Exploring the Virgin Islands: Must-See Spots You Can Visit by Boat and St John Rentals

Mar 1, 2025

Last Updated on: Mar 11, 2025

Destinations

Primarily, the Virgin Islands constitute three major islands – St Croix, St John, and St Thomas. But the best part is that all these destinations will offer you a unique experience and vibe. 

Whether you are a shopaholic, adventure junkie, history buff, or someone who just needs to lay back and relax, there’s everything for everyone.

In addition to that, the USVI offers the best experience to someone who wants to experience turquoise waters, sophisticated dining, and a laid-back vacation. 

So, if you are visiting “America’s Caribbean Paradise” for the first time, you must learn about the places that are a must-see.

Therefore, if you want some recommendations of places to visit in St John Islands, read on.

Why St. John Rentals Are the Perfect Base for Your Adventure

When you visit St John Island, the best place to stay is St. John Rentals. It will offer an ideal experience of the lush beauty and pristine beaches of the Virgin Islands. Nestled amidst turquoise waters and verdant hills, these accommodations offer more than just a place to stay. In fact, the place has something for both the explorer and the adventurer.

Imagine waking up to the gentle sound of waves lapping at the shore. You are holding your morning coffee in hand and have an uninterrupted view of the Caribbean. Basically, rentals on St. John are crafted for travelers who want both comfort and a slice of paradise.

For instance, if you are visiting on a couple’s trip to St. John, opt for a rental near Cinnamon Bay. Here, you will not only enjoy the privacy but also get the top attractions like the Annaberg Plantation ruins and some of the island’s best hiking trails within minutes of walking distance.

Additionally, you will get unique opportunities to experience the island like a local. Meanwhile, you will still be enjoying world-class amenities. So, whether it’s a cozy hillside retreat or a beachfront property, there’s something for every traveler.

Top Destinations in St John You Can Visit by Boat

Unmissable Destinations You Can Visit by Boat

When you are staying in St. John, you will have the advantage of getting proximity to other awe-inspiring Virgin Islands. Apart from that, many rentals are conveniently located near boat charters, making day trips to nearby islands effortless.

1. Trunk Bay: A Snorkeler’s Paradise

The Trunk Bay is present just minutes away from most St. John rentals. Basically, it is renowned for its underwater snorkeling trail.
In addition to that, the crystal-clear waters reveal a vibrant marine world filled with coral reefs and tropical fish. Hence. it’s no wonder why this beach is often ranked among the best in the world.

2. Jost Van Dyke: The Party Island

By just a short boat ride from St. John, you can experience Jost Van Dyke. This place boasts an unbeatable party atmosphere. Moreover, the place is famous for its beach bars, including the legendary Soggy Dollar Bar. Overall, it’s the perfect spot to sip on a Painkiller cocktail while you enjoy the laid-back vibes.

3. The Baths at Virgin Gorda

The Baths at Virgin Gorda are a geological wonder. This is another must-visit spot that you can easily access by boat. 

Primarily, these are towering granite boulders that create hidden pools and grottos. It offers the feeling as if it’s nature’s playground. So, whether you are visiting with your family or in a couple’s trip, you can rave about this unique excursion.

4. The Comfort of St. John Rentals After a Day of Exploring

After a day of adventure, returning to your St. John rental feels like stepping into a sanctuary. Generally, most properties are designed to blend with the island’s natural beauty, featuring open-air layouts, private pools, and sweeping views of the ocean.

Families love rentals with fully equipped kitchens, allowing them to prepare meals after a day at the beach. On the other hand, couples often seek out secluded properties with hot tubs, perfect for unwinding under the stars.

During a recent visit, I stayed at a hillside villa from where you can get a great view of Coral Bay. Every evening, I would watch the sun dip below the horizon. It was actually mesmerizing to see the orange and pink colors forming on the background.
Moreover, the rental had everything I needed. For instance, there was a plush king-sized bed and also a hammock where I could lose myself in a good book.

Practical Tips for Choosing the Right Rental

You can enhance your experience on St John’s Islands by choosing the right rental. All you need to do is keep the following tips in mind:

1. Proximity to Activities

Well, if you plan to explore beaches like Hawksnest or Maho Bay, choose a rental on the north shore. This will give you quick access and better dining options.

2. Privacy vs. Accessibility

The thing with hillside rentals is that they often offer unmatched privacy and breathtaking views. However, by choosing beachfront properties, you can stay steps away from the sand.

3. Group Size

Are you traveling with your family or your friends? In such cases, you need a larger space with multiple bedrooms and communal spaces. Also, you need to plan a group trip differently from a couple’s trip.

4. Amenities

It goes without saying that factors like air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and private pools help you ensure a comfortable stay. This is where choosing St John Rentals will offer you a major advantage.

Is Rental A Better Option Than Hotels?

Generally, rentals offer a level of flexibility and personalization that hotels simply can’t match. Apart from that, you will also get the chance to prepare your own meals. Additionally, rentals offer ample space for the entire family.

On the other hand, unlike hotels, rentals immerse you in the local lifestyle. For instance, you can wake up to roosters crowing in the distance or spend an afternoon picking mangoes from trees on the property.

Make St. John Your Next Island Escape

From tranquil beaches to vibrant marine life, St. John offers something for everyone. Apart from that, rentals provide the perfect launching pad to explore all that this Caribbean gem has to offer.

Hence, whether you are hiking through Virgin Islands National Park or enjoying a candlelit dinner on the patio of your rental, the memories you create here will stay with you forever.

Furthermore, with so many options to choose from, there’s no reason to wait. So, start planning your dream getaway to St. John today, and let the island’s magic unfold before you.

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Barsha Bhattacharya is a senior content writing executive. As a marketing enthusiast and professional for the past 4 years, writing is new to Barsha. And she is loving every bit of it. Her niches are marketing, lifestyle, wellness, travel and entertainment. Apart from writing, Barsha loves to travel, binge-watch, research conspiracy theories, Instagram and overthink.

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