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Saint John US Virgin Islands Cruise Port Guide
Location:
Cruise ships cannot dock at either of the piers in St. John. Instead, they moor off the coast at Cruz Bay, sending in tenders to the National Park Service Dock, the larger of the two piers, in the middle of town.
Webcam of pier.
Printable map to take along.
Cruise calendar for this port.
Watch a destination video.
Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers
Monthly Climate Averages for Saint John US Virgin Islands
Sightseeing:
With two-thirds of the island designated as National Park, St. John is the most undeveloped, easygoing and laid back of the three major U.S. Virgin Islands. There are only two major resorts on the island, and the beaches are unspoiled by large hotels or development.
The main industry here is tourism, and there is plenty to do on St. John, despite its small size – just 28 square miles. A nature lover will have no problem keeping busy on St. John. The island offers many different hiking trails, including easy trails for inexperienced hikers or families with young children, to challenging trails for the avid hiker.
Snorkeling is also a favorite activity on St. John. Several of the
island's beautiful beaches boast reefs teeming with colorful fish and
underwater wildlife. Venture out on your own, or take advantage of
a guided snorkeling tour.
Tours Excursions Transportation:
The most popular way to get around the island is by surrey-style taxi. Taxis wait at the pier. You can "bargain" for most things on the islands, but the taxi and bus rates are regulated. Taxi rates are charged per person one way.
You can also rent open-sided jeeps. Avis and Hertz both have offices here. Just remember to drive on the left, even though steering wheels are on the left, too.
It pays to compare your cruise line shore excursions here.
Nearby Places:
A 15-minute ferry ride across the sound to the east end of St. Thomas.
Shopping and Food
Compared to St. Thomas, St. John is a minor shopping destination, but the boutiques and shops at Cruz Bay make up in interest and quality what they lack in number. Most of them are clustered at Mongoose Junction in a woodsy area beside the roadway, about a 5-minute walk from the ferry dock.
Currency:
US$
Communication:
English is the official language but you may also find Spanish being spoken.
Opening Hours and Holidays:
Shopping hours Mon-Sat 0900-1700. When cruise ships are in port, some larger shops open on Sunday.
1 Jan New Year's Day.
6 Jan Three Kings' Day.
Jan Martin Luther King Day.
Feb Presidents' Day.
Holy Thursday.
Good Friday.
Easter Monday.
May Memorial Day.
3 Jul Emancipation Day.
4 Jul Independence Day.
Jul Hurricane Supplication Day.
Sep Labor Day.
Oct Columbus Day.
Oct Virgin Islands Thanksgiving Day.
1 Nov D Hamilton Jackson Day/Liberty Day.
11 Nov Veterans' Day.
Nov US Thanksgiving Day.
25 Dec Christmas Day.
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