Cruz Bay Cemetery
The vibrant gateway to St. John, connecting islands with scenic ferry rides and offering a lively hub of shops and dining.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the weekend crowds
Cruz Bay Cemetery
Best Time
Beat the weekend crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The vibrant gateway to St. John, connecting islands with scenic ferry rides and offering a lively hub of shops and dining.
"The ferry was very inexpensive. It only costs $8 and the views were amazing. This is a must see place."
🚢 Ferry Ticket Tips
Consider one-way ferry tickets for flexibility. Confirm car ferry rates as they can differ from passenger fares.
🚶♀️ Explore Cruz Bay
The area around the ferry dock is a lively hub with shops and eateries. Great for a half-day excursion.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cruz Bay Ferry Dock
Cruz Bay, St. John
The vibrant heart of Cruz Bay, connecting St. John to St. Thomas with frequent ferry services.
Scenic Ferry Ride
Between St. Thomas and St. John
Enjoy breathtaking ocean vistas and island views on this affordable and essential inter-island transport.
Cruz Bay Beachfront
Adjacent to the ferry dock
A gorgeous stretch of sand offering stunning views and proximity to the island's main shopping and dining.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ferry Logistics
Cruz Bay Hub
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Enough time to ferry to St. John?
🚢 Ferry Ticket Tips
Consider one-way ferry tickets for flexibility. Confirm car ferry rates as they can differ from passenger fares.
🚶♀️ Explore Cruz Bay
The area around the ferry dock is a lively hub with shops and eateries. Great for a half-day excursion.
Red Hook-Cruz Bay Ferry
Self-excursion from St. John to Trunk Bay takes how long realistically?
💰 Affordable Excursion
Ferry rides offer a budget-friendly way to experience island hopping and stunning views.
📸 Drone Views
Capture amazing aerial shots of the bay and surrounding areas if you have a drone.
Advice for Trip to St. John USVI
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Ferry Ticket Tips
Consider one-way ferry tickets for flexibility. Confirm car ferry rates as they can differ from passenger fares.
🚶♀️ Explore Cruz Bay
The area around the ferry dock is a lively hub with shops and eateries. Great for a half-day excursion.
💰 Affordable Excursion
Ferry rides offer a budget-friendly way to experience island hopping and stunning views.
📸 Drone Views
Capture amazing aerial shots of the bay and surrounding areas if you have a drone.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the ferry service for its affordability and scenic beauty, calling it an essential and exciting part of their island-hopping experience. The convenience of Cruz Bay as a hub with shops and dining is also frequently highlighted, though the bustling nature of the ferry traffic can be noted.
"This is one very cool spot. The main entrance the St Johns Island . Bumping busy with major ferry traffic and dingy flocking for a spot . The beach is gorgeous which leads to the heart of the shopping district with a variety of ships, food and drinks establishments. The terminal itself is highly effecting moving a mass amount of people between the island with a very clean and accessible bathroom facility . Next time we take the ferry 🤙☘️"
ScottF
"A beautiful place to visit.. the people in this area were very nice, and there was lots to see and lots to do. The ferry was very inexpensive. It only costs $8 and the views were amazing. This is a must see place. I provided some of my drone views. Enjoy.."
Pierre “757hydroboiz” Howard
"It was no frills and on time. Great value"
Tina Marie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is by ferry from Red Hook or Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas to Cruz Bay on St. John. The ferry from Red Hook is generally more frequent and often preferred by travelers.
Ferries run frequently throughout the day, typically starting in the early morning and continuing into the evening. It's advisable to check the latest schedules as they can change seasonally.
Yes, there is a car ferry service available between St. Thomas and St. John. However, it's more expensive than passenger ferries and often not necessary as St. John is easily navigable by taxi or rental car once you arrive.
Passenger ferry fares are generally around $8-$12 one way, with round-trip options sometimes available. Car ferry rates are significantly higher. Confirm current pricing with the ferry operator.
The ferry ride is usually smooth, but conditions can vary depending on the weather and sea state. If you're prone to seasickness, consider taking medication.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
For passenger ferries, you can typically purchase tickets at the dock on the day of travel. Booking in advance is usually not necessary unless you are traveling with a car or during extremely busy periods.
Yes, there are tickets for passengers and separate, more expensive tickets for vehicles. Some operators may offer round-trip discounts, but one-way tickets can offer more flexibility.
Ferry terminals generally operate from early morning until early evening. It's best to check the specific operating hours for the ferry company you plan to use.
Cruz Bay Cemetery is an open public space and does not have an entrance fee. Visitors are welcome to explore respectfully.
Most ferry operators accept cash and major credit cards. It's always a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller vendors or in case of any card machine issues.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Cruz Bay is the main hub of St. John, offering a variety of shops, restaurants, bars, and beautiful beaches. It's also the primary point for accessing the Virgin Islands National Park.
The ferry terminal and surrounding areas in Cruz Bay are generally accessible, though some older establishments might have limited accessibility. The beach areas can be challenging for wheelchairs.
The views from the ferry dock looking out at the bay and surrounding islands are stunning. The beach offers picturesque scenes, and if you have a drone, you can capture incredible aerial shots.
Yes, the ferry terminal in Cruz Bay is equipped with clean and accessible bathroom facilities, which are very convenient for travelers.
You'll find a mix of souvenir shops, boutiques selling local crafts and clothing, and stores offering beach essentials and snorkel gear.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Cruz Bay offers a wide range of dining options, from casual beachside bars and cafes to more upscale restaurants serving fresh seafood and local Caribbean cuisine.
Yes, you can find more budget-friendly options like food trucks, casual eateries, and local bakeries. Grabbing breakfast or lunch in Cruz Bay is a popular activity for day-trippers.
Look for fresh seafood, conch fritters, johnny cakes, and local rum-based drinks. Many restaurants offer daily specials featuring the catch of the day.
Absolutely, there are numerous bars and beach bars right near the ferry dock where you can enjoy a refreshing drink with a view.
Yes, tipping is customary in the US Virgin Islands. A gratuity of 15-20% is standard for good service at restaurants.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing snacks and drinks for the ferry ride, although concessions are usually available. Taxis are readily available in Cruz Bay to take families to other kid-friendly beaches like Trunk Bay or Cinnamon Bay, which offer calmer waters and more amenities. Ensure you have sun protection, as the Caribbean sun can be intense.
💰 Budget Travelers
Instead of expensive excursions, opt for a self-guided exploration of Cruz Bay. You can pack your own lunch and drinks to save money. For transportation on St. John, consider using shared taxis which are more economical than private hires.
couples
Consider taking a taxi to one of St. John's more secluded beaches for a romantic afternoon. Many restaurants in Cruz Bay offer charming settings for dinner, allowing you to enjoy the island ambiance as the sun sets.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Ferry System
For those considering bringing a vehicle, a car ferry service exists, but it comes with a significantly higher cost. Many visitors find that renting a car on St. John or utilizing the readily available taxis is a more economical and practical approach. Confirming the exact ferry schedules and pricing directly with the ferry operators is always recommended, as these can be subject to change based on the season and demand.
Beyond just transportation, the ferry ride itself is an experience. It offers stunning panoramic views of the turquoise waters, neighboring islands, and the lush green hillsides of St. John. Many passengers enjoy this scenic journey, often spotting marine life along the way, making it a highlight of their island-hopping adventure.
Exploring Cruz Bay
This area is particularly popular for day-trippers who arrive via ferry from St. Thomas. They often spend a few hours exploring the shops, enjoying lunch, and soaking in the island atmosphere before catching a return ferry. The terminal itself is noted for its efficiency in handling large numbers of passengers, ensuring a smooth transition between islands.
While Cruz Bay is a central point, it's also the starting point for exploring the rest of St. John, including the renowned Virgin Islands National Park. Taxis are readily available at the ferry dock to take you to various beaches, hiking trails, and other attractions across the island.


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