), of which St. John is part of the latter. Of the four main islands making up the USVI’s, St. John is the second smallest.
The Virgin Islands are actually formed by the peaks of mountains submerged below sea level, which is what you can thank for their rocky terrain and sweeping views. The islands are known for their lush greenery and white sand beaches that rival any tropical destination in the world. St. John in particular showcases this untouched natural beauty thanks to its national park.
Related: All my tips for saving money in the U.S. Virgin Islands
Prepare for your trip
Here are the things you should start thinking about in advance of your St. John trip. Some of the below are the very things that have landed me and my family in a pickle at times.
- No passport required. The U.S. Virgin Islands are a territory of the United States, so U.S. citizens can travel without a passport. A driver’s license is an acceptable form of ID; however, beginning May 7, 2025 it will need to comply with the new REAL ID identification requirements (if 18 years or older). I still find it easiest to travel with my passport, as it’s required if you’re chartering to the nearby British Virgin Islands.
- Bring cash with you. The ferry, some vendors, and many taxis only take cash. There are ATM’s on St. John (and St. Thomas), but they cannot always be relied upon to be in working order when you need them. On our most recent visit, somehow all four people in our party forgot to bring more than about $20 and the airport ATM was broken. Thank goodness the sympathetic cab driver still drove us across the island to the ferry dock, where there was a functioning ATM.
- Pack light. We like to pack carry-on only, and I’ve created a sample Caribbean packing list here. St. Thomas has a small airport, and if checked bags go missing, they can be a huge pain to recover. Trust me – my family had five go missing one year, and it was not a fun experience.
When to Visit
- December – April: St. John’s busiest and most expensive time to visit. There’s no arguing that the weather is lovely and just hot enough this time of year. You may get the occasional drizzle, but any rain is very fleeting. It’s a wonderful time to come and escape winter; the only downside is large crowds and high prices.
- May – July: Prices on flights and lodging decrease quite a bit during this time. You’ll find thinner crowds, but the weather will be toasty. I’d still go in a heartbeat. You can always cool down at the beach with an ice cold beverage.
- August – November: This timeframe largely consists of hurricane season and plenty of rain. This is especially true in September and October. In November, you’re more likely to have good weather and things haven’t gotten too expensive and crowded yet.
You can find an even deeper dive on the best times to visit the US Virgin Islands here.
Getting to St. John
While I wrote an entire post on getting to St. John here, below are the three basic steps:
Step 1: Arrive in St. Thomas
Unfortunately, or fortunately depending on how you look at it, there is no airport on St. John. Therefore, you will need to fly into the Cyril E. King Airport on nearby St. Thomas.
There are several airlines that fly to St. Thomas. Many major American cities have a direct flight option, although some go through San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Travel Savvy Tip
Depending on where you are flying out of, there may not be many flights from that city to St. John in a day. For example, we used to go through Atlanta to catch the daily Delta flight to St. Thomas. A couple times we got delayed from our first flight out of Cleveland which caused us to miss our connection in Atlanta.
In this instance, you either scramble and see if you can get rebooked on another airline, or you wait until the next day. These options aren’t ideal, so if you need a connection, it may be good to fly into that city the night before.
Step 2: Cross the Island to Red Hook
Your next step will be to cross St. Thomas over to the town of Redhook where the ferry dock is located. This step will require either a taxi or a rental car. It’s about a half hour drive from the airport on a winding road full of twists and turns that will reward you with pretty views over the sea.
Step 3: Take the Ferry Over to St. John
After you get to Redhook, make your way over to the ferry dock and buy your tickets. Note that you will need to pay for your tickets in cash, but there is an ATM in the building (remember my tip about ATMs above!).
- If you rented a car on St. Thomas, then you will need to catch the car ferry. This is a big ol’ barge that will carry as many cars as it can hold across the short trip between St. Thomas and St. John. Be sure to check the schedule in advance and arrive at least 30 min prior to departure. The ride will take about a half hour.
- What I consider to be a better option is renting your car on St. John and taking the “people ferry”. This is faster, more comfortable, scenic, and cost effective. The ride takes about 20 minutes and leaves every hour on the hour.
- Both options will drop you off in Cruz Bay on St. John. You can then grab your rental car if you took the people ferry. After that, there is an abundance of restaurant and bar options around for your first island meal. We normally pop into High Tide, since it’s consistent and close to the ferry dock.
Renting a Vehicle in St. John USVI
Check to see if you need a 4×4
Depending on where you are staying, your rental may only be accessible via Jeep. Note that I said Jeep – not every 4×4 will do the trick, as it must be somewhat lightweight and able to maneuver over bumpy uphill (and likely unpaved) driveways. I’ve also seen some little Suzuki’s riding around the island, so those may work as well.
What won’t work? Clunky Ford Explorers (speaking from experience). You can try something like the Ford Escape if you want, but if your rental specifies Jeep, then you definitely need a Jeep.
Travel Savvy Tip
Note that not all rentals require a Jeep, as some are more easily accessible than others. Double check with the owner or original posting of the property, as renting a Jeep can be pricey. You don’t want to get one if you don’t need one.
Rent on St. John if you can
I recommend renting your car on St. John for the convenience of taking the people ferry and then grabbing your vehicle. My reasons are twofold:
- Car rentals at the airport can be a bit unpredictable, meaning they may not have the Jeep you requested. This happened to my family one year (the Ford Explorer year), and only one of our two vehicles could be muscled up the driveway.
- The people ferry is such a pleasant and scenic experience, and much faster than the claustrophobic car ferry.
If you prefer to rent on St. Thomas, that is fine too, and you can pick up your car right at the airport upon arrival. The pro to this is you won’t need to hire a taxi to take you to Red Hook to catch the ferry. Just know the car you requested may not be what you get, which could be fine if you don’t need a 4×4.
On St. John, Mr. Pipers Jeeps and St. John Car Rental are two companies we have used and had good experiences with. No matter who you choose, make your reservations well in advance (at least 8 months if booking in high season), and always make sure your reservation is confirmed and a deposit is paid.
Otherwise they may very well run out of Jeeps for your dates in busier times of the year. If no confirmation is received, call the car rental agency immediately to confirm everything and make sure nothing got lost in the shuffle. It happens…
Where to Stay in St. John USVI
There are two main areas on St. John where visitors usually stay. There is Cruz Bay, which is where you land when you arrive on the ferry. Then there is Coral Bay over on the other side of the island. Most lodging options are in these two areas.
In between is the lush jungle of Virgin Islands National Park, which is largely what makes St. John so much less developed than the other U.S. Virgin Islands. Because of this, you won’t find many large resorts or hotel options on the island.
Cruz Bay or Coral Bay?
These two areas offer different perks, depending on what you are looking for:
Cruz Bay: What few hotels you’ll find on St. John are located around Cruz Bay. The biggest one would be The Westin, which just recently reopened since Hurricane Irma. Caneel Bay was the other big resort on St. John, but it’s been out of commission indefinitely since the hurricanes. Here are a couple other factors to consider when deciding whether to stay in or near Cruz Bay:
- Cruz Bay is much livelier than Coral Bay. There are a lot more restaurant and nightlife options, and there is better access to the ferry and some beaches.
- The downside? I don’t think it’s as pretty as Coral Bay, and it’s not nearly as remote and peaceful.
Coral Bay: Harder to access but more untouched than Cruz Bay, Coral Bay is the more beautiful and tranquil side of the island. That being said, you won’t find any hotels in Coral Bay. Your best bet would be renting a villa or finding a small bed and breakfast. I personally love Coral Bay for its sweeping views, low traffic, and some of my favorite places to eat. While St. John’s best beaches aren’t right in the vicinity, they are not a very far drive away.
Vacation Rentals
Renting a villa is a very popular lodging choice on St. John. There are numerous options and a lot of them offer stunning views over the sea. We’ve had wonderful stays at all of the following places:
- Villa Dal Mare: A stylish family-friendly villa on Coral Bay’s Majestic Mile with romantic sea views. This luxury stay has a remote feel, yet is just a short five-minute drive from local shops and restaurants. Expect a fully stocked kitchen, abundant outdoor spaces, a lovely pool, and outdoor games that will please your entire group!
- Estate Fortsberg: As a luxury option that can fit around eight people, the views from Estate Fortsberg simply cannot be beat. With 180 degree views of Coral Bay and hardly another villa in sight, you feel on top of the world. I’ve had the good fortune of staying here just about every year, and it’s a hard place to leave.
- A House of Open Arms Villa (or Cottage): Perfect for couples or small families, A House of Open Arms is the next best thing after Estate Fortsberg. Being off the same road, you still have that beautiful view of Coral Bay, but are just a bit lower on the hill. My husband and I stayed in the Cottage, and loved how we could see the sea from our bed.
- Hawk’s View and Hawk’s Rest: As a more budget choice, these private rooms are hosted by a very friendly couple and are in pristine condition. I should also mention the amazing view you have of Rendezvous Bay from your balcony at very low dollar. My husband and I stayed in Hawk’s View and had plenty of privacy.
SEE MY FULL LIST OF RECOMMENDED VILLAS ON ST. JOHN HERE!
What to Do in St. John USVI
For a small island there sure is plenty to do on St. John during a vacation. Here are some of the best choices:
- Beaches: Obviously, the beach is the number one activity on St. John, especially those along North Shore Road. All are gorgeous and have something unique to offer, from stand-up paddle boarding to complete relaxation.
- Island Hopping: If you can, I highly recommend catching a charter in Cruz Bay or Coral Bay and doing a little island hopping. Book this charter to visit both the Baths at Virgin Gorda and White Bay on Jost van Dyke in one exciting day!
- Kayak Tours: Do a kayak tour of Hurricane Hole, located in Coral Bay.
- Hiking: Hike on one of St. John’s many trails. Those seeking a challenge may choose to do the Reef Bay Trail, which will take you 3 miles down to the ruins of an old sugar mill and a beach.
- Snorkeling: The existence of a nearby coral reef means there is a lot of great sea life near St. John. At every single beach you can find people snorkeling.
Click here for even more awesome things to do on St. John
Where to Eat in St. John USVI
St. John is filled with beach bars and other laid back eateries. Below are some St. John restaurants you can’t miss.
- High Tide: Make this your first stop after arriving on St. John from the ferry. It is a very short walk along the beach from the dock.
- Skinny Legs: This is a St. John staple for a post-beach burger washed down with a painkiller (the drink of the island). I always go for a bacon blue cheese burger served with chips.
- The Longboard: My favorite restaurant in Cruz Bay, the Longboard serves extremely fresh seafood dishes. We particularly love their ahi tuna bowls and delicious cocktails, with their specialty being frozen painkillers.
- Upscale Dining: For a special night out, book a reservation at ZoZo’s or Extra Virgin.
Click here for the lowdown on the best places to eat in St. John
Other Things to Know
- Beach Music: It is very much frowned upon to play music within the national park. If you must play music, consider using headphones or keep the volume at a level that can’t be heard more than a few paces away. I try to save my beach playlist for driving around the island in our Jeep.
- Drones are not allowed in the national park. Unfortunately, I am seeing more and more violators every year.
- There is some great wildlife on the island. Most notably, you will see a bunch of donkeys and probably some little goats. The animals are used to people and quite friendly, but please do not feed them. Also, be mindful of their presence while driving, as you will see many of them on or near the road.
- Renting baby supplies: Did you know you can rent car seats and other baby supplies right on St. John? This is what I recommend doing over bringing a bunch of clunky items you will need to lug across the islands. That way, you also reduce the risk of losing checked items at the airport.
- Beware of oversold flights back home from St. Thomas. Yes, this can happen coming as well, but I’ve mostly encountered issues when leaving. My husband and I have been bumped from flights before, and been at the mercy of volunteers willing to leave the next day in exchange for a voucher. Just be aware that this could happen to you. Unless you are the volunteer, in which case, you go on and get that flight credit!
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Now you have all the information you need for an unforgettable vacation on St. John. Soon you will see why it’s one of my favorite places on this earth, and maybe it’ll be somewhere you return to repeatedly as well!
Is there anything else you want to know about St. John? What are you looking forward to the most on the island?
Thank you for all the info. My trip St John to wait till year because covid-19. Looking forward to it. Have been to St Croix during your travels? Thanks. Love reading your essays.
Thanks Oliverio! Sorry you had to postpone your trip, but it’ll be worth it! No St. Croix yet, but it is certainly on the list.
I can’t believe someone would encourage bringing music to the beach on St. John. Not only is it extremely rude to fellow beach goers it is against the law to play music in the national parks where the beaches on St. John are located.
Playing music is not illegal (although amplified music is, and I’ll add that above). Even Maho Bay and Honeymoon Beach have live music from time to time. However, we always make sure our music cannot be heard more than a few steps away, and that’s what I recommend others do as well.
Going in August! COULD NOT BE MORE EXCITED after reading your review.
Aww yay!! You are going to love it 🙂
We are a party of 7 going next month. We just need a rental car a few days to explore a little of the island and visit a few of the beaches. The rental agency has a Ford Explorer or a mini-van available. We are staying at the Westin. Do you think those vehicles will be sufficient for what we need for a few days or do we need 2 jeeps?
If you are staying at the Westin, a Ford Explorer or mini-van will be perfectly fine for exploring the island!
Great review and my family of 4 will be traveling there in august and cannot wait as this will be our first time visiting St John. Your review has heightened our excitement!!
St. John is one of the most wonderful places! I truly hope you love it!
I am getting married in September 2021 and would like to visit St. John for our honeymoon from the 19th – 24th. While I don’t mind a chance of some rain, I don’t want to be completely rained out the entire time. Should we maybe change our honeymoon destination?
Truthfully, September is a less than ideal time to visit the Caribbean. You may not be rained out but there is a very real risk of hurricanes (September is when Category 5 Hurricane Irma hit in 2017). While you may be totally fine, worrying about potential hurricanes hitting is a source of stress you don’t need! Not to mention, many restaurants, tours, etc. close during this month.
That said, I still think St. John is a very special place to spend one’s honeymoon. If you aren’t dead set on September, consider doing a short trip after your wedding to somewhere like Napa or Charleston and heading to St. John in late October/November instead! It’s totally worth the wait 🙂
We are attempting to plan a spring break vacation with kids. We have only been to St. John once on our honeymoon and stayed at the Westin. It was great, but we have a group of 7 and are looking to rent a house this go around. What are the logistics on getting food on the island? Given Covid, we may limit our exposure by not going out to eat quite as much as we normally would.
Hi Jessica! You should have no problem buying groceries when renting a home on St. John. I will say, there aren’t really supermarkets, but smaller grocery stores. The selection is small, but they’ll have what you need. The best grocery store seems to be Starfish Market in Cruz Bay. Normally, we stop there for groceries right after picking up our rental car upon arrival on St. John. As we stay in Coral Bay, we usually also stop at Dolphin Market a few times a week to pick up any additional items needed.
Hi. I am trying to decide on whether to stay in Cruz or Coral Bay. Are there accessible beaches in Coral Bay and are there places to go at night?
There are not really any beaches right in Coral Bay, but there are some good ones about a twelve or so minute drive away. The same could really be said for many places to stay near Cruz Bay, though.
There are some good restaurants in Coral Bay, like Skinny Legs and Rhumb Lines. That is also where Lime Out (the floating taco bar) is located as well. However, if you are looking for nightlife, Cruz Bay will have much more of that. Many places in Coral Bay tend to close around 8 or 9 pm.
I went to Cinnamon Bay campground 35 years ago on a trip with a group. I remember all 10 of us riding in the back of a red an white stripe canvas covered truck. Was it a taxi service or perhaps there are drivers, like Uber today? What is the availability of someone driving you on the Island rather than renting a car and driving ourselves. Thanks!
My guess is that would’ve been a taxi. The island does not have Uber or Lyft. If you stay in or near Cruz Bay, it’s not too difficult to use a taxi for your transportation, but it gets a little trickier the more remote you get.
Hi,
Thinking of staying in Coral Bay but not sure if its better to stay higher up for breezes or closer to town to walk to restaurants. Concern about being lower is bugs and less of a breeze. Thoughts?
I wouldn’t factor in walkability too much into your lodging plans. The island is really hilly, and the best accommodations often aren’t an easy walk to restaurants. One of St. John’s best offerings is its views, so I would definitely take advantage of that by booking something a little higher up. Plus, it’s true that the bugs get a bit better with the breeze, and you’d likely need less a/c up there too.
Great information; thank for sharing! For beach activities, would you recommend bringing snorkeling gear (and fins) and beach towels from home or buying on the island?
You’re welcome, and thanks for reading! I would see if the place you’re staying has those items. Most of our vacation rentals have provided chairs and beach towels, and many do also provide snorkel gear, which saves a lot of space in your luggage! If you need to purchase snorkel gear, I recommend purchasing on the island if you can to help support the local businesses 🙂
We had to postpone our 2020 trip and are now rebooked for November 2121😃
We are fully vaccinated. Will a negative Covid 19 test still be required for our visit?
Yay!! As of right now, a negative test (or proof of antibodies) is still required. However, by November things could be completely different. I will keep this post up to date as I hear more 🙂
Do you recommend going at the end of August? What will the weather be like?
The end of August would not be my first choice since this is the thick of hurricane season. Also, many popular restaurants and businesses temporarily close around this time.
However, if you are willing to be flexible, this trip is still possible. Just keep in mind there could be more rain than usual, as well as the possibility of strong tropical storms that could interrupt your trip. Also, one perk: the island likely won’t be very crowded around this time.
THANK YOU!!! My husband and I got married 5/30/21, and I started planning our honeymoon last fall. Your blog was how I planned the entire trip. I knew exactly where to ask for a taxi to get to, I rented the jeep at St. John car rental, we went to high tide, skinny legs, and did the bad kitty to lime out trip. We would not have had such an enjoyable and easy trip without your guidance, so THANK YOU!!
Maria, you are so welcome!! Your kind words truly just made my day 🙂
Thank you… your blog is great!! My kids and I are booked for August 18th would that be cutting it too close to hurricane season?
Thanks Quiana! August is technically within hurricane season, so there is the potential for storms. If you decide to book, just keep your plans as flexible as possible and follow the weather closely as your dates approach. Also, make sure the place you’re staying has a plan in place for you in case a storm does occur suddenly.
Love your blog about St. John. My stay is at St.Thomas in 3/2022. Do you have any information about that island? Love the information about St.John and plan to to visit while there.
Thanks Karen! Yes, I do have some posts about St. Thomas, and have stayed there a few times. I’ll link them below:
– What to do in St Thomas: 14 Ideas for an Awesome Getaway
– 5 St. Thomas Beaches That Are Absolutely Stunning
Let me know if there is anything else you’d like to know about St. Thomas!
How is the weather mid October? Thinking of going the 16-23rd. Is that cutting too close to hurricane season?
October is still technically hurricane season. However, by the end of October it’s beginning to wind down and restaurants start to reopen for the year. Therefore, I think you can book a trip during this time, but stay flexible and vigilant in case a storm does pop up.
Hi, I am thinking about Cinnamon Bay Campground in summer 2022. Although that currently is not even a definite possibility, I am hoping things may change in the months to come. Might you have any thoughts about the Cinnamon Bay Campground?
It’s actually starting to look very encouraging! They latest I heard, the Cinnamon Bay Campground is hoping to open in mid-December. So next summer could be a real possibility!
What would you recommend for New Year’s Eve? I’m considering a last minute trip there.
Hi Courtney! St. John is a wonderful NYE destination; however, this is also the island’s busiest week of the year. It will be very difficult to find accommodations at the last minute, and last minute prices will be at a premium. If you are flexible and not very picky, you may be able to find a place to stay (I’d also check on neighboring St. Thomas). However, I recommend booking something close to town (like Cruz Bay on St. John), so that you can taxi around the island. Unfortunately, it is not likely that many rental car options will be available at this point.
Hi!! So happy I stumbled on your blog. Thinking of doing a trip to st Thomas for 3 nights and then 6 nights in St. John early august 2022. We’re a family of 4 with a 5 and 10 year old who love adventure. Is this a good time? And any kid friendly things to do?
Hi Jenny, thank you so much! August is usually an okay time to visit St. John, but there are a couple things to keep in mind. This is within hurricane season in the Caribbean, so you’d need to keep your plans flexible in case a storm pops up. The other item is that many restaurants and boat charters close around this time for the season. I’d recommend coming closer to the beginning of the month to increase the odds of avoiding these issues.
St. John is a great place to visit with kids! Many of the North Shore beaches have very calm waters, and many with good snorkeling. Kids get a kick out of finding sea turtles at Maho Bay. There are also Danish ruins to explore throughout the island, such as right across from Cinnamon Beach. There is also a cute little ice cream shop in town called Irie Pops that is perfect for young children. Hope these suggestions help!
Hi Theresa,
I love your blog! I am planning my trip to St John this Spring. Would you recommend a good car rental company on St. John? Thanks!
Thank you! My go-to car rental companies are St. John Car Rental and Mr. Piper’s Jeeps 🙂
Hello, We will traveling to St John next month. We are all very excited! Do people bring their lunch to the beaches or are there restaurants? We will be taking the open air taxis. Should I pack a soft cooler? Can we drink wine coolers on the beach? Thank you.
Hi there! So excited for you and your upcoming trip! It is super common to pack lunch for the beach, although a few of the beaches do have food for purchase. Trunk Bay has a concession stand with some sandwiches, and Maho Bay has food stalls at Maho Crossroads. Honeymoon Bay also has Bikinis on the Beach, although I think it recently closed temporarily for repairs. You can bring whatever drinks to the beach you want, as long as it’s not in a glass container 🙂
We are staying at the Westin. I hear the beaches like honeymoon and trunk bay are really nice to go over there . Do we need a jeep to drive there or is it best to get a taxi to explore those beaches ? What would you say are the top 2 beaches to go to on the island if we are staying at the Westin . I also wanted to ask where is the nearest grocery store if we want to buy groceries ?
Thanks
It will be really easy to get a taxi from the Westin to go to Honeymoon and Trunk Bay, so a rental car is not necessary unless you want to explore beyond Cruz Bay and the North Shore beaches. Trunk Bay, Honeymoon Bay, and Maho Bay are the top three beaches that most people visit. They are gorgeous with nice amenities, but tend to get pretty crowded. Cinnamon Bay is also incredibly gorgeous with easy taxi access, newly rebuilt amenities, and hiking trails in close proximity. The nearest grocery store to the Westin is Starfish Market in Cruz Bay, and has the best selection of groceries on the island.
Hi…so happy I ran across your blog- so incredibly helpful. My husband and I are looking at a trip to St. John and I have a few questions. Where is the best snorkeling at on Coral Bay? Is the reef within swimming distance off shore or is a boat rental required to get to the reef? We are avid snorkelers and tend to spend hours doing it- looking for less crowded areas. Also, what are the mast requirements right now? Is it relaxed or are folks rigid about it. We do not want to go on vacation and be required to wear a mask everywhere we go- so it could be a deal breaker for us until things lighten up. Thanks in advance!
For snorkeling in Coral Bay, I recommend taking a boat to get to all the little coves in Hurricane Hole. Hansen Bay, Francis Bay, and Waterlemon Cay are also known to be good snorkel spots. As far as masks, the rules have recently loosened. They are still required in some places, like on the ferry and at the grocery store, but you largely will not need them at restaurants are bars since almost everything is open air. They continue to not be required on beaches or trails, so you’re good there.
Traveling July 25, 2022- my husband, myself and two 18 year old(all fully vaccinated) are staying in a 3 bedroom Villa located on Maria Bluff. Want to do a day trip to the Baths in Virgin Gorda…I have been told by the rental company- only way to travel is via ferry with the Inter Island Boat services? When we were there in 2002- we booked with a boat charter company with about 10 others on board. Just wondering what you may know about travel to BVI’s (Baths) in 2022.
Hi Julie! Things could change by July, but at this time the rental company is likely correct. The BVI’s have different requirements for entry right now than the USVI’s, which has made it too burdensome for the day sails you reference to run. That said, I’m sure BVI charters are eager to start running again, and will do so the minute rules in the BVI’s relax. For now, I’d either plan on taking the ferry, or hang tight for a month or two to see if the rules change.
We are a family of 5 traveling to St. John this June. This will be our third trip to the island. In past trips, the cost of food at Starfish Market has been very high and since Covid, we are anticipating it to be even higher. What are your thoughts on renting a jeep in St, Thomas in order to do our grocery shopping first before coming over on the car barge? Our 3 daughters are older and will be traveling in a few days after us so we would have the room to fill it up!
Yay for your upcoming trip! If stopping to buy groceries on St. Thomas is convenient for you, then you may save a little money and find a wider selection of products than at St. John grocery stores. I personally haven’t done this, since my husband and I only buy simple items for breakfast and lunch and prefer renting on St. John. However, if you will do a lot of cooking at your vacation rental, then I could see how it may be worth it.
Im so worried now about the checked bags. We leave next week and we paid ahead of time for checked luggage because it was cheaper than carry on for Frontier. I really hope they don’t lose our stuff. We usually only fly Southwest and never have issues but this is our first time to the USVI and they don’t fly there. We also ran into the rental car obstacle. After calling about 100 places we ended up having to rent on St. Thomas and will have to figure out the car barge to St. John. I was really bummed because it seems like one more thing to stress about now trying to ferry a car across. We are staying on the Coral Bay side in a villa so Ill make sure maybe to get our shopping once we get into Cruz Bay, atleast maybe for the first couple days since Im not sure how close the nearest grocery store would be to us. Hoping this trip goes smoothly, starting to really worry.
I wouldn’t stress about the car barge. We have done it many times, and it’s really quite simple. The only difference is there are less ferry times than the regular ferry, so you’ll need to be mindful of that.
Starfish Market is a nice grocery store to stop at in Cruz Bay. However, there is also Dolphin Market in Coral Bay, which is smaller but still has plenty of items.
There have been a lot of issues with checked bags lately, but that doesn’t mean yours will have any problems! It might be good to squeeze a few essentials into your personal item on the plane, just in case. Just breathe! Once you get to the islands, everything will be fine 🙂
Thank you Theresa. I’ll make sure to check out those grocery stores. If you have any other tips for us first timers please let me know 🙂
We are planning a trip in early november. It is our first time on the island and we love snorkeling with our kids, will the weather and water clarity still be good at this time of year. Likely staying at the westin, but also considering a house rental. Thank you for your awesome blog!
Thank you Tracey! Yes, November should be a good time, as it’s past the peak of hurricane season and crowds have net yet picked up for the holidays. Therefore, I would expect the water to be in good condition too.
The Westin is the most popular hotel, but the rooms are more like villas than traditional hotel rooms. There are also plenty of great house rentals all over the island. I recommend finding something with a view! 🙂
My wife and I are going 8/20-25 for my birthday. I have huge FOMO, and I gotta say your article helped me feel a lot better about being able to cover the bases for our first time in the USVI. We will be staying in Estate Lindholm. Would love your recommendation for a handful of must-see beaches, lookout points, etc. I want to get the best photography spots with my Polaroid while I’m here. If I took a charter for a day trip to an island, what would you pick? Can’t wait to hear your feedback, meanwhile I’ll be reading everything else on your site.
Glad to help! Estate Lindholm is in a great location – close to the beaches but also near dining and shops in Cruz Bay. Along North Shore Road are two great lookout points: Trunk Bay and Maho Bay. You could also take the Upper Lind Point Trail (near where you are staying) for views over Cruz Bay. Trunk Bay is the most famous beach (big, gorgeous, lots of amenities), and Maho is a close second (great water for paddle boarding and sea turtles for snorkeling). For less crowds, I personally like Francis and Cinnamon a bit more. Two more hiking paths with great views and ruins at the top: Peace Hill (100 meters uphill) and Cinnamon Bay (3/4 mile uphill). If I could pick one island for a day trip, it would be White Bay on Jost van Dyke (Soggy Dollar Bar) :). One more place with views: Windmill Bar for some cocktails near sunset (although I’d personally prefer watching the sunset from Beach Bar in Cruz Bay). Hope that helps!
We have booked at the Grande Bay but likely will not have a parking spot. Is there an option to park a rental car (from St. Thomas) in Cruz Bay during our meeting p day stay? Following this we have a week stay on St. Thomas. There used to be a parking lot down beyond the baseball field and a pay lot by the police station. Can you please provide suggestions? Thank you.
Hi John. Yes, you will be able to find paid parking in Cruz Bay. We use the Slim Man’s Jeep lot across from Rum Hut, and I think the lot you reference above is still there too.
We are staying in Cruz Bay, how can we get to the hikes and beaches on the other side of the island without a car rental?
You will be able to take a taxi from Cruz Bay. Just arrange a pickup time with your driver for getting back to Cruz Bay, as taxis are more infrequent near some remote hiking trails and cell service can be iffy.
Renting a car is sooo expensive!!
Comments on the St John safari type taxis or the Vitran bus system??
We will be staying in the Chocolate Hole area.
Yes, it definitely is! A mixture of the two would probably be best. I haven’t taken the bus, but I’ve heard good things about it. It seems like it would be useful if you are trying to go into either Cruz Bay or Coral Bay, but not so much for getting to the beaches.
Otherwise, taxis are probably the easiest option. It’s best to call the company when needed or pre-arrange a pickup, since I’m not sure how frequently they pass through Chocolate Hole.
St John Taxi Service – 340-693-7530
Paradise Taxi – 340-714-7875
Hi! This has been full of wonderful information. Headed here in a month and not finding much in the way of jeep rentals. We are staying in Cruz bay, do you think we could see most of the beaches and hiking with a taxi? Do you know how much they cost and if we could bring chairs or coolers with us? Thanks for all of the info!
Thanks for your message! Yes, you can easily get to all the main beaches and hiking trails via taxi from Cruz Bay and bring whatever you need. A few beaches do offer chairs and refreshments, including Cinnamon, Trunk, and Honeymoon. Rates run around $10-$15/person depending on where you are going. Here is a schedule: https://www.vinow.com/stjohn/getting_around_stj/taxis-rates/
Does anyone know if National Parks has awarded a contract to any entity to re build Caneel Bay Resort? After 15 years of going there we long to go back. I know it is open for day trips but we want to stay at Caneel overnight. Thanks for any updates you can share
Unfortunately, it does not look like the resort will be rebuilt any time soon. Right now, the NPS is getting ready to begin clean up of contamination caused by the 2017 hurricanes. Here is a recent status update: https://newsofstjohn.com/caneel-bay-part-ii-what-is-this-rue-all-about/
Just an update, today we were able to use a credit card to buy ferry tickets at Red Hook.
We are planning a January visit to St John and Coral Bay. Our lodging is a Sunday to Sunday. We would like to extend our vacation by two days. Do you have suggestions on where we might stay on St. Thomas or on St. John for the extra two days? St. John is probably our best choice since we could then rent our vehicle and have it available for the extra days.
For the last two days, I would recommend staying close to Cruz Bay. That way it’ll be easiest to put gas in the rental car, drop it back off, and get to the ferry dock on your last day. If you’d like to stay on St. Thomas because there are more hotel options for just two nights, you could still rent a car on St. Thomas and take it over to St. John on the car ferry (although the last ferry for the night is much earlier than the people ferry). Then you wouldn’t need to worry about the ferry on your last morning and could simply drop off your car and head to the airport.