Thinking about jetting off to the breathtaking Caribbean gem, Saint John? Look no further! This ultimate travel guide has got you covered for an epic tropical escapade.
Brace yourself for the Insta-worthy turquoise waters, pristine white sands, and lush greenery that’ll make your feed pop! But hold up, Saint John isn’t your average island getaway. Get ready for some next-level experiences and insider tips to make your vacay unforgettable. Let’s dive into the tropi-cool vibes and explore what makes this destination a must-visit!
The North Shore of Saint John is renowned for its unparalleled collection of pristine beaches, including Trunk Bay, Maho Bay, Cinnamon Bay, Francis Bay, Honeymoon Beach, and Hawksnest Beach.
These stunning coastal gems not only feature soft, powdery sands and turquoise waters but also boast some of the Caribbean’s most captivating underwater ecosystems, perfect for snorkeling enthusiasts. Many of these popular beaches offer convenient gear rental services, allowing visitors to easily explore the vibrant marine life and coral reefs just offshore.
Though it is the smallest of the three main U.S. Virgin Islands, Saint John’s unspoiled beauty is perhaps the greatest found anywhere in the Caribbean. The natural beauty of the Caribbean, Saint John offers visitors pristine splendor amid modern luxuries. Originally settled by the Arawak and Carib Indians, the island has a history as rich as its landscape.
The United States purchased Saint John from the Danish West India and Guinea Company in 1917. In 1956, Laurance Rockefeller donated more than 5,000 acres of the island to the National Park Service.
Nestled on New Brunswick’s coast, Saint John invites visitors with its mix of history, nature, and maritime charm.
Experience the natural wonder of Reversing Falls, explore uptown’s Victorian architecture and vibrant shops. The Saint John City Market offers fresh produce and crafts, while the New Brunswick Museum showcases local history. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore Irving Nature Park and Rockwood Park.
For culture, catch a show at the Saint John Imperial Theatre. In Saint John, each corner tells a story, weaving a memorable experience.
Saint John’s has stood at the centre of the New World since the 15th century, so it’s no stranger to visitors. The city is easily accessed by land, sea, and air, with a ferry service from mainland Canada and an international airport minutes from the downtown core. Once you arrive, there are numerous transportation options, including public transit, car rentals, taxi services, and an easy-to-walk and navigate downtown.
The most famous landmarks includes:
1. Loyalist House
2. King’s Square
3. Trinity Church
4. Carleton Martello Tower
5. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
6. Loyalist Burial Ground
7. Fallsview Park
8. Saint John Arts Centre
9. Fort Howe National Historic Site of Canada
10. Skywalk
11. Trinity Galleries
12. Musquash Head Lighthouse
13. St. John Stone Anglican Church
14. Cape Spencer Lighthouse
15. Partridge Island Lighthouse
Saint John Island has several grocery stores and markets where you can find a wide selection of familiar US foods. For villa rentals, We highly recommend using Starfish Market for grocery delivery, ensuring you arrive to a fully stocked fridge, especially if you’re arriving late or with kids. Order online about 3 days before your arrival for convenience.
Additionally, here’s a list of recommended restaurants: Skinny Legs, Long Board, Beach Bar, Greengos, Extra Virgin, North Shore Deli, and The Tap Room. Most of them offer takeout options, perfect for enjoying a beach picnic or dining in at your villa.
Saint John experiences its peak season, with sunny skies and warm temperatures, albeit with higher costs and crowds. It’s the perfect escape from winter, though you may encounter brief showers.
Prices drop on accommodations and flights, offering a quieter experience with still-warm weather in Saint John. Embrace the heat with refreshing beachside drinks.
Hurricane season brings increased rainfall, particularly in September and October. By November, weather improves and crowds thin out, making it a more affordable and peaceful time to visit.
It’s pretty simple! You fly from frigid JFK, and in about 3 and a half hours, you land in paradise. There’s no airport on St. John, so you fly to St. Thomas first, then take a beautiful ferry ride to St. John.
You have two options for the ferry: Crown Bay or Red Hook in St. Thomas, and both go to Cruz Bay in St. John. Crown Bay is closer to the airport but has a longer ferry ride, while Red Hook is a bit farther with a shorter ferry ride. There’s not a big difference, but the longer ferry ride is more scenic. You can also take a car on the ferry from Red Hook, so if you rent one in St. Thomas, you can bring it over to St. John.
Heading to Saint John, USVI, soon? Don’t worry about getting bored on this small island! There’s actually tons to do here, way more than you might expect. Sure, the beaches are stunning and the natural beauty is incredible, but there’s even more to explore. Dive deeper into all the awesome stuff Saint John has waiting for you!
Here’s a list of activities on Saint John Island:
1. Beach hopping
2. Snorkeling and diving
3. Hiking trails
4. Kayaking and paddle boarding
5. Island tours
6. Shopping and dining
7. Water sports
8. Day trips
Saint John Island provides diverse accommodation choices to suit various tastes and budgets. From luxurious resorts like Caneel Bay Resort to charming boutique hotels such as Gallows Point Resort, visitors can find their ideal stay. Vacation rentals offer flexibility, while campgrounds like Cinnamon Bay cater to nature lovers. Whether luxurious or budget-friendly, St. John has options for everyone.
Some options you can consider:
Estate Rendezvous
SeaSwan Villa
Tropical Manor
Villa Adeste
SEAclusion
Cloud Nine
Saint John off the Beaten Track is your guide to the beaches, trails and hidden attractions of Saint John, U.S. Virgin Islands. Find quiet beaches, the best snorkeling spots and abandoned sugar estates. Learn about the islands history, geology, culture, people, ecology, plants and animals.
National Park trails include detailed maps, information on historic ruins, and description on natural environment along the trails. Off trail adventures are also explored including secluded shorelines, pristine seasonal streams in the mountains (also known on island as guts), fresh water pools, seasonal waterfalls and more.
