Cruz Bay Cemetery - Image 1
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Cruz Bay Cemetery

4.5
·1k reviews·Cruz Bay, U.S. Virgin Islands

The vibrant gateway to St. John, connecting islands with scenic ferry rides and offering a lively hub of shops and dining.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Beat the weekend crowds

CrowdLow
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Cruz Bay Cemetery - Image 1

Cruz Bay Cemetery

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Beat the weekend crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

The vibrant gateway to St. John, connecting islands with scenic ferry rides and offering a lively hub of shops and dining.

4.5
(1k reviews)

"The ferry was very inexpensive. It only costs $8 and the views were amazing. This is a must see place."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚢 Ferry Ticket Tips

Consider one-way ferry tickets for flexibility. Confirm car ferry rates as they can differ from passenger fares.

🚶‍♀️ Explore Cruz Bay

The area around the ferry dock is a lively hub with shops and eateries. Great for a half-day excursion.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cruz Bay Ferry Dock

Cruz Bay Ferry Dock

Cruz Bay, St. John

The vibrant heart of Cruz Bay, connecting St. John to St. Thomas with frequent ferry services.

Scenic Ferry Ride

Scenic Ferry Ride

Between St. Thomas and St. John

Enjoy breathtaking ocean vistas and island views on this affordable and essential inter-island transport.

Cruz Bay Beachfront

Cruz Bay Beachfront

Adjacent to the ferry dock

A gorgeous stretch of sand offering stunning views and proximity to the island's main shopping and dining.

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Planning Your Visit

Ferry Logistics

Ferry rides to St. John are frequent and affordable, offering scenic views. Consider booking one-way tickets for flexibility, as round-trip options might be less advantageous. Car ferry rates can vary, so confirm pricing beforehand.

Cruz Bay Hub

Cruz Bay is a bustling hub with significant ferry traffic. Be prepared for crowds, especially around peak times. The area offers diverse shopping, dining, and easy access to other island activities.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Beat the weekend crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Ferry traffic thins out
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Enough time to ferry to St. John?

🚢 Ferry Ticket Tips

Consider one-way ferry tickets for flexibility. Confirm car ferry rates as they can differ from passenger fares. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Cruz Bay

The area around the ferry dock is a lively hub with shops and eateries. Great for a half-day excursion. Reddit

reddit.com

Red Hook-Cruz Bay Ferry

reddit.com

Self-excursion from St. John to Trunk Bay takes how long realistically?

💰 Affordable Excursion

Ferry rides offer a budget-friendly way to experience island hopping and stunning views. Reddit

📸 Drone Views

Capture amazing aerial shots of the bay and surrounding areas if you have a drone. Reddit

reddit.com

Advice for Trip to St. John USVI

Tips

from all over the internet

🚢 Ferry Ticket Tips

Consider one-way ferry tickets for flexibility. Confirm car ferry rates as they can differ from passenger fares. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Cruz Bay

The area around the ferry dock is a lively hub with shops and eateries. Great for a half-day excursion. Reddit

💰 Affordable Excursion

Ferry rides offer a budget-friendly way to experience island hopping and stunning views. Reddit

📸 Drone Views

Capture amazing aerial shots of the bay and surrounding areas if you have a drone. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the ferry service for its affordability and scenic beauty, calling it an essential and exciting part of their island-hopping experience. The convenience of Cruz Bay as a hub with shops and dining is also frequently highlighted, though the bustling nature of the ferry traffic can be noted.

"This is one very cool spot. The main entrance the St Johns Island . Bumping busy with major ferry traffic and dingy flocking for a spot . The beach is gorgeous which leads to the heart of the shopping district with a variety of ships, food and drinks establishments. The terminal itself is highly effecting moving a mass amount of people between the island with a very clean and accessible bathroom facility . Next time we take the ferry 🤙☘️"

ScottF

"A beautiful place to visit.. the people in this area were very nice, and there was lots to see and lots to do. The ferry was very inexpensive. It only costs $8 and the views were amazing. This is a must see place. I provided some of my drone views. Enjoy.."

Pierre “757hydroboiz” Howard

"It was no frills and on time. Great value"

Tina Marie

What People Like

Affordable ferry rides
Scenic ocean views
Convenient hub

What People Dislike

Busy ferry traffic

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most common way is by ferry from Red Hook or Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas to Cruz Bay on St. John. The ferry from Red Hook is generally more frequent and often preferred by travelers. Reddit

Ferries run frequently throughout the day, typically starting in the early morning and continuing into the evening. It's advisable to check the latest schedules as they can change seasonally. Reddit

Yes, there is a car ferry service available between St. Thomas and St. John. However, it's more expensive than passenger ferries and often not necessary as St. John is easily navigable by taxi or rental car once you arrive. Reddit

Passenger ferry fares are generally around $8-$12 one way, with round-trip options sometimes available. Car ferry rates are significantly higher. Confirm current pricing with the ferry operator. Reddit

The ferry ride is usually smooth, but conditions can vary depending on the weather and sea state. If you're prone to seasickness, consider taking medication. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

For passenger ferries, you can typically purchase tickets at the dock on the day of travel. Booking in advance is usually not necessary unless you are traveling with a car or during extremely busy periods. Reddit

Yes, there are tickets for passengers and separate, more expensive tickets for vehicles. Some operators may offer round-trip discounts, but one-way tickets can offer more flexibility. Reddit

Ferry terminals generally operate from early morning until early evening. It's best to check the specific operating hours for the ferry company you plan to use. Reddit

Cruz Bay Cemetery is an open public space and does not have an entrance fee. Visitors are welcome to explore respectfully.

Most ferry operators accept cash and major credit cards. It's always a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller vendors or in case of any card machine issues. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Cruz Bay is the main hub of St. John, offering a variety of shops, restaurants, bars, and beautiful beaches. It's also the primary point for accessing the Virgin Islands National Park. Reddit

The ferry terminal and surrounding areas in Cruz Bay are generally accessible, though some older establishments might have limited accessibility. The beach areas can be challenging for wheelchairs. Reddit

The views from the ferry dock looking out at the bay and surrounding islands are stunning. The beach offers picturesque scenes, and if you have a drone, you can capture incredible aerial shots. Reddit

Yes, the ferry terminal in Cruz Bay is equipped with clean and accessible bathroom facilities, which are very convenient for travelers. Reddit

You'll find a mix of souvenir shops, boutiques selling local crafts and clothing, and stores offering beach essentials and snorkel gear. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Cruz Bay offers a wide range of dining options, from casual beachside bars and cafes to more upscale restaurants serving fresh seafood and local Caribbean cuisine. Reddit

Yes, you can find more budget-friendly options like food trucks, casual eateries, and local bakeries. Grabbing breakfast or lunch in Cruz Bay is a popular activity for day-trippers. Reddit

Look for fresh seafood, conch fritters, johnny cakes, and local rum-based drinks. Many restaurants offer daily specials featuring the catch of the day. Reddit

Absolutely, there are numerous bars and beach bars right near the ferry dock where you can enjoy a refreshing drink with a view. Reddit

Yes, tipping is customary in the US Virgin Islands. A gratuity of 15-20% is standard for good service at restaurants. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The ferry ride to St. John is an exciting adventure for children, offering great views and the thrill of being on a boat. Cruz Bay itself is relatively safe and easy to navigate, with plenty of casual dining options that cater to younger palates. The beach near the ferry dock provides a fun spot for kids to play in the sand and shallow waters. Reddit

Consider packing snacks and drinks for the ferry ride, although concessions are usually available. Taxis are readily available in Cruz Bay to take families to other kid-friendly beaches like Trunk Bay or Cinnamon Bay, which offer calmer waters and more amenities. Ensure you have sun protection, as the Caribbean sun can be intense. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

The ferry to St. John is one of the most affordable ways to experience a different island from St. Thomas, costing around $8-$12 round trip for passengers. Reddit Once in Cruz Bay, you can find budget-friendly food options like local eateries and food trucks. Exploring the shops and enjoying the beach are free activities. Reddit

Instead of expensive excursions, opt for a self-guided exploration of Cruz Bay. You can pack your own lunch and drinks to save money. For transportation on St. John, consider using shared taxis which are more economical than private hires. Reddit

couples

A ferry trip to St. John offers a romantic escape with stunning ocean views and a chance to explore a beautiful island together. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast or lunch in Cruz Bay, followed by a stroll along the beach. Reddit

Consider taking a taxi to one of St. John's more secluded beaches for a romantic afternoon. Many restaurants in Cruz Bay offer charming settings for dinner, allowing you to enjoy the island ambiance as the sun sets. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Ferry System

The ferry system connecting St. Thomas and St. John is a vital artery for both locals and tourists. The primary ferry route operates between Red Hook on St. Thomas and Cruz Bay on St. John. While there's also a ferry from Charlotte Amalie, the Red Hook route is generally more frequent and often preferred for its convenience. Travelers often discuss the merits of booking one-way versus round-trip tickets, with some suggesting one-way offers more flexibility for spontaneous plans. Reddit

For those considering bringing a vehicle, a car ferry service exists, but it comes with a significantly higher cost. Many visitors find that renting a car on St. John or utilizing the readily available taxis is a more economical and practical approach. Confirming the exact ferry schedules and pricing directly with the ferry operators is always recommended, as these can be subject to change based on the season and demand. Reddit

Beyond just transportation, the ferry ride itself is an experience. It offers stunning panoramic views of the turquoise waters, neighboring islands, and the lush green hillsides of St. John. Many passengers enjoy this scenic journey, often spotting marine life along the way, making it a highlight of their island-hopping adventure. Reddit

Exploring Cruz Bay

Cruz Bay serves as the vibrant gateway to St. John and is a bustling hub of activity. The area immediately surrounding the ferry dock is a lively mix of shops, restaurants, and bars, making it an ideal spot to grab a bite, enjoy a drink, or pick up souvenirs. The beach adjacent to the dock is beautiful, offering picturesque views and a convenient place to relax after your ferry journey. Reddit

This area is particularly popular for day-trippers who arrive via ferry from St. Thomas. They often spend a few hours exploring the shops, enjoying lunch, and soaking in the island atmosphere before catching a return ferry. The terminal itself is noted for its efficiency in handling large numbers of passengers, ensuring a smooth transition between islands. Reddit

While Cruz Bay is a central point, it's also the starting point for exploring the rest of St. John, including the renowned Virgin Islands National Park. Taxis are readily available at the ferry dock to take you to various beaches, hiking trails, and other attractions across the island. Reddit

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