Guide to Cruz Bay, St. John
Located on the west coast of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI), Cruz Bay is the main hub of the island. The spot is known for its welcoming atmosphere, colorful streets, and access to some of the Caribbean’s best white-sand beaches,
Whether you’re arriving by ferry from St. Thomas or planning a day trip to the British Virgin Islands (BVI), Cruz Bay is a popular place to visit or base yourself for your stay.
At the heart of town is the Cruz Bay Visitor Center, run by the National Park Service. It’s a useful location for visitors to the island as you can learn about hiking trails, the historic sugar plantation ruins, and north shore beaches such as Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay, and Maho Bay. Many destinations are just a short drive or short walk from Cruz Bay. You’ll also find a good selection of beach bars when you visit the fantastic beaches around St. John.
Cruz Bay carries traces of its Danish colonial past. The ruins of sugar plantations within the national park highlight the island’s agricultural heritage, while the buildings in town show the historic cultural influence.
The Cruz Bay Ferry Dock is the island’s main gateway, with regular ferries to St. Thomas (Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook). From here, visitors can also connect to the wider USVI or plan private charters to nearby destinations such as Tortola, St. Croix, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, and Caneel Bay. With Chillout Charters, you can even arrange custom day trips across the Caribbean to explore both the USVI and BVI. For many people this is the preferred way to travel as it is fast and comfortable, and you are not tied to the ferry schedules.
Where can I find good restaurants in Cruz Bay, St. John?
Cruz Bay has some great dining options. Mongoose Junction is home to popular restaurants and cafés, while the waterfront is lined with spots serving fresh seafood, Caribbean specialties, and international food.
Morgan’s Mango is a Cruz Bay favorite known for its Caribbean cuisine, blending flavors from Puerto Rico, Cuba, Haiti, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The restaurant offers a tropical setting just across the street from the water. You can find it at 18 First Street.
The Terrace in Cruz Bay delivers is a French-influenced restaurant that offers a refined menu with fresh seafood, premium meats, and a great wine list. It features a waterfront location, where sunset views make it a standout choice for dinner. Head to 3 FA Cruz Bay Quarter.
High Tide Bar & Seafood Grill is located by the ferry dock in Cruz Bay. It’s a casual beach bar and grill. It's been a long-time favorite for visitors and locals alike. You’ll find great cocktails, good food and a view of the harbor.
Tell me about the beaches near Cruz Bay, St. John.
Just a short drive or walk from town are some of the most beautiful white-sand beaches in the Caribbean.
Trunk Bay is known for its underwater snorkeling trail. Just a short drive from Cruz Bay, this trail features underwater plaques that guide snorkelers through vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish.
Cinnamon Bay and Maho Bay are other popular spots, offering calm waters, excellent snorkeling, and the chance to spot sea turtles.
What kind of water activities are available in Cruz Bay, St. John?
Cruz Bay is a good spot for water sports. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and sailing, or book a private charter to nearby cays. Many people also arrange day trips with Chillout Charters to explore both the USVI and British Virgin Islands (BVI).
Some of the Caribbean’s best snorkeling is easily reached from Cruz Bay. Famous Trunk Bay is often named one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, complete with an underwater snorkeling trail. Cinnamon Bay and Maho Bay offer equally stunning stretches of sand, crystal-clear water, and chances to spot sea turtles and tropical fish.
How do I get from St. Thomas to Cruz Bay, St. John?
You can reach Cruz Bay is by ferry from Red Hook or Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas. The ride takes about 20–45 minutes, depending on the route. Private powerboat transfers such as Chillout Charter’s water taxi service are the easiest way to travel to Cruz Bay, and are available for those looking for a faster, more personalized journey.
What shops are in Cruz Bay, St. John?
Mongoose Junction is the main shopping area, featuring boutique clothing stores, jewelry shops, and galleries selling local art and crafts. You’ll also find small souvenir shops scattered around town for unique gifts.
What is there to do in Cruz Bay, St. John besides beaches?
Beyond the beaches, Cruz Bay offers cultural and historic experiences, shopping, dining, and nightlife. Visitors often enjoy hiking in the national park and visiting the ruins of old sugar plantations.
Depending on the time of year, there may be festivals in the town to join in with. It’s always worth checking out the local events to see what is happening as some of the festivals are well worth hanging around for.
Are there any hiking trails near Cruz Bay, St. John?
The Virgin Islands National Park has several trails that start near Cruz Bay. Favorites include the Lind Point Trail, which leads to scenic overlooks and beaches, and longer routes that connect to plantation ruins and the island’s north shore.
Plan Your Trip with Chillout Charters
With Chillout Charters, you can book us to transfer us between the USVI and the BVI with our private water taxi services! Once you arrive in Cruz Bay and have cleared into Customs & Immigration, you can then go off to explore the island!