Know Before You Go...®

Why Chocolate Hole, St. John?

  • Chocolate Hole is a unique swim and snorkel spot on the north shore of St. John.
  • The waters are crystal clear and there are plenty of tropical fish, coral, and other marine life to enjoy.
  • The name Chocolate Hole comes from the deep chocolate brown color of the water due to its high iron content.
  • Chocolate Hole is a protected National Park and is a popular spot for boaters, kayakers, and stand-up paddleboarders.
  • The area is also a great spot for snorkeling and diving, with a variety of coral and marine life that can be seen.

Chocolate Hole, St. John Weather/Climate

Average Temperatures

January
78° F
° F
February
79° F
° F
March
81° F
° F
April
83° F
° F
May
83° F
° F
June
85° F
° F
July
86° F
° F
August
86° F
° F
September
85° F
° F
October
84° F
° F
November
81° F
° F
December
79° F
° F

Average Rainfall

January
1.8 inches
February
1.4 inches
March
1.5 inches
April
2.5 inches
May
3.4 inches
June
2.6 inches
July
2.4 inches
August
3.5 inches
September
4.8 inches
October
5.5 inches
November
5.3 inches
December
2.8 inches
Uncle Joe's Barbecue

A night out in Cruz Bay!

Uncle Joe's BBQ has a limited menu, but serves excellent barbecue and big portions. The pasta salad and ribs are popular. They offer take out and vegan options, and everything is cooked fresh.

Uncle Joe's Barbecue

A night out in Cruz Bay!

Uncle Joe's BBQ has a limited menu, but serves excellent barbecue and big portions. The pasta salad and ribs are popular. They offer take out and vegan options, and everything is cooked fresh.

Reef Bay Trail

Reef Bay Trail - an adventurous hike through tropical terrain and historic sugar mills

Reef Bay Trail is a beautiful, education hiking experience in the Virgin Islands National Park. Expect gorgeous views and challenging trails.

Transportation on Chocolate Hole, St. John

Getting to Chocolate Hole, St. John and getting around. Our transportation tips will help make your trip smoother. More good sand advice.

Entry Documents

  • Passport: Valid for the duration of your stay.
  • Visa: Not required for U.S. citizens. Most other nationalities do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days.
  • Return or Onward Ticket: Proof of departure from St. John is required.
  • Travel Authorization: No pre-arrival authorization is needed for U.S. citizens, but foreign nationals may need to complete a health declaration or entry form depending on current regulations.

Departure Tax

There is no departure tax on St. John, as it is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Driving

  • License: Visitors can drive with a valid foreign driver’s license for up to 90 days.
  • Permit: A temporary driving permit is required, obtainable at the Department of Motor Vehicles.
  • Driving Side: Right-hand side of the road.
  • Road Conditions: Generally good, though some roads may be narrow, winding, and steep in more rural areas.
  • Speed Limits: Typically 25-35 mph (40-56 km/h) in urban areas, and higher speeds on highways.
  • Traffic Rules: Be mindful of local traffic regulations and watch out for pedestrians, especially in popular tourist spots. Always exercise caution when driving on narrow, hilly roads.

Know Before You Go...® - Chocolate Hole, St. John Travel Tips

Before making their way to Chocolate Hole, St. John , vacationers like to know a little bit of helpful information to make them feel more at home during their stay. Take a look at our travel tips to make your time in villas in Chocolate Hole, St. John even more relaxing.

Capital: St. JohnCruz Bay
Population: 2018Unknown
Size: 2015Unknown
Electric Current: 110
Official Language: The official language spoken in Chocolate Hole is English, while the secondary language is Spanish.
Currency: Chocolate Hole is a popular tourist destination located on the island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. As a result, the currency used in this area is the U.S. dollar. This makes it convenient for American travelers as they do not have to worry about exchanging their currency. In terms of payment options, most businesses in Chocolate Hole accept major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. However, it is always a good idea to have some cash on hand, especially for smaller purchases or at local markets. Some businesses may also accept payments through mobile wallets such as Apple Pay or Google Pay. This allows for a contactless and secure transaction, which is especially important during the current global pandemic. For those who prefer to use cash, there are several ATMs located in Chocolate Hole where you can withdraw U.S. dollars. However, it is important to note that these ATMs may charge a transaction fee, so it is best to check with your bank b
Tipping and Taxes: Tipping and taxes in Chocolate Hole typically follow standard practices found in most places in the United States. Tipping is considered customary and is expected when receiving services such as dining at a restaurant or staying at a hotel. It is typically recommended to tip between 15-20% of the total bill for services rendered. This includes not only food and beverage service, but also services like housekeeping and spa treatments. In terms of taxes, Chocolate Hole falls under the jurisdiction of the US Virgin Islands, which has a sales tax rate of 5.5%. This tax is applied to most goods and services, including dining, accommodations, and retail purchases. Some items, such as prescription medication and certain food items, may be exempt from this tax. It is important to note that some restaurants and hotels in Chocolate Hole may include a service charge or gratuity in their prices, so it is always recommended to check your bill before tipping to avoid double-tipping. Additional
Dress Code: The dress code in Chocolate Hole is casual and relaxed, with a focus on comfort and practicality.
Topography: Chocolate Hole is a small bay on the south coast of St. John, US Virgin Islands, characterized by a horseshoe shape with steep hillsides and a sandy beach, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation.
Telephone: Country code: +1 Area code: 340

Chocolate Hole, St. John Weddings and Honeymoons

In St. John, the process of getting married is relatively simple and popular among destination wedding couples. Couples must apply for a marriage license at the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands. Required documents include:

  • Valid passports for both parties.
  • Birth certificates for both parties.
  • Proof of marital status: If divorced, a final divorce decree; if widowed, a death certificate of the spouse.
  • Proof of residence in St. John (if applicable).
  • Affidavit of no impediment to marriage (a statement affirming both parties are legally eligible to marry).

The marriage license costs approximately US$50. Additional fees for the officiant range from US$100 to US$300, depending on location and ceremony type. It is recommended to apply for the license at least 3 days before the intended wedding date.