St. John Virgin Island Must See and Do
How I found St. John, Virgin Island
I was sitting at my desk in a chilly office at work when I started to get the itch. The travel itch was new to me . I had two trips in the books and it was becoming apparent travel was going to be a part of my life now. Where should I go ? Somewhere warm that’s for sure! I googled :
"Where can you go with out a US passport ?"
There were a few options listed but St. John stuck out. I remembered one of my favorite authors Elin Hilderbrand writing a series there. I loved her books and assumed she had exceptional taste! So my research began and shortly after my email was full with booking confirmations! A location perfect for my style of travel, REMOTE, QUITE, HIKING, AMAZING BEACHES AND JUST FULL OF NATURE.
Getting There
We flew into the Cyril E. King airport on St. Thomas. There is no airport on St. John. Once you are on St. Thomas you have a few different choices to ferry over to St. John. Starting with the passenger ferries here are your choices.
Red Hook Ferry (St. Thomas) to Cruz Bay (St. John): Where you will have a longer taxi ride from the airport but a shorter ferry ride to get to St. John, about 15 minuets.
Crown Bay Ferry (St. Thomas to Cruz Bay (St. John): (Recommended!) Here you will have a shorter taxi ride but longer ferry ride (35 minuets) to get to St. John. This was my choice because I would rather be on the water then in a taxi! I have no regrets! Check out the top deck seating pics below!
Charlotte Amalie Ferry: Is a option similar to Cruz Bay Ferry.
Tickets can be purchased here!
Ferry Schedule can be found here! or Crown Bay Ferry Schedule Here
For a Taxi service from the air port to the the Ferry we used and loved Yogi Taxi Service .
Arrive a little early and grab a bite to eat and some drinks from Tickles Dockside Pub! It is super close to the Ferry. The famous Virgin Island cocktail is called a Painkiller.
Where to stay in St. John
St. John has a quite side (Coral Bay) and a less quite side (Cruz Bay) filled with restaurants and shops. First decide which you might like better and then choose the lodging accordingly. If you like resorts a popular choice is The Westin. We choose the quite side in Coral Bay and it was the perfect choice for us! Here is the link to our VRBO that had amazing views overlooking Coral Bay!
Keep In Mind
Keep in mind AC is not as common in some of the lodging as it is in the States. We didn’t have AC and for the most part didn’t miss it. Only once during the day in April did the house get stuffy. However we mostly spent all day out on the beaches. Also ants are super common and it is important to store food in the fridge and be tedious about wiping up crumbs . Scorpions aren’t uncommon to see so check your shoes! We didn’t see any but they are around along with tree frogs too! Remember you are on a Virgin Island! Also most water used on the Island is collected rain water stored in Cisterns. For that reason water conservation efforts should be made during your stay.
Getting Around
Rental
Yes you need a rental car or should I say JEEP!! You should also book this AS SOON as you book your lodging and flights! They run out of rentals often times. during peak season. There is not reliable public transportation and not having a rental car will greatly limit your experience. I wouldn’t go so far as to say you actually NEED an Jeep but I do recommend it. For one you will look super cool because who doesn’t love a jeep! (This is where my husband would say “Me! I don’t!” Also for practically reasons. It will give you opportunity to fit in small spaces and parking is often limited, so being able to squeeze in places is helpful. Also some of the roads are just downright bumpy, and steep. Our driveway to our VRBO was insane. I am a explorer and I wanted to see everywhere and I ended up on a few spots that I was grateful I had a jeep. We used and loved Just Sun Jeeps Rental company! They met us with the jeep right where the ferry docked.
Things To Know Before You Get Behind The Wheel
Keep Left
You have your rental secured, now comes the fun part!! You must remember to DRIVE ON THE LEFT! You will see the infamous signs saying “Keep Left” to help remind you because if you are like us you will forget a time or two for a few seconds. This can be very dangerous because the roads are steep, narrow, and curvy!
Donkeys
Donkeys roam free on the island. Often times this means you could pop around a curve and see one walking or standing in the middle of the road. Luckily the roads speed limit is only 35mph because of the narrow curves but keep a eye out for them.
The Locals
Please be sure to pull over and let the cars behind you pass. Remember while you are on vacation time the locals still have jobs get to and from. They will honk at you as a way to say thank you, so don’t be offended. Unlike the states honking on St. John is a form of pleasantry.
Must See / Do
Wondering how to fill your days while at St. John?
Start your day with a beautiful sunrise!
How does starting your morning off with a sunrise hike followed by a refreshing swim snorkeling with sea turtles, barracuda’s and the occasional nurse shark sound? It really was one of my favorite memories from our trip! Ill let the pics speak for themselves. Here is how to do it!
1. Know that Ram’s Head Trail is located on the south east side of the island. If you are a sunrise junkie like me consider staying a bit closer.
2. Start in the dark! the hike is a little over a mile to and back so give your self plenty of time to get the best view. It is plenty safe to walk it in the dark with head lamps!
3. You will pass salt pond to and from so pack your snorkel gear with you so you can take a refreshing dip on the way out. I found it best to carry my fins on the outside of my book bag with a carabiner clip.
Beaches 101
What to bring:
- Snorkel Gear (Click for rental info. Please educate yourself on the dangers on using full face snorkle mask).
- Reef Safe Sun Screen
- Pool Noodle (helps keep you afloat and useful if in rougher waters)
- Underwater Camera or Waterproof phone case
- Bug Spray(Especially in the evenings!)
- Towels
- Snacks
- Swim shirt (To help protect against the sun. The UV index is high and sunburn is no joke on the USVI)
- Walking footwear incase you choose a beach that requires a short hike or short walk
- Water
Beach Going Tips
There is nothing quite like the feeling of taking your first steps onto magazine perfect beaches you have only dreamed about until right now! Follow my tips below!
1. Arrive Early! We were most successful at getting parking when we arrived no later then 9am-10am. We packed a lunch each morning before heading out.
2. Check ocean conditions. If the waters are rough chances are they are calmer at another beach.
3. Bring proper footwear. Some beaches require a short hike or walk to get to so be sure to plan accordingly.
4. USE REEF SAFE SUNSCREEN AND REAPPLY OFTEN!!
5. Leave the shells. The Indigenous Species Act of 1990 does not allow you to remove shells from the beaches. Often times shells are seized at the airport so its better to just enjoy them right where they are.
6. Bug Spray! If you are planning on being on the beaches at dusk TAKE AND USE BUG SPRAY! We watched the sunset at Maho Beach and it was beautiful but unfortunately I left the bug spray at the villa! Needless to say I refused to miss the sunset and in desperation covered my ENTIRE body with every article of clothing I had with me! I am sure I looked ridiculous but the view was worth it!
