Peter Bay, St. John Guide

Know Before You Go...®

If you’re looking for an island that offers fantastic opportunities for outdoor activities, then St. John is the place for you. With miles of park land circled by white sand beaches, visitors to St. John will enjoy a variety of activities, like hiking, swimming, snorkeling, and more. There are also tons of shops and entertainment venues in Cruz Bay. A villa here gives you complete access to this relatively undeveloped Caribbean paradise, and with all there is to see and do, you’ll have lasting memories of St. John.

Why Peter Bay, St. John?

  • St. John is the smallest of the three US Virgin Islands.
  • The island is home to the Virgin Islands National Park, which covers nearly 60% of St. John's landmass.
  • St. John is home to several pristine beaches, including Trunk Bay and Cinnamon Bay.
  • The island is home to a variety of tropical wildlife, including lizards, iguanas, and hermit crabs.
  • St. John is a popular destination for sailing, snorkeling, and kayaking.

Peter Bay, St. John Weather/Climate

Average Temperatures

January
78° F
67° F
February
79° F
66° F
March
81° F
67° F
April
83° F
68° F
May
83° F
70° F
June
85° F
72° F
July
86° F
72° F
August
86° F
72° F
September
85° F
71° F
October
84° F
71° F
November
81° F
69° F
December
79° F
68° F

Average Rainfall

January
1.8 inches
February
1.4 inches
March
1.5 inches
April
2.5 inches
May
3.4 inches
June
2.6 inches
July
2.4 inches
August
3.5 inches
September
4.8 inches
October
5.5 inches
November
5.3 inches
December
2.8 inches

Overview

St John—20-minute ferry ride from St. Thomas—opens the door to the “friendliest” and smallest of the US Virgin Islands. Over half of St. John’s 21 sq. miles is cared for by the park service and is open for exploration with fabulous trails and scenic views. Guests can camp out right at the oceans’ edge at Maho Bay, or, the most famous campsite in the Caribbean, Cinnamon Bay. Both camps offer watersports, food and supplies on-site. (Reservations are a must during high season.) Reef Bay Trail is also worth a hike! This downhill trail includes a 200-year-old sugar plantation and petroglyphs carved by the Carib Indians. Guests shouldn’t overlook Snuba, a combination of snorkeling and scuba diving. St. John is the only place in the Caribbean where it’s offered. Though St. John is not known for its nightlife, Cruz Bay does have colorful shops, lively bars, and some wonderful restaurants.

History

St. John is a small island in the Caribbean Sea, located in the United States Virgin Islands. It is known for its beautiful beaches, clear blue waters, and lush green forests. The history of this island is a fascinating one, shaped by a mix of indigenous tribes, European colonization, and the transatlantic slave trade.

The island was first inhabited by the indigenous Taino people, who called it “Ciboney,” meaning “rocky land.” These peaceful tribes lived off the land, fishing and farming on the island’s fertile soil. However, in 1493, the Spanish explorer Christopher Columbus arrived on St. John during his second voyage to the New World. He claimed the island for Spain and named it “San Juan,” after the Christian saint.

For the next few centuries, St. John remained relatively untouched by European powers. It wasn’t until the early 17th century that the Dutch and the English began to show interest in the island. In 1625, the Dutch established a small settlement on St. John, but it was soon abandoned due to conflicts with the indigenous tribes.

In the mid-17th century, the English established a permanent settlement on St. John, building a fort and establishing sugar plantations. The island’s fertile land and ideal climate made it an ideal location for sugar production, and the English brought in enslaved Africans to work on the plantations. The island became a hub for the transatlantic slave trade, with thousands of enslaved Africans brought to St. John to work on the sugar plantations.

In 1733, the island was sold to the Danish West India and Guinea Company, and it was renamed “St. John” after the Danish king, King Christian VII. Under Danish rule, the island’s economy continued to thrive, with an increase in sugar production and the establishment of rum distilleries. However, the enslaved Africans on the island faced brutal and inhumane treatment, leading to several slave revolts.

In 1917, the United States purchased St. John, along with the rest of the Virgin Islands, from Denmark. The island’s economy shifted from sugar production to tourism, with the development of luxury resorts and hotels. Today, St. John is a popular destination for tourists seeking a tropical paradise, but its history as a hub for the transatlantic slave trade is not forgotten.

In 1956, the majority of the island was designated as a national park, preserving its natural beauty and protecting the historical ruins of the sugar plantations. The island continues to thrive as a popular tourist destination, offering a mix of Caribbean culture, stunning landscapes, and a rich history.

Hawksnest Beach

Peaceful and stunning snorkeling.

Hawksnest Beach is the least crowded of the North Shore beaches, and is known for excellent snorkeling and shallow water. Changing facilities, shelters and picnic tables are available.

Reef Bay Trail

Reef Bay Trail - an adventurous hike through tropical terrain and historic sugar mills

Reef Bay Trail is a beautiful, education hiking experience in the Virgin Islands National Park. Expect gorgeous views and challenging trails.

Zozo's

Highly encourage reservations! Especially for the bar and lounge.

Zozo's has reopened and renamed as Zozo's at Caneel Bay located on the water at Caneel Bay. The menu features inventive, Italian-inspired entrees, along with creative seafood presentations. Visiting Zozo's is an amazing experience where you will pay for a four-course meal in a relaxed, waterfront setting. Seatings are at 5:30, 6:30, and 7:00 Wednesday through Sunday.

Transportation on Peter Bay, St. John

Getting to Peter Bay, St. John and getting around. Our transportation tips will help make your trip smoother. More good sand advice.

Entry Documents

F• If you are a U.S. citizen a passport is not required, but it still serves as the best identification when traveling. Otherwise, you must be prepared to show evidence of citizenship when departing the islands, such as a government-issued ID or a raised-seal birth certificate.
• If you are not a U.S. citizen, then a passport issued by your country of origin is required.
• If you are not sure of your status, please contact the U.S. Customs & Border Protection agency (www.cbp.gov).
• If you are planning on a day trip to the BVI, be sure to bring your passport. 

Airlines Flying Here

  • American Airlines
  • Cape Air
  • Delta Airlines
  • JetBlue
  • Spirit Airlines
  • United Airlines
  • Virgin Atlantic

Airport

Cyril E. King Airport is the airport in St. Thomas. Transfers to St. John from St. Thomas are by boat. Flights to St. Croix’s Henry E. Rohlsen Airport are from the mainland or St. Thomas. A fast ferry is another option if traveling between St. Thomas and St. Croix.

Departure Tax

No fees traveling to and from the US. There are fees to travel to and from the BVI’s.

Driving

On the left. Most cars have left-side steering columns.

Local Transportation

1. Public buses: The VITRAN bus system operates throughout St. John and offers affordable fares and convenient routes around the island.

2. Taxis: Taxis are readily available on St. John and can be found at most popular tourist spots and near the ferry docks. They are a more expensive option but offer convenient door-to-door service.

3. Car rentals: Renting a car is a popular way to get around St. John, as it gives visitors the freedom to explore the island at their own pace. There are several car rental companies on the island.

4. Scooter or bicycle rentals: For a more adventurous option, visitors can rent scooters or bicycles to explore the island. This is a great way to see more of the natural beauty of St. John and avoid traffic.

5. Water taxis: With St. John being surrounded by water, water taxis are a popular and unique mode of transportation. They can take visitors to different parts of the island or to nearby islands for day trips.

6. Walking: St. John is a small island and many of its main attractions and beaches are within walking distance of each other. Walking is a great way to explore the island and take in its scenic views.

7. Jeep tours: There are several companies on St. John that offer Jeep tours, taking visitors to some of the island’s more remote and off-the-beaten-path locations. This is a fun and exciting way to see the island.

8. Private boat charters: For a luxurious and customizable transportation option, visitors can hire a private boat charter to explore the surrounding islands or to take them to specific destinations on St. John.

Know Before You Go...® - Peter Bay, St. John Travel Tips

Before making their way to Peter Bay, St. John , vacationers like to know a little bit of helpful information to make them feel more at home during their stay. Take a look at our travel tips to make your time in villas in Peter Bay, St. John even more relaxing.

Capital: Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas
Population: approximately 5,000
Size: 19 sq. miles; 13.5 miles long and 6 miles wide
Electric Current: 110
Time: zone:-4 (GMT/UTC )
Official Language: English.
Currency: U.S. Dollars
Tipping and Taxes: Tipping is customarily 15% at restaurants, and an extra dollar or two for your taxi driver.
Dress Code: Residents of the VI are extremely modest in their dress. Dress is casual, and you want to be as cool as possible, but please cover up when in public.
Topography: Virgin Islands National Park covers two-thirds of the island, and St. John is the smallest of the major USVI island. St. John is a mountainous island that varies from dry and arid to tropical forests.
Telephone: Local area code is 340.

Peter Bay, St. John Weddings and Honeymoons

Vacationers don’t just stay in Peter Bay, St. John villas - they come to paradise to get married and celebrate their honeymoons! Apply for a marriage license by writing to:
Territorial Court of the Virgin Islands
Box 70, St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. 00804 or call and request an application at (340) 774-6680.

Applicants must appear before a notary public and have the application notarized. If either or both applicants have been divorced, it is required that a certified copy of the divorce decree be filed along with the application.

Applicants should also attach a letter to the court detailing the following:
- The date of arrival to the island
- The length of their stay
- Desired date of the ceremony
- Posting the Application

Upon receipt of the notarized application at the Territorial Court, an eight-day waiting period is required. During this time, the couple’s application is posted for public inspection.

Before a marriage license can be issued, applicants are required to personally appear before the Clerk of the Court, or her designee, to be examined under oath. Some form of identification is required. Note: No physical examination or blood test is required.

All fees must be paid by certified check, money order, or by cash, when paying in person.  Marriage Application: $25 Nonrefundable fee.  Marriage License: $25

Ceremony performed by a judge, $200 fee, ceremonies done only on Wednesdays.

Court Office Hours:  8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday, except holidays and on Saturdays from 10 am to noon, except on Carnival Saturday. Additionally, by pre-arrangement and $150 per couple surcharge, the court will be available on Sundays and holidays between 9:30 am and 10:30 am.

See our favorite St. John villas for weddings.

See our favorite St. John villas for honeymoons.