Tips for visitors Archives | News of St. John

A Different Kind of Getaway: Work Exchange Program in St. John’s National Park

January 14, 2025January 8, 2025 by Hannah Michelle

Good morning and Happy New Year!

Ah, January. The holiday excitement is officially over and we’re in that awkward in-between until spring arrives. I’m looking forward to my St. John trip planned for February (eeek!). Knowing that I am T-minus 1 month away from snorkeling with vibrant reef fish, soaking up the sun on lazy beach days, and hiking the winding trails of St. John is getting me through the below freezing temps.

In the same spirit as our recent article on sustainable tourism, I like to travel a little more ‘off the beaten path.’ I’m always looking for hostels or work exchange programs. It’s an excellent way to get immersed in local culture, give back to the community, and find adventure. If that sounds like you too, then I’ve found the perfect option for your next visit to St. John.

Tips for Planning Your Trip to St. John

August 3, 2023August 3, 2023 by News of St. John

Good Morning! It’s hard to believe August is already upon us, which means that stateside the back to school advertising campaigns are in full swing, and our northernmost friends are trying to enjoy the last month of beach days, bonfires, boating, and camping before the weather gets a little iffy. Before we know it, the Halloween decorations and candy will be lining store shelves and Christmas music will be hard to avoid on the radio.

All joking aside, it’s a great time to start planning a trip to St. John, and whether you’re a seasoned St. John veteran or a first timer, we hope that you find a few tips in this article beneficial in doing so.

New Options for Island Hopping Beginning this April

April 25, 2023April 25, 2023 by Elise DuPont

There are exciting new options for visiting the islands of St Croix, Anegada and Virgin Gorda starting this month.

Health and Environmental Impacts as the Annual Saharan Dust Returns to the Caribbean

March 23, 2023March 23, 2023 by Hannah Michelle

Good morning, good morning!

The annual arrival of ethereal sunsets and a light, hazy fog is coming to the Caribbean a little early this year. Deriving from the Saharan desert in Northern Africa, a massive plume of dust is expected to bring its haze within the next few weeks. Typically not seen until May or June, the Saharan Air Layer, or SAL, will be making its first appearance on the northernmost tip of South America by today. By next week, small clouds of dust and sand will begin to coat the Lesser Antilles.

Health and Environmental Impacts as the Annual Saharan Dust Returns to the Caribbean 7 — Taken from a previous NSJ article “Sahara Dust Settles Over St. John”

A Unique Lens: Crystal Kayaking and Paddleboarding at Maho Beach

February 27, 2023February 27, 2023 by Hannah Michelle

Good morning! Peak season is upon us, and I know most visitors will be looking for some unique, outdoorsy activities to do on St. John. I went crystal kayaking at Maho a few days ago and highly recommend it!

Having lived on St. John for two years, you would think I’ve done everything this beautiful, small island has to offer a million times over, and yet I am still pleasantly surprised by the amount of fun activities that I find on my days off. Recently, I spent the day at Maho, one of my favorite beaches, and tried the crystal kayaking and paddleboarding offered at Maho Crossroads.

News of St. John Villa Rentals Has Launched!

February 20, 2023February 20, 2023 by News of St. John

News of St. John is thrilled to announce the launch of a brand new service! News of St. John Villa Rentals is a website to showcase short term rentals and connect renters with property owners at no cost. Check it out at Newsofstjohnvillarentals.com or access it from the navigation menu on News of St. John.

USVI Taxi Rates Increase

November 4, 2022November 2, 2022 by Hillary Bonner

Good Morning, Good Morning! Last month when Teddy and I flew to Puerto Rico to bring Asante home for the season, we were a bit surprised when the taxi driver requested $50 as payment upon drop off at the airport. We didn’t say anything about the higher-than-normal requested rate that usually is about $20 per person, but the silent exchange between our glances must have been apparent. The driver explained that if we had got a ride a few days earlier it would have been less. But the rates had just gone up. I recalled seeing a headline about this at some point and thought, “Aha, the rate increase went through…” So, in order to keep all of you from being a bit taken aback on your next trip, I wanted to share the details on these new rates with you!

Travel Tips- Planning Your Love City Winter Getaway!

September 26, 2022September 26, 2022 by Hillary Bonner

Good Morning, Good Morning! I hope that all of you had a spectacular weekend as the chilly fall temps begin to cast their shadows on some of the cooler areas of the country. As the fall and winter winds begin to blow, a lot of you are probably starting to set your sights on travel plans for a winter escape to bluer waters and warmer breezes here on St. John. So, I wanted to take a moment today to get you a few travel tips and guides for getting your Love City vacation planning knocked out as the days at home get shorter and cooler.

What To Do During the Slow Season on St. John

September 13, 2022September 13, 2022 by Hillary Bonner

Good Morning, Good Morning! It’s the sleepiest time of year on St. John…But that doesn’t mean your vacation has to be. We all know that A TON of businesses are currently closed for the off-season and that you can definitely expect lighter crowds and less coordinated activities during this time of year. But, if you are lucky enough to be visiting during these sleepier months, you might happen upon some fun that you just didn’t expect. Aside from the emptier than normal beaches, hiking trails and parking areas that we should ALL be taking advantage of, there are many businesses that are remaining open during these slower months. And, today, I want to touch on those establishments AND some fun activities that you may have never tried before!

NOTICE: Adjusted Temporary Ferry Schedule & Mask Mandate Update

April 22, 2022April 19, 2022 by Hillary Bonner

UPDATE- 4/22/2022 – The ferry schedule went back to normal for, seemingly, a few hours on Wednesday. BUT, yesterday, many commuters between St. Thomas and St. John posted about continual disruptions in the regular schedule. I am on the hunt for more details, but in the meantime, expect delays and plan accordingly to be on island time. Again, the downtown ferry and crown bay ferry are running on schedule. If you are flying in or catching a flight out this weekend, see below for those links.

Good Morning! I have a real quick update today for all of you current travelers out there. Due to some mechanical issues with one of the Cruz Bay/Red Hook people ferries, the ferry companies are operating with one working vessel for at least the duration of the day, possibly longer.