Things to do in St John

Things to do in  St John

Remote and unspoiled

Petite St. John isn’t exactly easy to get to—it has no airport nor cruise-ship terminal—but it more than makes up for its inaccessibility with lush and unspoiled scenery. The smallest and least-visited of the three main US Virgin Islands, St. John’s postcard-perfect white-sand beaches, verdant jungles, and vibrant coral reefs are largely protected as Virgin Islands National Park. Visitors can soak up the idyllic Caribbean surroundings (or follow an underwater snorkeling trail) on Trunk Beach, kayak on Cinnamon Bay, and hike the Reef Bay Trail to spot ancient petroglyphs.

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Top 15 attractions in St John

#1

Virgin Islands National Park

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The majority of St. John is covered by the Virgin Islands National Park, a stretch of preserved wilderness that offers protection and preservation for fish, corals, marine life, and tropical and migrating birds. The park also protects the island’s reef, with public access at the mangrove bay of Hurricane Hole, east of Coral Bay. Snorkeling is a popular activity all along the coastline.More
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#2

Honeymoon Beach

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Located on the northwest shore of St. John and part of the Virgin Islands National Park, Honeymoon Beach is an idyllic tropical paradise of white sand, palm trees, and clear shallow waters. A concession offers cabana and chair rentals, amenities, and food and drinks, making for an easy and relaxing day on the beach.More
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#3

Waterlemon Cay

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Sitting in the middle of a coral reef encircled by sand and the waters of Leinster Bay, the tiny island of Waterlemon Cay off of St. John is a favorite among snorkelers. It’s home to a wealth of coral and marine life, which is why it ranks so high with travelers. From the Leinster Bay Trail on the north side of St. John, visitors can catch a view of Waterlemon Cay.More
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#4

Maho Bay

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Maho Bay, perched on St John’s northern shore, is named after the Maho tree, which you can identify by its heart-shaped leaves and bright yellow flowers. The coconut palm-lined stretch of sand allures with its calm, shallow waters and a coral reef just offshore popular for snorkeling.More
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#5

Trunk Bay

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Trunk Bay’s talc-soft sands, turquoise waters, and lush green backdrop make it one of the most photographed and most famous beaches on St. John Island. Just offshore of this earthly paradise, a marked-out underwater trail serves as a popular snorkeling spot, with information about coral formations and sea life. It’s a great activity for beginner snorkelers, kids, and older adults.More
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#6

Coral Bay St. John

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St. John's Coral Bay prides itself on being the raffish alternative to the island’s main point of arrival, Cruz Bay. Its few dozen houses are haphazardly sprinkled on the green slopes above Coral Harbor, a scenic, protected cove. The town’s charm lies in its friendly, laid-back bars and restaurants where—unlike in some Caribbean locations—tourists won’t necessarily outnumber the locals.More
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#7

Caneel Bay

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Caneel Bay is one of the first beaches you come to as you drive up North Shore Road out of St. John’s main port, Cruz Bay. Much of the coastline here is monopolized by an extensive resort, which suffered severe damage from hurricanes in 2017 and remains closed. Caneel Bay is located within the Virgin Islands National Park and is still accessible through ecotours.More
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#8

Whistling Cay

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One of the smaller snorkel spots in St John, Whistling Cay is a deep-water snorkeling area, with depths of 40 feet or more. The clear waters allow visitors to see down into the deep to view large coral formations; they can either snorkel the surface and admire the coral from afar or free-dive down to explore them up close.More
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#9

Hawksnest Bay

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One of the most beautiful and convenient beaches on St. John, Hawksnest Bay is a favorite for families with children and visitors coming from the ferry docks at Cruz Bay. Swaying palm trees and sea grapes line the narrow beach, which has restrooms, grills, and a shaded picnic area.More
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#10

Annaberg Sugar Plantation

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Back in its heyday, the Annaberg Sugar Plantation was one of 25 facilities on the island producing sugar, along with molasses and rum. All that remains today are ruins, but they are an important reminder of St John’s past, and visitors can walk a trail that leads through important structures such as slave quarters, windmills, and factory remains.More
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#11

Salt Pond Bay

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Perched on the scenic southeast coast of St John, Salt Pond Bay shimmers with crystal clear waters fronted by a rocky, white-sand beach. The beach offers an escape from the crowds of Cruz Bay, with calm waters for swimming, tide pools filled with marine creatures, and a coral reef in the middle of the bay for snorkeling.More
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#12

Reef Bay Trail

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A walk along Reef Bay Trail uncovers the history and culture of St. John. The 2.2-mile (3.5-km) trail descends through shady forest and through several sugarcane estates before finishing at the Reef Bay sugar mill near Genti Bay. Keep an eye out for Taino petroglyphs carved into the basalt rock along the way.More
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#13

Henley Cay

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Off the shores of the stunning island of St. John, Henley Cay is a short boat ride but seems worlds away. Comprised of 11 isles, its crystal clear turquoise waters make it a draw for water activities such as snorkeling and kayaking. Much of the reef is located in shallow water (from 3 to 15 feet,) so visibility is often best just off the shore. Though it has a history dating back to the 18th century, it’s uninhabited today.Its bay and cove are protected and receive fewer visitors than other snorkel spots on the island. Colorful corals, sea fans, and tropical fish are easily seen, and many consider the snorkeling at Henley Cay to be world-class. Angelfish, parrotfish, surgeonfish, and wrasse are a few of the common fish species spotted often. Tours of the cay typically leave from Caneel Bay and combine kayaking and snorkeling the reefs.More
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#14
Mongoose Junction

Mongoose Junction

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If you’re looking to shop while visiting St. John, Mongoose Junction is the place to go. Considered the island's premier shopping and dining destination, Mongoose Junction is home to a number of stores selling local Caribbean products such as furniture and textiles, clothing, jewelry, and beach essentials.More
#15
Leinster Bay

Leinster Bay

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Sun, soft sand, and warm, shallow waters characterize Leinster Bay—a favorite among beach lovers seeking solitude. It’s also one of the best snorkeling and scuba diving spots on St John thanks to the colorful coral reef of Waterlemon Cay, where it’s possible to spot sea turtles, stingrays, starfish, and schools of blue tang and parrotfish.More

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Top activities in St John

Discover The Baths of Virgin Gorda Full Day Adventure - Westin St. John

Discover The Baths of Virgin Gorda Full Day Adventure - Westin St. John

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$349.00
The Baths and White Bay

The Baths and White Bay

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$395.00
St. John Champagne Sunset Sail with Open Bar & Hors D'oeuvres - Westin
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St. John Champagne Sunset Sail with Open Bar & Hors D'oeuvres - Westin

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$109.00
Circle the Island of St. John | Lunch stop at Lime Out (Taco Boat)
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Circle the Island of St. John | Lunch stop at Lime Out (Taco Boat)

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$250.00
Book Your Private Two and a Half Hour Island Tour today!

Book Your Private Two and a Half Hour Island Tour today!

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$150.00
BVI - Beach Bar Tour (Foxy's, Soggy Dollar, Willy-T)
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BVI - Beach Bar Tour (Foxy's, Soggy Dollar, Willy-T)

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$335.00
Private St John Tour including Trunk Bay

Private St John Tour including Trunk Bay

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$425.00
per group
Private Day Sail

Private Day Sail

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$1,395.00
per group
All Inclusive St. John Day Sail

All Inclusive St. John Day Sail

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$635.00
Jost Van Dyke - Funday!
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Jost Van Dyke - Funday!

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$325.00
Group Sunset Sail St. John

Group Sunset Sail St. John

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$400.00
Private Four Hour Historic/Beach Tour with Star Fish Tours & Taxi

Private Four Hour Historic/Beach Tour with Star Fish Tours & Taxi

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$575.00
per group
Private Sunset Boat Charter during the "Golden Hours"
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Private Sunset Boat Charter during the "Golden Hours"

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$695.00
per group
Midnight Sun Charters - 37ft OBSIDIAN

Midnight Sun Charters - 37ft OBSIDIAN

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$2,000.00
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Learn to Sail - Sailing Lessons All Inclusive

Learn to Sail - Sailing Lessons All Inclusive

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$1,395.00
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US Virgin Islands Luxury Private Day Charter

US Virgin Islands Luxury Private Day Charter

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$4,250.00
per group
Midnight Sun Charters - 43ft ONYX

Midnight Sun Charters - 43ft ONYX

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$3,150.69
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SPECIAL - (Up to 4 Passengers) All Inclusive Day Sail

SPECIAL - (Up to 4 Passengers) All Inclusive Day Sail

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$995.00
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SPECIAL - All Inclusive Day Sail

SPECIAL - All Inclusive Day Sail

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$1,395.00
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Last minute Day Sail (2 Guests) Sail, Snorkel, Swim or Sunbathe

Last minute Day Sail (2 Guests) Sail, Snorkel, Swim or Sunbathe

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All about St John

When to visit

The best time to visit St. John is during the dry season from December to April. This period offers sunny, rain-free days for exploring the island’s pristine beaches and hiking trails, as well as enjoying water sports and snorkeling. For an extra unique vacation, plan your visit around the St. John Festival in late June—a Carnival-like celebration complete with pageants, parades, fireworks, and musical performances.

Getting around

Virgin Islands Transit (VITRAN) offers three public bus routes on St. John, which pass by many—but not all—of the island’s most popular destinations. Bike rentals are a fun option for those looking to explore the main tourist areas at their own pace (many roads have bike lanes). While you can rent a car, the island’s steep and narrow roads can be challenging for some visitors—consider hailing a taxi for shorter trips instead.

Traveler tips

On the southern coast of St. John, the beach along Salt Pond Bay is a picture-perfect spot with clear waters, colorful reefs, and lush hiking trails. Venture out in the early morning to have this pristine stretch of sand almost all to yourself.

Attractions
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Tours
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Reviews
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People Also Ask

What is St. John best known for?

St. John is one of three US Virgin Islands (along with St. Thomas and St. Croix), known for its pristine beaches, historic sugar cane plantations, and bevy of outdoor activities. One of the most famous sites on the island is the Virgin Islands National Park, home to coral reefs and Trunk Bay—which is often considered one of the most beautiful places in the entire Caribbean.

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Can you take shells from St. John?

No, you cannot take shells from St. John. The Virgin Islands Code explicitly prohibits the possessing, transporting, or exporting of indigenous species—and that includes things like coral, sand, and seashells. You’ll just have to take plenty of photos instead to remind you of your time on St. John’s beautiful beaches.

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How many days should people spend in St. John?

It depends on your personal travel preferences. While some people could easily spend five days on this tiny island—there are certainly enough outdoor adventures to warrant a longer stay—others may prefer to just stop by St. John for one day as part of a larger USVI trip. Generally speaking, three days is plenty of time to experience all the views, hiking trails, and snorkeling spots on the island.

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What is the best month to go to St. John?

The best month to go to St. John is generally considered to be any time between December and April—aka the dry season. This is considered the high season, however, so you will have to deal with more tourists and steeper prices if you visit during this time. You can try to visit outside of this window, but just be prepared for undesirable weather conditions (read: hurricanes).

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What do I need to know before going to St. John?

There are a few basic facts to know before you go to St. John. For starters: The island’s primary language is English, and the accepted currency is the United States dollar (USD). Be sure to pack island essentials like reef-safe sunscreen and insect repellant. And most importantly, always remember to be respectful of both the natural resources and the people who call St. John home.

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Do you need a US passport to go to St. John?

United States citizens do not need a passport to go to St. John, as the US Virgin Islands are a territory of the country. You can still use your passport as ID to get through the airport; if not, be sure to bring some sort of government-issued photo ID. If you aren’t a US citizen, then you’ll need to bring a passport issued by your country of origin.

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Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
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What are the top things to do in St John?
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What are the top activities in St John?
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