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Discover the Best Adventures on St. John in the virgin islands

Paddle, Swim, and Trek Through the Island’s Most Stunning and Secluded Locations

about st. john

connect with nature

St. John, the smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, is a haven for both nature lovers and adventure seekers. With two-thirds of the island protected as Virgin Islands National Park, it offers pristine beaches, lush tropical forests, and crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant marine life. Whether you’re snorkeling alongside sea turtles in tranquil bays, kayaking through serene mangrove lagoons, or hiking scenic trails to uncover breathtaking views, St. John invites you to connect deeply with nature. 


Perfect for families, couples, and small groups, the island provides an ideal escape from the hustle of everyday life. Its eco-conscious focus ensures your adventures leave a positive impact on the fragile ecosystems you explore. Guides share fascinating insights about local wildlife and history, enriching your experience and creating memories you’ll treasure for years. With its mix of relaxation, exploration, and conservation, St. John is more than a destination—it’s an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Caribbean.

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Getting to Know St. john

Location, Accessibility, and Nearby Islands

St. John, a gem of the U.S. Virgin Islands, offers an unparalleled escape into nature’s tranquility. Accessible only by ferry from nearby St. Thomas, St. John feels a world away while remaining conveniently close. Without an airport of its own, the journey to St. John begins with a scenic 20-minute ferry ride that sets the tone for adventure and relaxation. Once on the island, visitors are immersed in the beauty of Virgin Islands National Park, which covers two-thirds of St. John and offers protected beaches, lush trails, and vibrant marine life. 


Whether you’re drawn to the peaceful charm of Cruz Bay or the pristine, white sand of Honeymoon Beach, St. John’s unique blend of accessibility and seclusion makes it a perfect destination for those seeking connection with nature and unforgettable experiences.

HIGHLIGHTS OF ST. JOHN

TOP SIGHTS NOT TO MISS

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Virgin Islands National Park

Virgin Islands National Park is a treasure of St. John, covering two-thirds of the island with pristine beaches, lush forests, and vibrant coral reefs. This protected paradise offers endless opportunities for hiking, snorkeling, and exploring diverse ecosystems. Virgin Islands Ecotours brings you closer to the park’s wonders with guided kayaking, hiking, and snorkeling tours that highlight its unique natural beauty while promoting conservation. It’s an unforgettable way to connect with nature!

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Cruz Bay

Cruz Bay, the vibrant gateway to St. John, welcomes visitors with its charming mix of local culture, lively shops, and waterfront dining. Known as the island's hub, this quaint town offers easy access to Virgin Islands National Park and stunning beaches. Explore art galleries, indulge in fresh Caribbean cuisine, or browse unique boutiques. Cruz Bay is more than just a starting point—it's a destination where island hospitality and natural beauty come together.

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Coral Reef National Monument

Coral Reef National Monument, a hidden gem of St. John, protects over 12,000 acres of vibrant marine ecosystems. This underwater paradise features pristine coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds teeming with marine life like sea turtles and tropical fish. A must-visit for nature lovers, Virgin Islands Ecotours offers guided kayak and snorkeling adventures here, providing an eco-friendly way to explore and learn about this incredible sanctuary while supporting its preservation.

What makes us different

Virgin Islands Ecotours stands out on St. John by offering eco-conscious, family-friendly adventures that immerse visitors in the pristine beauty of Virgin Islands National Park. Guests can explore lush mangroves, hike scenic trails, and snorkel vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life.

Guided by knowledgeable, CPR-certified experts, each tour emphasizes safety, education, and environmental conservation. Designed for nature lovers and adventure seekers, these tours provide an opportunity to connect deeply with St. John’s unique ecosystems. With a focus on creating unforgettable memories, Virgin Islands Ecotours combines fun, learning, and sustainability to deliver a truly meaningful Caribbean experience.

Snorkel with Sea Turtles–St. John

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FROM: $99

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Book Now
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Looking to pack a BIG experience into a short amount of time? Then we’ve got just the adventure for you! This tour is designed for groups of 4 or more.

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Hike & Beach Adventure Tour: Discover Honeymoon Beach on St. John

St. John

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FROM: $129

Immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of St. John with a private, expertly guided photo shoot tour that captures your most breathtaking moments against the island’s stunning landscapes - ensuring you take home not just pictures, but cherished memories.

Prices

3 Hours

Let Us Be Your Guide

Top Experiences on St. John in the virgin islands

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St. John

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3 Hours

MOST POPULAR

Paddle the breathtaking North Shore of St. John and snorkel with sea turtles in the crystal-clear waters of Virgin Islands National Park on this unforgettable guided kayak tour.

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St. John

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5 Hours

Kayak St. John’s coastline, snorkel two colorful reefs with sea turtles, then relax under coconut palms at Honeymoon Beach with a picnic lunch — a full day in paradise! This full-day guided tour is perfect for nature lovers and families looking to explore the island’s most scenic spots.



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St. John

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3 Hours

Experience the magic of St. John’s crystal-clear waters on our guided Snorkel With Sea Turtles tour. Start with an easy beach entry and follow your expert guide to spots where sea turtles are often seen. With a light floatation vest and personal guidance, you’ll safely explore vibrant marine life for an unforgettable underwater adventure.

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Looking to pack a BIG experience into a short amount of time? Then we’ve got just the adventure for you! This tour is designed for groups of 4 or more.

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St. John

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3 Hours

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Everything you need to snorkel - high-quality silicone mask, snorkel, fins, inflatable snorkel vest, St. John snorkel map, fish ID card, and mask defogger in deluxe mesh backpacks! Quality gear, ready to go.

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St. John

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Daily

BEST VALUE

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Hit the water with confidence. Premium stand-up paddleboard and paddle, foam car top carrier, and life jackets included. Easy pickup and drop-off at Mongoose Junction. No circling for parking!

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St. John

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Weekly

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Sit-on-top ocean kayak with backrest, paddle, foam car top carrier, and life jacket included. Easy pickup and drop-off at Mongoose Junction. No hunting for parking! Quality gear, ready when you are.

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St. John

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Weekly

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St. John

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3 Hours

Paddle through Coral Bay’s calm turquoise waters, watch sea turtles grazing in seagrass beds, and swim up to the famous floating taco bar for a one-of-a-kind island lunch!

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St. John

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1.5 Hours

Paddle through the golden light of early evening along St. John’s calm western shoreline on this peaceful 1.5-hour guided kayak tour. Launch from Cruz Bay Beach and glide past Gallows Point with views of Frank Bay and St. Thomas in the distance.

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St. John

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Up to 8 hours

Self-guided

Explore the calm mangrove bays of Hurricane Hole inside the Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument on a full-day, self-guided kayak and snorkel adventure on St. John.

Stories and Tips for Your Next Adventure

Why Everyone (Not Just Newbies) Should Go on a Guided Snorkel Tour

By Chrissann Nickel • December 24, 2025
Here’s a hot take I have for the US Virgin Islands: Everyone should take a guided snorkel tour at least a couple of times, no matter how many times they’ve been snorkeling here before. I know, I know… you’ve already snorkeled here. Why would going with a guide change anything when you already know how to snorkel? Why do you need someone to accompany you when you already have a fish identification card and rented snorkel gear so you can go by yourself?

Thinking About Visiting Lime Out on St. John? Here’s Everything You Need to Know.

By Chrissann Nickel • November 20, 2025
Unless you don’t use social media and/or haven’t done any research about visiting the US Virgin Islands, you’ve likely heard of and seen plenty of pictures and videos of Lime Out , the floating taco bar off the island of St. John. It’s hard to miss all of their amazing viral videos. Nothing snags your attention like seeing people hanging out on floating couches being served up delicious tacos in the middle of a bay in the Caribbean. You see it, and you instantly start dreaming of being there. Admit it: It happened to you, too. ;) So if you’ve got a trip planned to the USVI and are wondering if you should add a trip to Lime Out to your itinerary (short answer: definitely yes ), then here’s everything you need to know.

Our New Snorkel Gear Rental Bags on St. John

By Chrissann Nickel • October 29, 2025
With the launch of our new retail shop & home base in Mongoose Junction on St. John, the 2025/26 season ahead is shaping up to be an exciting one! (By the way… did you join us for the virtual tour of the new shop? You can find it on our Instagram account in our reels, if you’re not already following us there.)

customer reviews

Amazing Tour!

Our tour guide Swish, was very friendly, patient and gave us exclusive information about each part of the tour. Highly recommend!


Leticia & Mike | TripAdvisor

Highly Recommend for All Ages!

Although we are experienced travelers, we saw other participants initially worry about being with older travelers. The guides made us feel included and safe. This was one of our favorite activities, suitable for all ages!


Deb K. | TripAdvisor

This was an absolute delight!

Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and pointed out some amazing wildlife along the way. Honeymoon Beach was the highlight—a true tropical paradise. Highly recommend this for families!


Heather D. | TripAdvisor

Have Questions? We've Got Answers!

St. JOHN FAQs

  • What is the best way to get to St. John?

    The only way to reach St. John Island is by ferry from St. Thomas, as St. John does not have an airport. Travelers can enjoy a scenic journey by first flying to St. Thomas Island and then taking a public ferry to St. John Island.

  • Do I need a passport to visit St. John?

    U.S. citizens do not need a passport to travel to St. John since it is a U.S. territory. However, non-U.S. citizens will need a valid passport and possibly a visa.

  • What is the best time of year to visit St. John?

    The best time to visit St. John is between December and April, when the weather is warm and dry, perfect for outdoor activities. The off-season (May to November) offers fewer crowds, but be aware of the hurricane season.

  • What makes Virgin Islands National Park so unique?

    Virgin Islands National Park, which covers most of St. John Island, showcases breathtaking natural landscapes, including lush forests, historic ruins, and pristine beaches. 

  • How do I get to my tour on St. John?

    FINDING US AT CANEEL BAY ON ST. JOHN:

    Our kayak, hike & snorkel tours on St. John are located at Honeymoon Beach at Caneel Bay on the north shore of the Virgin Islands National Park. You can reach Honeymoon Beach at Caneel Bay Resort several ways: by car, taxi, foot, or ferry.


    From St. John by Car:


    Drive to Caneel Bay Resort, one mile from Cruz Bay by car or by taxi. Walk over along the coastline until you reach Honeymoon Beach.


    From St. John By Hiking:


    Hike the one mile (20 minutes) LIND POINT TRAIL, a popular and easy trail to walk from Cruz Bay, starting a few blocks from the passenger ferry terminal.


    From St. Thomas Via Passenger Ferry:


    Take the ferry to St. John, which departs from Red Hook (the easternmost point of St. Thomas) every hour on the hour in both directions. The ferry costs $7 per person each way and is a 15-minute scenic and enjoyable ride. Once in St. John, walk 2 blocks to the left towards the VI National Park Visitor Center where you will find the Lind Point Trail that leads you to Honeymoon Beach at Caneel Bay. Approximately a one-mile hike.


    From St. Thomas Via Car Barge:


    Or, bring your car on the barge which mostly leaves every 30 minutes and costs $50 round trip. This is a better deal than the passenger ferry if you have 4 or more people as it gives you flexibility without needing a taxi service once you arrive on St. John. You will find the car barge to the left of the people passenger ferry on St. Thomas in Red Hook. The last car barge departs St. John at 6:15 pm to return to St. Thomas by 6:45 pm.


    Taxi Tips:


    If taking a taxi, tell the driver to take you to, “Caneel Bay Resort.” Follow the trail along the coastline to Honeymoon Beach.


    Approximate Taxi Fares:


    Confirm fare before getting in the taxi. It can range from $8 – $12 per person each way depending on where your ship docks and how quickly the driver can fill up his taxi. Virgin Islands Ecotours has no control over taxi fare prices. All taxis are independently owned and operated, and fares are set and regulated by the government.

  • What is your cancellation policy?

    Your payment is 100% refundable until 24 hours before the date and time your tour is due to depart. If you cancel your booking with less than 24 hours notice or fail to show up for your tour, then the full cost of the tour will not be refunded.

  • What will we see on the tour?

    On our  St. John tours, you will paddle over colorful coral reefs and hike through the pristine Virgin Islands National Park. You may see a variety of birds such as brown pelicans, blue herons, night herons, egrets, yellow warblers and hummingbirds. While snorkeling you may see spotted eagle rays, turtles, pufferfish, octopus, lobster, stingrays, parrotfish and much more!

  • Do you offer private tours?

    Yes! You can now upgrade any eligible tour to a private experience for just a $99 flat fee. This “Private Tour Upgrade” can be selected during online checkout—just look for the Flat Fee – Private Tour Upgrade option when booking your tour. Private tours are available any day except Wednesdays.


    Prefer to book by phone? Give us a call at (340) 779-2155 and we’ll take care of everything.


    For corporate groups, special events, or custom experiences, please contact us directly by phone at (340) 779-2155 or by email at info@viecotours.com to make arrangements with our team.