Is St. John Worth the Price? What to Know Before You Go

St. John, one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean, is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush greenery. But is it worth the high price tag that comes with visiting? From expensive accommodations to pricey groceries, here’s what you need to know before planning your trip. And because I am gluten free we’ll talk about how challenging it was to not to eat on the island.

Getting to St. John

Reaching St. John requires some planning, as there is no airport on the island. Visitors typically fly into St. Thomas, the neighboring island, and then take a ferry to St. John. United has direct flights from Newark to St. Thomas. If you’re looking for a credit card for the best travel rewards – I have the Capitol Venture X card. I got $300 flight credit as soon as I signed up. I’ll have another post soon about finding the best travel credit card.

The ferry ride itself is relatively inexpensive, but depending on where you’re traveling from, the flights to St. Thomas can be costly, especially during peak travel seasons.

The ferry ride ticket for an adult is currently $8.15 from Red Hook (St. Thomas) to cruz Bay (St.john)Bags are going to be $4 each. It’s a few dollars cheaper when you reserve these ticket in advance. But also keep in mind you need a shuttle ride from St.Thomas Airport to the Ferry. This ride can be challenging for anyone that gets car sick. St. Thomas is hilly and there are many windy turns. The taxi/van shuttle can be about $15 per person.

Additionally, if you plan on renting a car, you’ll need to either rent one on St. Thomas and ferry it over or rent directly on St. John, which tends to be more expensive.

Even with a direct flight there’s a lot to do after  you get off the plane. I normally love the actual journey of getting to a destination, but the flight, then a van ride, and then a ferry is a bit much.

The Cost of Food and Drinks

Dining out in St. John can be an amazing experience, with plenty of restaurants offering fresh seafood, Caribbean flavors, and breathtaking views. However, these experiences come at a price. and a hefty one. Many restaurants charge premium rates, and while the food quality is excellent, visitors should be prepared for higher-than-average costs. Cocktails, beer, and wine are also marked up due to import costs, making nightlife an expensive affair.

I’m comparing this to an average restaurant out in the states. I live in the NJ/NYC area and I compared prices to what I experience. I’m originally from Buffalo, NY, so I have a range to compare to. I know a drink I have in Manhattan will not, and should not cost the same in Buffalo, NY. (That’s because rents and cost of living is way lower.)

For your average cocktail I know I will end up paying upwards of $18 in Manhattan – Which is crazy to think about!!! Specialty bars like the the Sunken Harbor club it’s around $20 per drink. It’s getting pricey to drink fancy, and those draft beers are looking more and more attractive everyday!

 

Some popular dining spots I visited:

• La Tapa – A fine dining experience with incredible sunset views, very expensive, but the food is amazing!

You really can’t beat the views. If you and your partner went for dinner make a reservation days in advance if you can. (It’s almost impossible to find a place to eat dinner last minute in Mongoose Junction – where you’ll find most restaurants)

When you see their menu they do not show prices which is the first indication you will be spending a pretty penny. My partner and I order one cocktail each, appetizers, entree, and shared a desert and the bill was about $300. Which if you’re in to splurge go for it. The food ans service was so great. They were also very attentive to me being Celiac and Gluten Free. I also loved the aesthetic.

 

• Lime Inn – A casual yet trendy spot known for its fresh poke bowls and creative cocktails.

This place is packed everyday! Also it seems they were understaffed anytime we walked by, and when we ate there. This restaurant was “ok” I can’t say I was impressed. We were sat at the bar when we went, but whether you’re at the bar or not you will be there for at least two hours.That’s pretty long for a taco place. The tacos average about $13 each. Usually in the states in any Mexican restaurant you get two or 3. I’ve been to many places in NYC where I will pay $15 for tacos but I get two pretty great tacos. So only getting one for $11-16 is kinda off putting. And we both didn’t really like one of our tacos. It was surprising to have dry meat at a taco place.

The drinks were $14-$16 each. They were tasty, but I didn’t go for a 2nd. We shared guacamole, both had one drink each, with two tacos, and we paid about $85 for our bill. It was ok, but the wait was so long for a casual spot.

 

• Morgan’s Mango – A must-visit for Caribbean cuisine with a variety of seafood and tropical flavors.

We really loved this place. We made a reservation, but it never went through because of spotty internet that happens on the island regularly. But we didn’t wait too long and luckily got a table because of a cancellation. The service was so great! Food was the best we’ve ever had on the island. They were very gluten free friendly, although they don’t advertise this. The owner has family that is Celiac that’s why a lot of the menu is gluten free. They have a cheese bread roll that is gluten free and so tasty! I also liked them because online you can see their prices, and you know what you’re getting into.

The average Cocktail is $17 and it’s not in a smaller class, or anything. It was a nice cocktail in a martini glass. Some other place have lower prices, but smaller glasses.

We each ordered appetizers, my partner had wine and I had a martini, entrees, and shared a desert each and out bill was just over $200. If I were to choose what to splurge on it would def be this restaurant over La Tapa. This resturant made me feel that St. John was worth the price

 

There are so many other restaurants that you can go to at mongoose junction, but few are gluten free friendly.

Grocery Prices

If you’re planning to cook some meals to save money, be aware that grocery prices on St. John are significantly higher than on the mainland U.S. Since nearly everything is imported, essentials such as dairy, meats, and fresh produce come with hefty price tags. Many visitors choose to shop at St. Thomas’s larger grocery stores before taking the ferry to St. John, as it can save quite a bit of money. However, for convenience, there are a few markets on the island like Starfish Market and Dolphin Market, which carry a good selection of goods—just at a premium.

 

Recreation

There are many things you can do when you visit St. John. If you’re not into being on a boat it does limit what you want to do. There are many beaches to relax at, you could really spend your whole time visiting a new beach each day if you wanted to. Each one has a different feel. Of course you have those beaches that want to sell a cabana. These come at a pretty penny as well. For example a 4 person Cabana at Caneel bay is $800. This makes me say that St. John is not worth the price.

Also keep in mind that some beaches will charge you a day pass if you don’t rent a chair or cabana.

There are a lot of snorkeling options, and sun set dinner cruises as well.

I’m a runner and I love to run in destinations and let me tell you if you plan to run – it’s not a runner friendly place. Most islands aren’t, and I expect and accept that. There are no sidewalks, or running paths. So you’ll be taking a risk. Keep the ear buds out to stay alert for traffic. Be prepared for a lot of hills! I can usually crank our 5 or 6 miles, but this run was intense and uphill – I only did about 2 miles! Very pretty run for sure, but tough! And they humidity will def get to you.

 

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

St. John is undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking islands in the Caribbean, but the cost of visiting can add up quickly. If you’re looking for an affordable tropical getaway, this may not be the best option. However, if you’re willing to pay for the unparalleled beauty, relaxed atmosphere, and unforgettable experiences, St. John might just be worth the price.