St. John Day Trip from St. Thomas: Perfect One-Day Itinerary

The Perfect St. John Day Trip from St. Thomas

St. John is only a 20-minute ferry ride from St. Thomas, making it one of the best day trips in the Caribbean. Two-thirds of the island is protected as Virgin Islands National Park, with pristine beaches, world-class snorkeling, and sea turtles — all in a single day.

7:30 AM — Catch the Early Ferry from Red Hook

• Cost: $7.50 per person each way
• Duration: 20 minutes
• Tip: The 7:30 or 8:00 AM ferry beats the crowds

8:00 AM — Arrive in Cruz Bay

Grab coffee at a cafe near the ferry dock. Pick up sunscreen, snorkel gear rentals, or snacks from the shops in Cruz Bay.

8:30 AM — Taxi to Trunk Bay

Head to Trunk Bay, ranked among the world's top 10 beaches.

• Taxi: $7-9 per person
• Park entry: $5 (free with America the Beautiful pass)
• Why go early: Nearly empty before 10 AM

Don't Miss: The Underwater Snorkel Trail

A 225-yard underwater trail with labeled signs identifying coral and marine life. Gear rental available on the beach ($8).

Complete Trunk Bay snorkeling guide →

10:30 AM — Maho Bay for Sea Turtles

A 10-minute taxi ride north. Famous for frequent sea turtle sightings in the seagrass beds.

• No entry fee
• Tip: Wade in knee-deep and stay still — turtles come surprisingly close

Sea turtle snorkeling guide →

12:00 PM — Lunch at Lime Out

Visit Lime Out, the famous floating taco bar in Coral Harbor. Boat-access only — options include:

• Book a charter that includes a Lime Out stop
• Rent a dinghy from Coral Bay
• Take a water taxi from Cruz Bay

Try the blackened mahi mahi tacos with a frozen painkiller.

Complete Lime Out guide →

2:00 PM — Explore Cruz Bay

• Mongoose Junction: Local art, jewelry, clothing
• Wharfside Village: Waterfront shops and restaurants
• National Park Visitor Center: Free exhibits on island history

3:30 PM — Honeymoon Beach (Optional)

Take a water taxi ($12 round trip) to Honeymoon Beach inside Caneel Bay — a gorgeous protected beach with a beach bar.

5:00 PM — Ferry Back to St. Thomas

Ferries run until midnight, so no rush. Leaving by 5-6 PM gives you time for dinner on St. Thomas.

Alternative: Full-Day Private Charter

Skip the ferry and taxi logistics — a private boat charter takes you to all the best spots with snorkel gear, drinks, and lunch included.

• Door-to-door from your St. Thomas hotel
• Captain knows the best spots and timing
• Access to boat-only beaches
• Flexible schedule

Browse St. John charter day trips →

Day Trip Packing List

• Reef-safe sunscreen (required by USVI law)
• Snorkel mask (or rent on-island)
• Waterproof phone case
• Cash for taxis and ferry ($50-75/person)
• Towel and change of clothes
• Water bottle

Full USVI packing list →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do this from a cruise ship?

Yes! Take the Charlotte Amalie ferry to Cruz Bay (45 min, $13.50). Allow enough time to return before departure.

Should I rent a car on St. John?

For a day trip, shared taxis are sufficient. Jeep rentals are fun but book far in advance.

Is one day enough for St. John?

One day covers the highlights beautifully. But most visitors plan a return trip to stay longer — the island is that special.