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.
St. John Guide
Know Before You Go...®
If you’re looking for an island that offers fantastic opportunities for outdoor activities, then St. John is the place for you. With miles of park land circled by white sand beaches, visitors to St. John will enjoy a variety of activities, like hiking, swimming, snorkeling, and more. There are also tons of shops and entertainment venues in Cruz Bay. A villa here gives you complete access to this relatively undeveloped Caribbean paradise, and with all there is to see and do, you’ll have lasting memories of St. John.
Why St. John?
- St. John is the smallest of the three US Virgin Islands.
- The island is home to the Virgin Islands National Park, which covers nearly 60% of St. John's landmass.
- St. John is home to several pristine beaches, including Trunk Bay and Cinnamon Bay.
- The island is home to a variety of tropical wildlife, including lizards, iguanas, and hermit crabs.
- St. John is a popular destination for sailing, snorkeling, and kayaking.
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
|
History
St. John is a small island in the Caribbean Sea, located in the United States Virgin Islands. It is known for its beautiful beaches, clear blue waters, and lush green forests. The history of this island is a fascinating one, shaped by a mix of indigenous tribes, European colonization, and the transatlantic slave trade.
The island was first inhabited by the indigenous Taino people, who called it “Ciboney,” meaning “rocky land.” These peaceful tribes lived off the land, fishing and farming on the island’s fertile soil. However, in 1493, the Spanish explorer Christopher Columbus arrived on St. John during his second voyage to the New World. He claimed the island for Spain and named it “San Juan,” after the Christian saint.
For the next few centuries, St. John remained relatively untouched by European powers. It wasn’t until the early 17th century that the Dutch and the English began to show interest in the island. In 1625, the Dutch established a small settlement on St. John, but it was soon abandoned due to conflicts with the indigenous tribes.
In the mid-17th century, the English established a permanent settlement on St. John, building a fort and establishing sugar plantations. The island’s fertile land and ideal climate made it an ideal location for sugar production, and the English brought in enslaved Africans to work on the plantations. The island became a hub for the transatlantic slave trade, with thousands of enslaved Africans brought to St. John to work on the sugar plantations.
In 1733, the island was sold to the Danish West India and Guinea Company, and it was renamed “St. John” after the Danish king, King Christian VII. Under Danish rule, the island’s economy continued to thrive, with an increase in sugar production and the establishment of rum distilleries. However, the enslaved Africans on the island faced brutal and inhumane treatment, leading to several slave revolts.
In 1917, the United States purchased St. John, along with the rest of the Virgin Islands, from Denmark. The island’s economy shifted from sugar production to tourism, with the development of luxury resorts and hotels. Today, St. John is a popular destination for tourists seeking a tropical paradise, but its history as a hub for the transatlantic slave trade is not forgotten.
In 1956, the majority of the island was designated as a national park, preserving its natural beauty and protecting the historical ruins of the sugar plantations. The island continues to thrive as a popular tourist destination, offering a mix of Caribbean culture, stunning landscapes, and a rich history.
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.
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.
Transportation on St. John
Getting to 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.
Local Transportation
1. Public buses: The VITRAN bus system operates throughout St. John and offers affordable fares and convenient routes around the island.
2. Taxis: Taxis are readily available on St. John and can be found at most popular tourist spots and near the ferry docks. They are a more expensive option but offer convenient door-to-door service.
3. Car rentals: Renting a car is a popular way to get around St. John, as it gives visitors the freedom to explore the island at their own pace. There are several car rental companies on the island.
4. Scooter or bicycle rentals: For a more adventurous option, visitors can rent scooters or bicycles to explore the island. This is a great way to see more of the natural beauty of St. John and avoid traffic.
5. Water taxis: With St. John being surrounded by water, water taxis are a popular and unique mode of transportation. They can take visitors to different parts of the island or to nearby islands for day trips.
6. Walking: St. John is a small island and many of its main attractions and beaches are within walking distance of each other. Walking is a great way to explore the island and take in its scenic views.
7. Jeep tours: There are several companies on St. John that offer Jeep tours, taking visitors to some of the island’s more remote and off-the-beaten-path locations. This is a fun and exciting way to see the island.
8. Private boat charters: For a luxurious and customizable transportation option, visitors can hire a private boat charter to explore the surrounding islands or to take them to specific destinations on St. John.
Know Before You Go...® - St. John Travel Tips
Before making their way to 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 St. John even more relaxing.
| Capital: | Cruz Bay |
|---|---|
| Population: | 5,000 (estimated) |
| Size: | 20 square miles |
| Electric Current: | 110 |
| Time: | Timezone: -04, 2024-12-22 15:18:20 (GMT Offset: -4 hours, DST: No) |
| Official Language: | English is the official language of St. John, as it is a U.S. territory. |
| Currency: |
|
| Tipping and Taxes: |
|
| Dress Code: | St. John has a casual, laid-back dress code. Lightweight, breathable clothing is suitable for daytime activities, and swimwear is appropriate at the beach but should be covered when away from the shore. Smart casual attire is recommended for dining at upscale restaurants and resorts. |
| Topography: | St. John is the smallest of the three U.S. Virgin Islands and is known for its lush landscapes, beautiful beaches, and clear, turquoise waters. The island is home to Virgin Islands National Park, which covers two-thirds of the island. |
| Telephone: | * Country Code: +1-340 * Area Code: 340 * Mobile Networks: Widely available across the island. * Wi-Fi: Accessible in most hotels, resorts, cafes, and public spaces. |
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.
