7 Day St John Itinerary | The Best of USVI 2024
Looking for the perfect St John Itinerary to spend a relaxing and action-packed vacation in USVI?
This seven-day St John itinerary will show you the best of what the island has to offer, from world-class diving and snorkeling to hiking and shopping. So put on your sunscreen and get ready to explore one of the most beautiful islands in the world!
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7 Day St John Itinerary
If you’re looking for the perfect Caribbean vacation s
pot, look no further than St John. With its miles of white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, St John is a paradise for lovers of sun and sea.
Day 1 St John Itinerary: Ferry to St John and Enjoy the Cruz Bay Sunset
Day 2 Hike Caneel Bay Trail in Virgin Islands National Park
Day 3 Snorkel Tour! Pizza Party or Floating Taco Bar?
Day 4 Hike, Snorkel, and Relax as You Head to Coral Bay
Day 5 Spend the Day at Tortola, British Virgin Islands
Day 6 One Last Day on the Beaches of St John and Head to St Thomas
Day 7 😢 last day of your St John Itinerary:
Day 1 St John Itinerary: Ferry to St John & Cruz Bay Sunset
– Morning Ferry Ride
St John is a territory of US Virgin Islands, and therefore a territory of the US. This means you don’t need a passport to enter, which makes traveling easy!
St John does not have a proper airport to fly into, so you’ll want to fly into Cyril E. King International Airport (STT). From there, you’ll hop on the ferry at Charlotte Amalie Dock to Cruz Bay St John
The Charlotte Amalie to Cruz Bay Ferry service is 40 minutes and cost $12 for adults, plus a $2.50 bag fee. Ideally, you can hop on the 10am ferry, but they also have a 1pm and 5:30pm ferry, if your flight lands later in the day
– Afternoon Hotel Check In
Check into your hotel in Cruz Bay, and you’ll find that you’re located in the heart of one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean. You can’t go wrong with Gallows Point Resort; you’ll be steps away from your private access to the white sand of Cruz Bay Beach. You’ll even have on-site dining if you want an easy night in.
– Evening Cruz Bay Sunset
Your first night is a great time to relax and find the perfect spot for sunset. The Beach Bar is one of the best places on the island to watch the sunset! Grab some bites, baskets, and burgers and take in the scenery as you prepare for the rest of the unbeatable St John Itinerary you have planned!
Day 2 St John Itinerary: Virgin Islands National Park
60% of St John is protected under the Virgin Islands National Park! This makes it the perfect island to explore hidden beaches, hiking trails, and off-the-beaten path views.
- Morning Hike Caneel Hill Trail to Salomon and Honeymoon Beach
Hiking in St John is one of the most popular activities on the island, aside from crashing on the epic beaches all day, of course.
You'll want to hit the trails early to avoid the hot afternoon sun, and be prepared with reef safe sunscreen and lots of water!
The Caneel Hill Trail is technically a 4-miles, moderately challenging hike. However, if you break off midway to the Caneel Hill Spur, you can make your way to Honeymoon Beach and Salomon Beach. These are both great spots to spend your afternoon!
- Afternoon Cool Off at Honeymoon Beach + Salomon Beach
By the time you finish your hike to these beaches, you'll want to stay! Honeymoon Beach and Salomon Beach are two unbeatable spots you don't want to miss. Pack some sandwiches and snacks and make a day hanging out at the beaches, snorkeling through the colorful coral reefs, and exploring the shorelines.
Wait until the suns cools off a bit in the afternoon to make the trek back. If you're not done with beach hopping, Hawksnest Beach and Caneel Bay Beach are near the Caneel Hill Trail Trailhead.
- Evening Dinner at Neptune's Lookout + Sugar Mill Ruins
You're sure to be worn after after a day of hiking and exploring the beaches. 3.5 miles from the trailhead is The Windmill Bar. The Windmill Bar holds some of the most breathtaking panoramic views on St John.
From here you can see one of the famous sugar mill ruins of St John. The Susannaberg Sugar Mills ruins is the site of a sugar plantation built in the 1700s and which is located shortly offside the Windmill Bar. The other popular sugar mill on the island is the Reef Bay Sugar Mill, which we'll hit later in the itinerary!
Day 3 St John Itinerary: Snorkel Tour! Pizza Party or Floating Taco Bar?
For day 3, you can choose between two AWESOME snorkel tours. Option 1 brings you on a snorkel tour and sunset sail and option 2 a snorkel tour and lunch at a famous floating taco bar. Which one will you choose for day 3 of your St John Itinerary?
- Option 1 Morning Breakfast and Explore Cruz Bay
You've got a full third day planned ahead of you! Grab breakfast at one of the local Cruz Bay restaurants. Enjoy a sit down breakfast at Cruz Bay Landing or grab breakfast sandwiches from North Shore Deli.
Before your afternoon departure, this is a great time to walk around Cruz Bay shops and boutiques.
Pro tip: US citizens can bring $1600 worth of duty-free items home from USVI every 30 days.
- Option 1 Afternoon into the Evening: Snorkel and Sunset Tour
This $99, 6 hour snorkel tour cruise will take up the rest of your day! Hop on board with Ocean Surfari Charters to hit two of the coolest snorkeling reefs to spot sea turtles, colorful fish, ship wrecks, and more, all while having a blast on board with the crew.
After your snorkeling is done, you'll have a fresh pizza party on board - foods, drinks, and alcohol included - while you wait for a perfect sunset over the Caribbean ocean before returning to your departure point.
🤿 Hit off-the-beaten-path snorkel
spots in St John with Ocean Surfari Charters
- Option 2 Morning into Afternoon: Snorkel and Lunch at Floating Taco Bar "LIME OUT!"
This option is a bit more expensive, but a bit more unique! This $179 excursion takes you through a full day of sailing, snorkeling, drinking, and eating at a floating taco bar! LIME OUT is one of the coolest restaurants in the Caribbean. You can only get to it by boat... because it's in the middle of the ocean!
This full-day experience will start with an on-board continental breakfast. Then, you'll do some snorkeling at a coral reef. When the snorkeling is done, you can order drinks at the on-board open bar on your way to lunch at the famous LIME OUT! floating taco bar. A taco lunch is included in your price. After lunch, you can chill out on the boat and enjoy a leisurely sail home.
🤿 Snorkel on your way to LIME OUT! floating taco bar
with Cruz Bay Watersports
Day 4 St John Itinerary: Hike, Snorkel, and Relax as You Head to Coral Bay
- Morning: Cinnamon Bay Hiking Trail
In the heart of Virgin Islands National Park, the Cinnamon Bay Hiking Trail takes you through the Cinnamon Bay Sugar Plantation ruins. This is a short, but fairly steep hike is the perfect way to start your morning.
To make it more strenuous, follow the American Hill trail to go a bit higher for even better views. You can also head to Cinnamon Bay Beach just a short walk from the trailhead.
There's also a campground at Cinnamon Bay if you're looking to do some camping during your stay on St John!
- Afternoon: Relax and Snorkel at Maho Bay Beach
Pack your snorkel gear! After your morning hike, head a bit further East to Maho Bay Beach. The seagrass beds at Maho Bay Beach are healthy and protected under the Virgin Islands National Park.
Full Caribbean Packing List + Free PDF checklist
The water is usually calm and perfect for swimming or floating to cool off. This makes Maho Bay Beach the perfect snorkeling spot for spotting sea turtles!
From here, you can also kayak to Whistling Cay for even more off-path snorkeling.
Maho Bay Beach also has amenities and food trucks, so this is great a place to grab lunch before making your way to Coral Bay.
- Afternoon: Watermelon Cay
This is one of the best snorkeling spots on the island. The healthy coral reefs in Watermelon Cay attract one of the most abundant varieties of marine life on St John!
You can only get to the cay by swimming (or boat), so use your best when the current may be stronger at certain times of the year. You'll likely find tons of unique fish, rays, sea turtles, and even some sharks around here!
- Evening: Drive Through Coral Bay and Dinner at Skinny Legs
Coral Bay is the quiet side of the island, but not one that should be ignored! The hills and roads through Coral Bay offer incredible views of the island and the well-known "friendly donkeys" of St John you'll spot on your drive.
Enjoy and ocean-view dinner at the popular "Skinny Legs" restaurant. This little shack packs a big flavor with its famous burgers, snacks, and drinks, making it the perfect way to chill out after a long day!
Coral Bay is much quieter than Cruz Bay, so if you're looking to stay away from the noise and are willing to drive a bit further to your activities, it's worth checking out the villas available in Coral Bay.
⭐Stay in the romantic, Open Arms Villa in the heart of Coral Bay with a hillside pool and panoramic views ❤️
Day 5 St John Itinerary: Spend the Day in the British Virgin Islands
Hop on a ferry and head to the British Virgin Islands for the day! In Road Town, Tortola, you can check out Mount Sage National Park, head to to Jost Van Dyke for a secluded island day, check out Beef Island, or make the trip to Virgin Gorda to see the famous Virgin Gorda Baths.
British Virgin Islands and US Virgin Islands may be close, but they offer a totally different Caribbean vibe, and it's worth spending a day (or two!) exploring British Virgin Islands!
Day 6 St John Itinerary: One Last Day on the Beaches of St John and Head to St Thomas
- Morning: Breakfast and Relax at Your Favorite St John Beach
Whether you want to go back to Honeymoon or Salomon Beach, or try out Hawksnest, Trunk Bay, Lameshur, Little Cinnamon Bay Beach, or any of the other pristine beaches on St John, spend your last day on the island taking advantage of some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
With crystal clear water and soft white sand, they are the perfect place to relax and enjoy the Caribbean sunshine. Whether you want to spend the day swimming, sunbathing, or exploring the many coral reefs that surround the island.
If you're not worn out from your week of adventures, you can stay active by windsurfing, kayaking, and snorkeling.
- Afternoon: Catch a Ferry to St Thomas
Since your flight will leave out of St Thomas, this is the perfect time to head over early and spend a bit of time exploring St Thomas! St Thomas is full of activities and history.
You'll want to stay in Charlotte Amalie, the main city in St Thomas and closest to the airport. One of the most popular hotels in Charlotte Amalie is the Green Iguana Hotel, located just three miles from the Cyril E. King International Airport (STT).
If you're looking for something a bit more luxurious, there are a few resorts on the beach in St Thomas to choose from as well.
If you're not done with the beaches, Coki Beach is a St Thomas favorite and a great snorkeling spot. There are restaurants, vendors, and even Coral World Ocean Park.
If you want to stop at the historic areas in the island, head to 99 Steps, the St Thomas Synagogue, or Blackbeard's Castle.
- Evening: Enjoy Your Last Dinner in Charlotte Amalie.
Sit back and enjoy a cold margarita with your tacos and guacamole at Greengos Caribbean Cantina. This visitor favorite restaurant is the perfect spot to celebrate the end of an unforgettable vacation and reflect on your week.
Day 7: Explore Charlotte Amalie Before You Depart
Charlotte Amalie is full of history, adventures, and shops. Spend the day exploring, or enjoy one last day at the beautiful beaches in St Thomas.
By the end of the week, you'll look back and wonder where the time went, and also how you got so much done in such a short stay!
Hop in a taxi or take your rental car back to the airport. A taxi to the airport will be about $10/person from Charlotte Amalie. Check with your taxi driver before getting in. Additionally, be prepared to pay the taxi driver a bag fee as well.
And that brings your 7 day St John Itinerary to a close!
Is St John Safe?
St John is considered the safest island of the three US Virgin Island territories with the lowest crime rate. Is also has the smallest population. It's a very small island and full of friendly residents and tourists all times of year.
Always be cautious of petty theft and vandalism, which is usually the only thing to worry about, as you would in any tourist destination.
When Is the Best Time to Go to St John?
December-April is the best time to go in terms of weather, but because it's tourist season, prices are also higher. This is also right outside of hurricane season, which officially runs from June 1 to November 30.
If you want to budget a bit, you may be able to find cheaper prices around May and November. The weather will still be warm and sunny and you're less likely to run into daily showers.
The cheapest time to go to St John will be August/September when chances of rain are highest. As long as there's no hurricane in site, you can still have great weather, just a higher chance of afternoon showers.
Tired of Hurricane Season? Try Aruba in December
How Many Days Do You Need in St John?
Four days is about enough time to see most of what St John has to offer, but probably not enough to really enjoy it! 6-7 days is the perfect amount of time for a trip to St John to explore and relax all the hidden beaches, checkout all the historic sites, and experience living the island life without feeling rushed.
Whether you have three days or two weeks, St John is worth visiting.
More Unique Things to Do in St John
⭐ Relax at Trunk Bay Beach for the Day
⭐ Shop at Mongoose Junction
⭐ Charter a private boat for the day
Getting to St John
The best way to get to St John is to fly into the Cyril E. King International Airport (STT) and take the 40-minute ferry ride to Cruz Bay, St John. The ferry ride costs $12.50 for adults + $2.50 bag fee.
Getting off an airport and heading straight for the ferry may seem like a hassle for a travel day, but the ferry ride is really just a cheap cruise through the Caribbean waters, and you're bound to love it! You'll fall for the US Virgin Islands before you even get your feet in the St John white sand.
How to Get Around St John
Getting around the US Virgin Islands is simple. Taxis are available at the cruise port to take you to your hotel or resort. If you're staying in Cruz Bay you might not even need a taxi to get to your hotel; it will be waiting for you right off the ferry dock!
The best way to get around St John is by rental car. You can find rental cars on St John for under $100/day. It is smart to get a larger vehicle that will be easier to navigate through the rough terrain and steep hills around St John.
Pick up your rental car in St John ➡️
Book your rental car early through Expedia
Another option, however, is to pick up your rental car in St Thomas. Depending on the time and season, St Thomas will have more options and you might find a better price.
If you choose to do this, you'll want to plan to take the car ferry from Red Hook, St Thomas to Cruz Bay. The drive from Charlotte Amalie to Red Hook takes about 30 minutes. However, this probably isn't worth the hassle if you can't find a better deal on a rental car in St Thomas compared to St John.
Where to Stay in St John
Cruz Bay is the most popular area to stay in St John. This is where you'll find resorts, dining, and activities.
Coral Bay is on the East side of the island, and is much quieter. There are more villa and home rentals to choose from in Coral Bay. You'll find a few locals living in St John often dock their boats in the Coral Bay area.
So, it depends what you want during your stay in St John!
Read more on the neighborhoods and
best places to stay in St John⭐
St John Resorts
There are a few resorts to choose from in St John; they are all in the Cruz Bay area or Chocolate Hole.
✅ Westin St John Resort Villas
View more Cruz Bay Hotels⭐
Is St John Expensive?
St John is more expensive than St Thomas and St Croix.
St John is a smaller island (the smallest of the three US Virgin Island territories) and therefore has fewer hotels, resorts, and accommodation options, so can be a little pricier than St Thomas.
The average cost of a hotel for 2 people in St John is $371/night with the lowest option running $170/night and the highest option $490/night.
Which US Virgin Island is Best for Your Vacation?
St John is best for those looking for a quiet vacation, for the beach and nature lovers. St Thomas is best for families, people looking for a bit of nightlife, dining, and excursions. St Croix is great for people who are looking for a less populated, more spread out island, but still want the option of exploring museums and hitting some restaurants at night.
St Thomas vs St John ⭐ St Thomas vs St Croix
St Croix vs St John ⭐
7 Day St John Itinerary Has Come to a Close!
Now that you have all of the information you need to plan your dream trip to St John, what are you waiting for? Start packing! With this St John itinerary, you’ll be able to make the most of your time on the island and see everything it has to offer. Get to planning!
