Is St John Worth Visiting (2024 Travel Guide)
Should you visit St John this year?
St John is a beautiful island located in the Eastern Caribbean Sea. It is famously known for its white sand beaches, clear water, and lack of development. The island is also home to a number of historical and cultural sites. In recent years, St John has become a popular destination for island lovers. However, is it worth visiting this year?
Below, I have everything you need to know about why St John is the perfect Caribbean destination – from safety to hiking and secluded beaches to endless adventure.
St John is absolutely worth visiting, any time of year! Why? Well, not only is it my favorite Virgin Island, but it’s also the safest, least developed, and most beautiful. But that’s just my opinion! Here are a few more reasons St John is worth visiting this year.
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Is St John Worth Visiting?
St John is the least developed and most beautiful of the Virgin Island territories and without a doubt worth visiting! 2/3 of St John is part of the Virgin Islands National Park, making most of the land undeveloped and protected.
With breathtaking views and untouched beaches, St John is truly a destination worth visiting. Besides its beauty, St John also offers a friendly island environment. The locals living in St John welcome their guests at all times of the year.
There are also numerous adventures to experience on your St John vacation. Kayaking, snorkeling, or searching for ancient petroglyphs on the hiking trails are all visitor favorites. There’s no doubt that St John offers something for everyone.
Why Is St John Worth Visiting?
1. Untouched by Tourism
First, the island is practically untouched by tourism. This means that visitors can enjoy its natural beauty without the crowds that are present at other popular tourist destinations.
The US Virgin Islands are a popular tourist destination, but St John remains the least visited. Why? There are fewer commercial hotels and restaurants in St John. So, people looking for a resort vacation will head to St Thomas instead.
Outside of Cruz Bay, there are no hotels. On the other side of the island lays Coral Bay, which only offers luxury villas and rentals. Because of this, the cost of visiting St John is higher. The higher cost is just another reason St John remains relatively untouched by tourism.
The last time I visited St John, I drove from Cruz Bay to Coral Bay and saw little more than the friendly island donkeys along the road. So trust me when I say you can spend your St. John vacation alone if you choose.
✨ Hidden Gem St John Must See:
Hike the narrow path to Denis Bay Beach. This peaceful oasis is perfect for swimming and a private picnic. Beware of the swells when the wind is rough and bring water shoes for the rockier areas off-shore!
Or, visit the Ram Head Trail to Salt Pond Bay for the most incredible views on the island!
2. Experience the Culture and History of US Virgin Islands
The island of St John is home to numerous traditional festivals promoting the local heritage and cultural education.
The largest on the island is the St John Carnival which takes place late June through July 4th every year. The carnival celebrates the July 3rd 1848 emancipation of enslaved people in USVI.
Aside from education, visitors have plenty of opportunities to immerse themselves in authentic Caribbean cuisine, dancing, and more!
Along with the culture of the island, there is also a rich history. One particular historic site worth visiting is the Petroglyphs of Reef Bay.
The ancient Petroglyphs are carvings made by past inhabitants of the island – the Taíno people. These petroglyphs are a protected landmark and offer insight into a fascinating period in St John’s history.
You can spot these ancient carvings on some of the hikes in St John Virgin Islands National Park.
✨ Historic St John Virgin Islands Must See:
The Petroglyphs of Reef Bay are ancient carvings made by past inhabitants of the island – the Taíno people. They are a protected landmark and an important part of the history of St John.
3. Most Beautiful Beaches in the Caribbean
Is St John worth visiting for the beaches? After seeing the beaches, you won't be asking this question! St John is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world!
Lucky for us USVI lovers, most of St John is protected by the US Virgin Islands National Park...which means the St John USVI beaches are also protected land.
Every beach in St John holds soft, white sand, crystal clear, sparkling shades of blue water, and protected coral reefs for epic snorkeling or scuba diving adventures.
Whether you're there to swim in the clear, warm waters, hang out with your toes in the sand all day, or hide under the shade of the cool palm trees, you won't be disappointed in the beaches St John has to offer.
✨ Beaches of St John Must See:
Cinnamon Bay Beach is a protected beach in USVI National Park. It's the longest beach on the island and holds more than enough activities for you or the entire family to spend a few days.
Snorkeling is great for beginners or advanced snorkelers; there's even a small plane wreck off-shore. One unique place to stay in St John is the Cinnamon Bay campground.
The campground has renovated restroom facilities, water sports, and trails. When you're done with your beach day, you can take a short trail to the Sugar Mill Ruins on the Annaberg Sugar Plantation, another popular historic site in St John Virgin Islands.
4. Home of the Virgin Islands National Park
Situated on the island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Virgin Islands National Park is a beautiful and unique protected area covering 60% of the island. You can enjoy hiking through its lush landscapes, swimming and snorkeling in its clear waters, and exploring its rich history.
First, the park is home to a diverse array of plant and animal life. Second, the park protects a significant amount of land, including virgin and rainforests.
Third, the park offers visitors a chance to experience the Virgin Islands' natural beauty and history. Lastly, the park has several facilities and amenities, such as picnic areas, campgrounds, and ranger-led programs.
Virgin Islands National Park is a truly special place that, alone, makes St John worth visiting. To fully appreciate all that the park has to offer, be sure to allow yourself enough time to explore it fully.
✨ Virgin Islands National Park Can't-Miss:
Head to the Virgin Islands National Park trails through the rainforest that lead to the Sugar Bay Reef Mill Ruins. This used to be home to an 18th-century Sugar Plantation.
Enjoy the beauty of the trails and the views overlooking the island all while learning about the long history of St John.
Book a guided hike and Snorkel to Caneel Bay in the National Park
5. St John is a Very Safe Island in the Caribbean
St John is one of the safest islands in the Caribbean. It has a low crime rate and is considered very safe for travelers. In fact, it has the lowest crime rate in USVI.
The few locals that live on the island, a total of 3,645 according to the 2020 census, are extremely kind, and local businesses on the island are happy to welcome the growing tourism of the island.
As always, you should keep your belongings on you and be cautious traveling around, especially at night! Keep your car doors and hotel room doors locked, and be respectful to everyone and to the island itself.
Looking to branch out from US Virgin Islands?
Check out if Punta Cana is worth visiting! ➡️
6. Snorkeling Opportunities
From Honeymoon Beach to Lameshur Bay, the snorkeling opportunities around St John are unbeatable. Outside of all the beach snorkeling opportunities, the Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument compromises 3-miles of coral reefs and mangroves.
Next to this National Park, you'll find the Hurricane Hole Storm Refuge, a large chain submerged on the ocean floor for storm protection during hurricane season.
Book a snorkeling tour in St John
Best Time to Visit St John
The best time to visit St John is between late November and early June. You'll experience the nicest temperatures, usually in the mid-80s F and lowest chance of rain between January and April!
January to April may also give you lower prices than you'll find during the holidays between Thanksgiving and Christmas and before the summer holidays hit in the U.S.
Hurricane season in St John officially goes from June 1 - November 30. While you can still visit during these months, it's likely you'll run into afternoon storms, and of course, you should keep an eye out for hurricanes.
Hurricanes are tracked throughout the season and you'll likely know ahead of time if you need to reschedule or plan to evacuate the island.
Is St John Worth Visiting for a Day?
Without a doubt, St John is worth visiting for a day! In fact, day trips to St John are incredibly popular. It's easy to get to St John from St Thomas. From the Red Hook Ferry Port, it's only about a 20 minute boat ride!
St John has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. So, even if you're planning to spend most of your vacation in St Thomas, it is 100% worth visiting St John for a day.
Is St John Safe to Visit?
St John is not only a safe place to visit but is the safest of the three US Virgin Islands. In 2021, there were zero reported homicides in St John, compared to its neighboring islands being higher.
Do you need a passport to go to St John? St John is also a US Territory. US Citizens do not need a passport to travel to St John, making it a convenient and safe Caribbean vacation option.
The safety and seclusion on the island is just another reason St John is worth visiting this year!
Is St. Thomas or St. John Better to visit?
Choosing between St Thomas or St John all depends on what you're looking for! St Thomas is great for lively beaches, a fun nightlife, and unlimited excursions and activities!
St John, on the other hand, is for your quiet getaways. It's best for relaxing on the beach, enjoying walks through the Virgin Islands National Park, and surrounding yourself with more palm trees than people! St Croix, the largest USVI territory, is also a great option.
Is St John worth visiting FAQ
Hopefully, we've answered the question "is St John worth visiting" for you. But, there are numerous questions people frequently ask before booking their trip.
Is it worth it to go to St. John?
From the beautiful scenery to its unique local culture, it is more than worth going to St John. The island offers stunning views, fun activities, and plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the island. It's a great place for anyone looking for a memorable vacation experience!
How many days do you need in St. John?
Anywhere from 3 to 7 days in St John is enough to experience and explore everything St John has to offer. It's a small island, so it's easy to explore in a short period of time. I've spent one day in St John before and had a great time!
It really depends on how much time you want to spend relaxing on the beaches or hiking through the national park.
Why should I visit St. John?
You should visit St John if you want to relax on pristine beaches and explore untouched trails through the national park. It's a romantic destination and a great place to immerse yourself into island life - and make some local friends along the way!
What is the best month to go to St. John
March is the perfect month to go to St. John. The climate is dry and warm, and there's little chance of rainfall. This makes it one of the best times to go to USVI. But, if you're traveling on a budget, try closer to hurricane season, May or June.
What do I need to know before going to St. John?
The most important thing to know before going to St. John is to respect the island and its locals. Be sure to use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the coral reefs and avoid sunburn. If you going during hurricane season, plan travel insurance and keep an eye out on the weather.
How long is the ferry ride from St. Thomas to St. John?
From Charlotte Amalie, the ferry ride to get to St John is 45 minutes. From Red Hook, the ferry ride is just 20 minutes.
Do you need cash in St John?
Cards are accepted almost everywhere around St John. But, it's smart to carry some cash around for taxis and local vendors.
Do you need a passport to go to St. John?
No, you don't need a passport to go to St. John! You do need one if you plan to visit the British Virgin Islands during your trip though.
Is St. John or St. Thomas cheaper?
St. Thomas is much cheaper than St. John. There are more accommodation options and pricing levels in St. Thomas. St. John's options are usually higher-end and more luxurious.
St John Travel Guide: Things to Do, Where to Stay
Things to Do in St John
✅ Snorkel the Coral Reef Underwater Park Trail
Head to the Virgin Islands National Park by Trunk Bay and find a snorkeling wonderland known as the coral reef underwater trail.
This reef boasts an abundance of colorful fish and beautiful coral formations, making it a snorkeler's paradise. If you're lucky, you might even spot a turtle or two swimming by.
✅ Charter a Boat to go to BVI for a day
With a private boat charter, you can explore areas of the US Virgin Islands that can't even be reached by land...or hit another country for a few hours!
✅ Eat, Play Disc Golf, and Enjoy the Views from Neptune's Lookout
Neptune's Lookout is one of the best places to enjoy views of the beautiful island of St. John in the US Virgin Islands.
But that's not all - it's also an excellent spot for disc golf, with a course that winds its way through the lush vegetation. And when you're ready for a break, be sure to head over to The Windmill Bar for drinks and a view.
Located on Estate Bordeaux, Neptune's Lookout is the perfect place to spend a day exploring and enjoying all that St. John has to offer.
✅ Snorkel Tour and Lunch at the Floating Taco Bar - LIME-OUT!
This unique lunch spot can only be found by boat...because it's in the middle of the ocean! Grab a tour for an awesome snorkel experience before you enjoy tacos from the comfort of your floating tubes!
🤿 Snorkel tour, breakfast, and lunch at LIME OUT included in this full-day tour from Cruz Bay Watersports
Best Beaches in St John
If you're still wondering "is St John worth visiting", the secluded, white-sand, clear-water beaches should convince you! I've spent time in many Hawaiian and Caribbean beaches, and nothing compares to the beaches in St John.
Here are some favorites:
🌊 Trunk Bay
One of the most popular beaches on the island. Sometimes referred to as one of the most beautiful islands in the world. It's great for families and watersports. It's also home to the underwater coral reef snorkeling trail! **There is an entry fee for Trunk Bay
🌊 Honeymoon Beach
Visitors from all over USVI will come to this quiet, spectacular St John Caribbean beach. The 1-mile hike to the beach is a great way to start your day of kayaking, paddle boarding, and enjoying the beach bar and grill. Keep an eye out for sea turtles and rays around Honeymoon Beach!
🌊 Salomon Bay Beach
For some of the best snorkeling on the island! Take the Lind Point Trail about a mile to the entrance of Salomon Bay Beach. Because the trail is the easiest way to get to Salomon Beach, there usually aren't many visitors here. You can walk a bit further to Honeymoon beach around the corner for snacks and watersport rentals.
🌊 St Thomas Beaches!
Don't forget, when you're in St John, you're a short ferry ride away from St Thomas! Get your duty-free shopping done in Charlotte Amalie and then hit some of the best beaches in St Thomas.
How to Get Around St John
🚗 Don't forget you'll have to drive on the left side of the road when driving in St John US Virgin Islands!
Travel Tip: US Citizens can drive around all the US Virgin Islands for 90 days with their US driver's license.
✅ Renting a Car in St John
Renting a car, especially in St John, is the best way to get around the USVI. There are plenty of off-the-beaten-path beaches, hikes, and activities around the island.
Between Cruz Bay, Coral Bay, US Virgin Islands National Park, and everything in between, you'll want to have the freedom and flexibility to travel around on your own time.
To experience everything the island has to offer, it is absolutely worth renting a car in St John during your stay.
And my best advice for you, get a 4-wheel drive! The roads can be steep, and sometimes not well-maintained. You'll want a heavy-duty vehicle.
⭐Get around St John by booking your rental car through Expedia early! ➡️
✅ Taking Taxis Around the Island
Taxis are readily available on St John near the ferry port and around Cruz Bay. The farther east you, closer to Coral Bay, the harder it will be to catch a taxi. It's best to plan ahead and keep a few taxi services on hand to call for a scheduled pickup if necessary.
Relying on taxis to get around St John is great if you plan to stay downtown, but if you want to really explore the island, I'd suggest getting a rental car!
✅ Riding Ferry to Other Virgin Islands
Traveling to St Thomas and the British Virgin Islands is easy from St John! You can leave the Cruz Bay Ferry Port and hop on a person ferry or car ferry.
The Cruz Bay to Red Hook, St Thomas ferry runs a few times a day. The cost is roughly $12 roundtrip and the ride time is only 20 minutes! Heading to the other islands lets you experience so many things to do in St Thomas and BVI.
Where to Stay: Best Hotels in St John
St John is a small island and the least populated of the three main territories in USVI. So unsurprisingly, there aren't a lot of places to stay. Cruz Bay is St John's downtown, the busiest area on the island with some resorts and accommodations.
Coral Bay is on the opposite, East side of the island and is known as the slower side. It has fewer hotel options, but plenty of luxury villas to choose from!
Cruz Bay and Coral Bay are also where the majority of the population in St John reside. If you're considering living in St John, don't forget to check these towns out.
If you're looking for convenience and fun, Cruz Bay is the place for you. If you're looking to live on island time and relax with no disruptions, Coral Bay is your spot.
🏨 Gallows Point Resort in Cruz Bay
🏨 Westin St John in Cruz Bay
🏨 Seagrape Estate Villa in Coral Bay
Is St John Worth Visiting in Summary
So, is St John worth visiting? For many travelers, the answer is yes! The island offers an array of activities and attractions that make it an ideal vacation destination.
If you're looking for a beautiful, secluded island to visit in the USVI, you can't go wrong with St John. With its amazing beaches and abundance of things to do, it's a wonder this little gem isn't packed with tourists all year long.
What are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to St John today so you don't have to worry about a thing when you arrive!
As always, thanks for being here!! ❤️
