St. John is the smallest of the three main US Virgin Islands, with roughly two-thirds of the island protected as Virgin Islands National Park. It's an easy day trip from St. Thomas — the ferry from Red Hook takes just 20 minutes. No passport needed from St. Thomas. There is also a cross-border ferry from West End, Tortola, which requires a passport.
No passport needed from St. Thomas. St. John is part of the US Virgin Islands. If traveling from Tortola (West End), a passport is required as it's a cross-border route.
How to Get There
Transportation Services of St. John
Runs roughly every hour — no passport needed
Transportation Services of St. John
Less frequent than Red Hook — no passport needed
Inter Island Boat Services
Closest terminal to STT airport — no passport needed
Inter Island Boat Services
Cross-border — passport required
What to Do
Trunk Bay is the most famous beach on St. John — consistently rated one of the best beaches in the world. It has an underwater snorkeling trail maintained by the National Park Service. Admission is $5 (cash). About 15 minutes by taxi from Cruz Bay. Snorkel gear can be rented on-site for a few dollars.
Maho Bay is a great alternative — free, good snorkeling, and you'll often see sea turtles in the shallow water. About 20 minutes from Cruz Bay. There's a food truck and some picnic tables but limited shade, so bring your own umbrella or plan for morning hours.
Cruz Bay town is immediately walkable from the ferry. Restaurants, bars, shops, and the National Park Visitor Center are right there. The Tap Room and The Longboard are popular spots. Stop at the Visitor Center first to grab a trail map and ask about ranger-led programs.
Reef Bay Trail is a 2.2-mile hike through tropical forest to ancient petroglyphs and a sugar mill ruin. Moderate difficulty. The NPS offers guided hikes (check at the Visitor Center).
Honeymoon Beach is a quieter option accessible by a short hike from the Caneel Bay resort area. There's a water sports operator on-site offering kayaks and paddleboards. It's less touristy than Trunk Bay and great for families.
What It Costs
Ferry: check current fares on the schedule page. Trunk Bay admission: $5. Taxis to beaches: $7-14 per person depending on distance. Budget $15-30 for lunch.
Best Time to Go
Morning ferries give you the most flexibility. The beaches are less crowded before 10 AM and after 3 PM. Weekdays are significantly quieter than weekends, when St. Thomas residents also head to St. John. If you're only visiting one beach, take the first ferry and head straight to Trunk Bay or Maho Bay before the midday rush.
Tips
No passport needed from St. Thomas — but if you're coming from Tortola (West End), a passport is required for the cross-border ferry. The Red Hook ferry runs roughly every hour, so you have flexibility on your return time. If you want to visit beaches, take a taxi from Cruz Bay — the roads are steep and curvy. Beach chairs/umbrellas can be rented at Trunk Bay. Bring reef-safe sunscreen.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the ferry to St. John?
From Red Hook, St. Thomas, the ferry to Cruz Bay, St. John takes about 20 minutes. From Charlotte Amalie, it's roughly 45 minutes. From Crown Bay, the crossing takes about 35 minutes. The Red Hook route runs most frequently — roughly every hour.
Do you need a passport for St. John?
No. St. John is part of the US Virgin Islands, so no passport is required for US citizens traveling from St. Thomas or the US mainland. This makes St. John the easiest day trip in the Virgin Islands.
What is the best beach on St. John?
Trunk Bay is the most famous — consistently rated one of the best beaches in the world, with an underwater snorkeling trail. Maho Bay is a great free alternative where you'll often see sea turtles. Cinnamon Bay offers both beach time and a historical trail through sugar plantation ruins.
Can I rent a car on St. John?
Yes, several car rental agencies operate near the Cruz Bay ferry dock. However, for a day trip, taxis are usually more practical — the roads are steep and winding, parking at popular beaches is limited, and taxi drivers know the best routes. Budget $7-14 per person each way to the beaches.
Is St. John worth a day trip from St. Thomas?
Yes. With two-thirds of the island protected as a national park, St. John has some of the best beaches and hiking trails in the Caribbean. The 20-minute ferry from Red Hook makes it an easy half-day or full-day trip, and no passport is needed.