Saint John Travel Guide
Discover the natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure opportunities of Saint John in U.S. Virgin Islands with our comprehensive travel guide.
- Introduction to Saint John
- List of Places to Visit in Saint John
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Saint John
- Best Things to Do in Saint John: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Saint John
- Food and Drink Scene of Saint John
- Where to Stay in Saint John: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Saint John: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Saint John
- Best Time to Visit Saint John
- Do’s and Don’ts of Saint John
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Saint John: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Saint John
- Where to Go Next from Saint John: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Saint John
Saint John is a little piece of paradise located in the U.S. Virgin Islands, a group of islands located in the Caribbean Sea. Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and unspoiled beaches, Saint John is a popular destination for travelers seeking relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences. The island has a rich history, having been first inhabited by the Taíno people, and later, the Danish, who purchased the land in the 17th century. Today, Saint John is a cosmopolitan mix of cultures, where Caribbean, American, and European influences coexist harmoniously.
List of Places to Visit in Saint John
Whether you are interested in history, nature, or adventure, Saint John has something to offer. Here are some top attractions of the island:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Annaberg Plantation - Once a sugar plantation, this site now serves as a museum that highlights the life and struggles of the enslaved people who worked the land.
- Cruz Bay Visitor Center - Part of the Virgin Islands National Park, this exhibit showcases the island’s ecology, history, and culture.
- Catherineberg Ruins - These ruins were once a grand estate owned by a wealthy family and feature a sugar factory, windmill, and living quarters.
Natural Attractions of Saint John: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Trunk Bay - Featuring a 225-yard-long underwater snorkeling trail, this beach boasts some of the clearest waters in the Caribbean.
- Caneel Bay Beach - Known for its seclusion, this beach is surrounded by verdant hills and offers excellent snorkeling opportunities.
- Reef Bay Trail - This moderate hiking trail winds through lush rainforest and leads to a waterfall and ancient petroglyphs.
- Maho Bay Beach - One of the most picturesque beaches on the island, this spot is the perfect place to relax, swim, and spot marine life.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Saint John
Saint John boasts some of the best hiking and biking routes in the Caribbean, with miles of trails leading through lush tropical forests, steep hills, and dreamy beaches. Here are some top-rated routes:
- Cinnamon Bay Trail - An easy, flat trail that weaves through a wetland section and offers stunning views of the reef.
- Rams Head Trail - A moderate but challenging trail that takes hikers through a rocky coastal area and offers breathtaking panoramas of the Caribbean Sea.
- Lind Point Trail - A gentle, wooded trail that starts at the parking lot of the National Park Visitors Center and leads to the Cruz Bay overlook on to the south shore.
Best Things to Do in Saint John: Activities and Tours
Saint John is a hub of water sports, wildlife watching, and cultural tours. Here are some must-do activities to add to your itinerary:
- Snorkeling Tour at Waterlemon Cay - A guided tour that takes participants to the must-see underwater spots around the island. Experiencers come up close and personal with marine creatures like turtles, stingrays, and a great variety of colorful fishes.
- Zipline Adventure - An exciting and fun-filled way to see the island’s lush canopy and wildlife.
- Sunset Sailboat Cruise - A romantic and scenic way to enjoy the sunset over the Caribbean Sea, accompanied by cocktails, hors-d’oeuvre, and live music.
Week-Long Itinerary for Saint John
If you have one week to spend on Saint John, consider following this itinerary to make the most of your trip:
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Beach-hopping tour beginning with Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, Gibney, and Hawksnest beaches |
| 2 | Guided snorkeling tour of the island’s fringing reef |
| 3 | Historical tour: Visit Annaberg Plantation, Catherineberg Ruins, and Cruz Bay Visitors Centre |
| 4 | Ecological tour: Reef Bay Trail hike, Coral Bay visit, and bird watching at Francis Bay |
| 5 | Adventure tour: Zipline at Tree Post Road or sail the Caribbean Sea on Endurance |
| 6 | Eat and Shop: Go to Estate Whim Museum shops with authentic crafts, visit Mongoose Junction or Wharfside Village |
| 7 | Self-care and relaxation: Get a spa treatment and beach massage, embark on a sunset sail, and soak up the scenery at Chocolate Hole Bay. |
Food and Drink Scene of Saint John
Saint John has a fantastic local food and drink scene, showcasing a blend of Caribbean, American, and European cuisine and unique beverages. Here are some must-try dishes and drinks:
Must-Try Dishes
- Conch Fritters - A popular appetizer made with minced conch meat, flour, and a mixture of spices.
- Fish and Fungi - A quintessential Virgin Islands dish that consists of pan-fried local fish and cornmeal-based fungi, served with a side of buttered spinach or plantain.
Local Beverages
- Bush Tea - A herbal tea that features native herbs like lemongrass, mint, and hibiscus, and has a flavor similar to ginger.
- Rum Punch - A refreshing cocktail made with rum, lime juice, sugar, and a blend of tropical flavors like pineapple, mango, or guava.
Where to Stay in Saint John: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Saint John offers a wide range of accommodation options for every budget and preference, from romantic villas on the beach to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses in the city center. Some top-rated places to stay include:
- Caneel Bay Resort - A luxurious resort located on a secluded beach, with access to a full range of amenities and activities.
- The Westin St. John Resort Villas - Another luxury option, offering well-appointed apartments, excellent dining options, and a variety of water sports.
- St. John Inn - A charming budget-friendly option located in Cruz Bay, with cozy rooms, a peaceful garden, and easy access to local restaurants, bars, and shops.
What to Buy in Saint John: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Saint John offers a wide range of unique souvenirs and local products that reflect the island’s culture and history. Some must-buy items include:
- Rum and local wine - The Virgin Islands have their signature spirits, including Cruzan Rum and St. John Winery’s fruit wines.
- Arts and Crafts - The island’s artisanal community produces handicrafts, carvings, and paintings reflective of Virgin Islands culture and traditions.
- Gourmet salts and spices - Saltwater-grown and hand-harvested in the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. John’s Sea Salt, infused with local flavors such as hot pepper, lime, and lemongrass, is one of the local’s favorite items.
Local Culture and Customs of Saint John
To get a more in-depth understanding of Saint John’s culture and customs, here are some essential pointers to keep in mind:
- Hospitality - Saint John locals are very hospitable and friendly and expect visitors to respect their culture and traditions.
- Beaches - Sunbathing topless is not allowed in Saint John, despite the island’s casual and laid-back atmosphere.
- Community and Environment - There is a strong sense of community among Saint John Islanders, and they take great pride in keeping their island clean and sustainable.
Best Time to Visit Saint John
The best time to visit Saint John is between late April and early June when the weather is mild and the tourist season is winding down. The shoulder season also means cheaper accommodation prices and less crowded attractions. Alternatively, the dry season, starting from November to April, is ideal for beach vacations and warm temps.
Do’s and Don’ts of Saint John
To make your trip to Saint John smooth and enjoyable, here are some general rules to follow:
Do:
- Respect the local culture and customs, including dress codes, religious beliefs, and social norms.
- Protect the environment and observe leave-no-trace principles, especially when hiking or snorkeling.
- Make time to interact with locals, learn their culture and traditions and make friends.
Don’t:
- Litter or damage the natural beauty of the island.
- Touch wildlife or marine animals, feed sharks, or damage corals.
- Drive on the left side of the road while touring the island with a rental car.
Safety and Health
Saint John is a generally safe and tourist-friendly destination, but visitors should be vigilant about certain risks and health concerns.
Safety in Saint John
- Be aware of your surroundings, particularly when enjoying the nightlife or hiking alone.
- Avoid deserted areas after dark, deserted beaches or trails with insufficient lighting.
- Keep your valuables, such as smartphones, cameras, or cash, in a safe place or locked box at the hotel or resort.
Health in Saint John
The island has a high standard of health care, with the Roy Lester Schneider Hospital in St. Thomas and Myrah Keating Smith Clinic in Cruz Bay. However, travelers should take precautions against sun exposure, dehydration, and bug bites, particularly by using sunscreen, staying hydrated throughout the day, and applying repellent before outdoor activities.
Getting to Saint John: Transportation Options and Logistics
Saint John is an accessible and well-connected destination, and visitors can choose from a variety of modes of transportation to get to and around the island.
Airports Near Saint John
The Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas is the recommended airport for those traveling to Saint John.
Bus Stations Near Saint John
Public transportation is limited to St. John and St. Thomas, but taxis, rental cars, and ferries provide more flexibility.
Other Options
Ferries are a popular and scenic way to reach Saint John from St. Thomas. Regular ferry services run by companies like Red Hook Ferry in St. Thomas, or the Native Son in St. John, provide affordable, fast, and straightforward transportation.
How to Get Around in Saint John
Visitors to Saint John can use the following transportation options to tour the island:
- Rental Cars - Popular rental agencies like Avis, Budget, and Hertz provide rental cars at Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas.
- Taxis - Taxis are an easy and affordable option for those without a car, and taxis are readily available in Cruz Bay.
- Ferries - The ferry system offers an excellent way to explore the island’s coastlines and beaches.
- Buses - Public buses operate on St. John, and while they do not run on a strict schedule, they are the most budget-friendly option for transport.
Where to Go Next from Saint John: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Saint John is an ideal starting point to explore nearby destinations and embark on exciting excursions, such as:
- St. Thomas - A bustling and vibrant Island that offers shopping, dining, and nightlife activities
- Virgin Gorda - A stunning island with stunning rock formations, white-sand beaches, and crystal-clear water
- British Virgin Islands - Charter a yacht and embark on an island-hopping adventure to see other destinations, such as Jost Van Dyke and Anegada Island.
Conclusion
Saint John is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves water sports, hiking, nature, and culture. This comprehensive travel guide has provided you with all the essential information you need to plan your trip to Saint John, from top attractions to helpful travel tips. So book your tickets, pack your bags, and get ready to experience the magic of this little slice of paradise!
