Itinerary Suggestions: St John

Quick Getaway

A 24-hour layover offers St. John experiences.

Focus on iconic spots for a memorable visit.

-Hour Highlights

Morning: Early ferry from Red Hook, St. Thomas, to Cruz Bay. Taxi to Trunk Bay for swimming and snorkeling.
Late Morning: Walk Cinnamon Bay Self-Guided Trail or visit Maho Bay for sea turtle spotting.
Afternoon: Explore Cruz Bay shops and soak in the town's atmosphere.

Extended Stays

Tailor your St. John itinerary to your specific interests and time.

Weekend Getaway 2-3 Days

A short stay packs in arrival, town exploration, and natural beauty.

Day by Day

Day 1: Arrive STT, transfer to St. John. Settle in Cruz Bay, explore shops, bars, restaurants. Sunset drink and dinner.
Day 2: Morning hike Lind Point Trail to Honeymoon/Salomon Beach. Afternoon taxi to Maho Bay for snorkeling/watersports. Evening dinner/music in Cruz Bay.
Day 3: Morning Annaberg Plantation ruins visit. Scenic drive to Coral Bay. Early afternoon return to Cruz Bay, ferry back to STT, depart.
For tour bookings, visit GetYourGuide.

One-Week Comprehensive Experience

A week permits exploration of beaches, national park, and nearby islands.

Full Week Itinerary

Days 1-2: Cruz Bay & North Shore Beaches (Trunk, Cinnamon, Hawksnest). Snorkeling, sunbathing, Lind Point Trail.
Days 3-4: National Park & Water Adventures (Reef Bay Trail or full-day boat charter for island hopping, Waterlemon Cay snorkeling).
Day 5: British Virgin Islands Excursion (Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda). Passport needed.

Long-Term Stay Recommendations

For stays longer than two weeks, a villa or condo with kitchen/laundry is advisable.

Extended Stay Tips

Settle into a rhythm. Explore local life in both Cruz Bay and Coral Bay.
Engage in various watersports and hikes. Deeply relax into the island pace.
Consider discounted rates for monthly rentals.
Extend trip with multi-day visits to St. Thomas or British Virgin Islands.

Two-Week In-Depth Exploration

A two-week stay creates a more leisurely pace.

Extended Itinerary

Revisit favorite beaches. Explore more challenging hiking trails.
Take multiple boat trips, perhaps a private charter for a day. Truly unwind.
Ideal for renting a villa with a kitchen for self-catering and local experience.
Day 6: Coral Bay & South Shore. Salt Pond Bay, Ram Head Trail, Lameshur Bay.

Interest-Based Routes

Tailor your St. John itinerary to your specific interests.

History & Heritage

Annaberg Plantation, Reef Bay Trail (sugar mill ruins, Taino petroglyphs), Catherineberg Ruins, historic Cruz Bay architecture.

Culinary Journey

Diverse restaurants in Cruz Bay, Coral Bay eateries, street food vendors (pâtés, rotis), Starfish Market for local produce, fresh seafood.

Adventure & Outdoors

Hiking (Reef Bay, Ram Head, Johnny Horn trails), snorkeling/diving (Trunk, Maho, Waterlemon Cay), kayaking/paddleboarding, full-day boat charters.

Trip Duration

Regardless of your chosen itinerary, stay flexible. St. John's "island time" means things may not always run exactly as planned. Embrace the relaxed pace.

Budget & Season

St. John can be enjoyed on various budgets and comes with unique benefits by season.

Backpacker's Guide

Affordability considerations for your trip.

Budget Tips

Accommodation: Cinnamon Bay Campground (tent sites) or budget guesthouse in Cruz Bay.
Transportation: Mainly safari taxis for popular routes. Walking or hitchhiking for shorter distances.
Food: Buy groceries at Starfish Market, cook meals. Local food trucks for affordable lunches/dinners.
Activities: Free National Park activities: hiking, public beaches (Trunk Bay has small fee). Bring own snorkel gear.

Consider GetYourGuide for budget-friendly experience bookings.

Mid-range Traveler's Itinerary

A balance of comfort and independent exploration.

Mid-Range Plan

Accommodation: Mix of mid-range hotel/condo or a shared villa rental.
Transportation: Rent a Jeep for a few days for independent exploration, or use a combination of safari taxis.
Food: Mix of self-catering, casual restaurants, and some mid-range dining.
Activities: Group boat tour for snorkeling/island hopping. Rent kayaks/paddleboards at popular beaches.

Luxury & Family Itinerary

Tailored for premium comfort or family-friendly fun.

Luxury Experience

Accommodation: Private luxury villa with a pool and stunning views, or at a high-end resort.
Food: Indulge in fine dining at top restaurants. Consider hiring a private chef for meals at your villa.
Transportation: Arrange private car services from the airport and for island transport. Book private boat charters for excursions.
Activities: Enjoy private guided excursions, spa treatments, and exclusive access to amenities.

Family-Friendly Itinerary: Trunk Bay (excellent facilities, lifeguards, shallow snorkel trail), Maho Bay (calm, sea turtles), Cinnamon Bay (watersports rentals), private villa with pool.

Family-Friendly Itinerary

Tailored for children and family fun.

Family Fun

Trunk Bay: Features excellent facilities, lifeguards, and the shallow, calm underwater snorkel trail.
Maho Bay: Known for its calm, shallow water and frequent sea turtle sightings, perfect for children.
Cinnamon Bay: Provides watersports rentals (kayaks, paddleboards) and easy access.
Stay in a vacation villa with a private pool for family fun and relaxation.

Seasonal Specialties

Different seasons bring unique benefits and considerations.

Seasonal Choices

Winter (High Season: Mid-December to May): Ideal weather, dry, sunny, breezes, calm seas. Best for all outdoor activities.
Summer (Shoulder Season: June, July): Good weather, fewer crowds, better prices. Good for snorkeling/swimming.
Festival or Event-Centered: St. John Festival (late June/early July) for cultural immersion, parades, music, food.
8 Tuff Miles race (Feb/March): A popular community event.

Off-Season Exploration Strategies August-October

This is peak hurricane season and the quietest time.

Pros & Cons

Pros: Quieter beaches, lowest prices for accommodation/flights, more authentic local interaction.
Cons: Prepare for potential hurricane season disruptions (weather, business closures).
Some restaurants or businesses may close for annual staff breaks.
Always have travel insurance covering trip cancellation/interruption.

Embrace Island Time

Regardless of your chosen itinerary, remain flexible. St. John's "island time" means things may not always run exactly as planned. Embrace the relaxed pace.

Itinerary Suggestions