St. John - the Jewel of the American Caribbean

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Advisor - Kristen Pupa
Curated By

Kristen Pupa

  • Beaches

  • Active Travel

  • Adventure Travel

  • Outdoors

  • Sightseeing

  • Entertainment

View of blue waters and the beach in St. John out the window of a black jeep
Curator’s statement

St. John is the jewel of the American Caribbean. With over 80% of the island dedicated to a National Park, there’s always room to escape and enjoy some of the most amazing scenery without the crowds.

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Where to stay in St. John

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Things to do in St. John

Boating and cruising Bay

Boat Day

Charter your own luxury center console and hop between protected reefs and bars. Snorkel with sea turtles, jump off the back of a floating bar, or eat tacos with your crew at a floating taco stand. Also, the BVI's are now open for day trips!

Beach Bum

Bring snorkel gear and beach-hop in your rented Jeep or on a hop on/hop off “Safari” taxi. Hit up the world-famous Trunk Bay, Hawksnest Beach, Cinnamon Bay and Maho Bay. Make sure you have a fruity cocktail and lunch at Maho Crossroads!

Hike

Take a guided hike on the Reef Bay Trail. See plantation ruins, ancient rock carvings from long before western settlement on the island and amazing flora and fauna as you hike from one of the highest points on the island, all the way down to Reef Bay. The hike ends with a relaxing boat ride back to the National Park Visitor Center in Cruz Bay.

Day Trips

How to get around:

Rent a Jeep from one of the many rental agencies on the island. Just remember that they drive on the left side of the road in the Virgin Islands!

Safari taxis are the way to get around if you don’t want to drive. Fares are standard between destinations or hire your own for the day.

Places to eat & drink in St. John

cafe in St john

Morgan’s Mango - Visit on Lobster night, Tuesdays and Saturdays for locally caught Lobster and an amazing open-air experience. A top-shelf bar and wine list, along with an eclectic menu of Caribbean and Creole cuisine.

Longboard - Stop in for a quick snack of ceviche or a quesadilla or the freshest Poke bowls on island. Don’t miss out on the famous Frozen Painkiller!

Drink! - Drink is the quintessential bayfront bar. Their fresh-squeezed orange margarita is to die for.

Windmill Bar - If you want to see the sun melt into the Caribbean at sunset, this is the place to be. With quick bar bites, live music and great cocktails, make sure you don’t miss the place

High Tide - You might meet the Ghost from Jost sitting next to you at the bar. Order a Bushwacker and the Mahi tacos and people-watch to your heart’s content.

Advisor - Kristen Pupa

Travel Advisor

Kristen Pupa

Get in touch with Kristen

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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to the Caribbean.