Coral Bay St John: The Insiders Guide to Beautiful Beaches, Stays, and Dining

Nestled in the beautiful US Virgin Islands, Coral Bay St John is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Located away from the hustle and bustle of Cruz Bay, this quaint town offers a low-key retreat with its pristine beaches, unique dining experiences and varied accommodation options.

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What most people find enjoyable about Coral Bay St John is its quiet beauty. There are no big corporate buildings or noisy neighbors to disturb the peace. The beaches are quiet and offer you a chance to sit back and relax. In fact, you will barely hear anything outside during the day besides the wind, birds, and the waves on the ocean.

It is a small community that has developed its own style and is well worth a visit if you are looking for things to do on St John, or a peaceful getaway amongst nature.

Where is Coral Bay St John?

Located approximately 8-10 miles east of Cruz Bay, Coral Bay is easily accessible via the island’s central “Highway 10” or by the more scenic “North Shore Road” where you can drive along the coast past the northern beaches.

The main town of Coral Bay is small and hugs the coastline around Coral Harbour. However, most of the eastern area of the island is considered Coral Bay, and in it are some of the best beaches on the island.

How to get to Coral Bay St John

The only way to get to St John is by boat, either on an organised ferry, a charter or a water taxi.

Cruz Bay to Coral Bay

Fly into Cyril E. King International Airport on St. Thomas. From here, take a taxi to the Red Hook ferry dock (30 minute journey), then a short ferry trip across to Cruz Bay on St John ($8.15). To get from Cruz Bay to Coral Bay there is a public bus but it is infrequent. The best way is to hire a car and make your way across the island, we suggest a 4×4 as some of the beaches are difficult to access otherwise.

Things to do in Coral Bay St John

Coral Bay St John is quieter and in most cases a little quirkier than Cruz Bay. However, there are amazing things to do in Coral Bay, such as:

• Explore the amazing, secluded beaches: Salt Pond Bay, Lameshur Bay, and Haulover Bay are must-visit spots for beach lovers looking for tranquility and natural beauty.
• Hike one of the many trails: The Ram Head Trail offers breathtaking ocean views and is perfect for witnessing a sunset. Meanwhile, the Reef Bay Trail takes you through the forest, past sugar mills, to ancient petroglyphs, where you end at a beautiful beach.
• Enjoy the local favorite restaurants: try out a local delicacy at Miss Lucy’s, or enjoy a unique dining experience at the Lime Out, a floating taco bar accessible only by water.
• Check out the local handicrafts in the boutique stores.
• Kick back in some of the islands best villas.

Best Beaches in Coral Bay St John

The north coast of the island is famous for Trunk Bay and Cinnamon Bay (which are definitely picturesque and stunning). They can, however, become busy. The Coral Bay beaches are often very quiet in comparison. So, it is a good place to go if you like your own space.

Here are the best beaches in Coral bay St John:

• Hansen Bay: Offering easy access and gentle waters, Hansen Bay is a beautiful white sand beach that is perfect for families and water sports enthusiasts. You can hire a kayak or paddle board and explore the bay on the calm waters, or go for a little snorkel around the bay. Admission to the beach is on a donation basis, and there is a parking area for cars.
• Grootpan Bay: Ideal for adventurers, this remote pebble beach offers a unique beach experience. Its off-the-beaten-path location means you’ll often have the beach to yourself, perfect for relaxation – lie out on the warm, smooth pebbles or enjoy snorkeling around the headland.
• Salt Pond Bay: Not technically in Coral Bay, but you have to drive through Coral Bay to get to this beach. To get to Salt Pond Beach you need to walk down a rocky path for around 5 minutes. The beach itself is beautiful, with white sand and some great snorkelling offshore at the large rocky outcrops. Behind the beach there is also a natural salt pond (where the beach gets its name). Here, the colour of the water changes over the year depending on the weather and rain. It can be a greenish blue or even a bright orange, or completely dry. Salt Pond Bay is also the starting point of the Ramshead Trail, a 2.3 mile trail taking you past Drunk Bay (a stunning rocky beach), and up a hill with stunning panoramic views of the area.
• Little Lameshur: Beyond Salt Pond Bay, the journey to Little Lameshur weaves along a dirt trail, requiring a 4×4 for access. This secluded beach, part of the larger Lameshur Bay area, offers tranquility and a stunning rock outcrop perfect for snorkeling.
• Haulover Bay: Divided into north and south sides by the road, Haulover North features a rocky shoreline with vibrant marine life, while Haulover South offers some sandy beach and a nice spot to kayak.

Other Notable Beaches near Coral Bay

St. John’s beaches are perfect for family outings, with Trunk Bay featuring an underwater snorkel trail that educates about coral and marine life. Since most beaches in St John are in a marine park you can find some incredible snorkeling (we think it is some of the best in the Caribbean!).

For more beach ideas check out the best 15 beaches in St John.

Restaurants in Coral Bay St John

While Cruz Bay may be the go-to for many when it comes to dining on St. John, Coral Bay holds its own with an eclectic mix of restaurants. We love the casual dining feel, with a wide range of live music on offer.

• Lime out, the floating taco bar: Nestled in Coral Harbor and only accessible by boat, the Lime Out floating taco bar is a must do if you’re visiting Coral Bay St John. This off-grid eco-friendly bar has friendly staff a variety of great cocktails and some amazing tacos!
• Miss Lucy’s: Located right on a coral beach on the southern end of Coral Bay, Miss Lucy’s offers a great, family-friendly relaxed vibe with weekend live jazz and open mic nights on Thursdays. The menu is a great fusion of Caribbean and American flavours, catering to a variety of tastes.
• Skinny Legs: At the heart of Coral bay St John, is this popular go-to watering hole. Skinny Legs is well known for their local happy hour and some of the best hamburgers in the island. You’ll likely spot a few chickens wandering around the property and the TV screens usually play sport, offering a laidback atmosphere to enjoy the late afternoon.
• Rhumb Lines: With some of the best food on the Island, Rhumb Lines offers an inviting outdoor dining experience with great happy hour specials (drinks and food). The menu has a wide selection of tasty food and service is great -make sure you keep some room for dessert!
• Surf Club Cantina: Located near the Cocoloba Shopping Center and Dolphin Market, this spot has exceptional Margaritas, house-made chips and guacamole, and great views of the water.
• Pizza Bar in Paradise: This pizza place makes great, wood-oven pizza and has live music a couple of nights a week. It is a little way out of town but great if you’re looking for a different view of Coral Bay St John. The venue is small but takeaway is available.
• Johnny Lime: One of the newer additions to Coral Bay, this barbecue spot specialises in smoked meats, tasty sides, and delicious cocktails. There are plenty of themed nights during the week – Monday Bingo, Tuesday’s open mic, Wednesday trivia, and a Friday smoked lobster special (in season).
• Ekaete Pink Corner: This gem is a great spot for authentic Caribbean cuisine. Esther cooks delicious curries and roti, and offers a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Please note, Aqua Bistro and Salty Mongoose have permanently closed down.

Where to shop in Coral Bay St John

There are not too many shops in the small town of Coral Bay, however, you can get what you need at these places:

• Coral Bay Grocery Stores: The Dolphin Market Coral Bay has a great selection of fresh produce among other products. They have an ATM inside if you need to withdraw cash. Love City Market has a great selection of wine, liquor and mixes. You can find organic wine here! Calabash Market is a good spot for fresh seafood, delicious hummus and sides. Josephine’s Organic Garden Center has the best fresh produce on the island. You’ll often be able to pick up mixed Greens, Arugula, Local Spinach, Bok Choy, herbs, and more straight from her farm.
• Coral Bay Boutiques: The Jolly dog stocks surf and beachwear items such as t-shirts, boardshorts, hats, reef safe sunblock and sunglasses. Zemi offers a beautiful collection of jewelry, including the sought-after local island hook bracelets, Larimar pieces, and handcrafted accessories. Pottery in Paradise has a nice collection of beautiful hand-made pottery, made on St John. Mumbo Jumbo is attached to the Skinny Legs Bar and has a collection of island souvenirs, t-shirts and rashguards. Pirate’s Cove, across from Skinny Legs is a good place to secure some snorkels and fins if needed.

Coral Bay Accommodation

There are no hotels in Coral Bay St John, but there are some beautiful rentals, from luxury villas to guesthouses with infinity pools. These are some highly-rated stays in Coral Bay St John.

Pricing structure:

• $ = $50-150
• $$ = $150-300
• $$$ = $300-500
• $$$$ = $500+

Salty Kisses & Goodnight Wishes

1 bedroom | 1 bathroom | $$ | VRBO

Seawing

2 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | $$ | VRBO

Caribbean Charmer

1 bedroom | 1 bathroom | $ | VRBO

Seagrape estate

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

Essential tips for Coral Bay St John

• Garbage Disposal: Guests staying in villas may need to take their trash to designated dumpsters along Route 107 to avoid additional cleaning charges.
• Fuel: Coral Bay lacks gas stations, however a single tank should last for about a week of exploration. Stop off at Cruz Bay if you need to do a refill.
• Water Use: With fresh water being a precious resource on St. John, everyone is required to be mindful of their water consumption. The island relies on purchased or rainwater collected in cisterns, so please conserve water by limiting usage during showers and being thoughtful about flushing.

FAQ

How far is the drive from Cruz Bay to Coral Bay? The drive from Cruz Bay to Coral Bay is approximately 8 to 10 miles, taking around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Which island would you stay at in the US Virgin Islands and why? St John is the best choice for those looking for a serene, nature filled experience. Over two thirds of the island is national park (including marine areas) so you will find stunning beaches, well-kept trails, and snorkeling spots filled with marine life. Its relatively unspoiled environment and small, community feel make it ideal for relaxation and adventure.

What is it like to live in the U.S. Virgin Islands? We lived in Coral Bay St John for only a few months, and were warmly welcomed by the local community. There was a great laid back lifestyle, filled with snorkeling, hiking, and socialising. Yet, it’s not without its hurdles. The cost of everyday living is noticeably steeper, and finding replacement parts for anything from kitchen appliances to car components can be a challenge. Hurricane season also added a layer of unpredictability, and water year-round needed to be conserved.

What is it like to drive on St John USVI? Driving here is on the left-hand side, adding an extra layer of adventure to your travels. Be prepared to share the road with local wildlife, including donkeys and goats.

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