So you have decided you want to check out the Virgin Islands.
You’ve done your research and discovered that St. John seems to be the perfect, serene, breathtaking, relaxing spot to spend your hard-earned vacation time. You’re spot on. Now, how do you get here?
First step: Get to St. Thomas
Why here first?
Unless, you’re coming in on your own boat, most trips to St. John begin on its larger neighbor.
Fly Into St. Thomas (STT)
Cyril E. King Airport on the southwest side of the island.
Nearly every major U.S. carrier lands at Cyril E. King Airport (STT). Nonstop flights from Miami clock in under three hours and under four from New York, with off-peak round-trip fares often running $300–$500. Keep your eye out for flash sales that can dip even lower!
Location: West end of St. Thomas’s southern shore, two miles from the capital of the USVI, Charlotte Amalie.
Typical Airlines: American, Delta, United, JetBlue, Frontier, Spirit, Sun Country — daily service year-round.
Arrival: Planes unload on the tarmac, not through a jetway, giving you the chance to soak in that warm Caribbean air as soon as the cabin door opens. This feels especially welcoming if you are traveling from a colder climate.
Kick it off island style: As you enter the airport, be sure to grab a free welcome shot of Cruzan Rum from the friendly greeters across from the bathrooms – let the vacation officially begin!
Arrive in St. Thomas by Cruise Ship
Some visitors arrive by sea instead of air. Cruise ships tie up at two main terminals on either side of Charlotte Amalie along the southern coastline:
- Havensight / Yacht Haven Grande (WICO Dock):
East of Charlotte Amalie, Havensight welcomes Carnival, Norwegian, Disney, Celebrity, and most Royal Caribbean ships. Shops and cafés hug the pier, and downtown is a quick taxi ride away. - Crown Bay Marina (CB Dock):
On Charlotte Ameilie’s western edge, Crown Bay handles the larger of the cruise ships like Oasis-class Royal Caribbean, Princess, Holland America, and Cunard. Close to the airport and a little further from downtown Charlotte Amelie, you’ll find plenty of shops and spots to grab a quick bite at the Crown Bay Center.
Step 2: Find your transportation to St. John
After retrieving your luggage form baggage claim you’ll want to head outside where passengers vans are lined up to deliver travelers to their destination.
Get to the Port Area of Red Hook
On the East side of the island, closest to St. John.
Ask to be taken to Red Hook Ferry:
- The taxi to Red Hook ferry is about ½ hour and costs about $23 per person plus driver tip.
- The ferry leaves from this spot every hour on the hour so is a very reliable way to get to St. John.
- You can also prebuy your ferry tickets on this website, which I encourage you to do so you can avoid standing in the ticket line.
- You’ll need to purchase the corresponding number of adult ($8.15 for ages 12 and up) and child ($1 for ages 2-11) tickets as well as a ticket for each large bag/suitcase ($4 each). Backpacks can be held on your lap at no charge.
- Here’s a link to the ferry schedule, where you can also purchase your tickets online: Schedules | Ferry to Red Hook & Cruz Bay.
If you’re interested in a more comfortable private ride from the airport to the ferry in Red Hook:
Prearrange for a town car. We highly recommend Tropical Adventures based on St. Thomas Luxury Private Transfer in St. Thomas | Tropical Adventure. Your driver will monitor your flight and meet you after you retrieve your bags to give you a comfortable ride to the ferry which can be a huge plus after a long travel day.
If you miss the ferry, never fear!
Another ferry will show up to leave at the top of the next hour, and you can always grab a refreshing drink at Captain Quin’s Rum Bar while you wait. Life’s pretty good right now.
Or Head to Another Area with Ferry Options
Charlotte Amalie to Cruz Bay ferry.
- This option only runs a couple times a day but is a 5 minute taxi ride from the airport meaning shorter van ride.
- You can prebuy tickets online at $13 for adults and $3.50 for kids 2-1, with bags at $4 each.
- Here is a link to that ferry option to check times and purchase online if you wish:
Charlotte Amalie to Cruz Bay | St. John Ferry Ticketing.
Crown Bay Marina to Cruz Bay ferry:
- Another option that runs a few times a day if you are coming in to St. Thomas on one of the larger cruise ships.
- Purchase your tickets online at $20 for adults, $10 for kids, and a $5/bag fee.
- Here’s a link with the schedule for this ferry and to purchase tickets online: Crown Bay to Cruz Bay | St. Thomas to St. John Ferry
Or just skip the ferry altogether
Direct Catamaran Transfer or Private Charter with Voodoo Charters
We can also offer transports for you and your group on either of our catamarans, from St. Thomas to St. John. We’ll meet you at Crown Bay Marina (a 5 minute taxi ride from the airport) and give you and your luggage a ride to Cruz Bay, St. John. Please reach out to us and we are happy to provide you with pricing based on your group size.
Looking for a private adventure from St. Thomas? We can pick you up at a spot that’s most convenient to you and whisk you away for a day! Explore the top snorkel spots and hidden beaches as you tour the USVI or BVI, then return to either island.
Step 3: You have arrived.
You’ll be stepping off the boat and right into downtown Cruz Bay.
Time to Explore St. John’s Wonders…
But what to do now? Here are a few ideas to get you started, from Cruz Bay and beyond:
- Take a casual stroll around downtown: Walk across the street to Mongoose Junction for beach bars and boutiques, or check out the Virgin Islands National Park Visitor Center to get your bearings.
- Catch a taxi to some awesome spot (there are many): Head to North Shore beaches like Trunk, Cinnamon, and Maho. If you’ve got the time, Coral Bay is a quaint and charming experience.
- If you’re staying in St. John for a few days, book a catamaran charter with us of course! Cruise around the entire island of St. john, snorkel coral reefs and find tucked away beaches, visit a floating restaurant like Lime Out or Pizza Pi.
Learn more about excursions while you’re in St. John
