Cruz Bay, St. John Guide

Know Before You Go...®

Why Cruz Bay, St. John?

  • Cruz Bay is the largest town in St. John.
  • Cruz Bay is located in the Caribbean Sea.
  • The National Park Service administers over two-thirds of St. John's land area.
  • Cruz Bay is home to many resorts, restaurants, and shops.
  • The coral reefs surrounding Cruz Bay offer amazing snorkeling and diving opportunities.

Cruz Bay, 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
Café Roma

Voted the island's best Italian cuisine 6 years in a row!

Located in the heart of Cruz Bay, this restaurant offers traditional Italian cuisine - lasagna, spaghetti and meatballs, and the like. They are open seven days a week for dinner and offer pizzas for takeout only.

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.

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 Cruz Bay, St. John

Getting to Cruz Bay, 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...® - Cruz Bay, St. John Travel Tips

Before making their way to Cruz Bay, 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 Cruz Bay, St. John even more relaxing.

Capital: St. John
Population: 2019Approximately 2,800.
Size: 2021Unknown
Electric Current: 110
Official Language: The official language spoken in Cruz Bay is English, reflecting its status as part of the United States Virgin Islands. However, many locals also speak Creole, a secondary language with roots in French and West African languages. This reflects the diverse
Currency: Cruz Bay, located on the beautiful island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands, is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and laid-back atmosphere. As a result, the town offers a variety of options for currency and payment, making it easy for visitors to enjoy their stay without any hassle. The official currency of the U.S. Virgin Islands is the United States Dollar (USD), which is widely accepted in Cruz Bay. Visitors can exchange their currency at local banks, which are open Monday through Friday from 9am to 3pm. There are also several ATMs located throughout the town, making it easy for visitors to withdraw cash as needed. In addition to cash, most businesses in Cruz Bay accept major credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. This makes it convenient for tourists who may not want to carry large amounts of cash with them. However, it is always a good idea to inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any poten
Tipping and Taxes: Cruz Bay, located on the island of St. John in the United States Virgin Islands, has specific tipping and tax practices that visitors should be aware of. Tipping in Cruz Bay is not mandatory, but it is customary and appreciated. The standard tip for good service at a restaurant or bar is 15-20% of the total bill. Some establishments may automatically add a service charge to the bill, in which case an additional tip is not necessary. For services like taxis, tour guides, and spa treatments, a 15% tip is also recommended. In terms of taxes, the USVI has a sales tax of 5%, which is added to most purchases. This includes restaurant meals, drinks, and retail items. Some hotels and resorts may also add a room tax or resort fee to the final bill. It is important to check with the establishment beforehand to avoid any surprises. Additionally, there is a hotel occupancy tax of 12.5% which is applied to the nightly rate of accommodations. This tax is often included in the advertised pri
Dress Code: The dress code in Cruz Bay is casual and relaxed, with a focus on comfortable and beach-appropriate attire.
Topography: Cruz Bay is a small town located on the western coast of St. John Island in the US Virgin Islands, known for its picturesque harbor, sandy beaches, and hilly terrain surrounded by lush tropical vegetation.
Telephone: Country code: +1 Area code: 340

Cruz Bay, 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.