Plan Your Visit to Mongoose Junction on St. John

First and foremost, it should be noted that Mongoose Junction, beyond everything else it has to offer, is simply beautiful to spend time in. From the appealing archways, detailed stonework, and lush landscaping, it's an incredibly pleasing space to stroll around (and there's plenty of shade!).

Fun fact --> Mongoose Junction was designed and built by local architect Glen Speer and his crew of fine craftsmen and native stonemasons.

Even the local donkeys like to make regular appearances here (though they stick to window shopping only).

Mongoose Junction is such a popular spot because of the array of shops, restaurants, bars, and activities it has to offer all in one place.

Retail stores like Big Planet, Bamboula, Lulee, and Vibe Jewelry (to name a few) sell so much more than souvenirs. Here, you'll find shops curated with interesting finds that you won't be able to resist bringing home.

The restaurants and bars of Mongoose Junction are always a mix of old favorites and fresh additions to the island. The North Shore Deli is everyone's favorite stop to pack a sumptuous picnic lunch before they hit the beaches up the road. The there's the Tap Room where you can sip St. John brews, St. John Scoops for a refreshing ice cream cone, and Greengo's for tacos and margaritas. And, if you'd like to dine in and enjoy some time in the serenity of Mongoose Junction, you can make reservations at 18°64° The Restaurant.

This spot is also appealing for art lovers as you'll find several local galleries including Bajo El Sol Gallery which is a hybrid art gallery, bookstore, café, rum and cocktail bar.

We can't also forget to mention one of our favorite bars (and new neighbors!), The Sun Dog Cafe. And speaking of neighbors...

We're excited to now have a location in Mongoose Junction ourselves! The VI Ecotours shop is located just next to Sun Dog Cafe. In our shop, you can check in for your guided tours, rent water sports gear, and find fun items to shop for that appeal to active nature lovers. Not only is it convenient for dining & shopping before or after your island tours with us, it is also just next to the back parking lot which makes it easy to pop in and out with your water sports gear to your car.

Our snorkel gear is our most popular rental item! It is always in top condition—clean, free of wear & tear, and easy to transport in our signature mesh backpacks. We are also the only company in the Virgin Islands that allows you to reserve your snorkel gear entirely in advance.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

What was that?! USVI Underwater Mysteries, Solved.

By Chrissann Nickel • July 30, 2026

If you’ve ever been snorkeling here in the US Virgin Islands, you got to be surrounded by an abundant array of marine life. We’re fortunate to have thriving reefs with a high diversity of living things. However, if you didn’t go with a guide , you likely may have missed some things and/or seen some things that stumped you. We have a lot of things in the water here that may not be identifiable at first glance, which is what makes going on a guided snorkel tour so much fun. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again—even if you’ve been snorkeling here many times, you can always get some value out of going out with a guide. Our local guides know these waters intricately and have a deep knowledge and passion for the USVI marine environment. Joining them for a snorkel tour (and yes, you can set up a private tour , if you prefer!) means you can get all of your questions answered, learn some cool facts, and have things pointed out to you that you may miss on your own. Here are a couple of things underwater that you might have seen and thought, “What on earth was that thing?!”