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St John Travel Resources

St John Travel Resources

St John US Virgin Islands Travel Guide

Digital Resources

Essential Apps

  • Google Maps OR Apple Maps

    Download offline maps for reliable navigation, even with spotty cell service.

  • Weather App

    Monitor daily forecasts and tropical activity, especially in the hurricane season.

  • Airline / Hotel Booking Apps

    Access your reservations and flight status updates readily.

  • WhatsApp

    Useful for contacting local businesses, tour operators, or villa managers.

  • NordVPN

    Secure your connection on public Wi-Fi networks.

Useful Websites

  • NPS The Virgin islands archipelago National Park (nps.gov/viis)

    The main guide for information about the park, trails, and programs led by park rangers.

  • USVI Department of The travel industry (visitusvi.com)

    General tourism information, official advisories, and activities across the USVI.

  • Local St. John Tourism Sites (e.g., stjohnusvi.com)

    Detailed local information, business listings, and community events specific to St. John.

  • Ferry Schedules & Pricing

    Look for up-to-date schedules for passenger and car ferries between St. Thomas and St. John.

  • Social Media Accounts

    Follow official USVI tourism and local St. John businesses on Instagram or Facebook.

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks

General Caribbean guidebooks offer overviews and historical context. Pick up detailed Virgin Islands National Park maps at the Visitor Center.

Local Island Maps

Free tourist maps highlight attractions, roads, and businesses. Find them at the ferry dock or tourist information centers.

Local Publications

The St. John Tradewinds newspaper (weekly) shares current news, event listings, and local insights. Look for copies all over the island.

Emergency & Medical Information

Emergency Contacts

  • Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 911
  • Morris F. DeCastro Clinic (St. John): +1 (340) 693-8900
  • Roy Lester Schneider Hospital (St. Thomas): +1 (340) 776-8311
  • U.S. Coast Guard (Marine Emergencies): +1 (340) 776-3497

Lost Document Procedures

  • File a police report immediately with the Cruz Bay police department.
  • Non-U.S. Citizens: Contact your country's embassy or consulate in the U.S.
  • U.S. Citizens: Contact the nearest U.S. Passport Agency on the mainland for direction.
  • Keep copies of your documents in a separate location.

Further Reading & Exploration

Documentaries & Films

  • Search for documentaries on the Virgin Islands National Park or Danish West Indies history.
  • These provide images and factual overviews of the island's unique characteristics.
  • Gain a context for the natural beauty and history.
  • Explore topics like marine life, conservation, and historical events.

Music & Art

  • Immerse yourself in Caribbean music genres like calypso, reggae, and soca.
  • Listen before or during your trip to absorb the local atmosphere.
  • Seek out local artists and their work reflecting island life.
  • This cultural exposure enriches your travel experience.

Online Communities

  • Join Facebook groups dedicated to St. John travel for current updates.
  • Utilize forums on popular travel websites (e.g., TripAdvisor St. John forum).
  • Ask questions and share experiences with other travelers and residents.
  • Gain insights and advice directly from the community.

Critical Information for St. John

Natural Disaster Protocols

Stay Informed

  • Tune into local radio stations (e.g., WSTA 1340 AM).
  • Listen to NOAA Weather Radio for official advisories.
  • Monitor news during hurricane season (June-November).
  • Seek information from trusted government sources.

Follow Instructions

  • Always follow directives from local authorities.
  • Adhere to National Park Service safety measures.
  • Listen to your accommodation staff regarding storm plans.
  • Cooperate with evacuation procedures if issued.

Preparedness

  • Understand your accommodation's specific storm plan.
  • Know the location of designated shelters.
  • Have an emergency kit ready if necessary.
  • Maintain communication with your travel party.

Health & Safety Reminders

Protect from Sun & Insects

Water & Footwear

  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
  • Wear Water shoes for rocky beach entries and to guard against sea urchins.
  • Avoid touching coral or marine life while snorkeling or swimming.

Driving & Cash Tips

Driving on the Left

  • Remember vehicles drive on the left side of the road.
  • Take your time and drive carefully, especially on winding, hilly roads.
  • Heed street signs and local traffic norms.

Cash Availability

  • Many smaller vendors, street food stalls, and safari taxis are cash-only.
  • Carry small U.S. Dollar bills for convenience.
  • ATMs are available in Cruz The cove for withdrawals.

Respectful Travel Guidelines

Environmental Care

  1. Always use reef-safe sunscreen (mineral-based, non-oxybenzone, non-octinoxate).
  2. Avoid touching coral or marine life; do not stand on coral.
  3. Minimize single-use plastics by bringing reusable water bottles and bags.
  4. Pack out all trash from beaches and trails, leaving no trace.
  5. Conserve water and electricity, which are precious island resources.

Cultural Etiquette

  1. Offer polite greetings like "Good morning/afternoon/evening" to locals.
  2. Wear cover-ups when in town or dining; avoid bare swimwear.
  3. Respect the local pace of life and traditions.
  4. Ask permission before photographing individuals.
  5. Observe wildlife from a distance without disturbing their natural behavior.

Health & Safety Resources

Travel Insurance

Invest in travel insurance, especially for hurricane season, covering trip interruption, cancellation, and medical emergencies. World Nomads is a popular option.

Medical Preparedness

Consult the CDC website for health advisories for the USVI. Talk to your doctor about recommended vaccinations or precautions before your trip.

Emergency Planning

Familiarize yourself with emergency contacts before you leave home. Store them in multiple locations, not only on your phone.

Important Note

Hospital care on St. John for serious cases transfers to Roy Lester Schneider Hospital in St. Thomas.

Essential Pre-Trip & On-Island Information

Digital Communication & Navigation

Staying Connected

  • Cell Service

    Coverage is generally good in Cruz Bay it can be spotty in remote areas of the National Park.

  • Wi-Fi Access

    Most accommodations, restaurants, and bars offer Wi-Fi.

  • Power Outlets

    Standard U.S. Type A and B outlets (110-120V). No adapter needed for U.S. Visitors.

Navigation Offline

  • Offline Maps

    Download St. John maps on Google Maps or Apple Maps before arrival.

  • GPS Reliability

    GPS generally works well, but downloaded maps cover any connectivity gaps.

  • Trail Navigation

    NPS maps are useful for detailed trail navigation within the park.

Health & Safety on the Island

Medical Facilities

St. John Morris F. DeCastro Clinic handles urgent care. Serious cases transfer to St. Thomas's hospital.

Personal Safety

St. John is generally safe. Exercise common sense, especially at night, and be aware of your surroundings.

Water Safety

Always swim and snorkel with a buddy. Understand ocean currents and listen to local warnings.

Local Wildlife & Environment

Land Animals

  • Wild donkeys roam; view from a distance and avoid feeding them.
  • Spot various bird species, especially within the National Park.
  • Non-venomous snakes like the St. Croix racer inhabit the island.
  • Small lizards and iguanas are common; do not harass them.

Marine Life

  • Sea turtles (green, hawksbill) are frequently observed in bays like Maho.
  • Observe coral reefs from a respectful distance; do not touch.
  • Schools of colorful fish abound for snorkelers.
  • Look for stingrays, conch, and various invertebrates on the seabed.

Flora & Fauna Highlights

Island Plants

  • Lush tropical vegetation, including various palms and flowering trees.
  • Explore diverse ecosystems from dry forest to mangrove wetlands.
  • Identify native species along National Park trails with interpretive signs.
  • Observe hardy cacti and agave in drier coastal areas.

Conservation Efforts

  • The Virgin islands archipelago National Park dedication to protecting unique ecosystems.
  • Local organizations work to preserve land and underwater ecosystems.
  • Sustainable tourism practices encourage minimal human impact.
  • Recycling and initiatives for waste minimization operate on the island.

Offline Preparation

Familiarize yourself with emergency contacts before you leave home. Store them in multiple locations, not just on your phone.

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