| 1 of 63 | Coral Bay, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands | View All 63 Photos |
St. John Summary
Pros
- Virgin Islands National Park -- an exceptional, well-protected wildlife reserve
- Friendlier locals than in St. Thomas
- Minimal crime, unlike in St. Thomas
- 86- to 91-degree beach weather, year round
- No passport required for United States citizens (though it's recommended)
- Tap water is safe to drink.
Cons
- No international airport; getting to the island requires a flight to St. Thomas, then a long ferry to the island
- No public transportation (unmetered taxis available)
- Chance of hurricanes from June 1st until November 30th
What It's Like
Separated from St. Thomas by Pillsbury Sound, the small, laid-back island of St. John is the most naturally beautiful of the three major islands in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Its development is limited to a handful of quaint restaurants, arts shops, and car-rental kiosks in Cruz Bay -- no nightclubs, not even an airport. Soft, isolated beaches, diverse wildlife in the Virgin Islands National Park, and a friendly, slow-paced local culture are more than enough attraction.
Where to Stay
There are only two major hotels on St. John -- Caneel Bay, with its hushed, scenic luxury, and the Westin St. John, a more conventional, family-focused resort. In both cases, expect to pay a premium for such tranquility.
View all St. John Hotels
Facts
| Language: | English |
| Airports: | |
Henry E. Rohlsen (STX) |
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| Time Zone: | |
| Peak: | Dec. 15 - April 15 |
| Off-Peak: | June 1 - Nov. 31 |
| Hurricanes: | June 1 - Nov. 31 |
| Visa: | No, for Visa Waiver Program countries |
| Passport: | No (for U.S. citizens) |
| Currency: | U.S. Dollar |
| Electricity: | 120 V, 60 Hz (U.S. compatible) |
| Tipping: | 15-20% at restaurants |
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