Yes and No. US citizens do not need a passport to travel to St John / St Thomas or St Croix ( USVIs). VI Tourism promotes the “No passport required” slogan. However, you’ll need a passport to travel to and from some of the neighboring islands of the BVIs / British Virgin Islands, Jost Van Dyke, Tortola, etc. So travelling with your passport is recommend and if you are going on the Friday boat trip you HAVE to have a valid passport.
The US Dollar and most places accept cards as well.
There are taxis that run on St. John mainly at the beaches and Cruz Bay and hotels. See link for additional info on rates: https://www.vinow.com/stjohn/getting_around_stj/taxis-rates/ St. John has very steep roads so walking into town is not an option unless staying in Cruz Bay. Renting a Jeep or car on St. John is a great way to explore the many beaches and island landmarks around St. John. A four-wheel drive jeep or sport utility vehicle is recommended if renting. Other important driving info: Cars drive on the left-hand side of the road on St. John, (opposite of US) and steering wheels are on the left (the same as in US). The speed limit on St. John does not exceed 20 MPH. Less than 30% of the roads are paved, the hills are steep and the roads curvy. Always wear your set belt or you will be ticketed.
Kids are great and the island is kid friendly, however, we are requesting that the ceremony and reception be kept as adults only, except for immediate family. The Friday post wedding boat trip to Jost Van Dyke is also Adults only, per the open bar boat rules. There is currently not a kids club available at Westin (their website is out of date) and we are not sure if it will be open in time for the wedding. There is a babysitting service currently on the island that can be arranged individually based on need and the website is below: http://www.kidsnightin.com/ We are also working on gathering additional resources and will update if we can find other options.
The boat will leave from the Westin (no later than 9 a.m.) on Friday Nov. 8th, and return to the Westin by 4:00-5:00 p.m. It will take us to snorkel a bit at the first stop and then onto White Bay beach on Jost Van Dyke (home of the famous Soggy Dollar bar and original Painkiller drinks) . It will be a full day on a private charter with a full crew, continental breakfast, snorkel gear, and most importantly an open bar! YOU MUST HAVE A VALID PASSPORT FOR THIS TRIP. The details for per person cost are listed below: COST DETAILS per person: $140 plus 20% gratuity + customs fee $65 = $233/pp David and Kate have volunteered to help with the details and getting it booked so please contact them or Mel and Will directly for more info or to hold your spot!!
Yes Cruz Bay has three grocery stores which we have found will cover most of your needs. Starfish Market is the largest market and is located in The Marketplace Shopping Center. (This is where the drug store, bakery, video rental and gourmet store is as well). Other markets include Dolphin Market and Pine Peace Market in Cruz Bay. Love City Mini Mart is located in Coral Bay.
Aside from the scheduled activities, we will be spending time on the beach and by the pool at Westin. We are shooting to line up a volleyball game one day at Westin and there are non motorized watersport rentals on property as well. There are lots of beautiful beaches to explore around the island also. Maho Bay is a great snorkel spot where there are bunches of sea turtles swimming around. Evening time and nights will be great for hanging at the villas and grilling out or going into Cruz bay for drinks and dinner and amazing sunsets.