First-Timer’s Guide to St. John
Travel forums are bombarded with the same questions from overwhelmed first-timers headed to St. John. Where should we stay? What should be on our itinerary? Which restaurant is best? Where do we shop for groceries? How do we get around?
Relax. There’s no stress allowed on St. John. Our job is to get you here, settle you in and have your toes in the sand by sunset. Here are a few general tips that every first-timer ought to know.
Allow Enough Time
Given that your first and last day of vacation are travel days, allow at least one week to adopt the slow pace of the island and enjoy.
Getting Here
Most major airlines offer flights to St. Thomas. From there, you will take a taxi to the East End to catch a 20-minute ferry ride to St. John. We will meet you upon arrival, answer all your questions and show you the ropes.
Rent a Jeep
Although the island is only nine miles long, there’s plenty to see and do that is best accomplished with your own rental. Trust us – you’ll be glad you did. Don’t forget to stay left.
Start at the National Park Visitor Center
Two-thirds of the island is a National Park so what better place to get the skinny on tours, hikes, cultural history, native plants and animals. Consider booking a guided tour with a Ranger for a very cool personal experience.
Take In the Overlooks
It’s seems cliché to recommend stopping at an overlook but these views are anything but mundane. Our famous North Shore is littered with photo ops so breathtaking, some people take a lunch.
Go Below
St. John’s crystal clear waters offer a spectacular display of marine life, so bring or rent underwater gear and dive in. Much of the island’s reefs are protected as part of the National Park boundary which extends 5,500 acres of adjacent ocean.
Discover Coral Bay
It’s easy to get enveloped in all that Cruz Bay has to offer, but don’t forget there’s a completely different vibe on the other side of the island. Getting there is half the fun, dodging donkeys, goats, sheep, roosters and mongoose high up in the hills. Some of the island’s best hikes and snorkeling can be found on the east end as well as a few popular dining establishments.
Slow Down
Perhaps the most valuable piece of advice we can offer is to come with an open mind and an open schedule. You can’t see and do everything in one trip. And why should you. You’ll be back. Just ask the guy or gal next to you at the Beach Bar about his or her St. John addiction.
