Wondering what to do while on St. John? Our page currently has 99 activity suggestions for St. John. Wondering where to start? Here is our ultimate top 10 list.
1. Beaches
Spend at least one day on the beach with a good book, doing absolutely nothing. St. John has a wide variety of beaches for every taste. From busy with facilities, shops and life guards like Trunk Bay, to totally remote and tranquil, only accessible via along hike like Brown Bay. From calm with white sand like Maho, Francis, Cinnamon and Trunk to rocky with crashing waves like Drunk Bay. Check out our St. John Beach Guide here.
2. Go Snorkeling
Even if you are not a big snorkeler, give it a try for at least one day. Try out the new Easybreath Full Face masks that will even get a non snorkeler hooked on snorkeling. As with the beaches, there is snorkeling for every possible taste and level of ability. Snorkeling in the calm waters of Maho Bay, or hard-core snorkleing around the outside of Whisling Cay or Waterlemon.
3. Go on a BVI day trip
Note: The BVI are currently closed for day trips due to covid-19 with no known opening date.
A trip to St. John is not complete without a visit to one of the beautiful neighbouring BVIs. Newbies start with a short trip to Jost van Dyke, adventurers go all the way to Anegada. Not sure which is the best island for you to visit? Check out this overview. There are numerous ways to get to the BVIs by public ferry if you have a lot of time and can stay overnight, by private charter of a powerboat, on a day sail or via one of the larger boats like Kekoa or Bad Kitty.
4. Watch the sunset
Sunsets on St. John are spectacular, especially during the winter months. You can watch them from one of the North Shore Road overlooks, from a boat during a sunset cruise, while sitting at Beach Bar with a drink in your hand, or having a picnic at Peace Hill.
5. Explore Nature & History
Leave town and go wandering about. You don’t even have to venture far from civilization, only a few spots from the hotspots and main streets you will be able to see Iguanas, Deer, Donkeys, Hermit Crabs, Mongoose, Caterpillars and much more. Many historic sites and ruins like Annaberg Sugar Plantation, the windmill at peace Hill or the ruins at Cinnamon and Caneel Bay don’t even require a long hike.
6. Have a great dinner in town
There is a wide variety of great food on St. John, among our favorites are the longboard which serves gourmet tacos, baja bowls, ceviches, and poke bowls, all with a Caribbean flair using local spices, locally-caught seafood and locally-sourced herbs, greens and fruits, Greengos serving delicious Sonoran style Mexican Food, High Tide for being right by the beach and the great sunset views and for a more upscale dining experience definitely check out Extra Virgin Bistro. But you will also find a steak house, Italian food as well as great food, there really is something for everyone. For the best burgers on island and unique experience head to Skinny Legs in Coral Bay.
If you don’t feel like dealing with traffic and parking hassle in town there is a great new option on center line, Shambles it’s just after tony’s luncheon van across from the hospital and paradise lumber and you can park right on site.
7. Go Hiking
Even if you are not a Hiker, go on at least one hike during your stay on St. John. You will be amazed by the beautiful nature and wildlife. Only a few minutes walk or drive from town you can find yourself in complete wilderness. Check out our favorite St. John hikes here.
8. Go Kayaking or Paddleboarding
Yes, sitting on the beach is great but sometimes to you need to paddle out to see the true beauty of a beach from the water. A paddleboard or Kayak also allows you to get to places that you can otherwise not access, like Denis Bay, Whisling Cay and so on. You can rent Kayaks and Paddleboards from Arawak Expeditions and SUP St. John. They also offer guided tours and lessons
9. Do the North Shore Overlook Photo Tour
Not the sightseeing type? You can get all key photos for your photo album during a drive on North Shore Road, stopping at each of the overlooks and at Peace Hill Parking Lot. Take North Shore Road from Mongoose Junction up the hill, and stop whenever you see a parking bay on the left side of the road or when you see the Peach Hill Parking Lot sign.
10. Go Beachcombing
It is not allowed to take anything from National Park Beaches but there are some great beaches outside the park where you can find some treasures including beautiful rocks, drift wood and beach glass. Chocolate Hole is outside the National Park as is one side of Haulover Bay and some other beaches. Ask your villa host for tips in the area where you are staying.