St. Thomas vs St. John vs St. Croix: Which U.S. Virgin Island Is Right for You?
- Natalija Ugrina
- Jun 24
- 8 min read
So here’s the thing—I had no idea how different the U.S. Virgin Islands could be until I actually visited them. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably been staring at a map thinking “Do I want pirate legends and palm trees, or secluded beaches and ancient carvings… or maybe just rum and colonial towns?”
Well, the good news is—each island brings its own magic. The tricky part? Figuring out which one fits your vibe.
After exploring St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, I put together this full guide comparing what each island offers, what to do, where to stay, and which one I ended up loving the most (spoiler: it surprised me too). Whether you're craving nature, nightlife, or local history, here’s everything you need to know to choose your island—or plan an epic hop between all three.
🧭 Quick Comparison: St Thomas vs St John vs St Croix
Island | Best For | Vibe | Don’t Miss |
St. Thomas | Shopping, nightlife, cruises | Lively & accessible | Blackbeard’s Castle, Magens Bay |
St. John | Nature, hiking, romance | Wild & tranquil | Trunk Bay, Reef Bay Petroglyphs |
St. Croix | History, culture, fewer crowds | Local & laid-back | Christiansted, Bioluminescent Bay |
🧩 Which Island Is Best for Your Travel Style?
The question of St Thomas vs St John vs St Croix really depends on your travel style. Here’s a quick look at which island is best for couples, foodies, solo travelers, and more.
Best for Couples: St. John – Quiet beaches, national park hikes, and romantic sunset spots.
Best for Solo Travelers: St. Croix – More local experiences, less touristy, and a strong sense of culture and community.
Best for Families: St. Thomas – Easy to get around, lots of resort options, and kid-friendly attractions.
Best for Nature Lovers: St. John – Over 60% national park land, with lush trails and wildlife viewing.
Best for History Buffs: St. Croix – Two historic towns, old sugar plantations, and colonial ruins.
Best for Foodies: St. Croix – A strong culinary scene blending Caribbean and international flavors.
Best for Luxury Travelers: St. Thomas – High-end resorts, yacht charters, and upscale dining.
Best for Budget Travelers: St. John – With camping options and smaller guesthouses, it’s ideal for budget-conscious adventurers.
🌆 St. Thomas: Best for Shopping, Views & Easy Access
As the most developed of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Thomas has long been the commercial and cultural hub of the territory. Once a bustling port in the Danish West Indies, it's now home to the capital, Charlotte Amalie. With its deep-water harbor and historical forts, St. Thomas has seen pirates, traders, and colonial powers pass through its shores.
Top Things to Do in St. Thomas
Charlotte Amalie – Colonial buildings, duty-free shopping, and charming cafés.
Blackbeard’s Castle – A watchtower with pirate legends and panoramic harbor views.
Magens Bay – One of the Caribbean’s most photogenic and swimmable beaches.
Paradise Point Skyride – A scenic gondola ride with sweeping views of the bay.
Coral World Ocean Park – Interactive marine park great for families and underwater explorers.
Where to Stay in St. Thomas
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The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas – For luxurious beachfront tranquility with 5-star amenities.
Emerald Beach Resort – Convenient location right by the airport and a beautiful beach.
Bunker Hill Hotel – A charming, budget-friendly stay nestled in the heart of Charlotte Amalie.
🌴 St. John: Best for Nature Lovers & Tranquil Vibes
The most untouched of the three, St. John is a former sugar plantation island that has been transformed into a national park haven. Donated in part by the Rockefeller family, over 60% of the island is protected by the Virgin Islands National Park. Here you’ll find ancient petroglyphs, dense forests, and some of the clearest water in the Caribbean.
Top Things to Do in St. John
Trunk Bay – Iconic white-sand beach with an underwater snorkeling trail.
Reef Bay Trail & Petroglyphs – Hike through the rainforest to reach ancient carvings.👉 St. John Petroglyphs: Virgin Islands’ Oldest Mystery
Annaberg Plantation Ruins – Explore hauntingly beautiful remains of a Danish sugar plantation.
Cinnamon Bay – Great for camping, swimming, and beach walks.
Jeep Touring – The best way to discover remote beaches and park trails.
Where to Stay in St. John
The Westin St. John Resort Villas – Spacious, family-friendly, and steps from Cruz Bay.
Cruz Bay Boutique Hotel – Cozy and central, perfect for exploring the town’s dining scene.
Gallows Point Resort – Adults-only oceanfront suites with unbeatable views and tranquility.
(This section contains affiliate links, which help support my blog at no extra cost to you.)
⚓ St. Croix: Best for Culture, History & Local Life
St. Croix is the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands and arguably the most culturally diverse. Once the capital of the Danish West Indies, it has two main towns—Christiansted and Frederiksted—that reflect centuries of colonial history. From sugar plantations to Afro-Caribbean traditions, St. Croix offers a truly immersive experience.
Top Things to Do in St. Croix
Christiansted National Historic Site – Danish forts and waterfront promenades.
Salt River Bay – Kayak the glowing bioluminescent bay or visit the Columbus landing site.
Estate Whim Plantation – Preserved 18th-century sugar estate and windmill ruins.
Frederiksted Pier – Ideal for snorkeling, pier jumping, and sunset views.
Old Apothecary Hall – Step inside one of the oldest pharmacies in the Caribbean.
Cruzan Rum Distillery – Take a tour and sip locally made spirits at this iconic distillery.
Where to Stay in St. Croix
The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort – Historic elegance meets Caribbean luxury.
King Christian Hotel – Waterfront charm in the heart of Christiansted.
The Fred – Adults Only – Stylish, laid-back beachfront stay in Frederiksted.
(This section contains affiliate links, which help support my blog at no extra cost to you.)
✈️ Island-Hopping Travel Tips: How to Visit More Than One USVI
One of the best parts about visiting the U.S. Virgin Islands? You don’t have to choose just one. Island-hopping is easy, scenic, and super rewarding if you have even a few extra days.
🛥️ St. Thomas ↔ St. John
Passenger and car ferries run daily between Red Hook (St. Thomas) and Cruz Bay (St. John) every 30–45 minutes. The ride takes about 15–20 minutes and offers gorgeous ocean views. There’s also a less frequent ferry from Charlotte Amalie to St. John.
👉 If you’re renting a car, take the car barge for more freedom to explore.
The ferry rides between the U.S. Virgin Islands are not only practical—they’re also incredibly scenic. As you glide across turquoise waters, you’ll pass a mix of uninhabited keys, national park lands, and even a few private islands—some with luxurious villas, and one with a very dark and controversial past.
⛴️ St. Thomas ↔ St. Croix
The QE IV Ferry sails several times a week between Charlotte Amalie and Gallows Bay (St. Croix) in about 2 to 2.5 hours. If you’re sensitive to motion or short on time, flying may be easier.
🛩️ Flying Between Islands
If you’re short on time, flying is the fastest option. Cape Air and Seaborne Airlines offer regular 25-minute flights between St. Thomas (STT) and St. Croix (STX). These little planes give you a gorgeous aerial view of the Caribbean… but here’s the thing—I took one of those tiny Cape Air Cessna planes, and I’ll be honest, it was a little too scary for me. You really feel every bump in the air, and it's definitely not for the faint of heart (or those who don’t love flying in small aircraft).
Still, if you're adventurous and want to save time, it's a fun way to hop between islands—and you'll land in under half an hour.
⛴️ Ferries to the British Virgin Islands
You can also island-hop beyond the USVI! There are regular ferry services between St. Thomas (Charlotte Amalie or Red Hook) and islands in the British Virgin Islands, like:
Tortola (Road Town)
Jost Van Dyke
Virgin Gorda
These international ferries typically run daily or several times a week, depending on the island and season. You’ll need your passport for BVI travel, and it’s best to check ferry schedules in advance since they can change due to weather or demand.
👉 Tip: If you’re staying longer in the Virgin Islands, combining a USVI–BVI itinerary is the perfect way to experience both cultures, cuisines, and coastlines.
🚗 Getting Around the U.S. Virgin Islands
Getting around the U.S. Virgin Islands can feel like a bit of an adventure, but it’s part of the charm. Each island has its quirks when it comes to transportation, so here’s what to know:
🛻 Rent a Jeep (Yes, Seriously)
One of the best ways to explore the islands—especially St. John and St. Croix—is by renting a Jeep or similar 4x4 vehicle. The roads can be steep, winding, and sometimes unpaved, particularly near beaches and hiking areas. A Jeep gives you more flexibility and better handling on uneven terrain—and let’s be honest, it just fits the tropical explorer aesthetic.
Even in St. Thomas, where the roads are more developed, a Jeep or SUV makes it easier to navigate hills and enjoy scenic routes without worry.
👈 Yes, They Drive on the Left!
This might surprise first-time visitors: the U.S. Virgin Islands drive on the left side of the road, even though the vehicles are mostly imported from the U.S. and have steering wheels on the left too. It’s quirky, but you get used to it quickly—just remember to look both ways twice before turning!
🚕 Taxis & Safaris
On St. Thomas especially, open-air “safari taxis” are a fun (and breezy) way to get around town or to major attractions. On St. John, you’ll find taxis waiting at ferry docks, but they can be expensive if you’re heading to remote beaches—another reason why renting a car is a great option.
🧳 Can You Do All Three?
Totally. With 7–10 days, you can easily spend a few nights on each island. That’s exactly what I did, and it made for one of the most diverse and exciting Caribbean trips I’ve ever taken.
❤️ My Favorite? St. Croix!
People always ask me which island I liked the most. Hands down, my favorite was St. Croix. It felt the most authentic—full of history, charm, and local life. I loved walking through the colonial streets of Christiansted, stumbling into tiny coffee shops and boutique restaurants that felt like local secrets.
St. Thomas was beautiful but a little too touristy and pricey for my taste. It’s great if you want action and amenities, but I preferred something slower.
St. John was stunning and serene—perfect for hiking and snorkeling—but with fewer restaurants and places to stay, it felt more like a short escape than a place to settle in.
➕ Keep Exploring
👉 Planning to see the petroglyphs in St. John?St. John Petroglyphs: Virgin Islands’ Oldest Mystery
👉 Curious where the piña colada was actually invented? It might surprise you:Who Really Invented the Piña Colada? Discover Its Tropical Origins in Puerto Rico
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