Travel to ST. JOHN

Saint John is the smallest, but many say the prettiest of the U.S. Virgin Islands because of its world-class beaches. Two-thirds of Saint John is U.S. Virgin Islands National Park.

UNDERSTAND

The main community on the island is Cruz Bay, located on the western side of the island.

History

First settled by Arawak natives and then by Carib natives who drove the Arawaks from the island in 1300. Discovered by Columbus on his second voyage to the "new world" and claimed for Spain. Later owned by the Danish who sold it to the United States in 1917.

GET IN

By Plane

Fly into Saint Thomas' Cyril E King Airport (IATA: STT), and take a taxi to the nearest ferry service (see below).

By Boat

Hourly ferry service from Red Hook, Saint Thomas (a 20-minute ride) is available to Cruz Bay, St. John and operates from 6:30AM, then hourly from 7AM - midnight. Ferry service from St. John to St. Thomas runs on the hour from 6AM-11PM. Less frequent ferries travel between Charlotte Amalie, Saint Thomas and Cruz Bay, St. John (a 45-minute ride). Ferries also run to and from Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, and Anegada (in the British Virgin Islands).

GET AROUND

Renting a car is the best way to see all the beaches and other sites. However, be aware that the terrain is extremely hilly, and you have to drive on the left. If you rent a car, it's a good idea to request a Jeep or other four-wheel-drive vehicle. Cab service is affordable and plentiful, especially to the north shore beaches.

The Vitran bus service runs from Cruz Bay over Coral Bay to Salt Pond and back every hour and is a great and affordable (1$ per person) way to cross the island, or to get to any of the numerous hiking trails that start around Centerline Road.

SEE

• U.S. Virgin Islands National Park - Virgin Islands National Park's hills, valleys and beaches are breath-taking
• U.S. Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument - extends eastward from Estate Hermitage to Haulover Bay along the southern shoreline of the Island

DO

• Take a tour by jeep and boat around the island or sit on the white sandy beaches.
• Take a taxi or rent a car. Drive around the island and stop at the beaches and spend all day snorkeling.
• Miles of hiking trails criss-cross the entire island. Maps are available from the U.S. Park Service office in Cruz Bay. Ranger guided hikes can also be scheduled for a small fee at the same office.

LEARN

The surrounding woods and brush areas are often populated with wildlife. The park has 140 species of birds, 302 species of fish, 7 species of amphibians, 22 species of mammals and 740 species of plants. The only mammal native to St. John is the bat, and the six species are important pollinators of native plants. The island also has many other species of animals that are not native, including deer, goats, sheep, donkeys, cats, dogs, mongoose and pigs.

BUY

Currency, its access, and customs considerations are basically the same as for Saint Thomas. Cruz Bay has a few merchants offering jewelry, liquor and souvenirs, but somewhat more genteel than in most cruise ports. For items that benefit from duty-free importation, prices generally rival those in Saint Thomas. (See this topic for Saint Thomas; most advice applies, though St John is seldom overrun by cruise passengers shopping.)

Island shopping ranges from walk-up drink and food shacks to a stylish, tiered, open-air galleria/mall. Most are in or within easy walking distance of the harbor, e.g., the gallery of shops at Mongoose Junction.

• Mongoose Junction (St John USVI Virgin Islands Shopping), Cruz Bay (Across from the VI National Park Visitors Center). Mongoose Junction is a very popular shopping and dining spot on the shady end of Cruz Bay in a historic stone and mahogany setting joined by shady tropical garden courtyards. Unique and exceptional retail shops, art galleries and a varied selection of dining and bars make Mongoose Junction a great gathering place for island visitors and locals alike.
• Verace, 340.693.7599. Designer jewelry store located in Wharfside Village. edit

EAT

St. John has more than 35 places to dine, ranging from chic and expensive restaurants to funky beachside food stands. After dark the island comes alive with hotel and villa guests seeking out one of the island's cozy and romantic restaurants.

The best cheeseburger in this paradise can be found at Skinny Legs in Coral Bay. Great food, excellent harborside venue, and an excellent place for a cold beer after a busy day of snorkeling. An absolute must even if only visiting the island for a day (or even part of a day).