Saint John Island

Saint John Island

U.S. Virgin Islands

Dive into pristine underwater gardens teeming with colorful fish and coral formations just steps from pristine white-sand beaches.

💱 Currency United States Dollar (USD)
🗣 Language English
🕐 Time Zone AST (UTC-4)
☀️ Best Time to Visit Dec–Mar
🚢 Typical Duration 7-9 nights
💰 Price Range $2,600-$9,280 per person
Port Type Port of Call
🚤 Tender Port Yes

Gateway to the U.S. Virgin Islands' pristine beaches, water sports, and duty-free shopping in a tropical Caribbean setting.

Build Your Day in Saint John Island

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM
Usually about 10 hours ashore
Getting around:
Coral World Ocean Park Should absolutely make time to visit while on the island. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Virgin Islands National Park Beautiful Island of St. John! National park · ★ 4.9 · 2k
Skinny Legs Best bar food on St John. Grill · ★ 4.6 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu
The Windmill Bar if you are in St John please visit this restaurant. Grill · ★ 4.6 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu
The Lime Inn This is a must eat while in St. John. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 1k 🕐 Closes soon · 9 PM
The Longboard Best food we ate while in St. John. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k 🕐 Closes soon · 9 PM
Cruz Bay Landing While visiting St John, I came here for lunch and dinner. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 AM Thu
Maho Bay By far my most favourite spot on the US Virgin island . Park · ★ 4.8 · 1k
The Beach Bar We were here in St John for 5 days and went to the beach bar every night!! Grill · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Annaberg Sugar Plantation Historic site of sugar plantation in the US Virgin Islands on St John. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu
Lime Out St. John Quintessential VI stop for locals, boaters, or anyone staying on St John’s. Bar · ★ 4.7 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10:30 AM Thu
Honeymoon Beach Honeymoon Beach in the Virgin Islands is pure paradise. Beach · ★ 4.7 · 0k
1864 The Restaurant The next time we return to St. John, this is where we will dine first. Seafood · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Closes soon · 9 PM
Shambles Island Bar and Grill Best 'locals', secret bar in St John. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Closes soon · 9 PM
St John We did a day trip to St. John, then a tour of the island. Island · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Maho Bay Beach We spent our first day in St. John at Maho Bay and it did not disappoint! Beach · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Coral Reef Underwater Park Trail Cool spot, the underwater trail is worth doing during your visit to st john. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k
ZoZo's at Caneel Bay One of the best restaurants in all of Virgin Islands hands-down. Italian · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Lovango Rum Bar We had such a great time at Lovango Rum Bar on this trip to St. John. Bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k
The Marketplace Plenty of parking and lots of shops Grocery store · ★ 4.3 · 0k 🕐 Closes soon · 9 PM
The Island Refinery St. John This was the best food and experience we had in St John so far Caribbean · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Parrot Club I really enjoyed my mojitos at the bar the best I had on island. Bar · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Mongoose Junction Nice mall, great stores, adequate free parking. Shopping mall · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Catherineberg Estate Ruins These ruins are a must visit if you are on St John. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu
STJ Speakeasy (Formerly STJ Hideaway) If you ever visit St. John in the USVI I highly recommend you eat here. Caribbean · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Closes soon · 9 PM
Heading East Bar & Grill The best authentic Caribbean cuisine on St. John! Grill · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Drink This is the spot to get drinks on St. John. Bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Reef Bay Sugar Mill Ruins Highly recommend them on your travels to St John Tourist attraction · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Cinnamon Bay Plantation Ruins One of the few very accessible big ruins in the island. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Trunk Bay Plantation Ruins Trunk Bay is a stunning beach on St John in the USVI. Historical place · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Hillside Terrace Best food spot in the US Virgin Islands I been to! Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Islandbuddy Tours St John I would highly recommend this adventure to anyone visiting St. John! Tourist attraction · ★ 5 · 0k
Jumbie Beach It’s great for a half day but I wouldn’t choose this spot for a full day Tourist attraction · ★ 4.9 · 0k
St. John Spice Company The variety of locally sourced items is wonderful! Gift shop · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Closes soon · 9 PM
Waterfront Restaurant at Lovango Resort Easily one of the best dining experiences in the USVI! Restaurant · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closes soon · 9 PM
Upstairs Bar & Grille Cool bar with a fun staff and good vibes. Grill · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Peace Hill Windmill Best views on all of St. John. Historical landmark · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Susannaberg Plantation Ruins I went just to see the ruins. Historical place · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu
Made in St-John Nice merchandise with unique designs. Clothing store · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Big Planet High quality items and nice staff! Clothing store · ★ 3.8 · 0k 🕐 Closes soon · 9 PM
Explore STJ If you want the best tour of St Johns, take it with Explore STJ. Tour operator · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Wharfside Landing Lots of shops and a few good places to eat. Shopping mall · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Windy Hill Greathouse Ruins Make sure you do it early in the day or bring sunscreen and water. Historical place · ★ 4.6 · 0k
America Hill Great House Ruins The ocean views are pretty cool and the ruins are interesting. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Blind Donkey The best food i have had on the island by far and thats just from the apps! Bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Pink Papaya Her prices are reasonable that make your shopping a fun experience. Gift shop · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closes soon · 9 PM
Isola Shoppes Onsite services Shopping mall · ★ 4 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Saint John Island

About Saint John Island

Saint John Island serves as a popular port of call in the U.S. Virgin Islands, attracting travelers aboard Silversea, Emerald Cruises, and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. With 88 upcoming cruises and predominantly seven-night itineraries, this Caribbean destination draws cruise passengers year-round, with peak traffic during the winter months of December through March. The port connects well to other regional favorites, with many cruises also visiting San Juan, Gustavia, and the British Virgin Islands.

When your ship arrives, you'll find pristine beaches and world-class snorkeling opportunities just steps from the waterfront. The island's laid-back Caribbean charm, combined with excellent duty-free shopping and local dining, makes Saint John Island an ideal port day for both active adventurers and those seeking relaxation. Whether you're looking to explore underwater reefs or simply unwind with island refreshments, this port delivers authentic Caribbean experiences that complement any cruise itinerary.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Virgin Islands National Park Trails

Explore pristine beaches and lush tropical forests within Virgin Islands National Park, which covers two-thirds of Saint John Island. Hike scenic trails like Trunk Bay Underwater Snorkel Trail, where you'll encounter vibrant coral reefs and colorful fish just steps from shore. The park's white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters offer unforgettable natural beauty accessible directly from the cruise port.

2

Fresh Caribbean Seafood & Local Cuisine

Savor authentic Virgin Islands dishes at waterfront restaurants in Cruz Bay, featuring fresh-caught mahi-mahi, conch salads, and traditional fungi. Local eateries serve island specialties like johnny cakes and kallaloo soup, prepared with recipes passed down through generations. The casual dining scene captures genuine Caribbean flavors and hospitality within walking distance of the port.

3

Coral World Ocean Park Underwater Observatory

Descend into an underwater observatory to observe native marine life in their natural habitat without getting wet. This unique attraction showcases sea turtles, rays, and tropical fish swimming around the submerged tower. It's an educational and thrilling experience perfect for cruise passengers seeking memorable encounters with Caribbean marine ecosystems.

4

Mongoose Junction Artisan Shopping District

Browse Mongoose Junction's charming open-air marketplace in Cruz Bay, featuring local artisans selling handcrafted jewelry, paintings, and island souvenirs. The colonial-style stone buildings create an authentic Caribbean shopping atmosphere filled with unique gifts and locally-made goods. Discover one-of-a-kind treasures while supporting local craftspeople and small businesses.

5

Annaberg Sugar Plantation Historic Ruins

Walk through the atmospheric ruins of an 18th-century sugar plantation, where interpretive signs tell stories of Saint John Island's colonial past. The stone structures, including the great house foundation and slave quarters, provide powerful insights into the island's complex history. This accessible historical site offers cultural depth and stunning views of the North Shore.

Cruise Lines at Saint John Island

Cruises Departing From Saint John Island

Cruises Visiting Saint John Island

Ship Schedule at Saint John Island

Saint John Island Location

Other Cruise Ports in U.S. Virgin Islands

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Saint John Island known for?

Saint John is renowned for its postcard-perfect white-sand beaches, turquoise bays, colorful coral reefs and most of the island within Virgin Islands National Park.

How can I reach Saint John Island from St. Thomas?

Saint John is about twenty minutes from St. Thomas by hourly ferry; flights are typically to St. Thomas as well.

Is Saint John Island part of the United States?

Yes. Saint John is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

What activities can visitors enjoy on Saint John Island?

Explore Virgin Islands National Park with Jeep or safari-bus tours, guided hikes, beaches, snorkeling, and forest trails.