St John Travel Guide: Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & Itinerary
Explore the pristine beauty of St. John, where two-thirds of the island is preserved as a National Park featuring world-class snorkeling, lush hiking trails, and turquoise waters.
St. John is often called the “Beverly Hills” of the Caribbean, yet it remains the most unpretentious and wildest of the U.S. Virgin Islands. With no airport and two-thirds of its land protected as a National Park, the island feels like a secret garden floating in the turquoise sea. It is a place where donkeys roam the streets of Coral Bay freely and the jungle spills right onto the white sand beaches.
Life here moves at the pace of a slow ferry ride. Whether you are navigating the steep switchbacks in a Jeep or floating above a coral reef, the island demands that you disconnect. The air smells of salt spray and tropical flowers, and the only traffic jams you’ll likely encounter are caused by iguanas crossing the road.
Seasonal Weather Guide
Plan your perfect getaway with our detailed seasonal forecast.
A Sanctuary Preserved by History
The reason St. John remains so pristine is largely due to Laurance Rockefeller, who donated over 5,000 acres of the island to the National Park Service in 1956. This act of preservation saved the island from the overdevelopment seen elsewhere in the Caribbean. Today, the Virgin Islands National Park covers lush forests, historic plantation ruins, and protected marine gardens, ensuring that the views you see today are nearly identical to those from a century ago.
Beyond the natural beauty, the island holds a deep and complex history. The stone windmills and sugar factory ruins scattered across the landscape serve as silent reminders of the Danish colonial era and the enslaved people who built the island’s infrastructure. Exploring these sites offers a poignant counterweight to the sun-soaked leisure of the beaches.
Things to Do
Unforgettable experiences await you.
Snorkel with Sea Turtles at Maho Bay
Swim in calm, shallow waters filled with seagrass beds where green sea turtles and stingrays feed daily.
Hike the Reef Bay Trail
A strenuous 2.2-mile hike down past historic sugar mill ruins and ancient Taino petroglyphs to a secluded beach.
Lunch at Lime Out
Visit the Caribbean's famous floating taco bar in Coral Bay, accessible only by boat or paddleboard.
Explore the Annaberg Sugar Plantation
Walk through the well-preserved 18th-century ruins of a sugar factory, windmill, and slave quarters to learn about the island's complex past.
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The Icons You’ll Want to See
Trunk Bay - Perhaps the most famous beach in the Caribbean, known for its underwater snorkeling trail. It is located about 3 miles from Cruz Bay on the North Shore Road. Entry is $5 USD.
Annaberg Sugar Plantation - The most accessible and intact ruins on the island. Located 5.5 miles from Cruz Bay, this site offers self-guided tours where you can see the windmill, boiling house, and slave quarters. Free entry.
Ram Head Trail - A dramatic hiking path on the dry south end of the island. The trail starts at Salt Pond Bay, 13 miles from Cruz Bay, and offers sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea. Free access.
Maho Bay - A family-friendly beach famous for sea turtles that graze in the shallow seagrass. Located 5 miles from Cruz Bay, it features a roadside tiki bar and rental stands. Free beach access, parking fees may apply.
Essential Guide
Everything you need to know.
Must-Visit Spots
Local Cuisine
Where to Stay
Travel Tips
Insider Tips
Planning Your Visit
Getting to St. John requires a bit of effort, which keeps the crowds at bay. You must fly into Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St. Thomas and take a taxi to the Red Hook Ferry Terminal. From there, it is a scenic 20-minute ferry ride to Cruz Bay. Once on the island, renting a vehicle is highly recommended. You will need a 4x4 Jeep to handle the steep, winding roads, and remember, you drive on the left!
Pack light and casual. St. John is known as “Love City,” and the vibe is decidedly laid-back. Leave the high heels and ties at home; you will live in swimsuits, cover-ups, and sandals. Be sure to bring reef-safe sunscreen (oxybenzone-free) as it is required by law to protect the fragile coral ecosystems that surround the island.
When to Visit
Choose the perfect time for your adventure.
Peak Season: Winter (December - April)
Pros
- Lowest humidity and rainfall
- All restaurants and tours are fully operational
- Consistent trade winds for sailing
- Lively atmosphere in Cruz Bay
Cons
- Highest accommodation prices
- Crowded beaches, especially Trunk Bay
- Jeep rentals sell out months in advance
- Mooring balls fill up by mid-morning
Shoulder Season: Late Spring (May - June)
Pros
- Water temperatures are warmer for swimming
- Slightly lower villa rates
- Flamboyant trees bloom with vibrant red flowers
- Experience the buildup to Carnival
Cons
- Humidity starts to increase
- Occasional Sahara dust haze
- Mosquito activity increases
- Some businesses begin seasonal maintenance
Off-Peak: Late Summer/Fall (August - October)
Pros
- Cheapest travel rates of the year
- Beaches are practically empty
- Warmest water temperatures
- Very relaxed, local vibe
Cons
- High risk of tropical storms and hurricanes
- Many restaurants close for 4-6 weeks
- High humidity and heat index
- Ferry schedules may be reduced
St. John is more than just a destination; it is a state of mind. Whether you are hiking the rugged trails of the south shore or sipping a Painkiller at a beach bar in Cruz Bay, the island’s natural beauty and slow pace will seep into your soul, making you plan your return trip before you’ve even left.
Sample Itineraries
The Classic St. John Beach & Relax
A balanced mix of the island's most famous beaches, accessible snorkeling, and top-tier dining in Cruz Bay.
Day 1: Arrival and Island Introduction
- Morning: Arrive at Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas and take a private taxi for $20 per person to the Red Hook ferry terminal.
- Afternoon: Enjoy the 20-minute ferry ride to Cruz Bay for $8.15 and pick up your rental Jeep before checking into your villa.
- Evening: Walk to The Beach Bar in Cruz Bay for a Painkiller cocktail and live music right on the sand, costing about $50 for two.
Day 2: The North Shore Icons
- Morning: Drive to Trunk Bay early to snorkel the underwater trail, paying the $5 entry fee and renting chairs for $10 each.
- Afternoon: Head west to Maho Bay to swim with sea turtles and grab lunch at the Crossroads food trucks for around $40.
- Evening: Drive up to The Windmill Bar for the best sunset view on the island and casual dinner drinks, budgeting $60.
Day 3: History and Hidden Gems
- Morning: Visit the Annaberg Plantation ruins on the north shore to learn about the island’s history, which is free to enter.
- Afternoon: Drive over to the quieter Coral Bay side for lunch at Skinny Legs, spending about $35 for burgers and drinks.
- Evening: Enjoy a fine dining experience at Morgan’s Mango in Cruz Bay, where a full seafood dinner will cost approximately $150.
Day 4: Boat Day and Departure
- Morning: Charter a small powerboat or join a group sail from the National Park dock, costing roughly $100-$150 per person.
- Afternoon: Stop at Lime Out for floating tacos during your boat trip before returning to the dock to catch the 3:00 PM ferry.
- Evening: Take the taxi back to the St. Thomas airport for your evening flight home.
The Adventurer's Hiking & Eco-Trip
Focuses on the extensive trail network within the Virgin Islands National Park and the remote Coral Bay side.
Day 1: The South Shore & Ram Head
- Morning: Pick up your Jeep and drive immediately to the remote Coral Bay side, stopping for supplies at the Love City Market.
- Afternoon: Hike the Ram Head Trail starting at Salt Pond Bay, a 2.3-mile round trip offering dramatic cliff views.
- Evening: Relax at Salt Pond Bay to watch the moon rise and enjoy a picnic dinner on the beach.
Day 2: The Reef Bay Trek
- Morning: Tackle the Reef Bay Trail, a steep descent past the Petroglyphs waterfall, bringing plenty of water for the return hike.
- Afternoon: Cool off with a swim at the bottom of the trail at the ruins of the sugar mill before hiking back up.
- Evening: Treat yourself to a well-earned dinner at The Longboard in Cruz Bay, spending about $120 for sushi and craft cocktails.
Day 3: Waterlemon Cay & Ruins
- Morning: Park at Annaberg and hike the flat Leinster Bay trail to Waterlemon Cay for the island’s best snorkeling.
- Afternoon: Hike up to the Murphy Great House ruins above Waterlemon Cay for incredible panoramic views of the British Virgin Islands.
- Evening: Catch the ferry back to St. Thomas, grabbing a quick pate from a local vendor near the dock for $5.
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