Hello everyone, and happy Tuesday. My parents and their high school friends are currently visiting, so I have been busy playing tour guide to them for the past week. Their friends have never been to the island, so I have been helping them with basic things like taxis, ferries, restaurants and the like. It got me thinking that there are so many helpful things to know about St. John, and most of them can be found right here on this website. So today, I am going to do a quick rundown of things to know when planning a St. John vacation.
How to Get Here & Getting Home
Looking for information about our airport and the logistics of traveling to and from St. John? You can find all of the information at www.explorestj.com/gettinghere. This post includes information on the people ferries and car barges too, including schedules.
Everyone hates leaving, but it’s a reality for nearly everyone. Leaving the airport is a four-step process for those of you who opt to check bags. We have a post that walks you through the process when you leave, including Customs, Pre-Check and more. You can find that information at www.explorestj.com/2023/01/30/going-home-navigating-the-st-thomas-airport.
Want to know about the food and drink situation at the airport? We’ve got you covered. You can find details on this at www.explorestj.com/2022/11/03/airport-food-st-thomas-airport. (There have been one or two new spots that have popped up since that was originally posted in November.)
The Taxis
The taxis follow a fee schedule, which is set by the Taxi Commission. Taxis are cash only, so please bring small bills if you plan on using the taxis. There are always taxis waiting at the main ferry dock in Cruz Bay. There are also taxis regularly parked at the Westin Resort for their guests. You can find the most current taxi rates at www.explorestj.com/taxi-rates.
Looking for a private taxi driver? You can find a list of names at www.explorestj.com/taxis.
Where are the Restaurants Located
Want to know exactly where each restaurant is located? You can see them all on our searchable restaurant map. That can be found at www.explorestj.com/restaurantmap.
Where are the Grocery Stores, Gas Stations, Pharmacy, Public Restrooms & More
Sometimes we need to know the simple things when on vacation. Our Logistics Map is also searchable. It includes the following information:
- Grocery Stores & Markets
- Gas Stations
- Pharmacy
- Free Parking
- Paid Parking
- Ferry & Barge Locations
- Dumpsters
You can find this information at www.explorestj.com/logisticsmap.
What are Some of the Best Hiking Trails
St. John has more than 20 miles of hiking trails. I’ve posted about some of my favorites ones. You can find that information, including directions, pictures and videos at www.explorestj.com/hiking.
What Do Some of the Beaches Look Like
Admittedly, I need to add more information to the page. But if you’d like to see some of our beaches here on St. John, please check out www.explorestj.com/beaches.
What’s the Latest on the Sargassum
I know that the media has been talking a lot about the sargassum seaweed that’s out in the Atlantic Ocean. We’re seeing some of that here, but it’s not enough to ruin anyone’s vacation. You can read my weekly (and sometimes daily) updates on sargassum on St. John at www.explorestj.com/sargassum.
What are Some Helpful Items to Bring to St. John (or on any beach vacation)
I’ve compiled a list with the help of some of my readers. (Thank you all!) This list can be used for a vacation to St. John or any beach locale. You can find that list at www.explorestj.com/2023/01/27/helpful-items-to-bring-on-a-st-john-vacation.
What are Some Villas, Boat Charters, etc. that Explore STJ Recommends
You can find a complete list at www.explorestj.com/businesses.
Looking to take a St. John island tour?
Learn more here –> www.explorestj.com/tour Full & half days available. Rated “Excellent” on TripAdvisor.
Follow Explore STJ on Social Media
–> www.facebook.com/explorestj
–> www.instagram.com/explorestj
Is Trunk Bay concession cash only or do they take credit cards?
They take credit cards too.