Day Trip to St. John - From St. Thomas

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Panoramic look at Trunk Bay’s bright turquoise water and soft white sand on St. John in the US Virgin Islands.

A day trip to St. John is one of the most rewarding experiences you can add to your St. Thomas cruise day. With its protected national park beaches, calm turquoise water, and peaceful atmosphere, St. John feels like a completely different world — quiet, natural, and beautifully untouched. Most of the island is part of Virgin Islands National Park, which means the beaches are pristine, the water is clear, and the scenery is some of the best in the Caribbean. It’s an easy, memorable escape for cruisers who want a relaxing day surrounded by nature.

Fun Facts & History About St. John

St. John is the smallest of the three main US Virgin Islands, and over 60% of it is protected as national parkland thanks to a major land donation by philanthropist Laurance Rockefeller in the 1950s. This protection is the reason the island has remained so natural and undeveloped. St. John has a long history that includes the indigenous Taino people, Danish colonial rule, and a major slave rebellion in 1733 that shaped the island’s future. Today, St. John is known for its quiet beaches, scenic hiking trails, and coral reefs that attract snorkelers from around the world.

Where St. John Is Located

St. John sits just east of St. Thomas and is easily reached by ferry from Red Hook. The ride takes about 15–20 minutes and brings you directly to Cruz Bay, the island’s main town.

Why a Day Trip to St. John Is Worth It

St. John offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, including Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, and Maho Bay. The island is peaceful, scenic, and perfect for travelers who want a quieter, more natural beach experience. Snorkeling is excellent, the water is calm, and the views are stunning. It’s a great way to add variety to your cruise day and experience a completely different island without much travel time.

What to Expect During Your Visit

Most cruisers spend their day relaxing on one or two beaches, snorkeling, or exploring Cruz Bay. The beaches are clean and natural, with soft sand and clear water. Trunk Bay has an underwater snorkeling trail, while Maho Bay is known for sea turtles. Cruz Bay offers shops and restaurants if you want to explore before or after the beach. The vibe is calm, friendly, and very laid‑back.

How to Get to St. John From the Cruise Port

Take a taxi from the St. Thomas cruise port to Red Hook (about 20–25 minutes). From there, board the passenger ferry to Cruz Bay on St. John. The ferry ride is quick and scenic, and taxis are available on both islands. Many cruisers choose to visit one main beach to keep the day simple and stress‑free.

Best Time to Visit St. John

Mornings and early afternoons offer the best beach conditions and the clearest water. The island stays beautiful throughout the day, but arriving earlier gives you more time to explore and relax before heading back to St. Thomas.

Tips for Visiting St. John

Bring snorkel gear — the reefs are excellent.
Choose one or two beaches to avoid rushing.
Carry cash for taxis and small purchases.
Check ferry schedules so you return with plenty of time before your ship departs.
Maho Bay is great for spotting sea turtles.

Final Thoughts

A day trip to St. John is one of the most peaceful and scenic experiences you can add to your St. Thomas cruise day. With calm beaches, clear water, and a relaxed island atmosphere, it’s a perfect escape for travelers who want a natural, low‑stress beach day.

You can see the full list of top things to do in St. Thomas here.