Welcome to St. John, where the stunning scenery, laid-back vibe, and exciting adventures create the perfect backdrop for your next getaway.
With countless activities to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide how to spend your time on this beautiful island. But fear not—I’ve sifted through all the options to bring you the very best things to do in St. John, each one a highlight of the island that you absolutely can’t miss.
From hidden beaches accessible only by boat to how to enjoy delicious tacos while lounging on a float in the middle of the Caribbean to the best snorkeling spots that showcase vibrant marine life, I’ve handpicked experiences that will make your trip truly unforgettable.
Whether you’re after relaxation, adventure, or a taste of local culture, this list has you covered. Let’s dive in and uncover the 11 very best things to do in St. John that will make your visit absolutely perfect!
The 11 Very Best Things to do in St. John:
- Rent a Dinghy to Unlock St. John’s Hidden Treasures
- Scuba Diving for All Levels
- Visit Lime Out for Tacos and Libations
- Windmill Bar at Sunset
- Snorkel The Mangroves in Hurricane Hole
- Circumnavigate Henley Cay by Snorkel
- Picnic at Your Own Private Caribbean Beach
- Take an Evening Walk on the Tranquil Shores of Maho Bay
- Take a Day Cruise Over to the BVIs
- Pop Over to Lovango Cay Resort for Lunch
- Jam Out to Daily Live Music at The Beach Bar
1) Rent a Dinghy to Unlock St. John’s Hidden Treasures
One of the best ways to experience the stunning beauty of St. John is by renting a dinghy. Say goodbye to the crowds and traffic on land, and instead, cruise along the coastline, discovering secret beaches and secluded snorkeling spots that most visitors never see. It’s the perfect way to explore the island’s most pristine areas at your own pace.
Whether you start in Cruz Bay or Coral Bay, renting a dinghy lets you explore different sides of the island. I highly recommend splitting your adventure between both if you have the time.
From Cruz Bay, you can navigate the entire north shore, visit famous spots like Trunk Bay and Cinnamon Bay, and even snorkel at Waterlemon Cay—without having to take the long hike to get there! You can also venture over to the private Lovango Cay Island and Resort for a change of scenery and some pool time.
On another day, renting from Coral Bay opens up a whole new world. You’ll get access to hidden gems like Hurricane Hole, Rock, and the must-visit floating taco bar, Lime Out (more on the must-dos below!).
Several companies in Cruz Bay and Coral Bay offer dinghy rentals by the full day or in 4-hour blocks.
We had a fantastic experience renting from Wharfside Watersports in Cruz Bay, a locally owned company that made the process easy and enjoyable. To explore the north shore from Cruz Bay, I recommend opting for a full-day rental to ensure you have enough time to soak in all the beauty.
Lastly, if dinghies aren’t quite your style, don’t worry—St. John offers plenty of larger boat rentals and day charters, complete with captains, for a more laid-back and luxurious way to see the island.
2) Scuba Diving for All Levels
St. John’s crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life make it a must-visit destination for scuba diving enthusiasts, whether you’re a seasoned diver or someone looking to try it for the first time.
Several dive operators depart from Cruz Bay, offering a variety of underwater adventures based on your experience level and the ocean conditions on the day of your dive.
For certified divers, the options are endless—you can explore vibrant coral reefs, dive into sunken shipwrecks, or take the plunge after sunset for an exciting night dive, where the underwater world comes alive in a whole new way.
Alternatively, if you’re new to diving, St. John is one of the few places that offers beginner dive tours designed explicitly for non-certified divers, which is a rare find. So, if you’ve ever wanted to try scuba, this is the place to do it!
What makes scuba diving here even better is the consistently warm ocean temperatures. You’ll rarely need more than a light spring wetsuit, which is perfect if, like me, you tend to get chilly when diving anywhere!
Insider Tip: If you’re going snorkeling or scuba diving in St. John, don’t forget your GoPro and reliable underwater housing to snap amazing shots of the vibrant sea life!
3) Visit Lime Out for Tacos and Libations
If there’s one thing you absolutely cannot miss on St. John, it’s Lime Out—a floating taco bar in Coral Bay that offers one of the most unique dining experiences you’ll ever have.
It’s more than just a meal; it’s the ultimate tropical vacation vibe. You can bask in the sun, watch tropical fish swim below, and take in St. John’s stunning views without leaving the water.
Not only is the vibe perfect at Lime Out, but the tacos are hands down the best on the island. Seriously, I’m still dreaming about them. Whether you’re into fish or meat or prefer vegetarian or vegan options, Lime Out has plenty of flavorful choices with excellent toppings to satisfy your cravings.
Also, definitely pair your tacos with their refreshing island cocktails made with fresh, local ingredients. They are also my very favorite drinks on the whole island.
One important thing to note: for safety reasons, swimming to Lime Out isn’t allowed. You’ll need to arrive by boat.
While there are shuttles from Coral Bay to get you here, I highly recommend renting a dinghy instead—especially if you’re in a group, as the price is comparable. It’s a ton more fun, and you’ll be free to explore the rest of Coral Bay, including Hurricane Hole (more below) and other hidden spots, during the rental.
4) Windmill Bar at Sunset
The Windmill Bar is an unreal location for experiencing some of the best sunsets in St. John. Thanks to its location on the mountaintop, this casual venue provides stunning, unobstructed views of the sun setting below the horizon, along with picturesque sights of the neighboring British Virgin Islands.
The atmosphere is laid-back and thoughtfully designed so that every seat offers a great view. Pair your experience with delicious island cocktails and enjoy the live music that often plays in the background most nights, enhancing the lively ambiance.
As the sun sets, the entire space is bathed in warm, glowing hues, creating an unforgettable evening. It’s the perfect place to relax for hours, soaking in the breathtaking scenery, delightful drinks, and friendly company.
5) Snorkel The Mangroves in Hurricane Hole
For an unforgettable snorkeling experience in St. John, and one of my absolute favorite very best things to do on St. John, do not miss out on Hurricane Hole! Rent a dinghy in Coral Bay and take a quick 10-minute ride over to this hidden gem, where you’ll discover a unique underwater world teeming with marine life.
The mangroves surrounding Hurricane Hole create the perfect nursery for a variety of fish, making it one of my favorite spots for some unique snorkeling in the Virgin Islands.
As you glide through the crystal-clear waters, keep your eyes peeled for baby barracuda and other juvenile fish species you won’t find anywhere else. The vibrant ecosystem is also home to an array of other marine life as well, including a ton of starfish and stunning coral formations.
Also making Hurricane Hole special is its seclusion. Both times we visited, we were the only boat in the entire cove, allowing us to enjoy this peaceful paradise in complete tranquility. It’s no wonder we couldn’t resist going back for more!
Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or just starting out, this spot offers a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t want to miss.
6) Circumnavigate Henley Cay by Snorkel
If you’re seeking the very best snorkeling adventure in St. John, look no further than Henley Cay! This stunning destination is usually yours to enjoy in peace, as it requires a dinghy or small boat to access, ensuring that the waters remain undisturbed and offer incredible visibility.
Once you arrive, you’ll find mooring balls conveniently located about 100 feet off the left side of the cay, making it easy to tie up your dinghy and begin your underwater exploration. Remember to swim with the current as you set off, which typically means going clockwise around the cay. Trust me; this will save you a lot of effort—without following the current, you will be fighting like hell to make it back to your dinghy – even with your fins on!
Prepare to be amazed by the vibrant marine life that awaits you. Henley Cay boasts a diverse array of corals and fish, including numerous juvenile barracuda. Each snorkel around the cay reveals something new and breathtaking, making this an adventure you won’t soon forget!
7) Picnic at Your Own Private Caribbean Beach
As you cruise along St. John’s North Shore in your dinghy from Cruz Bay, don’t miss the chance to stop at Scott Beach—one of the island’s most secluded and untouched treasures. This secluded spot, tucked between Caneel Bay and Turtle Bay, isn’t even on Google Maps, so most visitors don’t know it exists, offering the feeling of having a private slice of paradise all to yourself.
Accessible only by boat, Scott Beach is ideal for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience. The best way to reach it is by dinghy, and there’s a dinghy-only channel that lets you pull right up to the shore, making it incredibly convenient to beach your dinghy right on the sand.
This peaceful spot is perfect for a laid-back picnic, with shady seagrape trees offering a cool escape from the Caribbean heat. On quiet days (which are common, given how few people know about this beach), you’ll even find a few lounge chairs tucked under the trees, just waiting for you to settle in and enjoy the tranquility.
If you’re craving a true getaway from the more crowded beaches, Scott Beach is a must-see during your dinghy adventure—an exclusive, serene spot that feels like your very own island retreat and is truly one of the very best things to do on St. John.
8) Take an Evening Walk on the Tranquil Shores of Maho Bay
While Maho Bay can be pretty packed during the day, the late afternoon is when the beach really shines.
By 4:30 or 5 p.m., the crowds thin out, and the beach takes on a more peaceful vibe. The sun drops lower, casting a warm glow across the bay, and the cooler temperatures make it an ideal time to take a walk, relax with a good book, or just grab a drink and enjoy the view. The calm, clear water adds to the sense of tranquility, making it the perfect place to unwind after a busy day.
As an added bonus, Maho Bay stretches for just under half a mile in one direction, so it’s also a great spot to get your steps in for the day by taking a beach walk as the sun sets, giving you stunning views of the horizon over the water.
And even better, the beachside bars across the road stay open late, so you can grab a tasty libation to enjoy as your reward for keeping up your movement while on vacay. ‘Fit and Lit’, as my friend Blaire likes to say ;).
9) Take a Day Cruise Over to the BVIs
For an adventure-filled day trip from St. John, hop on a boat charter and head over to the British Virgin Islands (BVIs) to experience some of life ‘across the pond’. Whether you go with a small group or book a private boat, it’s an incredible way to experience the stunning waters and iconic spots in the BVIs.
Your day will be filled with famous stops like the Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost Van Dyke, where you can sip on the famous Painkiller cocktail while soaking up the relaxed island vibe, the Baths at Virgin Gorda—giant boulders and hidden sea pools that are as amazing to swim through as they are to explore, and snorkeling at Norman Island, where vibrant reefs make for an excellent underwater experience.
Since you’ll be cruising into British territory, don’t forget your passport. There’s a small customs fee, but the adventure is absolutely worth it. This day trip adds an extra layer to your St. John vacation, letting you discover even more of what makes the Virgin Islands so special.
Pro Tip: Bring your trusty dry bag on your charter to keep your phone and valuables safe and dry—unless you don’t mind them getting as soggy as your dollars!
10) Pop Over to Lovango Cay Resort for Lunch
While exploring St. John’s waters by boat, take a short detour to Lovango Cay, home to the chic Lovango Resort + Beach Club.
Whether taking a dinghy or a private boat rental, this luxurious stop offers a perfect midday break. Grab lunch or some refreshing libations at their open-air restaurant, or treat yourself to one of their signature ice cream sandwiches.
If you need a break from the beach, or if your travel companions or kids are craving some pool time, consider booking a day pass to the resort, which you can do directly from their website. This gives you access to their pool, lounge areas, poolside service, and snorkeling—all with that exclusive, resort-style flair.
11) Jam Out to Daily Live Music at The Beach Bar
Even if you’re staying elsewhere on St. John, you’ll inevitably find yourself in Cruz Bay on at least one night of your vacay, as it’s where most of the island’s best restaurants and nightlife are centered. While you’re there, don’t miss the live music bumping at The Beach Bar—right in the heart of town and just steps from the water.
Every night during season, the music at The Beach Bar kicks off around 7 and keeps the energy flowing well into the evening.
For the best experience, I recommend showing up a little early to grab a good seat at the bar before things really get rolling. Enjoy the first 45 minutes of the live tunes, then head over to Longboard’s (a quick five-minute walk) for dinner.
Afterward, cruise back to The Beach Bar to catch the rest of the show and keep jamming. This way, you’ll get prime seating for the music and avoid the dinner rush at one of the best spots in town!
Whether you’re coming for the music, the drinks, or just the beachy vibe, The Beach Bar is the perfect place to cap off a night in Cruz Bay!
