St. John, USVI Top 15 Bucket List activities
Are you looking for the ultimate adventure on St. John in the US Virgin Islands? Look no further! We’ve compiled a St. John, USVI top 15 bucket list of activities to get your heart racing and create unforgettable memories.
From hiking trails with stunning views to swimming with sea turtles, there’s something for every thrill-seeker on St. John. For those seeking more tranquility, we’ve included can-not-miss beach spots and historic site tours.
Don’t miss out on all the excitement St. John offers – check out our bucket list and start planning your next vacation today!
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Top 15 Bucket List Activities on St. John, USVI
Rams Head Trail
15. Hike Rams Head Trail—Park at the Salt Pond parking lot and bring your snorkeling gear. The beach is a short walk away.
The Rams Head trail begins at Salt Pond Beach on the Eastern side. Along the path, you will be greeted with fantastic views.
Once at the overlook, you can enjoy a breathtaking 360° view of the Caribbean waters. Unfortunately, there is very little shade along this hike. Therefore, bring plenty of water and apply sunscreen.
It will take you about an hour to hike this 2.3-mile trail.
Salt Pond
14. Snorkel at Salt Pond—After hiking the Rams Head trail, grab your snorkel gear and cool off in Salt Pond Bay. This bay has clear water and few boats.
If you aren’t a snorkeler, it’s great for swimming. For the most part, Salt Pond Beach is not very crowded and is truly paradise.
While in this area, check out Miss Lucy’s in Coral Bay for lunch.
BVI
13. Visit the British Virgin Islands—The BVI has many beautiful islands. If you are a U.S. citizen, bring your passport to explore a few.
One of our favorite places is the Soggy Dollar on Jost Van Dyke. There aren’t any docks or marinas at White Bay. Therefore, patrons must swim to shore, and their currency is wet. This is why it’s named The Soggy Dollar Bar.
The Soggy Dollar is rich in Caribbean history. In the 1970s, George and Marie Myrick created the drink Painkiller.
Today, it is hard not to find a bar that doesn’t serve Painkillers, but this is their birthplace. Enjoying a Painkiller at the Soggy Dollar Bar should be on everyone’s bucket list!
Foxy’s is another popular spot to relax with a cocktail on enjoy the clear turquoise waters of Jost Van Dyke.
In addition to the Soggy Dollar Bar and Foxy’s, another place to consider visiting is The Willy T. It is a floating bar and restaurant in the Blight at Norman Island, BVI.
You can also visit the Baths on Virgin Gorda. The BVI has many beautiful places to snorkel, but they can only be reached by boat.
During our first trip to St. John, six of us chartered a private boat to snorkel and visit the Willy T and Soggy Dollar. It was one of the most memorable activities of our trip.
On our most recent trip we took a group charter to snorkel at Lovango Bay, then to the Soggy Dollar and Foxy’s. It was another fabulous day trip to the BVIs.
The Soggy Dollar has a hotel called the Sandcastle, and it’s on my bucket list to stay.
Sunset Sail
12. Take a sunset sail around the Island – Snorkel to one of the many spots that can only be reached by boat before enjoying the beautiful St. John sunset.
There is nothing better than being on the water at sunset. Check out this Private Luxury Sunset Sail or this Sunset Group Sail
Waterlemon Cay
11. Snorkel at Waterlemon Cay – A short swim from the beach is the best snorkeling with starfish, turtles, rays, and colorful fish. For this reason, Waterlemom is considered one of the best places to snorkel on St. John, U.S.V.I.
Swim counterclockwise around the Cay to follow the current. This fantastic snorkel site is a short hike from the parking lot.
Top 10 Bucket List Activities on St. John, USVI
Annaberg Sugar Plantation
10. Visit the Annaberg Sugar Plantation – St. John is not all beaches. Visit this historic site and learn about the Island’s sugar plantation history. Afterward, take a hike to Leinster and Waterlemom Bays.
If you don’t rent a car or don’t feel like driving, this private 2.5-hour Island Tour is a great choice!
Beach Bar, St. John
9. Beach Bar for live music – This iconic, lively bar should not be missed while visiting St. John. Order a Painkiller or a Bushwacker, as they are the Island’s specialties.
In addition, it has a fantastic beach view, with a white sandy beach filled with games and chairs where you can relax.
The Beach Bar is one of the best places on the Island to experience live music. If you are on the Island when Kenny Floyd is playing, check him out! We went to the Beach Bar twice during our week on St. John to hear him sing.
Virgin Islands National Park
8. Take a hike on a Virgin Islands National Park trail—My recommendation is the Reef Bay Trail. This 2.2-mile hike to Reef Bay will take you past the Petroglyphs, ruins, and forest.
This trail is mostly downhill and ends at the beach. Because of this, the National Park Service offers a boat shuttle if you don’t want to hike back uphill. You can schedule with the National Park Service in advance by visiting the Visitor’s Center in Cruz Bay.
Another trail to consider would be the Lind Point trail to Honeymoon and Salomon Beaches. Since so much of the Island is part of the National Park Service, it is a treasure trove of things to explore and learn.
Morgan’s Mango
7. Lobster Night at Morgan’s Mango – One of the best restaurants in St. John offers Lobster Night every Saturday and Tuesday. Make reservations in advance at this popular restaurant with a wonderful ambiance.
Trunk Bay
6. Pack a cooler and spend the day at Trunk Bay. Order sandwiches and grab-and-go sides from North Shore Deli and spend the day at this gorgeous turquoise water and white sand beach.
Trunk Bay Beach is one of the most famous beaches on St. John, U.S.V.I. It is not to be missed!
Woody’s Shark Bites
5. Shark Bites at Woody’s—This fun spot epitomizes casual St. John dining. Drop in for a cold beverage and try some of their famous Shark Bites. Check out the menu for their other food offerings.
Woody’s happy hour is one of the best on St. John; be sure to check it out!
Lime Out
4. Charter a boat and eat Tacos at Lime Out—Unfortunately, Lime Out is only accessible by boat and cannot serve swimmers from shore. Several shuttles will take you to Lime Out.
I recommend booking this tour. A dingy rental is also available to explore Coral Bay. Lime Out serves delicious tacos and craft cocktails. Our favorite taco is the shrimp taco.
This floating taco bar should be on your St. John bucket list.
Sunset at Windmill Bar
3. Sunset at the Windmill Bar—The Windmill has sweeping views of Hawknest Bay and Pillsbury Sound. It also features amazing sunset views and live music daily. This bar has a wonderful island vibe, with cocktails and a restaurant on site.
For those interested in island history, the fascinating history of the Susannaberg windmill and Neptune’s Lookout is also available.
Be sure to check this awesome bar out on your next trip.
Skinny Legs
2. Lunch at Skinny Legs to Eat Burgers—This Coral Bay restaurant bar is one of the best places to grab an affordable burger or sandwich on St. John Island. It has a lively, family-friendly atmosphere and often has live music. Mumbo Jumbo is one of the best shops for souvenirs on the Island.
Maho Beach
1. Visit Maho Beach and snorkel with turtles and rays—This pristine white sand beach has calm water, making it family-friendly. The seagrass on this bay floor attracts turtles and rays. Please keep a healthy distance from these beautiful creatures to keep them safe. Take memories and only leave footprints.
The clear water is great for paddle boarding and snorkeling.
Across the road, there is a food truck and water sports rentals. It is a great beach to spend the afternoon.
Maho Beach should be on everyone’s list to visit while staying in St. John, USVI.
Check out my other blog posts about visiting St. John!
- Dining on St. John VI
- Beaches & Snorkeling Guide of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
- Travel Basics about St. John, USVI.
- Bars in St. John USVI: Best Spots for a Tropical Drink
- Westin St. John Ferry and Public Ferry Information
Our Trusted Resources
Booking.com: for booking accommodations
Fare Drop: for finding the best airfare deals.
Viator or Get Your Guide: for all my activities
Discover Cars: for car rentals
Airalo: for eSIM card
Trainline: for booking train tickets
Vuori & prAna: great sources for travel clothes
Columbia: great clothes and accessories for outdoor adventures.
International Drivers Permit: for getting your IDP
FAQ about St. John, USVI Top Activities
What is the best time of year to visit St John?
St John has a tropical climate with warm, sunny weather throughout the year. However, the peak tourist season coincides with the dry season from December through April. If you want to avoid crowds, consider visiting during the rainy season from May to November.
How can I get to St John?
St John is accessible only by water as the island does not have an airport. You can take a ferry from St. Thomas or a private boat charter from other nearby islands.
Do I need a passport to travel to St John?
If you are a U.S. citizen, you do not need a passport to visit St. John, as it is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, if you are not a U.S. citizen, you may need a passport or other travel documents.
What should I pack for my trip to St John?
St John has a laid-back island lifestyle, so pack comfortable clothing, swimwear, and sandals or flip-flops. Be sure to bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. Sturdy shoes are also recommended for hiking and exploring the island’s natural beauty.
