Peter Bay, St. John Guide

Know Before You Go...®

Unspoiled and serene, St. John is a nature lover’s paradise. Luxury villas in St. John embrace eco-chic design with panoramic decks and private trails to hidden beaches. Villa rentals in St. John offer an intimate experience of the USVI, with easy access to Virgin Islands National Park.

Why Peter Bay, St. John?

  • Peter Bay is located on the north shore of St. John, US Virgin Islands.
  • The pristine beaches at Peter Bay provide a beautiful backdrop for snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing.
  • Peter Bay has a few natural saltwater pools, which are perfect for relaxing and cooling off.
  • Peter Bay is home to many rare and endangered species, including the leatherback sea turtle.
  • The area around Peter Bay is a popular destination for kayaking, hiking, and birdwatching.

Peter 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

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.

Transportation on Peter Bay, St. John

Getting to Peter 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.

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...® - Peter Bay, St. John Travel Tips

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

Capital: St. JohnLuxury
Population: 2019Unknown
Size: 2010Unknown.
Electric Current: 110
Time: Timezone: AST, 2025-07-17 20:57:27
(GMT Offset: -4 hours, DST: No)
Official Language: The official language spoken in Peter Bay is English, while the secondary language spoken varies depending on the cultural backgrounds of its residents. Some may speak Spanish, French, or other languages. However, English is the primary language used in g
Currency: Peter Bay is a popular tourist destination located in the Caribbean island of St. John. As a premier vacation spot, it offers a wide range of currency and payment options for visitors. The official currency of St. John is the United States dollar, which is widely accepted in Peter Bay. This makes it convenient for American tourists who do not have to worry about exchanging their currency. However, it is advisable to have some cash on hand for small purchases and tips. Credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are widely accepted in Peter Bay. Most hotels, restaurants, and shops accept these cards, making it easy for tourists to make purchases without carrying large amounts of cash. It is recommended to inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with using your credit card abroad. ATMs can be found in major areas of Peter Bay, providing easy access to cash. However, it is advisable to withdraw money from reputable banks to avoid any fraudulent a
Tipping and Taxes: Peter Bay, located on the island of St. John in the Caribbean, is known for its luxurious resorts and stunning beaches. Like many tourist destinations, tipping and taxes play a significant role in the local economy and culture. In this summary, we will discuss the tipping and tax practices in Peter Bay. Tipping is a common practice in Peter Bay, and it is expected in most service industries. The standard tip is around 15-20% of the total bill. This includes restaurants, bars, and tour guides. Some establishments may include a service charge in the bill, so it's essential to check before leaving an additional tip. Tipping is also expected for housekeeping services in hotels or vacation rentals. The amount may vary depending on the length of your stay and the quality of service. In addition to tipping, there are also various taxes that visitors should be aware of in Peter Bay. The most common is the room tax, which is a 12.5% tax on the room rate for hotels and vacation rentals. Th
Dress Code: The dress code in Peter Bay is likely to be casual and relaxed, with comfortable and lightweight clothing being suitable for the warm climate.
Topography: Peter Bay is a small bay located on the northern coast of St. John, characterized by its gently sloping beaches and surrounding hills covered in lush tropical vegetation.
Telephone: US +1 340

Peter 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.