St. John on a Budget

Description:

St. John is not exactly known as the bargain destination of the Caribbean, but there are ways you can enjoy yourself for less $$ than the average traveler. Whether it involves staying in a no-frills hotel, eating during happy hour when the menus are half-price, or just enjoying the dozens of free beaches, hikes, and historical landmarks, it is quite possible to visit St. John and not go bankrupt.

Author: nile user


Day 1 - St. John


If you plan to stay overnight on the island, the Inn at Tamarind Court is a good low-key, no-frills alternative to the posh and pricey resorts like Caneel Bay and the Westin. The Inn has small rooms, no TVs, and some shared bathrooms, but it's clean, cheerful, and centrally located. So if you're not a demanding customer, it'll suit just fine.

The beaches on St. John offer great value for obvious reasons: they are free (or almost free), beautiful, and most have incredible coral reefs which make for great snorkeling. Trunk Bay beach ($4 pp) not only has beautiful white sand and calm waters, but the snorkeling equipment only costs $5 to rent.

For cheap eats and a social atmosphere, head to the Sun Dog Cafe during happy hour. Located on the top floor of the Mongoose Center in Cruz Bay, this local favorite offers scrumptious selections such as white artichoke pizza and black bean quesadillas. Food ranges from $4-$14 per main course. On weekdays, drinks are 2 for the price of 1 from 4:30-5:30 pm, and appetizers are half-price until 6:30 pm.


1

Inn at Tamarind Court

Location:

view in google maps
Route 104
(Mail) Box 350
00831 St. John, Virgin Islands (US)

Phone:

+1 340 776 6378 / +1 800 221 1637 (Toll Free)


2

Trunk Bay beach

Location:

view in google maps
Route 20
North Shore Road
00831 St. John, Virgin Islands (US)

Phone:

+1 340 776 6201


3

Sun Dog Café

Location:

St. John, USVI

Phone:

340/693-8340


Day 2 - St. John


If you want to try camping instead of staying in a conventional hotel, St. John has lots of options. Campgrounds such as Cinnamon Bay offer different types of sites, from bare bones tent sites (pitch your own), to pre-fab canvas tents, to small cottages. Prices range from $30 to $155 per night.

The advantage of Cinnamon Bay is that it's literally located right on the beach, so there's no transit time getting to the surf and sun. Swimming, hiking around the beach trails, and donkey-watching are free; windsurfing and other watersports aren't, but are reasonably priced.

Hiking on the Reef Bay trail is a free path to exercise and history. The 2.5 mile jaunt takes you through thick forest, past the ruins of a plantation, and past mysterious ancient petroglyphs.

For dinner, head to Woody's Seafood Saloon, where you'll meet colorful local characters and $1 will get you a beer between 3-6pm. Main courses run a reasonable $8-$17.


1

Cinnamon Bay Campground

Location:

view in google maps
Cinnamon Bay
Cruz Bay
00831 St. John, Virgin Islands (US)

Phone:

+1 340 776 6330


2

Reef Bay Trail

Location:

view in google maps
Off Route 10 (Centerline Road)
4.9 miles east of centerline,
00831 St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands


3

Woody's Seafood Saloon

Location:

view in google maps
Centerline Road
Route 10
00830 St. John, Virgin Islands

Phone:

340 779 4625


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