Paddle, Swim, and Trek Through the Island’s Most Stunning and Secluded Locations
about st. john
St. John, the smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, is a haven for both nature lovers and adventure seekers. With two-thirds of the island protected as Virgin Islands National Park, it offers pristine beaches, lush tropical forests, and crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant marine life. Whether you’re snorkeling alongside sea turtles in tranquil bays, kayaking through serene mangrove lagoons, or hiking scenic trails to uncover breathtaking views, St. John invites you to connect deeply with nature.
Perfect for families, couples, and small groups, the island provides an ideal escape from the hustle of everyday life. Its eco-conscious focus ensures your adventures leave a positive impact on the fragile ecosystems you explore. Guides share fascinating insights about local wildlife and history, enriching your experience and creating memories you’ll treasure for years. With its mix of relaxation, exploration, and conservation, St. John is more than a destination—it’s an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Caribbean.
Getting to Know St. john
St. John, a gem of the U.S. Virgin Islands, offers an unparalleled escape into nature’s tranquility. Accessible only by ferry from nearby St. Thomas, St. John feels a world away while remaining conveniently close. Without an airport of its own, the journey to St. John begins with a scenic 20-minute ferry ride that sets the tone for adventure and relaxation. Once on the island, visitors are immersed in the beauty of Virgin Islands National Park, which covers two-thirds of St. John and offers protected beaches, lush trails, and vibrant marine life.
Whether you’re drawn to the peaceful charm of Cruz Bay or the pristine, white sand of Honeymoon Beach, St. John’s unique blend of accessibility and seclusion makes it a perfect destination for those seeking connection with nature and unforgettable experiences.
HIGHLIGHTS OF ST. JOHN
Virgin Islands National Park is a treasure of St. John, covering two-thirds of the island with pristine beaches, lush forests, and vibrant coral reefs. This protected paradise offers endless opportunities for hiking, snorkeling, and exploring diverse ecosystems. Virgin Islands Ecotours brings you closer to the park’s wonders with guided kayaking, hiking, and snorkeling tours that highlight its unique natural beauty while promoting conservation. It’s an unforgettable way to connect with nature!
Cruz Bay, the vibrant gateway to St. John, welcomes visitors with its charming mix of local culture, lively shops, and waterfront dining. Known as the island's hub, this quaint town offers easy access to Virgin Islands National Park and stunning beaches. Explore art galleries, indulge in fresh Caribbean cuisine, or browse unique boutiques. Cruz Bay is more than just a starting point—it's a destination where island hospitality and natural beauty come together.
Coral Reef National Monument, a hidden gem of St. John, protects over 12,000 acres of vibrant marine ecosystems. This underwater paradise features pristine coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds teeming with marine life like sea turtles and tropical fish. A must-visit for nature lovers, Virgin Islands Ecotours offers guided kayak and snorkeling adventures here, providing an eco-friendly way to explore and learn about this incredible sanctuary while supporting its preservation.
Virgin Islands Ecotours stands out on St. John by offering eco-conscious, family-friendly adventures that immerse visitors in the pristine beauty of Virgin Islands National Park. Guests can explore lush mangroves, hike scenic trails, and snorkel vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life.
Guided by knowledgeable, CPR-certified experts, each tour emphasizes safety, education, and environmental conservation. Designed for nature lovers and adventure seekers, these tours provide an opportunity to connect deeply with St. John’s unique ecosystems. With a focus on creating unforgettable memories, Virgin Islands Ecotours combines fun, learning, and sustainability to deliver a truly meaningful Caribbean experience.
Let Us Be Your Guide
St. John
3 Hours
Looking to pack a BIG experience into a short amount of time? Then we’ve got just the adventure for you! This tour is designed for groups of 4 or more.
St. John
3 Hours
Experience the magic of St. John’s crystal-clear waters with an exclusive Snorkel With Sea Turtles tour, where you’ll swim alongside gentle sea turtles and vibrant marine life in a tranquil, crowd-free setting—perfect for an unforgettable morning or afternoon adventure.
St. John
Immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of St. John with a private, expertly guided photo shoot tour that captures your most breathtaking moments against the island’s stunning landscapes - ensuring you take home not just pictures, but cherished memories.
Prices
Our tour guide Swish, was very friendly, patient and gave us exclusive information about each part of the tour. Highly recommend!
Leticia & Mike | TripAdvisor
Although we are experienced travelers, we saw other participants initially worry about being with older travelers. The guides made us feel included and safe. This was one of our favorite activities, suitable for all ages!
Deb K. | TripAdvisor
Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and pointed out some amazing wildlife along the way. Honeymoon Beach was the highlight—a true tropical paradise. Highly recommend this for families!
Heather D. | TripAdvisor
Have Questions? We've Got Answers!
The only way to reach St. John Island is by ferry from St. Thomas, as St. John does not have an airport. Travelers can enjoy a scenic journey by first flying to St. Thomas Island and then taking a public ferry to St. John Island.
U.S. citizens do not need a passport to travel to St. John since it is a U.S. territory. However, non-U.S. citizens will need a valid passport and possibly a visa.
The best time to visit St. John is between December and April, when the weather is warm and dry, perfect for outdoor activities. The off-season (May to November) offers fewer crowds, but be aware of the hurricane season.
Virgin Islands National Park, which covers most of St. John Island, showcases breathtaking natural landscapes, including lush forests, historic ruins, and pristine beaches.
FINDING US AT CANEEL BAY ON ST. JOHN:
Our kayak, hike & snorkel tours on St. John are located at Honeymoon Beach at Caneel Bay on the north shore of the Virgin Islands National Park. You can reach Honeymoon Beach at Caneel Bay Resort several ways: by car, taxi, foot, or ferry.
From St. John by Car:
Drive to Caneel Bay Resort, one mile from Cruz Bay by car or by taxi. Walk over along the coastline until you reach Honeymoon Beach.
From St. John By Hiking:
Hike the one mile (20 minutes) LIND POINT TRAIL, a popular and easy trail to walk from Cruz Bay, starting a few blocks from the passenger ferry terminal.
From St. Thomas Via Passenger Ferry:
Take the ferry to St. John, which departs from Red Hook (the easternmost point of St. Thomas) every hour on the hour in both directions. The ferry costs $7 per person each way and is a 15-minute scenic and enjoyable ride. Once in St. John, walk 2 blocks to the left towards the VI National Park Visitor Center where you will find the Lind Point Trail that leads you to Honeymoon Beach at Caneel Bay. Approximately a one-mile hike.
From St. Thomas Via Car Barge:
Or, bring your car on the barge which mostly leaves every 30 minutes and costs $50 round trip. This is a better deal than the passenger ferry if you have 4 or more people as it gives you flexibility without needing a taxi service once you arrive on St. John. You will find the car barge to the left of the people passenger ferry on St. Thomas in Red Hook. The last car barge departs St. John at 6:15 pm to return to St. Thomas by 6:45 pm.
Taxi Tips:
If taking a taxi, tell the driver to take you to, “Caneel Bay Resort.” Follow the trail along the coastline to Honeymoon Beach.
Approximate Taxi Fares:
Confirm fare before getting in the taxi. It can range from $8 – $12 per person each way depending on where your ship docks and how quickly the driver can fill up his taxi. Virgin Islands Ecotours has no control over taxi fare prices. All taxis are independently owned and operated, and fares are set and regulated by the government.
Your payment is 100% refundable until 24 hours before the date and time your tour is due to depart. If you cancel your booking with less than 24 hours notice or fail to show up for your tour, then the full cost of the tour will not be refunded.
On our St. John tours, you will paddle over colorful coral reefs and hike through the pristine Virgin Islands National Park. You may see a variety of birds such as brown pelicans, blue herons, night herons, egrets, yellow warblers and hummingbirds. While snorkeling you may see spotted eagle rays, turtles, pufferfish, octopus, lobster, stingrays, parrotfish and much more!
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