Top 10 Things to do in St. John, US Virgin Islands – 2026
Famous for its national park, pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life, St. John in the US Virgin Islands is a tropical paradise that offers an array of exciting activities for everyone. From exploring the lush landscapes of the Virgin Islands National Park to diving into the underwater world of Trunk Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, there’s never a dull moment on this beautiful island. St. John promises a unique blend of experiences.
In this guide, we share our top 10 picks of things to do in St. John, each offering a different slice of the island’s charm for any traveler.
St. John: Boating & Snorkeling with Ocean Surfari
St. John, with its stunning ocean views, breathtaking beaches, rich national park, and striking coastlines, never fails to captivate its visitors and residents alike. Add to this mix the tropical weather, fun snorkeling experiences, and the bliss of relaxing at a beach bar with a rum drink in hand—you’ve got yourself a true island paradise. But what’s the best way to pack all these experiences into one unforgettable day? Go boating!
Ocean Surfari offers some of the best shared group and private boating and snorkeling adventures in St. John. Departing from Cruz Bay in St. John, guests board the 47-foot ‘Reef Surfari’ power catamaran to explore the vibrant underwater world of the Virgin Islands National Park. With over 40% of the park submerged, this fast and comfortable vessel provides access to the clearest and most exciting snorkeling spots, showcasing tropical fish, live coral reefs, and glimpses into Caribbean pirate history. They offer a private experience and several different shared group trips, like their ‘Do It All Trip’ that combines two snorkeling stops, fresh-baked pizza from Pizza Pi in Christmas Cove, and a sunset dance party with an open bar, ensuring a memorable experience for all.
St. John Snuba, Kayaking and SUP
St. John, home to the Virgin Islands National Park and the Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument, is a paradise for water lovers. A guided kayak or SUP tour allows you to fully immerse yourself in the island’s pristine beauty while learning about its unique ecosystem.
Paddling along the tranquil bays and mangrove forests, you’ll gain insights into the island’s rich marine life, coral formations, and fascinating history. These excursions provide a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, offering up-close encounters with sea turtles, stingrays, and colorful fish.
If you’re looking for something underwater, SNUBA offers an exciting alternative that blends snorkeling and scuba diving. Using a floating air tank connected to a breathing tube, SNUBA allows you to explore deeper reefs without requiring scuba certification. It’s a fantastic way to get closer to the island’s underwater treasures while enjoying a more immersive experience. The island’s near-shore reefs and offshore cays provide some of the most spectacular SNUBA spots in the Caribbean. With warm waters ranging from 79–83 degrees year-round, excellent visibility, and calm seas, you can enjoy breathtaking views of coral gardens teeming with marine life. Expect to see sea turtles, rays, octopuses, moray eels, and an array of tropical fish in their natural habitat.
Whether you choose to paddle across St. John’s stunning waters or dive into its vibrant marine ecosystem, these water activities offer the perfect way to experience the island’s natural wonders. Book a guided tour with VI Ecotours to ensure an unforgettable adventure exploring the beauty of St. John.
St. John Sunset sails
There’s nothing quite like watching the sun dip below the horizon while sailing the tranquil waters of St. John. A sunset sail offers the perfect way to unwind after a day of island adventures, combining breathtaking views, refreshing ocean breezes, and the soothing rhythm of the waves.
For an unforgettable sunset cruise, Cruz Bay Watersports is the go-to provider in St. John. Their luxurious catamaran sails offer an elegant and relaxing way to experience the sunset, complete with open-air decks, plenty of seating, and complimentary drinks and light bites. Guests can sip on signature island cocktails while gliding across the calm Caribbean waters, taking in views of St. John’s coastline and neighboring islands.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to end your day in paradise with a touch of luxury, a sunset sail with Cruz Bay Watersports is an absolute must. Their expert crew ensures a smooth and enjoyable journey, making this experience one of the top things to do in St. John. Book your sunset cruise today and get ready for an evening of breathtaking scenery, refreshing drinks, and unforgettable memories.
St. John Parasailing
For thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike, St. John offers the exhilarating opportunity to see the island and its stunning coastline from an entirely new perspective. Imagine soaring high above the azure waters, overlooking the lush green hillsides and the vast expanse of the sparkling ocean.
For parasailing, the thrill begins with a gentle lift-off from the boat, and before you know it, you’re gliding above the island, tethered to a vibrant parachute. This is an activity that can be enjoyed alone or in tandem with a partner. Even better, try a triple flight with your kids or friends for a shared adrenaline rush. Regardless of how you choose to fly, the experience promises to keep you smiling throughout your flight. Check out Parasail Virgin Islands for your parasailing experience!
St. John Hiking Tours
Exploring the Virgin Islands National Park is one of the most rewarding experiences in St. John, offering a chance to witness the island’s breathtaking beauty and deep-rooted history. With over 20 hiking trails, visitors can wander through lush forests, admire coastal vistas, and discover centuries-old ruins, all while immersing themselves in the serene surroundings of this protected paradise. Whether you prefer a challenging trek to panoramic viewpoints or a leisurely stroll to a secluded beach, hiking in St. John promises an unforgettable adventure.
For those looking to enrich their journey, Friends of the Virgin Islands National Park offers guided hiking tours, sometimes complimentary, that provide fascinating insights into the island’s unique ecosystem and cultural heritage. These expert-led hikes bring the landscape to life, revealing the stories behind the sacred sugar mill ruins, the ancient petroglyphs carved by the Taino people, and the diverse wildlife that inhabits the park. With their guidance, hikers gain a deeper appreciation for the rich history and biodiversity that make St. John so special.
Shopping on St. John
Shopping on St. John offers a delightful blend of tropical charm and one-of-a-kind finds, making it an experience as enjoyable as the island itself. The primary shopping district is located in Cruz Bay where visitors can explore a variety of boutique stores, art galleries, and local craft shops. These areas, set against the backdrop of quaint tropical buildings and stunning Caribbean stone structures, provide the perfect atmosphere for a relaxed and memorable shopping trip.
One of the must-visit destinations for shopping on the island is Mongoose Junction, St. John’s premier shopping and dining complex. This beautifully designed mall, inspired by Caribbean architecture, features a collection of upscale boutiques, fine jewelry stores, art galleries, and gift shops offering everything from handcrafted jewelry and pottery to vibrant paintings and locally made souvenirs. Whether you’re in search of a special keepsake, a piece of island-inspired fashion, or an original work of art, Mongoose Junction is the perfect place to find it all while enjoying its charming courtyards and lush tropical surroundings.
Beyond Mongoose Junction, the shopping experience continues with small independent stores scattered throughout Cruz Bay and Coral Bay. Visitors can browse an array of locally made crafts, unique home décor, and island-themed gifts, all while soaking in the laid-back Caribbean vibe. Whether you’re looking for a meaningful souvenir or simply want to enjoy the leisurely shopping atmosphere, St. John’s vibrant shopping scene offers a treasure trove of finds that capture the spirit and beauty of the island.
Scuba Diving
St. John’s world-class marine environment offers some of the most breathtaking underwater exploration opportunities in the Caribbean. With vibrant coral reefs, swaying sea fans, sunken boat wrecks, and fascinating nocturnal marine life, diving in St. John is an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first dive or an experienced diver seeking a new adventure, the island’s clear waters and abundant marine biodiversity provide the perfect backdrop. Expect to encounter sea turtles, parrotfish, blue tangs, and an array of other tropical species as you explore this underwater wonderland.
For those new to diving or looking to refine their skills, world-class dive operators on the island offer guided excursions, certification courses, and advanced dive training. Low Key Watersports, located in Cruz Bay, is one of St. John’s premier dive shops, providing everything from beginner-friendly discovery dives to advanced wreck diving experiences.
Island Driving Tours
A guided driving tour of St. John offers an immersive way to experience the island’s breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. From lush hillsides and pristine beaches to historic sugar plantation ruins, these tours provide insight into the island’s colonial past and local traditions. Guides share stories about life on the island, highlight unique wildlife and plants, and introduce visitors to Caribbean music, cuisine, and art.
One of the most popular ways to explore St. John is by open-air safari taxi, offering a scenic and engaging ride through the island’s top attractions. For a more adventurous experience, Islandbuddy Tours St. John provides customizable excursions that combine sightseeing with off-the-beaten-path activities like snorkeling and hiking. Meanwhile, Star Fish Tours & Taxi Services offers informative and comfortable island tours, allowing visitors to take in St. John’s beauty with expert local guides.
Whether exploring historic sites, enjoying panoramic viewpoints, or experiencing the island’s culture firsthand, a guided tour is the perfect way to discover St. John.
Sacred Plantation Tours
St. John’s Annaberg Plantation, with its breathtaking panoramic views, offers a somber step back in time, a journey to a period when the island was the center of sugar, rum, and molasses production. However, these goods were produced by the forced labor of enslaved people, a truth we must confront as we explore this site.
As you walk through the ruins, now under the protection of the Virgin Islands National Park, the remnants of the factory, windmill, and slave quarters stand as powerful reminders of the lives and sufferings of those enslaved on the island. The site offers numerous informational signs that explain the intricate processes of sugar production and provide insights into the harsh realities of plantation life.
In addition, Friends of the VI National Park host bread making demonstrations in the old cook house and island gardening sessions throughout the week, giving you the ability to reflect on different aspects of St. Johnian culture.
St. John: Fishing
St. John offers an incredible fishing experience for anglers of all skill levels, from first-timers to seasoned pros. Offshore fishing presents the opportunity to reel in Marlin, Dolphin Fish (Mahi-Mahi), Wahoo, and Tuna, while inshore waters are teeming with Kingfish, Barracuda, Jacks, and Yellowtail Snapper. With such a diverse range of fish, there’s always something biting, whether you’re fishing in deep waters or closer to shore.
The island’s waters provide year-round fishing opportunities, with certain species peaking in different seasons. Local fishing charters, led by experienced captains, ensure the best chance of success by guiding anglers to prime fishing spots. Offshore Adventure specializes in deep-sea fishing excursions, offering top-tier equipment and expert guidance for an unforgettable offshore experience. For those looking for a customized fishing trip, Just Fish St. John provides private charters tailored to anglers of all skill levels, from casual family outings to serious sportfishing expeditions.