St. John, USVI is one of my favorite destinations for its variety of activities, great food and memorable experiences. Below are five of the most unique ways to enjoy St. John, including a private chef dinner, a day charter to the BVI and more.
*Edited December 2017*
I recently returned from my second visit to St. John in the US Virgin Islands and spent more than two weeks exploring the island. Even after many days there, I only scraped the surface of what the island offers. Below are five standout experiences that showcase St. John’s best — from boat charters to secluded beaches and island cuisine. Read on for practical tips and highlights from my trips.
(1) Day trip to the British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands are a short boat ride from St. John and make a perfect day trip if you bring your passport. I spent a day with a full-service charter that included breakfast, lunch, drinks, shaded seating and snorkel stops. A typical day begins with a light breakfast, followed by superb snorkeling at sites like Leinster Bay, where I saw nurse sharks, large sea fans and schools of colorful fish.
Later we stopped at the famous caves off Norman Island, widely regarded as one of the Caribbean’s best snorkeling destinations. The clear water and abundant marine life make it a memorable underwater experience even for novice snorkelers. For lunch the boat moored near a tiny islet with striking blue water, where we enjoyed lobster étouffée, chilled prawns, chicken salad, fresh bread and a rich chocolate brownie.
One of the most fun stops is Jost Van Dyke, where you can moor offshore and swim to the beach bar. The casual vibe, beautiful sand and lively crowds make it an entertaining stop for a drink and to meet other travelers. A day charter to the BVIs is a fantastic way to combine snorkeling, island hopping and relaxing scenery into one full day.
(2) Private dinner at your villa with a local Caribbean chef
If you’re staying in a villa, hiring a private chef for a sunset dinner is a uniquely personal way to experience island cuisine. We had a talented local chef prepare a multi-course meal using fresh, regional ingredients and Caribbean flavors. The chef handled everything — menu planning, cooking, serving and cleaning — so we could relax and enjoy dinner as the sun went down.
Our menu began with a crab and pumpkin bisque and a wilted tropical salad, followed by an elegant main of snapper with oxtail hash, polenta galette and a mango sambal emulsion. Dessert was a lime-coconut-mango napoleon. Courses were paired with wine and easily adapted to accommodate dietary preferences. A private chef dinner is not only delicious, it’s also a chance to learn about local ingredients and culinary traditions directly from someone raised in the islands.
(3) Foodie Jeep tour
Explore St. John by jeep to sample local food and see the island beyond the beaches. A self-guided food tour can include a hearty breakfast in Cruz Bay, scenic drives along the North Shore with multiple overlooks, and slow stops for lunch and snacks in Coral Bay. Popular roadside stops include small delis, local smoothie stands and casual beachside eateries serving fresh seafood and burgers.
Combine food stops with short hikes or beach dips at places like Salt Pond or Lameshur Bay. The flexibility of a jeep lets you create a day of culinary discovery and island viewing, and there’s always a chance to spot wild donkeys roaming the hills. A food-and-scenery day out is a perfect alternative to a full beach day.
(4) Watch the sunset
St. John sunsets are especially stunning in summer, when the sky over nearby St. Thomas lights up with warm gold and orange hues. Some of my favorite sunset spots are anywhere in Cruz Bay — especially restaurants and bars that offer dinner alongside the view. Watching the sun dip below the horizon with a meal or a cocktail in hand is a simple, unforgettable island ritual.
(5) Kayak or hike to a secluded beach, then explore on land and in the sea
St. John’s network of trails leads to many quiet, secluded beaches that often feel entirely private. Several guidebooks and local tour companies recommend hikes such as Rams Head, Reef Bay and Brown Bay, which connect to rewarding snorkeling spots and remote shorelines. Booking a guided kayak-and-snorkel tour is another excellent option; guides know the best hidden coves and snorkeling sites and provide equipment plus local insight.
Kayaking can take you to remote areas with excellent reefs, and hiking opens access to beaches reachable only on foot. On multiple trips I kayaked and hiked with reputable local operators and consistently found amazing snorkeling, peaceful beaches and even the occasional friendly donkey lounging on shore.
Helpful tip:
A local concierge service helped me discover many of these experiences, including dinner reservations, provisioning and tour recommendations. Many concierge companies can suggest the best local vendors and make arrangements ahead of your arrival — a useful resource if you want curated recommendations and logistics support.
Video note: The original post included a snorkeling highlights video presented in high definition.
Other St. John travel resources and guides can help plan where to eat and what to see during your visit.
I researched, planned and paid for these experiences on my own. With the help of a local concierge, I was able to discover and enjoy many of the island’s highlights.
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