How is travel to the US Virgin Islands during the holidays different from traveling other times of year?

Traveling to St. John and St. Thomas over the holidays can make for some pretty special memories… it can also be a bit frustrating. Increased tourism, higher prices, and limited availability can be common challenges when visiting popular winter destinations like the US Virgin Islands during peak travel season. We’d like to share some tips to make your holiday travel way LESS stressed and much MORE fun and relaxed, because really . . . that’s what vacationing to the USVI is all about!

What are some travel tips for visiting St. John and St. Thomas over the holidays?

We’d like to focus on sharing St. John travel tips that will help you navigate the increased crowds, higher prices and limited availabilities you’ll find during holiday travel to the US Virgin Islands.

Crowds: The Virgin Islands are a popular holiday destination, attracting a significant number of tourists during this time. This increase in visitors can lead to much more crowded attractions, overbooked activities, longer wait times, and busier beaches.

Everybody wants to swim with the turtles at Maho Bay, enjoy the views from the Windmill Bar, grab lunch at Lime Out, and walk on that white sand beach at Trunk Bay. Our pro-tip to avoid the crowds: visit those places during non-peak hours. Visiting popular attractions early in the morning or later in the afternoon allows you to enjoy the sights with fewer crowds and have a more relaxed experience.

Another way you can avoid the holiday crowds: spend your time exploring some of the lesser-known areas on St. John. Instead of opting for the highly popular bars and restaurants in Cruz Bay like the Beach Bar, Drink and Rum Hut and the often talked about Northshore National Park beaches, head over to the Coral Bay side of the island. There are some hidden gems to explore that often offer a more peaceful and “ol’ time” experience without the crowds.

Higher prices: Due to the surge in tourism, prices for accommodations, flights, and activities may be higher during the peak holiday season. We recommend booking  your travel arrangements well in advance to secure the best deals.

Another way to stretch those vacation funds is to cook your own meals. Don’t get us wrong, we love a great dinner at La Tapa and The Terrace, our favorite fine dining restaurants, but eating out for every meal can quickly add up! Consider shopping at Starfish Market, Dolphin Market or Calabash grocery stores to buy fresh produce and ingredients, allowing you to prepare some of your meals at your villa and save money on dining expenses.

Be sure to take advantage of free or low-cost activities St. John offers that allow you to enjoy the natural beauty of the islands without breaking the bank. Go hiking in the national park or visit historical sites that offer free admission. If chartering a private boat is too expensive, consider renting kayaks to get out on the water. Instead of renting snorkel gear on island purchase a set and bring it with you.

Limited availability: With the influx of tourists during the peak holiday season, availability for tours and activities are usually limited. We would suggest you make reservations with fine dining restaurants, St. John charter boat companies, and any other island excursion you’re interested in as early as possible to secure your spot.

Being flexible with your schedule and open to alternative activities can also help in finding availability during peak times. Consider adjusting your itinerary to accommodate the availability of different snorkeling tours, scuba diving excursions, kayaking expeditions and others. You might not get that mid-week boat trip you were hopping for but maybe there’s availability the day before you leave?

Having a backup plan in case your preferred tours or activities are fully booked is also a good idea. Maybe you had your heart set on a full day BVI boat charter but the only availability was an afternoon snorkel sunset trip. Be open! It may turn out to be just as much fun!

Overall, traveling to St. John in the US Virgin Islands during Christmas and New Year offers a festive and memorable experience, but it is essential to plan ahead, be prepared for higher prices and crowds, and make reservations in advance to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

Sea you on the water!