St. John info
Things To Know
Nicknamed "Love City", the laid-back island is home to just over 4000 people. St. John is the smallest of the 3 U.S. Virgin Islands. The island measures just 9 mi X 3 mi ( 28 sq mi ). 2/3 of the island and surrounding reefs are protected by the US Virgin Islands National Park
60% of the Island is a National Park, the Virgin Islands National Park is the 29th US National Park. For that reason, you are treated to unadulterated views of rocky island terrain completely covered in lush plant life.
Cruz Bay is the main town on St. John and is the location of the ferry docks which connect St. John to St. Thomas. Cruise ships are not allowed to dock anywhere on the Island of St. John
Many rental houses will NOT allow you to park a St Thomas-based rental car at your house (be sure to read the fine print of your rental agreement).
St. John includes beaches that can be rated on a scale where 1 equals beautiful and 10 is totally awesome.
Getting To St. John:
99.9% of travelers come to St John by boat ! St John has no airport. There are busy ferry routes that connect St John to St Thomas, St Croix, Tortola and the BVIs. The most popular ferries are out of Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook, St Thomas.
On Island Transportation
Bus – Buses on St. John go from one end of the island to the other and cost $1 USD. They run on Centerline Road (from the Cruz Bay ferry dock through Coral Bay and to Salt Pond Bay). Check Vitranvi.com for schedules. just be aware that they don’t really run on time, so be prepared to wait.
Ferry – The ferry from St. John to St. Thomas is just 15 minutes and costs less than $10 USD each way. You can find the ferry schedule here:
Taxi – Taxi prices are standardized by the government, with most rides costing between $5-14 USD. A taxi from Cruz Bay to Trunk Bay costs $5.50 USD, while Cruz Bay to Salt Bay or Hurricane Hole are both $15 USD each. Prices are subject to change, however, so ask your driver about the fare beforehand.
Bicycle and Moped – Many hotels around St. John rent bicycles and mopeds. Keep in mind that St. John is hilly, so cycling can be challenging. Daily costs average about $30 USD per day for bicycles and $45 USD per day for mopeds.
Car rental – A car rental is the most efficient way to get around the island, although it’s not the most economical (unless you’re traveling with friends). Two of the best car rental services include Courtesy Car and Jeep Rental, and St. John Car Rental, Inc. Rentals start at $80-90 USD per day.
For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars.
Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking is possible if you’re flexible. While most tourists won’t pick you up, it’s possible to score a ride with locals passing by. Just don’t use your thumb but instead point in the direction you’re going.
Beaches
I really can’t play favorites because, like I mentioned before, they all offer something different. Though I will say, some past favorites are taking a back seat as they become more popular and crowded. And a word to those who like to sleep in—If you get to the beaches past 10:30, you will not find a parking spot. You’ll also resemble fried bacon by 1. We try to be at whatever beach we’re going to that day by 9 at the latest.
Maho Bay- I almost always suggest newbies start at this beach the first day. You’re guaranteed to see turtles and we saw a ton of (HUGE) rays on our last trip. Parking is easy on the side of the road and there are a few food/drink options. I’ve been hearing that past lunch time this beach is turning into the new soggy dollar, which is unfortunate.
Cinnamon Bay—my forever favorite. The biggest of STJ beaches, next to Trunk bay, it’s just so good. Super wide beaches with an undulating coastline, glowing water always and great snorkeling (only strong swimmers at cinnamon please, as this is typically the water with the strongest current). The bathrooms should be reopening soon as will the snack bar and camp grounds.
Hansen Bay-Way out on the east end and 100% worth the drive. Various kayaks, floats and paddle boards for rent on a donation basis. Best snorkeling of our trip, per usual and just a great laid-back vibe with minimal people.
Little Lameshur- this drive is NOT for the faint of heart. It’s always been bad but the hurricane left it impassible after heavy rain. Worth it for snorkeling and very quiet beach. If you’re not a snorkeler, I’d probably say to skip it. There are better beaches for swimming and beach-sitting. Lameshur does offer a great jumping off point for the Reef Bay Trail and the petroglyphs.
Trunk Bay- It’s never a priority for me and on our last trip the parking lot was ALWAYS full. Once cruise ships start up, it will be completely littered with people which is why I don’t run there. It’s the only beach truly run by the parks office so there’s a small fee but good bathrooms and a snack bar. It also offers a guided snorkeling trail for newbies.
Salt Pond-someone in our family loathes this beach for the “boring” snorkeling but I was reminded on this last trip why it’s always on my list. Very quiet lazy cay and we had turtles literally swimming around us, popping up their heads. It’s also where you jump on the Ram’s Head trail which is breathtaking but requires proper footwear so plan ahead.
–Since closed but Caneel has announced it will be reopening the beach. check if you go–Honeymoon Beach- this one was new for us as it used to be part of Caneel. Now that the hotel is still demolished you can park at the hotel entrance and pay $10 to be shuttled back to the beach where there is a fantastic food stand with cocktails. Also offers an all inclusive option for the use of chaise lounges, kayaks, paddle boards, etc. the beach itself was just ok, as was the snorkeling. While it was nice having the food and beverage option, I’m not sure if I’d run back.
Oppenheimer—This beach is like a unicorn. There are literally 3 parking spots so you can’t really plan to go, you just have to get lucky. Francis Bay
Francis Bay
Favorite Restaurants, Markets, Breweries & Bars
Banana Deck–This was a new one for our last visit and I don’t know why we waited so long. We had a fantastic (albeit STEAMY hot dinner here). Ask for a shady seat or go after sunset.
- Banana Deck–This was a new one for our last visit and I don’t know why we waited so long. We had a fantastic (albeit STEAMY hot dinner here). Ask for a shady seat or go after sunset.
- Skinny Legs—I hated that we only got there on our last day this past trip because I’m pretty sure had we gotten there sooner, we’d been there a LOT more. Awesome burgers, no blender or fryer. Swizzles for days. Cheapest drinks on the island for sure.
- Longboard—while sometimes not the sharpest service, the instagrammability of this place just keeping you wanting more. It’s beautiful and the food is pretty solid. And frozen painkillers are always a must.
- Lime Inn—they’re currently still on a prix fixe menu which got pricey really fast but the food was, in my opinion, the best of the trip.
- Uncle Joe’s BBQ-sides are just ok and this is not fast food, but man….his smoked ribs and chicken were fantastic. Easy dinner to pick up and take home.
- Rhumb Lines—We didn’t make it here our last trip but it’s always one of my favorites. IT’s now only located in coral bay and the menu still hasn’t changed (something that really irks some members of our family) but it’s so good.
- Beach Bar—Tuna Down Now and Nachos are always a sure bet. Our service wasn’t the best our last trip but it’s post pandemic and staff is short–to be expected. Also Josh’s favorite BBC on the island with the same guy who’s been making them since 2010.
- Woody’s—not for food but most fun happy hour.
- The Tap Room–we had a great meal here on our last trip.
- STJ Provisions— we grabbed breakfast sandwiches and smoothies here twice and ate them on the beach. Literally what else do you want in life?
- Columbo’s— mid island smoothies and they now offer breakfast.
- Salty Mongoose–we had great takeaway pizza!
- Aqua Bistro
- Grocery stores: Midway Market is new to the island and also offers meat pies (AKA pate and you HAVE to get at least one. or 5. Starfish and Dolphin in Cruz Bay and Love city market out in coral bay it always a colorful experience.
Markets
- Seaside Market and Deli – www.seasidemarketstx.com
- Cost U Less – www.costuless.com/st-croix/about-us
- Plaza Extra – www.plazaextraeast.com
- Food Town – www.foodtownvi.com
Discover Island Event & Activities
Favorite Things to See and Do On-Island
1. Enjoy some water sports
There are all kinds of watersports on St. John. You can windsurf, jet-ski, kitesurf, snorkel, sail, kayak, and more. Really, there’s nothing you can’t do. Virgin Islands Ecotours is a good company to go with for some light adventure, like a kayaking trip to Henley Cay ($75 USD for a 3-hour trip or $110 USD for a full-day tour). Or there’s the Honeymoon Beach Day Pass, which includes all kinds of rentals for kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, snorkel gear, lounge chair, lockers, and more, for $49 USD.
2. Visit Catherineberg Ruins
This historic plantation site is a former 18th sugar and rum factory. There is not a huge amount to see, but it’s worth a visit if you’re hiking in the area. The ruins are well preserved, so you get a good sense of how sugar was harvested and refined on the island. Admission is free.
3. Celebrate Carnival
St. John’s Carnival traditionally culminates in a 4th of July parade as islanders celebrate the United States’ Independence Day. Festivities include mocko jumbies (stilt walkers/dancers), calypso music, and the crowning of Ms. St. John and the Carnival King. There is plenty of delicious food, dancing, singing, plenty of drinks, and spectacular fireworks marking the end of the festival. Just book early as accommodation disappears fast!
4. Drink at the Tap Room
St. John’s flagship brewery, The Tap Room, is in Mongoose Junction, a shopping and dining complex located in Cruz Bay. Choose from the likes of Tropical Mango Pale Ale and Sunshine Belgian Wheat Ale (my favorite). This is the best place to get a beer on the island. They have happy hour every day from 4-6pm with $1 off draft beers and $5 off pizzas.
5. Explore Coral Bay
Located on the far end of the island, Coral Bay is a quiet community that was described to me as “St. John before the tourists came to Cruz.” This is a tiny community where most restaurants and bars shut early, usually around 8pm. Be sure to eat at Skinny Legs while you’re over here.
6. Explore Hurricane Hole
This bay on the eastern side of the island is protected by the many mangrove trees growing here. It’s an amazing place to snorkel because there is a diverse and colorful habitat of fish in the water beneath the trees. You’ll likely see snappers, starfish, barracuda, sea anemones, and much more. You can do a full-day kayaking and snorkeling tour for about $120 USD.
7. Party hard with the locals
St. John is the party island of the region. If you are coming to the USVIs and looking for cheap drinks, late nights, and live music then St. John is for you (if you’re not into that, don’t worry. It’s super easy to get away from that and relax). Cruz Bay has the most bars and clubs. Beach Bar and Joe’s Rum Hut always guarantee a good time!
8. Hunt for petroglyphs
Hike the lush Reef Bay Trail to view petroglyphs that date to 900-1400 CE. These rock carvings were created by the Taíno, indigenous people who inhabited the island long before Columbus arrived. There are a variety of carvings, from faces to glyphs that are thought to mean water, as they are located by a deep pool and waterfall. Once you’ve seen the petroglyphs, you can keep hiking to Reef Bay Sugar Mill ruins along the water. To return, hike back along the same trail. The entire hike is about 4.5 miles (7.2 kilometers) roundtrip.
9. Eat tacos on the ocean