About St. John US Virgin Islands and St. John Inn

What to wear on St. John

St. John USVI and St. John Inn are both very casual places- bring your bathing suit, shorts, t-shirts, flip flops and some type of hat or cap – and of course sunglasses. Extras may include 1 pair of long pants or a skirt, and a nice top for a “fancy” dinner (usually anything tropical will do). Hiking or closed toed shoes are also recommended if you are day hiking, since most trails include some hills.

St. John Island Facts

St. John Island is the smallest of the three US Virgin Islands, only 9 miles long and 5 miles wide. Because the majority of the island is a US National Park, you have the Islanders' guarantee for enjoying the unspoiled natural beauty unrivaled by its busier and more crowded neighboring islands.

This mountainous region leads upward to breathtaking views of the most photogenic vistas on the planet, many of which have been highlighted in magazines including National Geographic. St. John Virgin Islands National Park Visitor Center offers an introduction to the park, covers the land and 5,650 acres of submerged land around the island.

St. John Transportation and Getting Around

Most visitors arrive on St. John by our reliable ferry service.

Everything in Cruz Bay is a 5 minute walk, and taxis to the North shore beaches are abundant from there.

Our public transportation is by bus that leaves from the Cruz Bay ferry dock and goes straight through the middle of the island to Coral Bay for just $1 each way. As a matter of fact, the bus’ final stop in Coral Bay is famed Salt Pond, which is on the path to one of St. John’s favorite hikes, Ram's Head. It also goes right by Skinny Legs, Island Blues and Shipwreck Landing in Coral Bay as well.

Jeep and Car Rentals on St. John

There are some trails and beaches off the beaten path that it may be difficult to get a “taxi mon” to take you to, and especially to come back and take you home! So, many island guests like to rent car or a jeep, even for just a day or two of their stay. (We will be happy to help you with your car or jeep rental.) Plus, renting a car or jeep with your beach chairs and cooler in the back is the perfect way to enjoy St. John on your very own “island time.”

Parking in Cruz Bay is limited, so our close proximity to the village makes it convenient to leave your car at the Inn and walk about without worrying about parking.

Things to Do on St. John

Here’s just a small list of our favorite places and things to do on and around St. John. If you’d like to know more, just ask! We love giving our “local perspective” on anything about St. John Island.

St. John Watersports, Scuba, Snorkeling and Beaches

Many Caribbean islands claim to provide a bonanza for water sports enthusiasts, but in fact, few have such superlative scuba diving and snorkeling as offered on the waters surrounding the island of St. John. If one water sport is king on St. John, it is snorkeling. Most first-timers head for the famed underwater trail at Trunk Bay, just a ten-minute drive from the St. John Inn. And our beaches are unmatched anywhere in the world!

Hiking Trails Around St. John's National Park and Tennis

If you choose to get your exercise on land, you'll find over 20 miles of hiking trails in the National Park. Tennis is also available on the public courts in Cruz Bay, just a couple minutes' walk from the St. John Inn (of course, relaxing around our pool isn’t bad either).

Virgin Islands National Park Visitors Center on St. John

The National Park offers many seminars, excursions and tours around St. John. Inquire at the Visitor's Center for maps and schedules of interpreted trail hikes and other Park related offerings.

Historical Points of Interest on St. John

Reef Bay Trail: One of our favorites is the five-hour guided hike down to Reef Bay where you can see petroglyphs (rock carvings) and visit the ruins of a sugar mill. (or you can trek this on your own).

Annaberg: Here you'll find the restored sugar mill and slave housing complex. There are restrooms in the parking lot, which is also the place to park and walk to Waterlemon Cay for snorkeling.

Cathrineberg: Just a few feet off of the road to Cathrineberg off Centerline Road in the center of the island, this mill ruin is particularly beautiful.

St. John Beaches

Hawksnest is St. John's popular beach. It’s the first beach in the Park when coming from Cruz Bay up North Shore Road and its crystal blue water, soft white sand, and excellent snorkeling are the main attraction. Two gazebos are available for parties, barbecues, or family events, and changing rooms and bathroom facilities are on site for convenience.

Gibney: This "local hang-out" is a private beach about a mile and a half from Cruz Bay. Gibney is the perfect spot to spend an afternoon and forget all your troubles.

Trunk Bay is ranked one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and it is spectacular! It’s $4 per person to enter, and there are showers, rest rooms, snack bar and water sports rental equipment. This is the only beach with lifeguards during the day.

Cinnamon Bay is a North Shore Beach with access to water sports like sailing, windsurfing and kayaking. There is also a little store and restaurant there, as well as showers and bathrooms.

More info about St. John Beaches

St. John Fishing and Day Sails

Off shore light tackle fishing can be done in half or full day around other Virgin Islands and cays. Pick a charter boat sail or cast away! We can help you find the right boat, just ask.

Snorkeling

The diversity of sea life and corals around St. John are amazing. Full and half day snorkel trips are available aboard motor and sail vessels. We will be happy to help you make the right decision on guided sail/snorkel trips, or point you in the right direction for finding the best snorkel places by car.

Hiking

With the National Park and many beaches to explore, there is always a new place to go and explore on St. John. Inquire at the Visitor's Center for their map and schedules of interpreted trail hikes. There is also an excellent map produced by National Geographic for sale in many places around the island. Our favorite is the unofficial hiking map produced by the Trail Bandit. Also comprehensive St. John hiking trail info is available online.

St. John Shopping

St. John is a shopper's paradise. Jewelry, gift shops with imported goods and local crafts are located in downtown Cruz Bay. Mongoose Junction is by far the best place to shop, and Wharfside Village has many places of interest as well.

If you are a shopper, Charlotte Amalie, the downtown area of St. Thomas is the largest duty free shopping port in the world. Take the “downtown” ferry directly into Charlotte Amalie, and you are dropped off smack dab in the middle of shopping heaven!

Island Hopping and Day Trips

There are many islands to explore. Taking a boat to visit our neighbors by sea is the best way to appreciate them. There are several different excursions to enjoy. Snorkel trips and day sails will take you to some of the best places St. John and the USVI have to offer.

Day Trips from St. John to BVI

The most popular day trips are to Jost Van Dyke beaches or to The Baths on Virgin Gorda in the BVI. Tortola, the capitol of the British Virgin Islands, also has a plethora of excursions perfect for a day trip. (Don’t forget your passport!)

Night Life

There are numerous bars to hop and restaurants located in Cruz Bay, as well as a few in Coral Bay. Dress casual for the bar hopping, and mingle with warm friendly islanders making the night as bright as the sun filled days. One can usually find live local music on any given evening. Let us know what you are looking for on any given day, and we will be happy to point you in the right direction!