Things to do in St John USVI: The Eco Travel Guide

There are so many amazing things to do in St John, USVI. The smallest of the three US Virgin Islands, it is approximately 70% national park and boasts some of the best beaches, hiking trails and water activities in the Caribbean.

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From the famous Trunk Bay Beach to the Reef Bay Trail this guide covers water and land activities from an eco travel perspective. Finding vegetarian food, having the right gear, and traveling around in a conscious way will ensure you have the best experience in this environmentally sensitive, island park.

Natural Attractions in St John

Whether you are based in Cruz Bay (the main town), Coral Bay (the alternative town), or one of the island’s hotels, there are plenty of fun things to do in St John within a short distance.

The main attractions are based on natural beauty. Although there aren’t waterfalls like in Grenada, most of the island is National Park which brings its own unique attractions. But there are a few conditions that you have to be aware of. For example, no dogs can be taken to a beach within the national park, and no fires or camping are allowed.

Top Natural Attractions in St John

• Beaches
• Hike & Lookouts
• ​Diving & Snorkelling

Here is our list of the best things to do in St John:

Best Beaches In St John

We’ve been to some pretty incredible beaches in Jamaica, Oman, and the BVI’s, but some of our favorites would have to be on St John. Whether you are looking for a long, white sandy beach or a short pebble beach, there’s something for everyone. It’s hard to deny that one of the best things to do in St John is going to the beach.

The best part about the island is that there are beaches for all levels of swimmers and activity. The following are some of the best beaches in St John:

• Maho Bay – This beautiful beach has a sloping seagrass seabed where turtles come to feed. Grab your snorkels and admire them from above (please don’t touch!)
• Trunk Bay – This is one of the most popular beaches in St John. It has a little island close to shore with a snorkel trail. Follow the underwater trail and learn about the different corals and sea species.
• Hanson bay – This is a must for your list of things to do in St John as it’s home to the Caribbean’s first floating taco bar (Lime Out). Imagine crystal clear water, white sand, and tacos, its amazing.
• Salt pond bay – Close to a natural salt pond, this white-sand beach has some great snorkeling out at the rocky outcrops.
• Waterlemon Cay – This is a remote snorkeling spot with a few reef sharks hanging around the island/cay. It’ll take you about 35-45 minutes to hike to this beach, so make sure you are prepared with enough water and sunscreen.

Hikes and lookouts on St John

If you feel like a break from the beach. Hiking to amazing viewpoints might be for you. The island has plenty of hiking trails that lead to remote lookouts (and some lead to remote beaches).

Rams head

• Where: On the Southern end of the Island (approx. 20 minute drive from Coral Bay). Park at the carpark for Salt Pond Beach. Follow the track down to the beach. Once you walk the length of the beach you meet the rocky headland. This is where the trail begins. It follows the headland around to the next beach, and so on.
• Distance (round trip): 2.3 Miles (3.7km).
• Difficulty: Intermediate. Has some steep tracks with slippery rocks.
• Note: There is hardly any shade on this trail. So, the best time is generally early morning.
• This trail is in the national park, so no dogs are allowed.
• Great views of the southern side of the island from the top of the lookout.
• Eco Tip: Wear reef-safe sunscreen if you’re going to swim at Salt Pond Beach on the way back (there are a lot of corals close to shore).

Reef bay trail

• Where: Approx. centre of the island (20minutes from Coral Bay/25 minutes form Cruz Bay). The trail starts at the main “middle road” and takes you down the mountain to Reef Bay beach.
• Distance (round trip): 4.4 Miles (7 km).
• Difficulty: Difficult. This is due mainly to the length. It is all downhill to the beach (and all uphill on the way back).
• Note: There is a waterfall (but only if it rains heavily), which is rare.
• This is where you can see the famous St John petroglyphs (carvings in rock dated back to pre-Columbus days).
• Much of the shade pre-hurricane Irma is gone, so it is quite exposed to sunlight. The best time to go is early morning.
• Old relic sugar mill near the bottom for interesting viewing.
• Beach is mostly pebble.
• Eco Tip: Bring your reusable water bottle and some snacks. It is a long walk with no amenities amiable at the end of the trail.

Annaberg to Waterlemon cay

• Where: On the north side of the island (approx. 30 minutes from Coral Bay/25 minutes from Coral Bay). Park at Annaberg ruins.
• Distance (round trip): 2 Miles (3.2 km).
• Difficulty: Easy. It is a fact hike along the top of the shoreline (a little rocky in parts).
• Note: Worth bringing your snorkel gear as the Watermelon Cay island is home to some of the best snorkelling on the island.
• A good place to see reef sharks.
• Hardly every crowded.
• Eco Tip: Use reef-safe sunscreen if you’re going to snorkel.

Diving and Snorkelling

One of the best things to do in St John is to spend time in the water. The island provides multiple entry points to beautiful waters teeming with life. Depending on your skill level, some areas might be better suited than others.

While the island is not particularly famous for its diving, there are a couple of operators that have gear rental and provide day trips. The two main operators are Cruz Bay Watersports and Low Key Watersports.

Some of the main dive sites include:

• Lind Point – which is a drift dive
• Mingo Cay –  island just off Cruz Bay
• Lovango Cay – next to Mingo

The dive sites are generally around 30-40ft (10-12m) and considered relatively easy (no strong currents, etc). In general, unless you really want to dive, you can see equally as much if you snorkel around St John as most of the reefs are quite shallow.

Snorkelling in st john

Snorkelling is one of the best things to do in St John. With amazing marine life and corals accessible from any St John Beach, there are endless possibilities for marine life encounters.

The snorkelling highlights of each of the top beaches have been highlighted in the best beaches in St John guide.  However, a brief summary of the best types of snorkelling around the island is explained below:

Best Snorkeling on St John for Marine Life

Maho Bay – It is tough to beat the close-up interaction with beautiful sea turtles at Maho Bay. Be sure to give them space and DO NOT TOUCH.

• The turtles are in very shallow water (some in waist-deep water) right off the beach, so it is also a very easy and safe snorkel for those who have little swimming or snorkelling experience.
• Note that there is only seagrass here (no corals).
• As this spot is easily accessible and unique, it is often busy. There is not much shade on the beach so be prepared to get there early if you want to claim a spot.
• While there can be a lot of people in the water, getting the chance to have a one on one experience with a wild turtle is very easy. There are just so many turtles out there.

Watermelon Cay – For those willing to get away from the crowds and walk a good 30 minutes. Watermelon Cay provides some unique marine life interaction.

• There are frequently small Black Tip Reef Sharks and Eagle Rays. There is rarely any other people out there, which is nice for those trying to getaway.
• Snorkelling around the little island you’ll find a variety of corals (there is still some remains of hurricane damage) however, life does really go on here.

Best Snorkelling on St John for Corals

Annaberg – This unlikely spot is a hidden gem for coral lovers. Right off the Annaberg Ruins carpark, the coral reef starts right at the shore.  You can follow the reef edge out and around into the bay.

• It is full of colourful fan corals, brain corals and small fish.
• It is very shallow so be careful to swim along the edge of the reef and try not to swim over it!
• Be aware of your flippers and hands so that you don’t accidentally touch the coral.

Salt Pond – Offshore from Salt Pond Beach are two rocky outcrops (visible from shore). These are worth swimming out to!

• The two underwater rock mounds are teeming with coral life (there are large fan coral meadows that sway in the waves).
• Between the rock mounds is a canyon that has some impressive coral formations and fish life.
• Beware of waves as they can create some currents around this spot for those how are inexperienced.

Best Snorkelling on St John for Beginners

Trunk Bay – It is hard to beat the beautiful white sand of Trunk Bay. An easy swim from the beach will take you to the underwater (snorkelling) trail.

• The trail has some underwater signs to explain the different coral and fish types present at the site.
• There are floatation buoys for those who get tired and want to hold onto something for support.
• Be careful when kicking your fins (as the reef is pretty shallow in some spots) as you can damage the reef itself.

Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants & Cafes

There are many restaurants in St John which offer vegetarian and vegan options. Some of our favourites include:

Lime out floating bar

• This has got to be the coolest bar/restaurant on the island.
• Serving amazing tacos (try the vegan one!), they also are run on solar, with a desalination system.
• Drinks are served in reusable cups (you can also purchase your own lime out reusable cup).
• Where: floating just off the Coral bay harbor, you can access it by boat. They have a floating bar, and circular floats to sit on.

Shaibu’s Gourmet Grab & Go

• Great vegan and vegetarian options.
• Fresh juices.
• Where: The Marketplace, Cruz Bay.
• Eco tip: Bring your reusable cups/containers to avoid plastic use.

Pickles in Paradise

• Usually has some vegetarian wraps available and great salads.
• They have live music on Thursdays (open mic night where locals and tourists can get up on stage).
• Where: Coral Bay.
• Eco tip: BYO reusable cup and containers.

Island Rootz Vegan (ST THOMAS)

• Recently opened vegan restaurant on St. Thomas (while it is not on St John it would be a good stop for either on your way to or back from St John.)
• They have salads, wraps, chickpea burgers, soups and desserts.
• Where: Curaco Gade, St Thomas.
• Eco tip: BYO reusable cup and containers if you want to take away on your way to St John.

Make Your Own With Produce from Josephine’s farm (coral bay organic gardens)

• Locally grown salads and vegetables are grown at Josephine’s farm (situated in Coral Bay).
• Coral Bay Organic Gardens is an 18-acre farm.
• They were hit badly during Hurricane Irma, but are now reopened.
• Where: Coral Bay (Carolina Valley).
• Eco Tip: You can purchase Josephine’s greens from the Starfish or Dolphin markets, however, if you want it without the plastic packaging go straight to the source!

Getting Around St John

One of the best things to do in St John is to see the island. There are a couple of options for getting around  (depending on how adventurous you are).

Walking:

Depending on where you stay there are opportunities to walk. If your accommodation is in Cruz Bay you can walk to the shops, restaurants, some of the west end beaches and Honeymoon bay,  Keep in mind to plan your route and timing due to the hot weather and limited shade.

Bicycles:

You can’t really hire bicycles on the island for cruising around. It’s not recommended to use them anyway. The island has steep & narrow roads. And, with vehicles driving on the left in St John there are often drivers who forget the rules.

Scooter Hire:  

You can hire scooters (from St John in Motion, Cruz Bay) however, keep in mind the status of the roads as mentioned above for those who have little scooter or motorbike experience.

Car Hire:  

Jeeps are the go-to on St John for car hire. They seem to be well suited to the roads. If you’re looking to hire a car there are a few places in Cruz Bay that hire jeeps and all offer similar rates.

Public transport

There is a public transport system on the island. It is a small minivan (bus) which runs along the centreline road.

• As of August 2018, the bus schedule is from Cruz Bay 6am, 8am, 3:25pm and 5:25pm.
• From Coral Bay at 7am, 9am, 4:10pm and 6:10pm. The fare is $1 a person.
• If you are staying in Cruz Bay and want to get the Northern Beaches there are some open-air, colourful trucks with seating that run tourists up and down the north beach road. They run infrequently so you will have to wave them down when you see them. (A good idea if you’re going to take one of these is to get the drivers phone number so you can check when his last trip will be).  Rates depend on where you are going and how many people there are/how full the truck is

Eco travel tips

There are a few things to do in St John that will help maintain the natural ecosystem of this persevered island.

Water

• There is no natural supply of water on the island (rain is also infrequent), therefore most of the water supplies are shipped in.
• When using water on the island, be considerate. Use only what you need, don’t have excessive showers, leave taps running etc.
• The supplied water from taps is usually fine to drink (check with your accommodation if you are unsure). You can always use a water bottle with a filter in time of uncertainty.

Learn how to conserve water while travelling

Waste

• Waste is an issue on St John as there is no plastic or glass recycling facility on the island (closest one is on St Thomas).
• Aluminium cans can be recycled through Island Green Living – look for designated recycling bins or visit them on Gifft Hill Road.
• Be mindful of what your purchase and always bring your reusable cups, containers and cutlery when you are out and about (many of the cafes and restaurants “to go” food and drinks will come in plastic cups and plates.
• Be vigilant in “refusing plastic” prior to ordering.

Learn how to reduce waste here!

Coral reefs & Marine life

More than half of St John is a marine park with an abundance of coral and sea life. Ensuring that this life is able to continue and thrive is one of the best things to do in St John.

• Reef safe sunscreen can be bought at Low Key Watersports (Naked Zinc, Stream2Sea, Mexitan’s Coral Safe and Raw sunscreen).
• Be careful when you snorkel so you don’t accidentally kick or touch the reef.
• Do not touch any of the sea life or chase them.

When at Maho Bay, do not touch or chase the turtles. The turtles are everywhere, they are close and quite placid. But touching them or chasing them can cause stress – this can lead to disruption of their immune system.

Volunteer

Looking for something to do on a rainy day? Contact island green living to support their eco and sustainability initiatives.

• You can help collect and crush aluminium cans at the ReSource depot.
• You can promote education and help spread awareness of recycling.
• There are also fundraising opportunities.

What to pack for st john

• Reusable bag for grocery shopping – at the stores they still use plastic bags so it’s best to have alternatives  
• Travel cutlery and container for any takeaway that you may purchase.
• Reusable wine tumbler/coffee cup – many of the beach bars will use plastic cups for drinks unless you drink beer (from a can).
• Reusable water bottle – the tap water in St John is good to drink in most places, however, a reusable bottle with a built in filter is always a good idea.
• Reef Safe Sunscreen – Fewer chemicals are better for you and the environment.
• Natural Insect Repellant – Essential Oils like Tea Tree are great for keeping mosquitoes away.
• Eco Friendly Toiletries – They are amazing and green!

Eco Friendly And Green Accommodation On St John

Although there were a number of eco-hotels, camping and eco resorts on the island, these have since closed down since the hurricanes.

• Concordia Eco Resort – closed since Hurricane Irma (September 2017)
• Cinnamon Bay Camping Ground  – closed since Hurricane Irma. They are planning to rebuild for the opening of the 2020/2021 season.

VRBO

Staying in homestay rentals can be a more sustainable option than larger hotels, as they use less water, energy and produce less waste. Here are some great stays on St John that are available.

Cruz Bay Accommodation

Sweet St. John

1 bedroom | 1 bathroom | $$$ | VRBO

Cara Mia

3 bedrooms | 4 bathrooms | $$$$ | VRBO

Indigo Blue Luxury Studio Beachfront

1 bedroom | 1 bathroom | $$ | VRBO

Coral Bay Accommodation

Salty Kisses & Goodnight Wishes

1 bedroom | 1 bathroom | $$ | VRBO

Seawing

2 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | $$ | VRBO

Caribbean Charmer

1 bedroom | 1 bathroom | $ | VRBO

Seagrape estate, Coral Bay | VRBO

3 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms | $$$$ | VRBO

Virgin Islands campground (Water Island)

Water Island is situated just off St Thomas. While this location is not on St John, it is one of the only camping experiences left in the USVI since Hurricane Irma (if you are looking for camping/glamping). There are some small cottages that look over the water and a small restaurant and bar.

Add To The Eco Travel Community

Got ideas to add or places of interest that haven’t been mentioned? Leave a comment below. Alternatively, join the online eco tr​​avel community!

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