Planning a vacation to the US Virgin Islands? Here are some essential tips for driving on St John. With some pretty harrowing twists and turns, and wildlife on the roads, there is always something around the corner to watch out for. Here is what you need to know when renting a car on St John.
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1. Keep Left when Driving on St John
As a US territory, most tourists that come down from the mainland are used to driving on the right-hand side. The strange part about St John is that you drive on the left side of the road, but the steering wheel is also on the left. It feels as though you are hanging over the side of the road as you drive, as opposed to being in the middle.
Fortunately, there is only one roundabout to navigate on St John roads, and there are signs all around the island reminding you to “Keep Left”. It usually works, but be prepared to honk and wave at some tourist drivers coming head-on.
We’ve heard a couple of theories as to why the left-hand rule applies on St John; here’s the best:
- The donkeys preferred walking on the left in the days of cart transport (seems unlikely but plausible).
- The British Virgin Islands (next door) made a deal to use US currency if the US Virgin Islands drove on their (left) side of the road (also unlikely but plausible).
- The Danish who were here before the U.S. drove on the left. (Seems most likely)
The fact that most tourists are stumbling around (both walking and driving) adds to the quirkiness of the island. Nobody’s in a rush here so it doesn’t really matter how long it takes. You just stop and wait, wave, and laugh. Then you carry on until you get to the next road obstacle.
2. Wildlife on the roads
There are a surprising number of animals walking the streets of St John (not including the late afternoon, cup-holding tourist). While the speed limit is relatively slow (between 10 – 20 mph / 15 – 30km/h) there’s always something around the corner to watch out for. In between the potholes, you can find a mix-bag of creatures around every corner.
Donkeys are one of the main roadside attractions. They’re like tourist magnets. People stop in the middle of the road to feed* and take selfies with them. Admittedly, we stopped to take a photo, but we pulled off the road (thankfully, as it came straight up to the window).
*Please don’t feed the donkeys, there are plenty of natural resources to support their diet and feeding them from your vehicle encourages them to come towards cars (which is dangerous for them and other motorists).
Notable animals to watch out for include:
- Donkeys run “wild” on the island. No longer used as working animals they are free to roam. And so they do, on the streets and in your gardens.
- Goats will often walk out in front of you in a herd, or scoot across the road.
- Sheep also wander the streets. They look like goats because they don’t have a thick wool coat, but you can tell the difference between them by their tails (sheep’s tails hang down, whereas goats tails are up).
- Iguanas frequent the roads, and you may spot them sun baking.
- Tourist Jeeps, yes, they are not “animals” as such, but you’ve got to watch the road when they are about!
- Chickens seem to be running wild on the island too. They’ll even walk under your table at some of the local bars and eat the food scraps around your feet.
- Mongoose are pretty quick, but can give you a fright sometimes when they scoot across the road.
- Deer, while they are beautiful, they’re not the smartest of animals when it comes to road rules…they definitely need space.
3. Takeaway Drinks
We’d just finished a beer at a local brewhouse and were about to drive home when the bartender asked if we’d “like a to-go cup” for a takeaway beer.
“What?” “Oh, it’s fine hun”
“Really? Well, we were just about to drive home actually”
“No worries, you can take it on with you”
You will often see tourists walking around Cruz Bay with takeaway plastic cups in their hands. If you do want to carry a takeaway drink with you, say no to plastic by bringing your own reusable cup. This is a simple way to practice ecotravel.
Drinking and driving St John USVI
In St John, the legal blood alcohol limit for drivers is 0.08%. Around the island, you may come across people driving with open alcoholic drinks in their car, we were told that this is because there is no open container law in the V.I. Code. However, we caution to always stay informed on the most current regulations before your visit. Additionally, as the roads can be a little sketchy at times, it’s a good idea to have a designated driver who isn’t under the influence.
4. Keep your Shirt on
With so many beautiful St John beaches to visit, you may feel like driving between them in your bikinis, or if you are a male, shirtless. However local custom and law require that cover-ups are required to be worn over bathing suits (or bare chests for males) everywhere except for the beach.
So, don’t forget to keep a shirt on, whether you are driving through Cruz bay, or sitting on the top deck of the ferry, as you may get a fine for not wearing a shirt!
5. Rent a 4 Wheel Drive
If you want to explore the island and tick off this list of things to do in St John, rent a 4 wheel drive. There are some hidden beaches along dirt roads, and you will come across plenty of steep roads.
It really is a slow-paced waltz. So as long as you are willing to dodge the wildlife and change a tire every once and a while, driving on St John is your ticket to experiencing all that St John has to offer.
Driving on St John quick tips
When driving on St John you get some amazing views of the bays, beaches and the BVI’s. While there are taxis here, they are far and few between. Driving is really a necessity if you want to enjoy all that the island has to offer.
- Keep Left (don’t follow the car in front of you because they might be wrong too)
- Pull off the road if you’re going to look at the wildlife.
- Take it slow. You never know what’s around the corner here
- Watch out for Iguanas! They sleep on the road during the day.
- Make sure you’re carrying a spare tire
- Put a shirt on while driving!
Where to stay on St John USVI
There is one main hotel on St John, the Westin Resort. However, there are also plenty of beautiful rentals to stay in around the island. We stayed in Coral Bay which is on the more quiet side of the island. Here are some top picks for your vacation.
Pricing structure:
- $ = $50-150
- $$ = $150-300
- $$$ = $300-500
- $$$$ = $500+
Caribbean Charmer
1 bedroom | 1 bathroom | $ | VRBO
Looking for a more affordable stay in Coral Bay? This charming one-bedroom condo overlooks Coral Bay and has a fully equipped kitchen. The suite has a colorful Caribbean color palette, wood furniture, and a great hillside breeze.
Salty Kisses & Goodnight Wishes
1 bedroom | 1 bathroom | Coral Bay | $$ | VRBO
This cozy two-person bungalow is tastefully decorated and well-equipped. It includes a fully equipped kitchen, a luxurious queen-size bed, and a deck that overlooks Coral Bay.
Sweet St. John
1 bedroom | 1 bathroom | Cruz Bay | $$$ | VRBO
This stylish, contemporary property boasts polished marble floors, quartz counter tops, and outstanding views.
Indigo Blue Luxury Studio Beachfront
1 bedroom | 1 bathroom | Cruz Bay | $$ | VRBO
This beachfront luxury condo is located at Grande Bay Resort. The second story property has magnificent coastal and bay views. The condo’s seaside terrace enables you to hear the soothing waves of Cruz Bay.
Seawing
2 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | Coral Bay | $$ | VRBO
This spacious two-bedroom house has high ceilings, large windows and is very secluded, sitting on a two-acre property. It has two outdoor showers, one constructed of native stone. If you are lucky enough to be staying here during rainy season, there is a waterfall in the garden, flowing over natural rock formations.
Staying a while? Take a trip to Puerto Rico or the British Virgin Islands.
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Aaron is one of the co-founders of The Dharma Trails. His background in marine eco tourism and writing have blended together to create the eco travel platform read by users around the world.
Hi, loved to read about St. John. Great memories and nice photos. Re reading the section “Keep left” What I found most curious was not just that they drive on the left but also that almost all cars come from the USA and have the steering on the left for right hand driving!