About
St John, U.S.V.I


St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands is a truly special destination, known for its natural beauty, tranquility, and pristine beaches. Here's a full overview to help you explore or share with clients:


🌴 Why St. John Is Special

  • Unspoiled Nature: Over two-thirds of the island is protected as part of the Virgin Islands National Park, preserving its lush forests, hiking trails, and coral reefs
  • No Airport: You can’t fly directly to St. John, which helps keep it peaceful and less commercialized
  • Low Development: Unlike neighboring St. Thomas, St. John has few resorts and no large hotels, offering a more secluded and authentic Caribbean experience
  • Friendly Vibe: Locals are welcoming, and the island has a laid-back, safe atmosphere year-round.



đź’ˇTravel Adviser Pro Tip đź’ˇ

 St. John is ideal for a day trip or an outdoor adventure getaway. Its natural beauty and serene atmosphere made it easy for me to reconnect with nature with all the trees and foliage being all around me. I really loved being on the island and would recommend St. John over and over again.

🚤 How to Get to St. John
On Own


Since there’s no airport, here’s how to reach the island:


  1. Fly into St. Thomas (STT) – The nearest airport is Cyril E. King Airport.
  2. Take a Ferry to Cruz Bay (St. John):
    • From Red Hook: Most popular route, ~20 minutes, frequent departures.
    • From Charlotte Amalie: ~45 minutes, fewer daily trips.
    • From Crown Bay Marina: ~35 minutes, limited schedule 4.
  3. Private Water Taxi or Boat Charter – Ideal for a more personalized or luxurious experience.
  4. Car Barge – If you’re renting a car on St. Thomas, you can bring it over to St. John.
Top Beaches in St. John


Here are some of the most beloved beaches:

  1. Trunk Bay – Famous for its underwater snorkeling trail and postcard-perfect views.
  2. Maho Bay – Calm waters ideal for swimming and spotting sea turtles.
  3. Cinnamon Bay – Great for water sports and camping.
  4. Hawksnest Beach – A favorite for locals, with easy access and good snorkeling.
  5. Honeymoon Beach – Secluded and romantic, accessible by hike or boat.
  6. Gibney Beach – Quiet and private-feeling, perfect for relaxing.
  7. Saltpond Bay – A snorkeling haven with vibrant marine life.
  8. Francis Bay – Peaceful and spacious, great for birdwatching and swimming 


When visiting any of St. John’s beaches, it’s a great idea to bring a pair of water shoes. They’re perfect for navigating rocky shorelines and make getting in and out of the water much easier and safer.


Tip: Dress is casual, but proper attire (shirts and shoes) should be worn in public areas. Bathing suits are worn at the beach and pool only.



Best Way to Explore St John


Touring St. John, USVI is all about embracing its natural beauty, laid-back vibe, and off-the-beaten-path charm. Here are the best ways to explore the island, depending on your style and interests:


đźš— 1. Rent a Jeep or 4x4 Vehicle

  • Why: St. John’s roads are steep, winding, and often unpaved—especially if you want to reach remote beaches or trailheads.
  • What You Can Do:
    • Drive the scenic North Shore Road for beach hopping.
    • Visit Coral Bay and the quieter East End.
    • Access trailheads like Reef Bay or Ram Head.
  • Tip: Drive on the left side of the road!


🚌 2. Take a Guided Island Tour

  • Great For: First-time visitors or those who prefer not to drive.
  • What’s Included:
    • Stops at top beaches (Trunk Bay, Maho Bay)
    • Historical sites (Annaberg Plantation)
    • Light hiking and scenic overlooks
  • Recommended: Half-day or full-day tours with local guides who share island history and hidden gems.


🛥️ 3. Book a Boat or Snorkel Tour

  • Why: Many of St. John’s best snorkeling spots and secluded beaches are only accessible by water.
  • Options:
    • Catamaran cruises (sunset or full-day)
    • Private boat charters
    • Snorkeling excursions to Waterlemon Cay, Lovango Cay, or even the BVI (passport required)
  • Bonus: Some tours include lunch, drinks, and gear.


🥾 4. Hike the National Park Trails

  • Best For: Nature lovers and active travelers.
  • Top Trails: Reef Bay, Ram Head, Lind Point, and Cinnamon Bay.
  • What You’ll See: Petroglyphs, ruins, tropical forests, and panoramic views.


🏖️ 5. DIY Beach-Hopping Day

  • How: Rent a car or take a taxi.
  • Suggested Route:
    • Start at Hawksnest → Trunk Bay → Cinnamon Bay → Maho Bay → end at Salt Pond Bay.
  • Bring: Snorkel gear, water, snacks, and reef-safe sunscreen.


🛶 6. Kayak or Paddleboard Tours

  • Where: Maho Bay and Hurricane Hole (a mangrove lagoon).
  • Why: Peaceful, eco-friendly way to explore marine life and coastal scenery
Hiking


St. John, USVI offers some of the most scenic and diverse hiking trails in the Caribbean, many of which are located within Virgin Islands National Park. Here are the top trails to explore:


🥾 Top Hiking Trails on St. John

  1. Reef Bay Trail

    • Length: ~4.4 miles round trip
    • Highlights: Ancient petroglyphs, a 40-foot waterfall, ruins of a sugar mill, and lush tropical forest.
    • Difficulty: Moderate (steep uphill return)
    • Bonus: Can end at the beach for a swim 


2. Ram Head Trail

  • Length: ~2.6 miles round trip
  • Highlights: Dramatic coastal views, desert-like terrain, and Salt Pond Beach.
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Best Time: Early morning or sunset for cooler temps and stunning light 


3. Lind Point Trail

  • Length: ~2 miles round trip
  • Highlights: Connects Cruz Bay to Honeymoon and Salomon Beaches.
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate
  • Access: Starts near the National Park Visitor Center 


4. Cinnamon Bay Trail

  • Length: ~1.9 miles
  • Highlights: Shaded forest, ruins of sugar plantations.
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Bonus: Connects to America Hill Trail for panoramic views 


6. America Hill via Cinnamon Bay Trail

  • Length: ~1.3 miles
  • Highlights: Historic ruins and sweeping views of Maho and Cinnamon Bays.
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Great For: Short hike with big rewards


7. Leinster Bay Trail

  • Length: ~1.9 miles
  • Highlights: Leads to Watermelon Cay, a top snorkeling spot.
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Combo: Hike + snorkel adventure.


8. Salt Pond Bay to Drunk Bay

  • Length: ~1 mile
  • Highlights: Coastal views and quirky coral sculptures at Drunk Bay.
  • Difficulty: Easy


9. Denis Bay Trail

  • Length: Short
  • Highlights: Leads to a quiet beach with great views.
  • Difficulty: Easy





🥾 Hiking Safety Tips


âś… Before You Go

  • Plan Ahead: Know your trail’s length, difficulty, and terrain.
  • Check the Weather: Tropical rain can make trails slippery and dangerous.
  • Tell Someone: Let someone know your route and expected return time.
  • Start Early: Avoid hiking in the midday heat and give yourself plenty of daylight.


🎒 What to Bring

  • Water: Stay hydrated—bring more than you think you’ll need.
  • Snacks: Lightweight, energy-rich foods like trail mix or granola bars.
  • Map or GPS: Cell service can be spotty; download offline maps if needed.
  • First Aid Kit: Include bandages, antiseptic, and any personal medications.
  • Sun Protection: Hat, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen.
  • Bug Spray: Mosquitoes and no-see-ums can be active in shaded areas.
  • Water Shoes or Hiking Sandals: Great for rocky or wet terrain.


🧭 On the Trail

  • Stay on Marked Paths: Protect the environment and avoid getting lost.
  • Watch Your Step: Trails may have loose rocks, roots, or slippery sections.
  • Pace Yourself: Take breaks, especially in humid conditions.
  • Respect Wildlife: Observe from a distance—don’t feed or touch animals.
  • Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash and avoid disturbing natural features.