Private St. John Jeep Tour: Beaches, National Park & Coral Bay Highlights
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most travelers; involves short, easy walks and light beach access
Overview
Spend three hours with a longtime St. John resident in a private Jeep, visiting Trunk Bay, Maho Bay, Coral Bay, plantation ruins and a hilltop Windmill Bar. This tailored tour combines easy beach stops, local history, and wildlife sightings like sea turtles and island donkeys.
Private St. John Jeep Tour: Beaches, National Park & Coral Bay Highlights
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The morning sun pins gold to the shoulder of a four-door Jeep as it climbs the switchbacks out of Cruz Bay. Salt-scented wind pushes through the open windows and the island opens in stages—steep, green ridgelines give way to coral-shelved bays, beaches that stretch like pale ribbons, and a scattering of plantation ruins that watch the sea.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Book the morning ferry
If coming from St. Thomas, take the 8:30am ferry to arrive for a 9am start—less crowded beaches and cleaner morning light for photos.
Wear reef-safe sunscreen
Coral reefs near popular beaches are fragile—choose reef-safe SPF to protect marine life and comply with park guidelines.
Bring water shoes
Beach entries often have coral or rocks—light water shoes make padding in and out more comfortable and protect your feet.
Carry small cash
Some Coral Bay eateries and beach bars are cash-friendly; small bills make quick purchases and tips easier.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Sea turtles
- Wild donkeys
History
Stone ruins from the 18th- and 19th-century sugar plantations dot the park—Annaberg and Catherineberg are preserved as reminders of the island’s colonial past.
Conservation
Virgin Islands National Park protects both terrestrial and marine habitats; visitors are encouraged to use reef-safe sunscreen, pack out trash, and stay on designated paths to minimize impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Cruz Bay
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Reef-safe sunscreen
Protects your skin and the coral reef during beach stops.
Wide-brim hat and sunglasses
Sun protection for exposed driving and beach time.
Water shoes
Helpful for reefy beach entries and rocky shorelines.
summer specific
Light rain shell
Afternoon squalls can occur—pack a lightweight shell to stay dry without bulk.
fall specific