
Cinnamon Bay St John
A stunning, mile-long beach with beachfront camping, water sports, and historical ruins. An alternative to busier St. John spots.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Day crowds thin out

Cinnamon Bay St John
Best Time
Day crowds thin out

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning, mile-long beach with beachfront camping, water sports, and historical ruins. An alternative to busier St. John spots.
"The beach was marvelous, staff was fantastic. "

Bug Spray is Essential!
Don't skip the bug spray! Reviewers rave about the bugs, especially ants and spiders. :bug:
Book Accommodations Early
Eco-tents and cottages fill up fast. Plan ahead for your stay at this popular spot. 📅

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 267 reviews
Type
Resort hotel
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pristine Beachfront
Cinnamon Bay Beach
Miles of soft sand, clear turquoise waters, and a laid-back atmosphere make this a Caribbean dream. Perfect for long walks and relaxation.

Unique Campground Experience
Cinnamon Bay Campground
Stay in eco-tents or cottages steps from the ocean. Fall asleep to the sounds of waves and wildlife.

Abundant Marine Life
Cinnamon Bay
Snorkel or swim alongside sea turtles, stingrays, and colorful fish in the calm, clear waters.

Sugar Mill Ruins
Across from the beach
Explore the historical remnants of an old sugar plantation, adding a touch of history to your beach day.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Island Pace
Bug Spray is Your Best Friend
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bug Spray is Essential!
Don't skip the bug spray! Reviewers rave about the bugs, especially ants and spiders. :bug:
Book Accommodations Early
Eco-tents and cottages fill up fast. Plan ahead for your stay at this popular spot. 📅
Pack Beach Chairs
While rentals are available, bringing your own saves money. :beachwithumbrella:
Explore the Sugar Mill Ruins
A quick walk across the street offers a glimpse into history. :ruins:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bug Spray is Essential!
Don't skip the bug spray! Reviewers rave about the bugs, especially ants and spiders. :bug:
Book Accommodations Early
Eco-tents and cottages fill up fast. Plan ahead for your stay at this popular spot. 📅
Pack Beach Chairs
While rentals are available, bringing your own saves money. :beachwithumbrella:
Explore the Sugar Mill Ruins
A quick walk across the street offers a glimpse into history. :ruins:
Snorkel for Sea Life
Swim with turtles, stingrays, and fish in the clear waters. 🐟
Budget for Expenses
Everything on the USVI can be pricey, so factor this into your travel costs. :moneywithwings:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cinnamon Bay is celebrated for its stunning, expansive beach and the unique opportunity to camp right on the sand. Visitors praise the clear waters, abundant marine life for snorkeling, and the historical sugar mill ruins. However, a significant drawback for many is the prevalence of biting insects, particularly in the campground areas, and the overall high cost of goods and services on the island.
"We camped in an ocean front family eco tent for 5 nights. If you don't like bugs DO NOT CAMP HERE. You will have thousands of ants, spiders, termites, and cockroaches either in your tent or around your tent. We were provided a cooler and put our 4 quart sized ziplock bags inside that and did NOT eat in the tent. The cooler was sealed. We were saving the snacks for our big hike to Reef Bay from Cinnamon Bay. The day of the hike came and I reached inside the cooler... trail of ants through the cooler and in all of the ziplock bags. Astounding. Anyway, communal bathrooms are fine, biting bugs are horrid, everything is insanely expensive everywhere in USVI. Everything. The beach was marvelous, staff was fantastic. We were provided 1 fan for 2 rooms so we had to rent a fan. $50 for 5 nights. If we have 2 rooms, they should provide 2 fans. Anyway, we've been to many gorgeous tropical places in the world without biting bugs and also without such a high cost so do I recommend going somewhere else in the world? Yes. Do I recommend visiting St. John once in a lifetime? Yes. Do I recommend Cinnamon Bay Campground? Only if you don't mind bugs, seriously. There. Were. So. Many. Oh and we're car and tent campers so this was kind of luxurious for us but literally the buggiest place ever."
Katie
"Nice beach for an individual, couples and families. 10 dollar entry fee. Couple places to eat once you are in. Bring your own beach chairs or you can rent one for 10 dollars. Nice bath rooms and ladies or men shower to wash off the sand. Clean and well kept place. Parking in the parking lot is hit and miss. Lots of shuttles transporting people to and from the beach there. Would visit again."
Dallazman
"We took our car from St Thomas over to St John to visit Cinnamon Beach. It was one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen. They have a great little shop and beach grill with food and great drinks."
Tim Mullins
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Cinnamon Bay by car or taxi from Cruz Bay, the main ferry terminal on St. John. If arriving by ferry from St. Thomas, you'll likely need to take a taxi or rent a car on St. John. Many visitors find renting a car convenient for exploring the island.
Yes, there is a parking lot, but it can fill up quickly, especially during peak times. Arriving early or visiting on a weekday can improve your chances of finding a spot.
Absolutely! Taxis are readily available on St. John and can take you directly to Cinnamon Bay. Confirm the fare before starting your journey.
Public transport options are limited on St. John. Taxis are the most common way to get around if you don't have a rental car.
Many visitors opt for a rental car for flexibility. Taxis are also a popular choice. Consider your itinerary and budget when deciding.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Some reviews mention a $10 entry fee for the beach area, while others do not. It's advisable to check the latest National Park Service information or be prepared for a small fee.
The beach is generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. The campground, restaurant, and water sports rentals will have specific operating hours, which can vary seasonally.
Yes, booking the Cinnamon Bay Campground in advance is highly recommended, especially for eco-tents and cottages, as they are very popular and tend to sell out.
Information on specific discounts is not widely available. It's best to inquire directly with the park or campground management for any potential offers.
Yes, you can visit Cinnamon Bay Beach for the day even if you are not staying at the campground. There may be a small entry fee for beach access.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Cinnamon Bay offers swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and beachcombing. There are also historical sugar mill ruins to explore.
Yes, Cinnamon Bay is known for its clear waters and marine life, making it a good spot for snorkeling. You might see turtles, stingrays, and various fish.
Amenities include a restaurant, bar, water sports rentals, a gift shop, and communal bathrooms with showers. The campground offers eco-tents and cottages.
Yes, there are communal bathrooms and showers available for visitors, particularly for those using the campground facilities. They are generally kept clean.
You might spot sea turtles, stingrays, various fish, mongoose, deer, and numerous bird species.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a beach grill and restaurant offering food and drinks. Reviewers mention generous serving sizes.
The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, often with a Caribbean flair. It's a convenient option for lunch or dinner while enjoying the beach.
Bringing your own snacks and drinks is generally allowed, which can be a cost-saving measure. However, be mindful of keeping food secure from insects if camping.
Yes, there is a bar where you can enjoy refreshing drinks while relaxing on the beach.
Specific dietary options are not detailed in reviews, but it's always a good idea to ask the staff about available choices.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire beach offers stunning backdrops. Capture the turquoise water, palm trees, and the sugar mill ruins for iconic shots. Early morning or late afternoon light is magical.
Drone usage may be restricted within National Park areas. Always check current regulations before flying a drone.
Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful golden hour light. Midday provides vibrant blues, but can be harsh. Late afternoon, after day-trippers leave, offers a more serene scene.
Yes, with patience and a good zoom lens, you can capture photos of the abundant marine life and birds. Remember to maintain a respectful distance.
The length of the beach itself provides numerous vantage points. Consider walking towards the ends of the bay for different perspectives and fewer people.









Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit