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Welcome to St John

Arrival Guide: Tips for Your Stay on St. John

Welcome! We’re delighted you’ve chosen St. John for your vacation. This guide provides everything you need for a smooth arrival and enjoyable stay. Please keep it handy during your trip.

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Arrival & Greeting Service

  • If you are renting a vehicle on St. Thomas, please let us know in advance.

  • Guests who have secured our complimentary Meet & Greet Service will receive an email 8–10 days before arrival with the name and phone number of their greeter.

  • When you arrive at Red Hook (before boarding the ferry or car barge), please call your greeter to ensure a proper welcome.

 

Grocery & Beverage Delivery

  • Start your vacation stress-free with a fully stocked fridge!

  • Professional grocery and beverage delivery is available directly to your vacation property.

  • Visit: https://landlubberlogistics.com/home

 

Arriving on St. Thomas

  • Fly into Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St. Thomas.

  • Collect your luggage and proceed to the taxi dispatcher outside.

  • Tell the dispatcher you are heading to either:

        Red Hook Ferry Dock (30–45 minutes drive, approx. $30 per person with tip) or

        Crown Bay Ferry Dock (10  minute drive), approx. $20 per person with tip)

On either ferry you will be traveling to Cruz Bay, St John.

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Traveling with a Rental Car (St. Thomas to St. John)

  • Car barges operate between Red Hook (St. Thomas) and Cruz Bay (St. John).

  • Barges are less frequent and reliable than passenger ferries.

  • One-way ticket: $50 (tickets are not interchangeable between companies).

  • Arrive at least 25 minutes prior to departure. Barges leave when full.

  • Important Tips:

  • Only consider the car barge if:

Your flight lands before 4:00 pm.

Your return flight departs after 10:00 am.

 

Car Barge Schedule

  • There are 2 car barge companies that operate St Thomas to St John.  Both leave from the same ferry dock in Red Hook: Love City Ferries and Big Red Barge.  Details, pricing and schedules can be found here:  https://www.vinow.com/travel/virgin-islands-ferry-schedules/stjohnbarge/

  • Tickets are not interchangeable between ferries, therefore we recommend buying a one-way ticket. 

 

Practical Information

  • Dress Code: Lightweight cotton clothing, sandals, or sneakers are common.

  • Although we are a casual Island, it is required to cover swimsuits when away from the beach.

  • Upscale restaurants may require sundresses, collared shirts and dressier shorts. Pack light!

  • The sun is quite strong – hat and sunglasses along with rash guards/sun shirts are important.

  • Please ONLY bring reef safe sunscreen.  You can purchase through Amazon. There are places on Island to buy reef safe sunscreen (NOTE: it will be expensive).

  • Insects: Bring repellent. Keep screens closed. Lizards help by eating mosquitoes. Enjoy the tree frogs and crickets at night.

  • Cell Phones: AT&T and T-Mobile work best. Verizon may incur roaming charges. BVI towers may override local networks—turn off your phone or go into airplane mode at beaches to avoid roaming.

  • Local Customs: Caribbean Manners are important.  In our West Indian Culture, we show respect for others by always starting any conversation with a warm greeting:  “Good Morning” (anytime before noon), Good Day (any time before 5PM),   “Good Evening or Good Night” (After 5PM).

 

Hiking & Safety

 

Popular Hikes

  • Reef Bay Trail (strenuous 3 miles, ruins, petroglyphs, waterfalls).

  • Ram’s Head Trail (best hiked in the morning because of sun exposure and heat. Also beautiful at full moon – take a flashlight.   Trail begins at easterly end of Salt Pond Bay Beach).

  • Francis & Cinnamon Bay Trails (accessible, stroller-friendly).

  • Lind Point Trail to Salomon & Honeymoon Beaches

  • Johnny Horn & Brown Bay Trails

  • Safety: Lock cars and avoid leaving valuables or luggage visible

 

Travel Documents

  • U.S. citizens from U.S. airports do not need passports, but carrying one is recommended.

  • International arrivals must show proof of citizenship and pass customs.

  • All travelers leaving the USVI must show proof of citizenship and go through Customs and Border Protection before TSA Security

  • Visit travel.state.gov for updated requirements.

  • Trip Insurance is recommended. 

  • If you are thinking of taking a boat trip to the BVI you WILL need a passport

 

Other Useful Information

  • Currency: U.S. Dollar.

  • Language: English (Spanish and local dialects also spoken).

  • Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time (no daylight savings).

  • Voltage: 120V, same as mainland U.S.

  • Credit Cards: Most accepted, but many places do not take American Express. Taxis are cash only.

  • Mail & Packages: USPS Express Mail is fastest. For advance deliveries, call 340-227-6688 or email info@rslmvipropeties.com.

 

Recommended Charters & Activities

  • Fishing Charters:

 Just Fish St John  https://www.justfishstjohn.com/

Ocean Surfari https://oceansurfari.com/fishing-charters/st-john-fishing-charters/

  • Day and Sunset Charters:

Bad Kitty and Calypso Charters https://www.calypsovi.com/

Cruz Bay Water Sports  https://cruzbaywatersports.com/

Seas the Day Charters https://seasthedayusvi.com/

Palm Tree Charters  https://palmtreecharters.com/

Rockhoppin’ Adventures https://www.rockhoppin.com/

Kekoa Sailing Charters https://blacksailsvi.com/

  • Excursion to Lime Out –

Pup-Pup’s Taco Boa Dingy Rides – Captain Colleen will pick you up at Skinny Legs Dock with no time limit at Lime Out.  340-201-7284

 

Dining Recommendations

Casual Dining Cruz Bay

 

Deli’s and Food Trucks

 

Fine Dining Cruz Bay  (Reservations strongly suggested at least 30 days in advance)

 

Coral Bay Dining

 

Helpful Links

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