FAQs

Question

What are some inexpensive places to eat that might not require a reservation?

Answer

- Tap & Still - North Shore Deli (Mongoose Junction) - Tap Room (Mongoose Junction) - 420 to Center - Greengos (Mongoose Junction) - Uncle Joe's BBQ - Shambles

Question

Are there any other hotels nearby that we should consider?

Answer

We understand that personal preferences and budgets are real and although we'd love for you stay near us, please feel free to check out local villas and other hotels. We recommend staying as close to Cruz Bay as possible. Outside the city of Cruz Bay (the downtown area), St. John is very mountainous/hilly so most Villas/Hotels will require a taxi ride or rental car/jeep to get back and forth. We have also found out (the hard way) that some hotels and villas are adults only, so please be sure to ask about that before booking. Here are some places we’ve found on-island: Coconut Coast Villas - https://coconutcoast.com/ - Carey’s friends have stayed here and loved it. Estate Lindholm (adults only) - https://estatelindholm.com/ - Carey’s friends have stayed here and also loved it. St John Inn - https://stjohninn.com/ - We don’t know anyone who has stayed there but the hotels.com reviews look good for a local boutique hotel, and they are family friendly. Airbnb.com Vbro.com

Question

Can we see the bride & groom before/after the big day?

Answer

Yes please! You are all traveling so far to celebrate with us, and we want to spend as much time with you as possible. One of the reasons we chose Gallows Point Resort is because it's located within walking distance of downtown Cruz Bay and it has plenty of space on the property to mingle and/or relax by the pool overlooking the ocean.

Question

Will there be a rehearsal dinner?

Answer

Everyone that's in town the day before the wedding is invited to celebrate with us on the beach for the day (see the Beach Day "Rehearsal" Lunch details on the Schedule of Events tab on this site). Will likely hang out at the resort with some takeaway food for dinner that night.

Question

What should I wear to the wedding?

Answer

It's summer in the Caribbean, so light, fun, flowy, and summery is the way to go! The ceremony is in the late afternoon sunshine on the beach, so sunglasses and hats are encouraged. The ceremony and dinner will be outside on the beach back in town, so ladies keep that in mind if you want to wear flats or shoes you can easily take off. Shoes are optional on the sand!

Question

How will we get to the ceremony and the reception?

Answer

We will have taxis pick you up at your hotel/Villa and they will be ready and waiting to bring you to the reception.

Question

How safe is it with Covid?

Answer

Having traveled more than once during Covid, including to St. John, USVI, we can say we felt very safe and following all protocols was very easy - it just took a little planning. As of now, flying to St. John requires getting a Covid test (even if you've been vaccinated), getting results, submitting them to USVI online portal, and getting approval within 5 days of departure. This means it's important to get tested the first 1 to 2 days within that 5 day time period to allow for processing time without stress. That portal is: https://usvitravelportal.com/ You'll submit your paperwork there and will get an email saying it's been approved (or denied). Don't panic if your paperwork gets denied the first time... this happened to Carey and we just resubmitted it again. It was a pretty quick turnaround time. Providing printed proof of a negative Covid test and proof of the approval from the portal upon arrival is REQUIRED.

Question

Do I need a Passport?

Answer

No, you do not need a passport to get to St. John - it's part of the United States. However, the British Virgin Islands are SO CLOSE, so if you feel adventurous and want to take a boat ride over, you'll need a passport. As of right now, British Virgin Islands are not open to tourists due to Covid, however, that might change come wedding time.

Question

Should we rent a Jeep?

Answer

If you plan on going to the beaches or exploring the island then we highly recommend renting a jeep (or car if you can find one) and doing so as far in advance as possible to guarantee availability. They do sell out. We recommend www.stjohncarrental.com as they are within walking distance. Other rental places are also available! Open air taxis are available to take you to beaches or hikes, or you can catch a ride with a family member that has a vehicle.

Question

Can I rent snorkeling gear?

Answer

We highly recommend snorkeling at Trunk Bay Beach and Salt Pond Beach where big Turtles can often be found slowly moving through the water (yes, like Crush from the Finding Nemo movie!). Trunk Bay even has an underwater snorkeling trail with information about the sea life you're seeing( (https://stjohn-beachguide.com/trunk-bay/). Danny personally recommends renting both snorkel AND fins to make it much easier to get around with less work (vs a noodle and no fins which seemed like more effort and hard to balance to him). However, Carey was a beginner snorkeler and recommends a 'noodle' so you can float and not 'work' so hard to get around (this is vacation after all!). To each their own. Snorkel gear can be rented very inexpensively at Beach Bum in Cruz Bay located right near the ferry landing.

Question

Join the Facebook Group ST JOHN TRAVEL & LIFE

Answer

Need some inspo? Have questions? Here's a fantastic up to date resource. Join the Facebook Group ST JOHN TRAVEL & LIFE for photos and reccos from recent travelers. These are all people who LOVE this island so feel free to research or post a question - this crowd is very eager to offer recommendations! https://www.facebook.com/groups/269556383563172

Question

Are there kid friendly activities?

Answer

The island life applies to kids too! Especially if they like the beach, snorkeling, hiking and exploring. You can rent stand up paddle boards, clear bottom canoes across the street at Maho Beach for example. Bringing beach related games/toys are always encouraged as well! https://www.familyvacationcritic.com/st-john-family-vacation/dat/ https://theroamingfamily.com/activities-in-st-john-with-kids/

Question

Do I need reef safe sunscreen?

Answer

Yes! They are serious about protecting the coral reefs here, and it’s required by law, so we get to do our part to protect the national treasures under water. You can buy it on island but will likely be more expensive, so you’re better off packing it. Here’s a list of reef safe sunscreens you can get on Amazon: https://newsofstjohn.com/best-reef-safe-sunscreen-on-amazon/

Question

What else should I bring?

Answer

An insulated cup, like a Yeti or Corkcicle. It’s hot on the beach so you’ll want to pack some ice in your cups and bring a cooler of beverages. One cup of ice lasted us all day in those insulated cups... it was genius.

Question

Can we expect there to be Hurricane damage?

Answer

In 2017 Hurricane Erma swept through St. John and impacted everything and everybody. Keep in mind some tourist oriented websites might not be up to date on what's currently open and what's not. Example: Caneel Bay has not been rebuilt yet and is not open. Depending on the website/article you read in your research, they may be out of date. Please be aware and possibly double check something specific elsewhere (St. John Travel & Life Facebook page).