Navigate

If you are like most travelers, your first view of St. John will be from a boat. The island has no airport and very limited seaplane and helicopter service. Most visitors arrive by ferry to the main dock in Cruz Bay, on the island's west side. The dock is serviced hourly from Red Hook and by a less frequent ferry from downtown Charlotte Amalie (pronounced ah-MAHL-yeh), both on St. Thomas. Other ferries run less regularly to and from Tortola and Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands.

Each ferry is met by taxi and tour bus drivers. Most taxis are actually large open-aired "safari buses" which primarily service the beaches along the north shore. Don't be surprised if the taxi doesn't depart promptly. It is common practice for the safari buses to wait for a full load or for the ferries to empty before leaving. Just sit back, enjoy the cool breeze, and remind yourself that you are on "island time" now. It helps to remember that some of the world's most beautiful beaches will still be waiting for you at the end of the short and winding ride, once it gets going.