St. John - United States Virgin Islands
During my recent visit to St. Thomas, I found myself eager to island hop and explore more of the US Virgin Islands, especially since this was my second time in St. Thomas. Although I initially did not have all the details worked out —how to get to different islands, how to get around while there, or what to do—I knew I was ready to have an adventure. I have put together a list of must visit beaches / activities for a day trip from St. Thomas to St. John that’s guaranteed to leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Don’t forget to treat yourself to a painkiller to start your visit!
Ferry Details
Taking the ferry from St. Thomas to St. John is quite simple. Ferries depart from Red Hook to Cruz Bay every hour on the hour, and you can check the schedule here. Adult tickets are $6 one way, with an additional $4 fee if you’re bringing luggage. While tickets can be purchased in advance, I had no issues buying mine on the day of travel. If you do buy ahead of time, note that your ticket will be valid for up to 7 days.
How Long Does it Take to Get There
The ferry ride from Red Hook (St. Thomas), to Cruz Bay (St. John), typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes. With ferries running frequently—typically every hour—getting to St. John is both convenient and stress-free.
How to Get Around When You Arrive
When you arrive in Cruz Bay, you should be able to find a taxi fairly quickly that will bring you to beaches. They are bright, open air vehicles - easy to spot or flag down near the ferry dock. As you head to the beaches, many drivers will make scenic stops along the way, giving you a chance to snap photos of the stunning coastal.
Best Beaches to Visit While There
St. John has some of the most breathtaking beaches I’ve ever experienced, with plenty to choose from. I highly recommend spending the day beach hopping to make the most of your time. Each of these beaches is not only perfect for relaxing but also offers a stunning backdrop for watching the sunset.
Trunk Bay Beach: Recently named #1 beach in the world according to World’s Best Beaches. This is one of the beaches in St. John that require you to pay a small entrance fee of $5, which helps maintain the facilities and protect the park's natural beauty. The beach offers well-maintained amenities, including restrooms, showers, changing rooms, and a snack bar. There are also chair and snorkel gear rentals available. The best time to visit the beach is either early in the morning or later in the evening with less crowds.
Maho Bay Beach: Just a short distance from Trunk Bay, you can find yourself at Maho Bay Beach. This beach is easily accessible by car, and is super family friendly. One key highlight about visiting this beach in particular is the frequent presence of sea turtles (I unfortunately did not see one during my visit - but they are definitely out there!!) The calm, shallow waters make it perfect for snorkeling and relaxing with kids.
Cinnamon Bay Beach: This beach also isn’t located too far from Trunk Bay, typically less crowded, offering a more serene beach experience. The beach is adjacent to the Cinnamon Bay Campground, which offers camping, cottages, and eco-tents for a unique stay near the beach. This beach also offers a lot of natural shade, which is the best on a super hot day.
Honeymoon Beach: This beach is located between Cruz Bay and Caneel Bay, and can be accessed by hiking or by boat, giving it a slightly secluded feel. Honeymoon Beach is a bit quieter than other popular beaches in St. John, though it can get busier on weekends and during high season.
There are two main ways to reach Honeymoon Beach:
Hike: You can either hike the Lind Point Trail, which begins near the Cruz Bay Visitor Center and takes about 20-30 minutes to reach the beach.
Water Taxi: Or some visitors prefer to take a boat or water taxi from Cruz Bay or other parts of the island.
Other Things to do in St. John For the Day
Virgin Islands National Park: Take a hike on one of the many trails in Virgin Islands National Park. The Reef Bay Trail and Cinnamon Bay Trail are popular options that offer scenic views, historical ruins, and the chance to see local wildlife.
Go Kayaking or Paddleboarding: Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the calm waters around Cruz Bay or Maho Bay. These can be rented at the beach!
Shopping in Cruz Bay: Browse the local shops and art galleries in Cruz Bay to pick up unique souvenirs or gifts.
Where to Eat
I visited St. John in September, which falls during hurricane season. During this time, many restaurants close and typically reopen in late October, so be sure to check ahead of your visit to confirm if the spots below are open. Luckily, High Tide was open when I went!
High Tide: Just a short walk from the ferry dock, High Tide is a great first stop. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering a mix of local cuisine and signature seafood dishes.
The Longboard: Their menu includes shareable bar snacks & small plates, poke bowls, and ceviches, as well as vegetarian options, all prepared with a Caribbean flair using local spices
Skinny Legs Bar and Grill: A laid-back spot offering burgers, sandwiches, snacks, and desserts. It's also the perfect place to grab a drink—especially a Painkiller!
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