Planes, Vans, Ferries, and Jeeps, Oh My! (Or How to get to and around St. John)

Planes, Vans, Ferries, and Jeeps, Oh My! (Or How to get to and around St. John)

Everyone going to St. John first arrives on St. Thomas and travels to St. John by ferry or private boat (unless you’re Kenny Chesney, who zips in and out via helicopter from the Myrah Keating Clinic just outside of Cruz Bay). Commercial flights and private charters go in and out of the Cyril E. King airport on St. Thomas (airport code STT), which was recently given a facelift with additional shops, more restrooms and seating in baggage claim, and useful directional signs. Arriving guests are escorted through the exitway to baggage claim, where you can rent a car from one of the rental counters or grab a taxi. The dispatcher in charge should be obvious, ask for Red Hook and await further instruction. I always find it useful to grab a drink to go at the bar before herding up with the others. Unless you’re paying for a private lift, the taxis don’t leave until the van is full and most don’t allow passengers to have open beverages on the ride.

The drive to Red Hook takes approximately 35-45 minutes and the inside of the ferry terminal is pretty clearly marked (another recent improvement). Purchase your ferry ticket to St. John ($7 one-way + luggage fee) then hit the restroom (recently expanded) or grab a drink at the bar, which has a nice selection of just about anything cold. Keep your hunger and pass on the hot dogs in the case, trust me. Ferries leave for St. John every hour on the hour, from 6:00am until midnight, every day of the week. The ride over to St. John from Red Hook takes 15-20 minutes and arrives in Cruz Bay, where you can grab an open-air taxi and head up the famous North Shore, hop on the island bus for a buck (heads to Coral Bay and Salt Pond via Centerline Road), or rent a jeep by the day or week from any one of a number of local car rental shops.

If you’re behind the wheel, remember to we drive on the left. Why the USVI went left is another post (and a big debate), so just follow the island rule and drink right, drive left. And keep a keen eye on the road for wild donkeys, goats, and sheep – they didn’t get the memo.

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Historical

Museums

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The history of St. John is diverse and chaotic. Learn more about the lives of early settlers and how the area eventually became part of the National Park in 1957 at the Archeological Museum at Cinnamon Bay.

Other

Sites

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Some of the other attractions in St. John that could be of interest include the St. John Animal Center, Bordeaux Mountain Overlook, and the Elaine Ione Sprauve Library and Museum.

Reef Bay

Trail

Reef Bay Trail is the perfect way for you to discover the secrets of St. John’s ancient petroglyphs, sugar mill ruins, and tropical forests. This two-mile-long St. John hiking trail features a steep rocky path and lets you explore the inner depths of the island. Near its end is a freshwater pond.

Annaberg Hiking

Trail

If you want a relaxing experience, hiking on St. John, USVI, Annaberg Hiking Trail is the one to tackle. It’s more of a walk than a hike, so it’s excellent for first-time hikers and beginners. This trail contains paved paths that wander around the ruins of historical buildings. At the top of the trail, a stunning ocean view awaits you.

Water

Taxis

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Hire a personal water taxi ride to and from your destination. A relaxing and comfortable way to go.

Cruise Ship

Schedules

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A comprehensive list of the major cruise ships and their schedules, arrival and departure times.

Rentals

Car

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One thing to remember is that here people drive on the left side of the road. You may wonder if it is better to rent a vehicle in St. Thomas or St. John. Get the opinion of a local. There are several car rental companies to choose from.

Virgin Islands National

Park

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60% of St. John is a national park. This means that the island enjoys untouched beauty and splendor, preserved for many years, and will continue to be so for future generations to enjoy. 

Historical

Sites

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With its history as rich as its landscape, you can visit and explore the many plantation ruins and archaic buildings still existing in St. John.

Lind Point

Trail

This short St. John hiking trail is perfect for all ages. It’s the best trail for families looking to experience a great bonding experience while surrounded by nature. At the trail’s end, breathtaking Salomon Beach awaits. Should you decide to walk for another half a mile, you will witness the clear blue waters of enchanting Honeymoon Beach.

Award-Winning

Beaches

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St. John island has the best beaches in the Caribbean. Along the famous North Shore of St. John visitors will find several miles of award-winning national park beaches, each one more enticing than the next. Be sure to view our comprehensive Beach Guide.

Visit

BVI

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You can extend your exploration by visiting one of the British Virgin Islands near St. John.

Spas &

Salons

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St. John offers many ways to pamper and boost your spirit. Book an appointment with one of the salons, spas, and massage therapists in the area and feel rejuvenated like a whole new person.

Shopping

in Cruz Bay

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There are multiple shopping centers in St. John where you can shop till you drop and enjoy a search for that truly unique curio find.

Snorkeling

Under
water

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With many local shops on Cinnamon Bay and Trunk Bay offering rental equipment for snorkeling and diving, you will have no problem finding the right equipment for your aquatic adventures.

Scuba

Diving

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You can go scuba diving and experience the amazing aquatic world beneath the surface of the Caribbean Sea.

Hiking

Trails

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St. John has dozens of well-maintained trails where you can go strolling, running, or hiking while enjoying the tropical breeze and stunning views of the island.

Petroglyph Spur

Trail

Featuring a steep climb and narrow path, Petroglyph Spur Trail offers a bit of a challenge. However, the reward is indeed worth all the sweat and exhaustion. Aside from a freshwater pond, this trail offers viewings of petroglyphs from as early as 300 A.D. You might even see newly discovered ones.

Francis Bay

Trail

Francis Bay Walking Trail is among the easiest of St. John hiking trails to traverse, and it’s also wheelchair-accessible. While the vegetation is a little brushy in some spots, the views are undeniably picturesque. It also features the Salt Pond and a dry tropical forest for you to explore

Cinnamon

Bay

Cinnamon Bay is the longest stretch of white sandy beach on St. John Island. Private ceremonies can be held on the beach with a tranquil, relaxing and intimate atmosphere. There are no fees for entering or using the beach.Cinnamon Bay is the longest stretch of white sandy beach on St. John Island. Private ceremonies can be held on the beach with a tranquil, relaxing and intimate atmosphere. There are no fees for entering or using the beach.

Tektite

Trail

In 1969, NASA along with the US Navy and the Department of Interior (DOI) launched a study at Lameshur Bay to evaluate what would happen when people live and work underwater. The first structure that was built for this experiment was called Tektite, and the Tektite Trail follows the original quarter mile road used to deliver supplies to the aquanauts. Unmarked and barely visible, the entrance to the Tektite Trail starts at the bottom of the concrete paved road that leads to both Great and Little Lameshur bays.

The first Tektite experiment was a success and a second experiment, deemed Tektite II, was launched later that year that included the world’s first all-female team of scientists to live underwater. Tektite and Tektite II were each built of two cylindrical tubes about 12 feet wide and 18 feet high that sat 50 feet underwater throughout the mission.

Today the structure is gone, but the underlying foundation underwater remains, as does the trail to the entrance. The original base camp is now the Virgin Islands Environmental Resource Station (VIERS), located between Great and Little Lameshur Bays and run by Clean Islands International on behalf of the University of the Virgin Islands. Visit the Tektite Museum at VIERS for some cool artifacts from that crazy time in 1969.

Trunk

Bay

Trunk Bay is the most popular beach and considered one of the top beaches in the world. There is a $4.00 charge per person daily from 7:30am – 4:30pm. Trunk Bay is a picturesque location for weddings any time of the day. It is most noted for sunset weddings.

Hawksnest

Beach

Hawksnest Beach is a beautiful stretch of white sand. It is an unforgettable place for a wedding. It offers restrooms and a place to change clothes for the Bridal couple and their guests. Hawksnest Beach is best for morning weddings because the lighting is absolutely phenomenal for photographs. There are no fees to enter or to use this beach and there is plenty of parking. Ceremonies of St. John offers canopy and chair rentals.

Annaberg Plantation

Ruins

Annaberg Plantation Ruins was once a Danish sugar mill and plantation back in 1780. It was named after William Gottschalk’s daughter. Annaberg translates to Anna’s Hill. There are many charming settings for a wedding ceremony to be held within this elegant historical plantation with breathtaking views.

The ruins are open to the public and protected by the Virgin Islands National Park. If you are interested in having your wedding here you would want to schedule it in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat. Since the plantation is open to the public, it can get very crowded during mid day.

Peace Hill

Trail

Clearly marked and accessible from North Shore Road (Rt. 20), the Peace Hill Trail offers far more than the obvious. A small parking lot allows for only about eight cars and is rarely full. Follow a wide path straight up from the parking lot to a flat knoll where lies an old sugar mill ruin. Great 300 degree view of the North Shore of St. John and across to the British Virgin Islands, those who only go this far are missing the best part.

From the parking lot on the way up to Peace Hill is an unmarked entrance to a half mile trail that takes you directly to Denis Bay beach. The trail and the west area of Denis Bay are park land, while the land to the east with a residential dwelling is privately owned. The west side of Denis Bay is the most interesting, with large black volcanic rocks, warmed sitting pools, and a small rocky island just off the shoreline with excellent snorkeling all around. Denis Bay also offers interesting sights and sounds. Boats cruise along the North Shore of St. John (Windward Passage and The Narrows) heading through Sir Francis Drake Channel to the British Virgin Islands, which can be seen from Denis Bay beach in the distance. Water crafts range from small motored dinghies to multi-hulled sailing vessels, and there’s never a shortage of things to watch. Visitors to Denis Bay beach are guaranteed an active view and a classic tropical beach environment.

Bordeaux Mountain

Trail

Heading down the Bordeaux Mountain trail is a breeze, and puts hikers at Little Lameshur Bay for a refreshing dip in the clear Caribbean Sea. Heading up, you’ll wish you had made other plans!

Bordeaux Mountain trail is accessible at the top of Bordeaux Mountain Road, from an often unmarked trail head, and descends steeply a little more than a mile to the bay below. Head west to the Lameshur Bay trail to get to Reef Bay, or head east down the road to Great Lameshur Bay. Remember, only the latter will have any jeep traffic, so if you’re tired and looking to hitch, don’t head to Reef Bay!

Europa Spur

Trail

Along the Lameshur Bay trail is a spur trail to Europa Bay, about a half mile in. When the Lameshur Bay trail reaches the Reef Bay trail, make a right up the Reef Bay trail just 50 yards to the Petroglyph spur trail, or make a left down the Reef Bay trail about a mile to the Reef Bay Sugar Mill ruins, Reef Bay beach and greater Genti Bay.

Yawzi Point

Trail

Surprisingly named for a disease called Yaws, Yawzi Point marks the location where natives who were stricken years ago were isolated. Accessible from the Lameshur Bay beach road (between Great Lameshur Bay and Little Lameshur Bay), the Yawzi Point trail is just over a quarter mile and offers hikers a great sampling of local vegetation and breathtaking waterfront overlooks.

Lameshur Bay

Trail

Almost two miles from Lameshur Bay to Reef Bay, the Lameshur Bay trail offers many points of interests to hikers. Accessible from the end of Rt. 107 (Lameshur Bay road), the trail is wide and wanders through deep forest for the first half mile, then follows a ridge called the White Cliffs for the second half, ending about a mile up from the water at the Reef Bay trail. Hikers will find massive hollow trees still standing, wild deer and mongoose, and dozens of different birds enjoying the day overhead. Hiking along the White Cliffs of Lameshur Bay trail will bring you into bright sun, so remember the sunblock when you pack that extra water.

Cinnamon Bay

Trail

One of the trails that are open year-round is Cinnamon Bay Trail. Dogs are allowed, but they must be on a leash. With its shaded loop, this trail is beautiful and pleasant to visit anytime. This trail offers a close-up look at the old sugar factories, echoing the island’s history.

L'Esperance

Trail

You won’t find this trail on the national park hiking maps for St. John Island, but L’Esperance is one of the most interesting. Catch the entrance to L’Esperance trail on the south side of Centerline Rd. (Route 10) about a quarter mile past the Virgin Islands National Park sign at Catherineberg. Round trip, the L’Esperance trail is almost six miles, so bring plenty of water and start your hike early in the day to ensure you will return before dark. L’Esperance trail follows the Fish Bay Gut, with at least four different ruins sites not seen by many visitors. The trail veers east about halfway down and crosses over the Mollendal gut along the Sieben Ridge and down to Genti Bay, the greater area of water of which Reef Bay beach lies just to the east. You’ve hiked this far, might as well walk on over to the Reef Bay Sugar Mill ruins, just beyond the forest line at the beach, and down the Reef Bay trail about a mile to the Petroglyphs spur trail.

Brown Bay

Trail

Untouched and unspoiled are two of the best descriptions for the Brown Bay Trail. While it’s among the list of St. John, USVI, hiking trails that are not very well-maintained, it has its own charm and beauty. It leads to a private shallow cove that offers a peaceful escape. You will see starfish, conch, and loads of fish there.

Johnny Horn

Trail

Considered a moderately challenging route, Johnny Horny Trail takes about two hours to complete. It features a clear path, thanks to the foraging feral donkeys and goats in the area. This trail is steep and exposed to the sun, so you might want to bring plenty of water and snacks to keep you energized. It leads to historical sites and amazing views.

Turtle Point

Trail

With the rugged natural setting of Turtle Point Trail, you are sure to experience refreshing tropical breezes and witness impressive views. It follows Hawksnest Point’s rocky shoreline and passes through a dry forest and coastal terrain. Along the path, there are strategically placed benches where you can sit and relax.

Salt Pond Drunk Bay Spur

Trail

If you’ve opted to head out to Salt Pond, one of the national park beaches along the south shore of St. John Island, and you’re looking for a nice surprise, hike the short Drunk Bay spur trail, which starts at the far east end of Salt Pond bay and follows the Salt Pond along the north side for a half mile to Drunk Bay. A flat, and sometimes hot, walk from Salt Pond, Drunk Bay offers visitors who make the trek a fun surprise.

While the rocky, rough shores of Drunk Bay are not conducive to swimming, the famous bay clearly supports, and some say prompts, creative expression. While you may not see them at first, look closely to discover dozens, then hundreds, of coral statues along the rocky beach. Using the various formations of coral along the shoreline, inspired visitors for decades have created a bevy of “coral people” using the stones to create heads, torsos, arms and legs. Partially shredded coconut for hair, sargassum weed for clothes, and crooked pieces of drift wood allow for unlimited artistic opportunities. Add your creative two cents and build your beauty at Drunk Bay.

Drunk Bay Spur

Trail

If visiting Salt Pond, take an easy, quarter-mile flat hike over to Drunk Bay. Drunk Bay shore is rocky with rough waves, but also has a surprise awaiting all who visit. It takes only some coral with a little flotsam and jetsam thrown in to make the island’s most creative outlet. Hike the short distance over to Drunk Bay to find out for yourself what everyone is talking about!

Ram Head

Trail

Being one of the most unique and visually stimulating St. John, USVI, hiking trails, there’s no way you should miss Ram Head Trail. This one takes you on a rocky path that leads to a blue cobble beach, the hillside, and then finally, an overlook that’s 200 feet above the Caribbean Sea.

Rental & Charter

Boats

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There are a number of boat rental places in St. John that offer various cruising options, including sightseeing tours, island hopping tours, and snorkeling and diving tours. Come and enjoy the dazzling blue waters of the Caribbean while observing the splendid views and relaxing in the refreshing sea breeze.