About St. John

At just 27 square miles, St. John, USVI, is a tiny, three-by-nine-mile island gemstone, little brother to its two U.S. Virgin Island larger siblings, St. Thomas, which is minutes to the west and St. Croix, to the south. Together, the three main U.S. Virgin Islands are a United States Territory, your very own "American Caribbean," with all the security, safety and ease that implies. With plenty of flights from the U.S. mainland, St. John Island is an easy-to-get-to vacation hideaway of inviting, lush emerald mountains, soft white coral sand beaches and a scuba divers' and charter boaters' Shangri-la of stunning coral and aquamarine waters. Two thirds of St. John Island, thanks to Laurence Rockefeller's generosity in the 1950's, is actually the incredible Virgin Islands National Park, which includes 5,600 acres of off-shore marine areas. Many experienced vacationers and naturalists see St. John as by far the most beautiful and striking of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Truly, St. John beckons you to stay, play and live here with us.

Although only a 20-minute ferry ride from the eastern tip of St. Thomas, its scenic charms and friendliness of its residents is worlds removed from St. Thomas.

Numerous near-deserted beaches, snorkeling and hiking trails, historical ruins and coral reefs full of sea life populate the island; one of the most tranquil environments you will find anywhere. Leinster Bay St. John USVI

The community consists of an interesting and diverse population of hardworking locals, transplanted continentals, and wealthy retired corporate executives.

While the island is compact, it is also extensive. It would take weeks, perhaps months, to visit and thoroughly explore all the snorkeling spots, hiking trails, and nooks and crannies of historical significance. The views are consistently knock-dead gorgeous. Accommodations range from camping to some of the Caribbean's finest resorts. There is plenty of gourmet dining as well as "pub grub". Quality sailing, diving, kayaking, and power boating excursion opportunities abound around St. John.

The topography is geologically complex, comprised of multi-million-year-old rock formations, which rise steeply from the shore. It's three highest ridges range from 1,147 to 1,277 ft above sea level. Its terrain ranges from sub-tropical forests in the northwest to an arid environment on the east end. There are over 800 species of plants and 160 species of birds to enjoy. Over 400 donkeys freely roam the hills.

St. John's main town is eclectic Cruz Bay, which is the St. John ferryboat arrival point. A variety of shops and dining can be found at Cruz Bay. Regularly scheduled ferries from Red Hook and Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas create a constant even flow of visitors to and from town. Car ferries also operate. The island is also accessible by ferry from Tortola and Virgin Gorda. It is easy to walk anywhere in town. To visit other parts of the island, you can take local transportation, which comes mainly in the form of open air taxies, or you can rent a car or jeep. A bus service also operates and is considered to be the best value on the island. Land tours and sea excursions for snorkeling and fishing are all available on St. John.


SIZE
St. John - 19 Square Miles

POPULATION
St. John has 4,300 residents

LANGUAGE. There are many West Indian dialects which you may hear, most of them are predominantly English based. There are people from all over the Caribbean living here so If you don't understand what has been said to you, politely ask for the person to repeat what they have said. Preface all questions and requests with a greeting first. Customarily, "Good Morning" or "Good Day" will get you prompt service and many smiles.

CURRENCY & CREDIT CARDS. The currency of the US Virgin Islands is the US Dollar. Major credit cards are accepted in many but not all establishments. Ask before you make a purchase or order food. ATM machines are located in banks and at other commercial locations. There is a free standing ATM machine on the West Indian Company Cruise Ship Dock next to the Welcome Center.

BANKS. The following banks operate in the US Virgin Islands:

Banco Popular
First Bank Virgin Islands
Scotiabank

TAXATION. There is no sales tax in the Virgin Islands. Residents pay income tax to the USVI government. There are no state income taxes.

MAIL. The US Virgin Islands are a territory of the United States and therefore use the same postal system and US mail rates. You can mail an unlimited amount of locally purchased gifts back to the states but liquor and tobacco are excluded. These will not count in your total USVI Duty-Free allowance.

DRESS. We are more than just a beach destination and bathing suits and beach wear worn elsewhere, especially in the downtown areas, tends to offend residents. So please, wear proper attire (no bare midriffs or chests) in town and public areas away from the beach.

MEDICAL. For 24 hour medical care call Red Hook Family Practice at 775-2303 (St. Thomas office) or 776-6789 (St. John office) or call Doctors on Duty 776-7966. The St. Thomas Hospital phone number is 776-8311.

ISLAND CREATURES. The mongoose take care of our snakes, the scorpions sting but aren't poisonous. If you are prone to allergies you may have similar reactions to various insect bites and stings.


Sunday March 1, 6-7 PM 

Gandhi-King Season for Nonviolence 

Peace Hill, Virgin Islands National Park, St. John 

On iconic Peace Hill overlooking the sea, sunsets on Sundays are the settings for the peaceful teachings of Gandhi-MLK Season for Nonviolence, a global campaign for peace.  Unity of St. John presents teachings, music and meditation in a free program to enhance personal peace in a changing world.  A complimentary shuttle to Peace Hill departs at 5:30 pm from the St. John ferry dock – take the 5 pm ferry from Red Hook – returning 7 pm. 

 

Friday March 6 

First Friday Downtown 

Downtown Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas 

First Friday in Downtown Charlotte Amalie showcases the best island St. Thomas has to offer in drinks, food and entertainment in the cultural mecca of the island.  Every first Friday downtown restaurants and bars stay open for extended hours.  Perfect time for dining out or a pub crawl. 

 

Friday March 6, 6 – 9 PM 

First Friday 

Mongoose Junction, Cruz Bay, St. John 

Discover, dine and dance the night away as Mongoose Junction features local artists, art exhibits and live music.  For info visit www.mongoosejunctionstjohn.com 

 

Sunday and Monday March 8 and 9 

Full Moon Kayak Tours 

Virgin Islands Ecotours – Mangrove Lagoon, St. Thomas.   

Venture to the East End of St. Thomas to explore the famous spooky Mangrove Lagoon in the moonlight in two-person easy to paddle kayaks.  You will wear headlamps as you paddle through the mangrove tunnels exploring the Wildlife Preserve.  The marina is lit up for dining and drinks afterwards. 

For More Events

Sponsored By

St. Croix Beaches

St. John Beach Guide

You have got to do St. John. You hear that from everyone who has visited the Island and from those who live here. But, what does it mean to do St. John? Well, there are the wonderful hiking trails that meander through the island that can take you from the "bustling" town of Cruz Bay to secluded beaches and pristine Caribbean forests. How about touring the island on a two-hour tour of the National Park or just go shopping in Cruz Bay? And don't forget the plethora of beaches.

more

St. John Weddings / Romance

DID YOU KNOW THAT... Many couples are opting to save the money (not to mention the stress and hard work) of a big wedding at home by escaping to a Caribbean island for a combination wedding/honeymoon. Upon their return, they can share the event by showing the video and photographs at an informal reception.

All the islands are beautiful and, on some, weddings have become a major promotional tool. So why should you choose St. Thomas above others?

more

Moving To St. John

St. Thomas, one of the three United States Virign Islands, along with St. Croix and St. John, St. Thomas is one of the most beautiful island destinations in the world, dressed with powdery beaches and sun-drenched weather. St. Thomas is located in the Lesser Antilles, 1,600 miles south, south east of New York City; 1,100 east, southeast of Miami; 70 miles of San Juan. St. Thomas and its nearby neighbor St. John, lay between the Atlantic and the Caribbean.

more
st. croix cruise ships

Getting To St. John

Our Port

You get to St. John by flying to nearby St. Thomas and then take a taxi to Red Hook and then a 15 minute ferry to St. John. Ferries depart every hour. As an alternative you can take a taxi a taxi to the Charlotte Amalie Ferry dock and then embark on a 45 minute ferry to St. John.

If you are renting a home you will definitely need to rent a car, and should consider an all wheel or 4 wheel drive vehicle. St. John has some rental car companies but you can also rent a car in St. Thomas and then take a ferry which will transport your car over to St. John . If just visiting for the day there are numerous taxis and safari vans available. St. John taxi and van drivers are very hospitable and accommodating.

more
Background Image

Planning A Trip

Planning a trip to the St. John is exciting, fun and so easy…..

more info
st. croix food tours

St. John Island Tours

Guided Food Tasting & Cultural Walking Tour On St. Thomas
More Info

Background Image

Events & Festivals

So many wonderful Events and things to do in St. John

more info

Water Sports

Come join us in our exploration of the unique underwater world.

more info