Things To Do In St John USVI – An Outdoorsy Travel Guide

Are you searching for a laid-back island destination where nature abounds and the adventures are endless? Then, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, should be at the top of your list! Whether you’re a hiker, snorkeling enthusiast, or simply a nature lover, there are so many unforgettable things to do in St John, USVI.

In this outdoorsy travel guide, I’m sharing my favorite beaches, snorkel locations, hikes, adventure tours, and outdoor dining spots. So, if you’re ready to escape the crowds and say yes to adventure, stick around and discover the magic of St. John!

Why visit St. John?

St. John is a true island paradise. Lush landscapes. Pristine beaches. Unspoiled nature.  

With over half of the island designated as a national park, do you know what that also means? Less development and fewer crowds. Nature takes center stage.

Did I mention the fantastic tropical climate? With average temperatures around eighty degrees Fahrenheit and warm water year-round, St. John is, dare I say, almost perfect.

How to Get to St. John

Although St. John does not have an airport or seaport for cruise ships, it is still quite convenient to reach. I can be in the islands in less than three and a half hours from my home airport in Atlanta. Talk about convenience!

To reach St. John, you fly into Fly into Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St. Thomas. From there, hop on a short ferry ride from Red Hook or Charlotte Amalie to Cruz Bay, St. John. The ferry ride is a beautiful introduction to the island, giving you a taste of the crystal-clear waters you’ll soon be exploring. Once you arrive, it’s all about embracing the island vibes and letting the adventure begin!

For all the details on How to Get to St. John, be sure to read this post!

Where to Stay on St. John

When it comes to where to stay on St. John, you’ve got some fantastic choices that cater to various tastes. Be forewarned: if resort-lined beaches and towering highrises are your thing, St. John is probably not for you. While there is a Westin Resort on the island, most of the lodging options on the island are condos, boutique hotels, or private vacation rentals. You can find vacation rentals on VRBO, Airbnb, or through local rental companies such as St. John Villa Rentals or Caribbean Villas of St. John .  

Whether you’re looking for resort luxury, condo convenience, or homey rental charm, St. John has the perfect spot for your stay.

St. John Beaches

St. John has more than a dozen postcard-worthy beaches to choose from. You’ll discover white-sand crescent-shaped beaches lined with coconut trees. With most beaches within the borders of Virgin Islands National Park, you’ll enjoy pristine beaches, secluded coves, and tranquility. Famous St. John beaches include…

Trunk Bay: If you had to name St. John’s most iconic beach, Trunk Bay is probably top of the list. It is, in fact, St. John’s most photographed beach. With powdery white sand, vibrant coral reefs, and even an underwater snorkel trail, no visit to St. John is complete without a stop at Trunk Bay.

Maho Bay: Maho Bay is our family’s favorite beach on the island, and if you’re a fan of laid-back beaches and snorkeling with turtles, it might be yours, too!

Gibney Beach:  If you’re looking for a beach with a deserted island-type feel, then Gibney Beach (often also referred to as Oppenheimer Beach) is the place for you. Gibney Beach boasts a soft white sand beach lined with coconut palms. With just a scattering of people (if any), Gibney Beach feels like your own paradise.

Want all the details for the BEST beaches of St. John? Then be sure to read this post!

Best Snorkel Locations on St. John

St. John is one of the best snorkeling islands in the Caribbean. With over a dozen virtually crowd-free, white-sand beaches and protected marine areas, St. John has some great snorkeling spots close to shore!

Trunk Bay: Trunk Bay is iconic- and looks like it is straight out of a postcard. Just off the beach, you’ll find an underwater snorkeling trail, perfect for beginners.

Maho Bay:  Have you ever dreamed of snorkeling with sea turtles? At Maho Bay, dreams come true! Just off the shore, in the calm waters of Maho Bay, you can snorkel with the sea turtles, which can often be seen snacking on the seagrass below.

Salt Pond Bay: Salt Pond Bay is slightly off the beaten path but an excellent snorkel location. Salt Pond Bay is located on the Coral Bay side of the island and requires a half-mile hike. The rocky shoreline of the edges of the bay makes for really good snorkeling, where you’ll likely spot a variety of fish.

For the BEST snorkel locations on St. John, read this post!

St. John Hikes

When you think of a Caribbean island, hiking might not be the first thing to come to mind, but there are actually some really interesting hikes on the island. A few popular ones include:

Reef Bay: Embark on a hike to Reef Bay and discover ancient petroglyphs etched into the rocks by the island’s indigenous inhabitants. This archaeological treasure is a glimpse into St. John’s rich history.

Peace Hill:  Peace Hill, is more of a short stroll versus a hike, but the payoff is excellent! At the summit, you’ll find a historic sugar mill ruin and panoramic views that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Ram Head Trail: The Ram Head Trail is unbeatable for a hike with a view. It takes you up to a point with views of the rugged coastline and distant views of the British Virgin Islands.  My favorite is a sunrise hike to Ram Head!

For all of the details, be sure to read my post St. John Sunrise Hike.

Visit Coral Bay, St. John’s Hidden Gem

Coral Bay offers a laid-back, local vibe that’s a refreshing change of pace from the more touristy side of the island and Cruz Bay. While St John is known for its natural beauty and National Park and would be considered by most to have more of a remote island feel, Coral Bay takes that up a notch.

You will likely spot more donkeys and goats in Coral Bay than restaurants. From mangrove snorkeling to unique beaches and picturesque hikes, no visit to Saint John is complete without visiting Coral Bay.

To plan your day of adventure in Coral Bay and discover the quieter side of St. John, read this post for all the details!

St. John Adventure Tours & Boat Charters

Charter a Boat: Chartering a boat and taking a boat tour is one of the best ways to explore the island- they always seem to know the best-hidden coves and snorkel spots. You can even visit the British Virgin Islands. Jost Van Dyke, and the famous Soggy Dollar bar, are about a thirty-minute boat ride away.  

Rent a Dinghy: Ready to be your own captain? If you feel comfortable operating a boat, consider renting a dinghy from Wharfside Watersports to explore the North Shore beaches. If you decide to go the dinghy route, Scott Bay Beach & Henley Cay are two of my favorites.

Kayak Tours: Explore the calm waters of Coral Bay or explore the North Shore with a guided kayak + snorkel tour. These tours offer a unique perspective of the island & lots of adventure!  

Outdoor Dining in St. John

I’ll be the first to admit it. I’m a sucker for outdoor dining, especially when I’m in a place as beautiful as St. John. Here are a few of my favorite St. John restaurants that offer outdoor dining:

LimeOut: Are you ready to visit St. John’s famous floating taco bar? Picture it now. You’re lounging on a float in the ocean. Taco in one hand. Cold drink in another. The sun is shining, and the Caribbean breeze is blowing. Visit LimeOut and experience this for yourself!

Lovango Rum Bar: Pizza with a view in downtown Cruz Bay. Perched on a hill, Lovango has some of the best wood-fired pizzas on the island. The food, coupled with hand-crafted cocktails and a view to die for, puts Lovango Rum Bar at the top of our list.

Windmill Bar:  Windmill Bar undoubtedly has the best sunset views on the island. About two miles from Cruz Bay, Windmill Bar is perched high on a hill and is the perfect place for happy hour or to grab a bite to eat and soak in views of the surrounding islands.

Read this post for a complete list of my favorite outdoor dining restaurants in St. John!

Things to do in St John USVI – Final Thoughts

St. John is one of my favorite Caribbean islands for adventures and outdoorsy travel. From beaches to snorkeling to tours and outdoor dining, if you love being surrounded by nature and enjoy laid-back island vibes, then plan a visit to St. John, USVI. It is the place to be for island-loving, adventure-seeking, outdoorsy travelers.