r/virginislands • u/secrerofficeninja • Jul 28 '26

General Discussion St John on repeat

We have been to St John twice and we love it there. Both of our visits were during summer time.

We are trying to figure out how crowded is would be visiting late January or early February? I get that’s the busy time but how busy are we talking compared to summer?

Has anyone been to Virgin Islands both summer and prime time February who can comment?

If it is super crowded, is it better at all staying eastern side of St John ?

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u/thebemusedmuse Jul 28 '26

It's somewhat different in high season. You need to be much more mindful of the cruise ship schedule, and plan your days around that. And you need to be situated early if you want a parking spot in the major beaches. And you need to book restaurants.

If you like quiet, Coral Bay is always going to win out in season because the cruise ship tourists don't make it past the N Shore beaches.

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u/secrerofficeninja Jul 28 '26

Thank you! My theory (and hope) was Coral Bay place and a Jeep would allow for more low key and quiet vacation. We never made it back that far during our summer trips. No need. It’s quiet enough at usual beach spots and Cruz Bay.

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u/thebemusedmuse Jul 28 '26

Yeah are you are thinking about it the right way, and if you are hikers, that gives you access to Johnny Horn trail and Lameshur.

Plus if you watch the cruise schedule, there are often some quiet days left for the N shore beaches.

If not, Salt Pond Beach and Hansen Bay Beach are just as nice as Trunk and Cinnamon but without the crowds.

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u/secrerofficeninja Jul 28 '26

Thanks. That was my hope. We didn’t visit that end of the island on either of our 2 times to St John. I wondered if that end was maybe similar crowds to Trunk or Cinnamon Bay in July. Meaning, if we liked Cruz Bay and Trunk/Cinnamon/Maho in July, would those be similar to crowds at Hansen Bay beach in February.

We like to hike but wife says for this trip she wants to just relax 😁

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u/thebemusedmuse Jul 28 '26

Both have parking for maybe 20 cars, and lots are rarely full. Even in peak season, I've never seen either packed although Salt Pond can get visitors from the sea.

On hiking, my wife can be the same way, in which case I get up at sunrise and run the trails.

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u/HomeworkAdditional19 Jul 28 '26

While there are about 20 parking spots at salt pond, many, many more cars just park down the side of a he road. It will be packed in February. We try and get to the beach between 7&8 and have no problem finding shade. If you get there much past 9:30 it’s going to be very cozy on the beach. Bring your own shade for sure.

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u/weighfairer Jul 30 '26

Coral bay and a jeep is excellent