INTRO

St. John, located in the US Virgin Islands, is considered one of the best Caribbean islands for honeymooners and luxury travelers alike. This island is also a hot spot for ecotourists looking to explore its natural beauty and historical significance. Whether you love hiking or you love snorkeling, St. John has something for everyone. If you’re looking to have a memorable vacation, the following tips will help you feel as though you live on St. John for a day.

Most people choose a Caribbean vacation because of its heavenly weather and exotic beaches, but it’s always important to remember that one should never visit without thoroughly researching the island beforehand. Let this Ultimate Guide be your first stop before exploring St. John, USVI.

Things to do ahead of time

If you’re planning a trip to St. John during high occupancy season (Dec – Mar), be advised that it can get really busy on-island and there are some things you will want to plan ahead before your visit.

• Car Rental: 6-8 months ahead of travel 
• Hotel / Villa / House Rental: 6-8 months ahead of travel
• Boat Charters / Cruises: 3-5 months ahead of travel
• Photographer Services: 3-5 months ahead of travel
• Highly Rated Restaurants: 1-2 months ahead of travel
• COVID Requirements: Learn about the requirements 1 month ahead of travel
• Travel and daily itinerary: Build one 1-2 months ahead of travel

Learn about COVID testing requirements and travel restrictions ahead of time by visiting the USVI Travel Screening Portal https://www.usvitravelportal.com/

Getting there and Accommodations

The journey to St. John can be a long one depending on where you are located.  For example, I live on the west coast of the US therefore my flights usually take approximately 10 hours to get to St. Thomas, and then another 45 minutes by taxi before getting on the ferry boat for a 20 min ride that takes us to from St. Thomas to St. John, Cruz Bay Landing. This is just an example but it should give people an idea how much time they will need in order to get there on time and safely!

After landing in St. Thomas, we took a taxi van to Red Hook Ferry which takes you across the harbor and then into Cruz Bay. You can either buy your tickets ahead of time on their website or at the station.  I recommend purchasing them beforehand online if you know how many bags you will be traveling with.  The lines can be long during the busy season. The cost of the ticket per person is $12 plus $4 for each bag.

We arrived on St. John at 3 pm which was perfect for us since we rented our Jeep from St. John Car Rental just a few blocks from the ferry landing.  It is right around the corner from the Grande Bay Estates where we rented our condo.  It is located in the heart of Cruz Bay and is right next door and within walking distance to many restaurants, bars and shopping. If you’re traveling with a bigger group I highly recommend renting a larger apartment or villa using https://www.stjohn-villarentals.com/ or https://www.vrbo.com/.  Smaller groups of 2-4 are great for the condos at Grande Bay. This resort has everything that anyone could need: convenient location, with a nice swimming pool, hot tube and gym.

After checking in and unpacking, we headed off to get groceries at Starfish Market. Once you start driving around (on the left side of the road) you start to feel like a local after just one day!

Where to Eat and Drink

Saint John is a relatively small island and it’s important to remember that some restaurants may close earlier than others. When you feel like getting out of the house consider eating at any of these places:

Breakfast –

• Cruz Bay Landing. If you’re looking for a quick grab-and-go breakfast or something light to keep you full until lunch, then go to Cruz Bay Landing. They have smoothies that are out of this world and health food sandwiches.
• High Tide Bar & Seafood Grill.
• The Beach Bar.

Lunch –

• The Tap Room. If you are looking for a lunch spot with Pizza and Beer.
• The Longboard. The Longboard has great appetizers, tacos and salads.
• Woody’s Seafood Saloon, lots of fried fish and great happy hour from 3 – 6 PM daily. I recommend trying an appetizer called Shark Bites.
• Skinny Legs. Located in Coral Bay, this place has delicious juicy burgers.
• 1864 The Restaurant. For a late lunch and the best oysters on the island.

Dinner –

• Extra Virgin Bistro. Anything on the menu is delicious and they have a great wine selection.
• Lime Inn. Great food and wine pairing menu and excellent Key Lime Pie.
• Ocean 362. For the most romantic sunset dinner.
• Dave & Jerry’s Island Steakhouse. For their Prime Boneless Ribeye and juicy Oven Roasted Half Amish Chicken.
• Wine Bar – Island Cork . If you’re looking simply for a glass of wine and cheese, this is the spot.
• ZoZo’s has a great dinner and sunset views on the island.
• The Beach Bar. A great place to watch any sports game and enjoy an ice cold Kalik beer on their beachfront balcony with a beautiful view of Cruz Bay.

Recreation

We love snorkeling at several of the beaches on St. John.  We own and pack our own snorkeling gear, however there are a number of places on the island where you can rent snorkeling equipment.  I personally recommend bringing your own equipment if you like to snorkel a lot like we do.  That way you will always have it and it usually fits better and is more convenient.

Favorite Things To Do –

Day charter and sail with Kekoa.

If you’re looking for a unique experience then consider getting out on the water and what better way than by taking a day boat charter. Kekoa is an amazing boat with incredible staff, drinks and food. They know all the best snorkeling spots and can even take you on a secret island tour.

Kekoa is one of the most incredible vessels you’ll ever lay eyes on. Hand built by brothers Jamison and Ryan Witbeck in 2006, she has survived some of maritime world’s greatest tests including being abandoned at sea adrift for over a week during a winter storm and two category 5 hurricanes that nearly destroyed her…and yet she still sails today.  Book your charter here https://blacksailsvi.com/ 

Do a sunset trip with Voodoo.

Imagine yourself on a gorgeous catamaran boat with the sun setting before you. You’re relaxed and enjoying your ride as it makes its way across beautiful blue Caribbean water while listening to some of your favorite tunes. It doesn’t get much better than this! It is a 1.5 hour excursion that includes a charcuterie board and open bar.  Book your excursion here https://voodoovi.com/ 

Hire a photographer for a day

If you’re someone who loves taking photos and capturing the memories forever then consider hiring a local photographer to come along with you on your daily activities.  St. John has many talented photographers on the island and they know all of the best spots to take pictures.

I’m a big fan of Sarah B. Swan, her love for the ocean is profound.  She captures its raw beauty in a way that only someone who has been on the sea can. Adventure and lifestyle photography are also passions of hers; capturing all types of moments with an eye on natural light and no photoshop whatsoever! I highly recommend her to everyone.  Book a session with Sarah here https://www.tropicalbandit.com/about 

Beaches

Spend time with friends and family at one of the many beaches, one of the most convenient is Cinnamon Bay (Look out for the turtles! Cinnamon bay is one of the best beaches on St. John), Hawksnest Beach (a stretch of white sand beach on the North Shore and is known for its snorkeling), Maho Bay (with its soft white sand and clear waters, this is the most popular beach on the island because of the grass beds and sea turtle population).

If you’re looking for a secluded beach then head out to Jumbie Bay or Salt Pond Beach.

Hiking

Hiking on St. John is easy to do and offers some of the most beautiful views you’ll ever see. The majority of the island is the protected US Virgin Islands National Park and there are several trails that lead down to hidden beaches.  You will enjoy hiking trails in forests, past historical sugar plantation ruins, around salt ponds, over hills and through valleys. Park rangers offer programs and talks including bird watching, hikes and cultural demonstrations.

Some of the more popular trails include: Hawk’s Nest Trail, Ram Head Trail (located off Salt Pond Beach), Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins Trail, Reef Bay Trail and Francis Bay Trail.

Where to Shop

Starfish Market is the ultimate grocery store for all your food, and drink supplies.

Caravan Gallery and Gifts is where you’ll find unique handmade St. John souvenirs.

St. John Spice – If you’re looking to bring home some spices then stop by St. John Spice for all your spices, hot sauces, rubs and more!

If you’re looking for a more unique shopping experience, head over to Cruz Bay Landing next to the ferry dock where you can find souvenirs, clothing and shoes plus so much more!  Also there are several shops in Mongoose Junction in Cruz Bay and more located in Coral Bay.

Conclusion

Although St. John is only one of the Virgin Islands, it’s probably the most unique of them all. This is because St. John is mostly a protected National Park. There are no high rises, big hotels or big casinos here on St. John.  Just gorgeous beaches and untouched forests that attract visitors looking to escape and relax in paradise. 

St John is not overrun with tourists like some of the most popular tourist destinations are. Sure, there are bus loads of cruise ship passengers who come to St. Thomas then to St. John for a few hours during their Caribbean Grand Tour, but they don’t stay long enough to really appreciate what St. John has to offer. This allows those who do want to explore beyond the beach and the bars to experience what it’s really like to connect with nature and the beauty of the island.

I hope sharing this with you will help make the most out of your vacation to Sr. John by having access to some inside secrets necessary to enjoy this beautiful island. All you will need to do is get on a ferry and make your way to St. John.  There is also some useful information here on this site as well https://stjohnusvi.com/stjohn.html 

Good luck exploring!

Our 7 Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Travel Day

Day 2 – Relax and swim with the turtles at Maho Bay

Day 3 – Day charter and sail with Kekoa

Day 4 – Hiking: Ram Head Trail (located off Salt Pond Beach)

Day 5 – Trunk Bay Beach 

Day 6 – Snorkel at Cinnamon Bay Beach, Sunset Cruise with Voodoo and Dinner at Extra Virgin Bistro

Day 7 – Travel Day