Saint John (Virgin Islands)

Saint John is the smallest, but many say the prettiest of the Virgin Islands because of its world-class beaches. Two-thirds of Saint John is Virgin Islands National Park.

Culture and History

The main community on the island is Cruz Bay, located on the western side of the island.

Travel to Saint John (Virgin Islands) - Visa Requirements

Flights and airtickets to Saint John (Virgin Islands)

Fly into Saint Thomas' Cyril E King Airport [1] (IATA: STT), and take a taxi to the nearest ferry service (see below).

By boat

Hourly ferry service from Red Hook, Saint Thomas (a 20-minute ride) is available to Cruz Bay, St. John and operates from 6:30AM, then hourly from 7AM - midnight. Ferry service from St. John to St. Thomas runs on the hour from 6AM-11PM. Less frequent ferries travel between Charlotte Amalie, Saint Thomas and Cruz Bay, St. John (a 45-minute ride). Ferries also run to and from Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, and Anegada (in the British Virgin Islands).

Tours and Getting around Saint John (Virgin Islands)

Renting a car is the best way to see all the beaches and other sites. However, be aware that the terrain is extremely hilly, and you have to drive on the left. If you rent a car, it's a good idea to request a Jeep or other four-wheel-drive vehicle. Cab service is affordable and plentiful, especially to the north shore beaches.

Saint John (Virgin Islands) tourist attractions and sightseeing

• Virgin Islands National Park - Virgin Islands National Park's hills, valleys and beaches are breath-taking
• Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument - extends eastward from Estate Hermitage to Haulover Bay along the southern shoreline of the Island

Saint John (Virgin Islands) city tours

• Take a tour by jeep and boat around the island or sit on the white sandy beaches.
• Take a taxi or rent a car. Drive around the island and stop at the beaches and spend all day snorkeling.
• Miles of hiking trails criss-cross the entire island. Maps are available from the U.S. Park Service office in Cruz Bay. Ranger guided hikes can also be scheduled for a small fee at the same office.

Learn

The surrounding woods and brush areas are often populated with native wildlife. It is not uncommon to see a donkey, chickens, goats or mongoose.

Work

Saint John (Virgin Islands) souvenirs and shopping

Currency, its access, and customs considerations are basically the same as for Saint Thomas. Cruz Bay has a few merchants offering jewelry, liquor and souvenirs, but somewhat more genteel than in most cruise ports. For items that benefit from duty-free importation, prices generally rival those in Saint Thomas. (See this topic for Saint Thomas; most advice applies, though St John is seldom overrun by cruise passengers.)

Island shopping ranges from walk-up drink and food shacks to a stylish, tiered, open-air galleria/mall. Most are in or within easy walking distance of the harbor.

• St. John Bracelet Company, ☎ 340-776-6465, [2]. A family-owned-and-operated store that sells handmade Caribbean jewelry for men and women. 

• Verace, ☎ 340.693.7599, [3]. Designer jewelry store located in Wharfside Village. 

Saint John (Virgin Islands) Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

St. John has more than 35 places to dine, ranging from chic and expensive restaurants to funky beachside food stands. After dark the island comes alive with hotel and villa guests seeking out one of the island's cozy and romantic restaurants.

The best cheeseburger in this paradise can be found at Skinny Legs in Coral Bay. Great food, excellent harborside venue, and an excellent place for a cold beer after a busy day of snorkeling. An absolute must even if only visiting the island for a day (or even part of a day).

Budget

Mid-range

Splurge

Saint John (Virgin Islands) nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs

• Woody's Seafood Saloon, [4]. Woody's happy hour is daily, 3PM-6PM. Happy hour is nearing when you hear music from The Blues Brothers, and ends when the theme song from the TV show Rawhide is finished playing.

• The Tap Room - St. John Brewers, [5]. St. John's first and only brewpub serves locally created draft beer including their own Virgin Islands Pale Ale and Island Summer. A cool place to meet locals in an air conditioned bar or outdoor patio. Located at Mongoose Junction.

Saint John (Virgin Islands) cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels and lodging

Budget

• Cinnamon Bay Campgrounds [6].

• Maho Bay Campground [7].

Mid-range

• Estate Lindholm, 340-776-6121, [8]. An intimate bed and breakfast inn set amongst Danish ruins.

• Hillcrest Guest House, (340) 776-6774 or (340) 998-8388, [9]. "Perfect place to feel human again". Ocean views all around, complimentary food, bridal bouquet and free Wi-Fi available. Established in 1966 by the Hall Family.

• Estate Fortsberg, 410-280-2105, [10]. A St. John Villa villas home for rent that overlooks tortola, hurricane hole and coral bay.

• Florian Villa, 617-429-6182, [11]. This private, luxurious villa sits on Gift Hill. Florian Villa is located just 10 minutes from Cruz Bay on the south side of the island near Chocolate Hole and Rendezvous Bay. Just minutes from top 10 rated beaches in the world, Starfish Market grocery store and water sports. Located right on Gift Hill Road, but with complete privacy and easy driveway access, Florian Villa is the perfect rental for families, couples vacationing together, and groups of friends vacationing on St. John. Enjoy St. John's beaches, privacy and spectacular sunsets from Florian Villa.

Splurge

• Caneel Bay, PO Box 720, Tel (340) 776-6111, [12]. A luxury beach resort in the Caribbean located within the Virgin Islands National Park. Caneel Bay offers meeting and wedding facilities, seven secluded beaches, family and honeymoon vacation packages, and meditation retreats.

Contact

Stay safe

Crime is not a major problem in St. John. You will find residential villas and locals are very friendly. The usual common-sense precautions are advised, such as locking your doors, not displaying large amounts of cash, jewelery, or cameras (especially at Waterlemon Cay on the North Side of the island) Never use your car as a safe place for your wallet while at the beach. Otherwise, your stay on St. John should be worry-free.

Get out

• Take a day sail to the British Virgin Islands - Virgin Gorda, Tortola, Jost Van Dyke - with snorkeling stops along the way. Be sure you have appropriate travel documents to enter the British islands and to return to the United States.

Destinations in Saint John (Virgin Islands):

• Cruz Bay
• Virgin Islands National Park

This page was last edited by Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel. Based on work by David, Jon Discher and Phyllis Hall, Wikitravel user(s) Cacahuate and Airin, Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel and others. - Content on this page is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 1.0 license