Top 5 Questions For Your First Trip to Saint John,USVI
What are the best tips you’d give a first timer?
- Always say Good Morning, Good Afternoon, and Good evening before asking for anything or as a way of greeting someone
- Rent your car on Saint John (Our car barge situation is very limited post hurricane)
- Bring good quality bug spray
- Use ONLY reef safe sunscreen, read more about that here
- Keep Left, we drive on the left and have very small sidewalks so exercise caution and walk on the sidewalks, not in the streets
What are the best beaches?
- Hawksnest Bay- Has amenities, is closest to town and is a short walk from the parking lot
- Trunk Bay- Known as one of the top ten beaches in the world; go early and on a non cruise ship day for the best experience
- Cinnamon Bay- One of the longest beaches on Saint John, sometimes has waves, and while there is a lot of damage to the campground, the beach is still beautiful with room to spread out
- Maho Bay- Best spot for swimming with sea turtles right off the beach
- Salt Pond Bay- Located on the East End of the island, this is a great beach for snorkeling and relaxing as well as close proximity to great hiking
What’s the best way to get around the island?
Rent a car on Saint John (Since the hurricanes our car barges have been limited and wait times can be over 3 hours on either side, so renting on Saint Thomas is not recommended) and you’ll have the freedom to explore all you’d like. Taxis are also readily available in Cruz Bay and can take you almost anywhere.
Things to do in Cruz Bay?
- Happy Hour- Woody’s Famous Happy Hour is always a must do when on Saint John
- Watch the Sunset- Dr!nk Saint John is a great place to enjoy the sunset and craft cocktails
- Shop- there are tons of great stores in both mongoose junction and wharf side village where you can get jewelry, souvenirs, photographs, art and more
- Eat, Drink, and People Watch- there are multiple restaurants in town with wide open views and great access to people watching and relaxing
- Live Music- Cruz Bay Landing in the park has live music most nights and provides a great ambiance. Wednesday nights there is also live music at Sun Dog Cafe in Mongoose Junction
What are the best hiking trails?
- Ram’s Head– We love this hike for the full moon!
- Margaret Hill- Easily accessible from Cruz Bay, a great workout and the views are incredible!
- Reef Bay– A must see for the famous petroglyphs
- Johnny Horn– A moderate trail with great views and tons of history along the way
- Buy the Off the Beaten Track book from the National Park Store in Mongoose Junction and explore the 100’s of trails on Saint John for the best the island has to offer
