About St. John

St. John is a gem of the Caribbean: with almost 75% of the island preserved and protected as a U.S. national park (50,000 acres!), much of the island's lush natural beauty and dramatic beaches remain pristine and untouched. At the same time, it's easy to get to St. John, and as a U.S. territory, you don't need a passport to visit. It's this combination of natural Caribbean beauty and easy living that makes St. John such a popular destination. The island has only 5,000 full-time residents and just two large resorts, so it's managed to remain special and intimate. Come to St. John and spend a week exploring our stunning beaches, or enjoy boating, snorkeling and kayaking in the crystal-blue Caribbean Sea. Hike through St. John's lush forests and explore the surprisingly-intact ruins of 300-year-old Danish sugar mills. Slow down and spy on our wild donkeys, goats and chickens, or just sun bathe and relax while taking in our breathtaking sunsets. St. John really is one of the most magical islands in the Caribbean, and Last Minute Island Vacation brings it to you... for less!

How Do I Get To St. John?

Since St. John doesn't have an airport, you'll fly to the neighboring island of St. Thomas (flights from United, American, Delta, JetBlue and US Airways), then take a ferry over to St. John. The ferries run every hour, and after you've booked your villa, your villa manager will give you specific, detailed instructions about where and how to catch the St. John ferry. It's easy, and there's no better way to start your Caribbean vacation than on a boat skimming across the water while approaching your island paradise!

Do I Need a Passport?

If you're a U.S. citizen, no passport is necessary to visit St. John (or any of the U.S. Virgin Islands!). However, if you have a passport, we suggest bringing it, only because you may end up deciding to take a day trip to the British Virgin Islands. You also don't need special shots or inoculations.

What about Currency, Cell Phones and Internet?

Again, since we're a U.S. territory, we use U.S. dollars (and most businesses on St. John accept all major credit cards, as well). Cell phones with the major wireless carriers (AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon) will work fine. Most villas have wireless internet and there are also a few public Wi-Fi hotspots on the island, including the park in Cruz Bay (next to the ferry dock).

Do I Need A Car?

You'll want to rent a car to get around, and there are several good car rental agencies on the island (as well on St. Thomas). Again, after you've booked, your villa manager will help you arrange for a car and pickup. Note that here on-island, we drive on the left side of the ride (a holdover from the island's time under Danish rule).

What Can I Do on St. John?

Days can be as busy or lazy as you wish: in addition to the breathtaking beaches (each one more spectacular than the last), we also have world-class snorkeling and diving, hiking, sailing and swimming. (There are also fascinating cultural tours organized by the National Park Service, since 75% of the island is national park.) Or, of course, relax at your villa, soak up the sun and catch up on a good book! At night, stay in or explore one of the dozens of great restaurants on the island, many of them featuring live music.

What's Included with my Villa?

All villas are rented fully furnished and with all linens including towels and beach towels. They also all have full kitchens, and we stock the villas with the basics: paper towels, toilet paper, dish soap and dishwasher detergent. Some villas have hair dryers— if you need one, just let the property manager know when you book the villa.

How Does Last Minute Island Vacation Work?

LMIV is a booking agent, which means that we have special discount rates for all the villas we feature here on the site. (Unlike most booking agents, we are also long-time St. John residents and know the villas intimately, so we can help you get the most out of your vacation.) Once you've found your villa that's right for you, we'll help you finalize the booking, then we'll introduce you to the property management company (also here on-island). They'll help you make all your arrangements to get to St. John (including car rental, grocery pickup, etc.), and will send a greeter to meet you at the ferry when you arrive on-island, and help you get your car and find your villa. We are working only with property managers we have known for years, and whose properties we know as well, so we can be sure you are getting not only the best price for your visit, but also the best place to stay, and the best service. For more information, be sure to see About Last Minute Island Vacation.

I Have More Questions!

We're happy to help! Feel free to send us an email at , or give us a call at (340) 998-0423.

For now, though, you should click here to browse through all our villas, or click here to search and find exactly what you're after!

Images courtesy Advantage Lendl and anoldent.