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.

Cruises that visit Saint John Island

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:
Virgin Islands National Park Island park with forest & coral reefs National park · ★ 4.8 · 2k
Skinny Legs Skinny Legs is a must for dinner or lunch on the island. Grill · ★ 4.6 · 2k
The Windmill Bar Best view from any restaurant on St. John. Grill · ★ 4.5 · 2k
The Lime Inn Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 1k Closed · Opens 3 PM
Morgan's Mango Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k Closed · Opens 5:30 PM
The Longboard Probably the best food we had on the island... Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k Opens soon · 2 PM
The Beach Bar Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Grill · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Cruz Bay Landing Friendly service and some of the best food on St John! Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k Closes soon · 2 PM
Maho Bay Onsite services Park · ★ 4.8 · 1k Open now
High Tide Beachfront spot for seafood & TV sports Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 1k
Annaberg Sugar Plantation Would definitely recommend it as something to do on the island. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 1k
Lime Out VI Dine-in·Delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 1k
Honeymoon Beach Crystal clear water, amazing snorkeling, come to see the sea turtles. Beach · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Sun Dog Cafe Best service and atmosphere for a casual, easy, tasty lunch. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Hawksnest Beach Perfect, smooth sand, no crashing waves enables swimming. Beach · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Miss Lucy's Dine-in·No delivery Caribbean · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 12 PM Tue
1864 The Restaurant Famous mussels, the best crab cocktail, we lived the Beets with truffle. Seafood · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 3 PM
The Banana Deck Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Caribbean · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Shambles Island Bar and Grill Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k
St John ... island had some nice resorts on it lots of water activities to do Island · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Johnny Lime Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Pizza · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 4 PM
Maho Bay Beach We saw turtles, barracuda, sting ray, and tons of interesting fish! Beach · ★ 4.8 · 0k
SURF CLUB CANTINA Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery American · ★ 4.6 · 0k
The Terrace Amazing ocean-front views, and the Filet mignon was outstanding. American · ★ 4 · 0k Temporarily closed
The Roti King Dine-in·Curbside pickup Caribbean · ★ 4.9 · 0k
OCEAN|362 Amazing views and some of the best food on the island. Restaurant · ★ 4.1 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM
Coral Reef Underwater Park Trail Onsite services Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k Open now
Hansen Bay Beach Both great places to snorkel with crystal clear waters. Beach · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Cafe Roma Vegetarian-friendly Italian bistro Italian · ★ 4.2 · 0k
Salty Daze USVI Onsite services·Online appointments Boat tour agency · ★ 4.9 · 0k
La Tapa The tuna was so fresh and the steak was one of the best we’ve had on island. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM
ZoZo's at Caneel Bay The 4 course meal with wine pairings was just perfect. Italian · ★ 4.5 · 0k Temporarily closed
Lovango Rum Bar Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM
Giovanni Gelato & Coffee Shop In-store shopping Ice Cream · ★ 5 · 0k
Cinnamon Bay Beach Clear water, white fish swimming in water, calm, relaxed beach. Beach · ★ 4.9 · 0k
The Island Refinery St. John Dine-in·Takeout·Delivery Caribbean · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 4 PM
Mongoose Junction Onsite services Shopping mall · ★ 4.7 · 0k Open now
Parrot Club No delivery Bar · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Coco Jim's Café Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Love City Cafe Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Coffee shop · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM Tue
Catherineberg Estate Ruins Really cool ruins, some of the more intact ruins on the island. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k
STJ Speakeasy Chef Vinny and his crew are some of the best on the island. Caribbean · ★ 4.6 · 0k Temporarily closed
Heading East Bar & Grill Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Grill · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Irie Pops Onsite services Cafe · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Salt Pond Beach Scenic cove for snorkeling & camping Beach · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Drink No delivery Bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 4 PM
Bajo el Sol Gallery, Art Bar Cafe & Rum Shop Onsite services Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k
St John Ferry to Lovango Resort Restaurants Absolutely incredible food, service, and view. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Francis Bay Beach Solid location for snorkeling, saw a nurse shark and ray Beach · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Trunk Bay Plantation Ruins Fantastic snorkeling around the rock. Historical place · ★ 4.9 · 0k Open now
Reef Bay Sugar Mill Ruins Great excursion to see a cool historical site. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Cinnamon Bay Plantation Ruins Stone remains of early-1800s plantation Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k Open now
Hillside Terrace Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Downtown Sips Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Coffee shop · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 AM Tue
Islandbuddy Tours St John Custom tour of the island, Rams head trail, snorkeling with sea turtles. Tourist attraction · ★ 5 · 0k
Lameshur Beach Best snorkling of our whole trip. Beach · ★ 4.7 · 0k
St John Back Bar Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Asian Fusion · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 3 PM
Jumbie Beach Great beach for snorkeling Tourist attraction · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Little Olive Food Truck Takeout·No delivery Greek · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 12 PM Wed
RainTree Café Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Waterfront Restaurant at Lovango Resort Enjoyed a sunset dinner with excellent food. Restaurant · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM
Upstairs Bar & Grille Great place to catch a game Good bar food, pleasant staff. Grill · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Shaibu's Gourmet Grab & Go Onsite services Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Peace Hill Windmill Absolutely beautiful view with just a short hike required to reach it. Historical landmark · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Susannaberg Plantation Ruins Historical place · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Made in St-John Onsite services Clothing store · ★ 4.6 · 0k Open · Closes 6 PM
Big Planet Onsite services Clothing store · ★ 3.8 · 0k Open · Closes 9 PM
EXPERIENCE ST JOHN ISLAND TOURS USVI What an awesome experience we had on our trip to St John! Tourist information center · ★ 5 · 0k
Explore STJ Onsite services Tour operator · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Aerial It was so fresh and flavorful, and for St John it was reasonably priced. American · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Wharfside Landing Onsite services Shopping mall · ★ 4.8 · 0k Open now
Cruz Bay Beach Beach · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Windy Hill Greathouse Ruins Make sure you do it early in the day or bring sunscreen and water. Historical place · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Hercules Pate Delight Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 5 · 0k
Blind Donkey Takeout Bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Blue Cobblestone Beach Also, there are no crowds :) Beach · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Cafe Concordia Dine-in·No delivery Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Gibney Beach Secluded, palm-lined sandy beach Beach · ★ 4.8 · 0k
VI National Park Store Onsite services Gift shop · ★ 4.4 · 0k Open · Closes 4 PM
Pink Papaya Onsite services Gift shop · ★ 5 · 0k Open · Closes 9 PM
Salt + Strand awesome location and selection of clothes, jewelry, and locally made items! Women's clothing store · ★ 5 · 0k Open · Closes 8 PM
Isola Shoppes Onsite services Shopping mall · ★ 4 · 0k Open now
Brown Bay Beach They are on a lot of beaches here. Beach · ★ 3.5 · 0k
Dockside Mall, Inc Shopping mall · ★ 5 · 0k Open now

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.