St John Island Sightseeing Tour
St John, US Virgin Islands
- 2 to 3 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Offered in: English
Why travelers loved this
·
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
Discover St. John island's highlights even if you're short on time on this small-group tour. You won't have to plan your itinerary or transfers, and will explore the island with local insights from your guide in just a few hours. In addition to sightseeing, learn about the area's history during a visit to the remnants of a 1780s sugar mill plantation in Annaberg.
- Take in beautiful mountain views at Virgin Islands National Park
- Enjoy a more personalized experience on a small-group tour
- Choose from multiple optional pickup points for flexibility
- See stunning views of the water at Caneel Bay and Trunk Bay
What's Included
- National Park fees
- Option for pick-up in St. Thomas cruise ports and selected hotels/resorts
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Round trip ferry tickets to St. John$16.30 per person
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to your preferred meeting point, or request pickup.
Itinerary
1
Caneel Bay Beach
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
Trunk Bay Beach
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
Annaberg Sugar Plantation
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
4
Virgin Islands National Park
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Infants must sit on laps
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Ferry tickets to and from St. John are not included in this tour's cost and are available for purchase at the dock. Roundtrip tickets costs $16.30 per person.
- Please note: Tour schedules are subject to change based on local traffic conditions and cruise ship arrival/departure times.
- Please provide the following info at time of booking: hotel name or ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time
- A minimum of 2-3 people per booking is required depending on days. This tour operates with a minimum of four guest cancellation notice will be given 24 hours in advance
- Follow the island time as US Virgin Island doesn't follow Daylight Saving Time.
- Possible cancellation after confirmation, if there are not enough passengers to meet tour guests requirement. In the event of this occurring, an alternative or a full refund will be offered.
- Please confirm cruise ship dock upon booking for those coming from a cruise.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.1
based on 91 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Emily_M, Jun 2026
Kenneth was very knowledgeable and friendly. I enjoyed our sightseeing tour, especially the plantation. This was a good tour to get a brief history and see the beauty of St John.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you, Emily, for your thoughtful review!
We're so glad you enjoyed your sightseeing tour of St. John with Kenneth. His passion for sharing the island's rich history and natural beauty is what makes each tour so special, and we're delighted to hear you found him both knowledgeable and friendly.
The plantation is a fascinating part of St. John's history, and we're happy it was one of the highlights of your experience. Thank you for choosing Great Exploration Tours. We hope to welcome you back to the Virgin Islands for another unforgettable island adventure!
Quincer_S, Jun 2026
This was a great tour! The driver/tour guide, Kenneth, was knowledgeable about the island and its rich history and shared it so well. He was engaging, funny and kind. The drive through the national park was beautiful and surreal. I definitely recommend this tour to anyone visiting St. John. Amazing experience.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you so much, Quincer, for your wonderful review!
We're delighted to hear that you had an amazing experience exploring St. John with Kenneth. His passion for sharing the island's rich history, culture, and natural beauty truly makes every tour special, and we're thrilled that his knowledge, humor, and kindness helped make your day memorable.
The scenic drive through the National Park is one of our favorite parts of the island as well, and we're glad you enjoyed its breathtaking beauty. Thank you for your recommendation and for choosing Great Exploration Tours. We hope to welcome you back for another island adventure in the Virgin Islands soon!
Julie_L, May 2026
This is basically an open air taxi ride around St. John national park. It is a VERY rough ride and you will get thrown around a lot as the roads are very steep and winding. We did get to see some good views. The sugar plantation ruins you got to walk around was the best part. Probably wouldn’t do this tour again.
Jean_S, Apr 2026
First, very good instructions to an easy meet up. Second, it’s quick and stays on schedule.
It’s really two tours on the same open air bus, the only difference is a $9 cost covers entry fee if you want to stay on Trunk beach a couple of hours. Third, you only really get out one time to walk and explore which is at the sugar plantation. The other stops you get out and Kenneth shares his vast local knowledge.
Fourth, highlights include the island overview, beautiful views and foliage. Fifth the downside is you can not get off and walk onto the beach even for a picture.
Finally, a great tour ends in town where you started and you can plan the rest of your visit. Kenneth is a five star, his bus is a four and not stopping for a few minutes at each beach is a three.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hi Jean,
Thank you for taking the time to share such a detailed review!
We’re glad to hear the meet-up process was smooth and that you enjoyed the overall island overview, scenic views, and Kenneth’s knowledge—he’ll be happy to know he made a great impression!
We also appreciate your honest feedback regarding the stops. Our sightseeing tour is designed to stay on schedule while providing a broad overview of St. John, which is why extended beach stops aren’t included. For guests who’d like more beach time, we do offer the option to stay longer at Trunk Bay with the applicable entry fee.
Your comments are very helpful, and we’ll certainly take them into consideration as we continue improving the experience. We’re happy you were still able to enjoy the tour and wrap it up in town to explore more on your own.
We hope to welcome you again for another island adventure! 🌴
Barbara_S, Apr 2026
Tour was canceled due to not enough people signed up. Unable to fit in a day that worked for us.
——-
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Hi Barbara,
Thank you for your feedback, and we’re sorry for the inconvenience this caused.
For this tour, there is a minimum booking requirement of 4 guests, which is clearly stated at the time of booking. We also notify guests in advance about the possibility of cancellation if the minimum is not met. In your case, you were informed ahead of time prior to your scheduled tour date, and alternative dates were offered.
We understand how disappointing this can be and truly appreciate your understanding. We hope to have the chance to provide you with a great experience in the future.
Glenn_S, Mar 2026
I booked over one month in advance and received numerous confirmations . My credit card was charged two days before this activity and I received an email hours before the start time informing me of cancellation due to the drivers illness. Communication is rated as unacceptable and I caution others about using this site.
Crystal_G, Dec 2025
Very well planned from hotel pickup to hotel drop off it was a really good tour! Mr Kenneth did a good job explaining things to us amd took time for us. We did not feel rushed and welcomed questions even from our kids.Mr H was on time for pickup.Ms Shelby took time to explain things about the island on the way to dropping us back at the hotel.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience,
Crystal_G! We’re thrilled to hear that your tour was well planned from pickup to drop off and that you felt relaxed and well taken care of throughout the day. It’s wonderful to know that Mr. Kenneth, Mr. H, and Ms. Shelley each made your experience special with their professionalism, patience, and knowledge, especially by welcoming questions from your kids. We’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to the team. We truly appreciate you choosing us and hope to welcome you back again soon!
mkennedy, Dec 2025
This is an open air taxi ride, 3 rows. We had never been to St John, so it was informative and beautiful. Stop at old Sugar farm for 20 minutes and paused at some of the beaches. The forest smelled so good and the air was cool. Probably won’t do again but it was a great introduction to St John
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you for sharing your experience with us, mkennedy! We’re glad to hear that you found the tour informative and enjoyed the natural beauty of St. John, from the historic sugar farm to the scenic beach stops and the refreshing forest air. It’s great to know the tour served as a nice introduction to the island for your first visit. We appreciate you joining us and hope to welcome you back if you ever decide to explore more of St. John in the future.
Jody_F, Nov 2025
It was hard to find our correct driver and tour bus- a little confusing. We were told our driver was Kenneth and then it was switched to another driver. One of our draws for the trip was the national park and Annaberg ruins- he almost didn’t take us to the ruins because he said we will all need time for the beach . At the ruins we felt like it was all a rush and didn’t have time to read the information and take in the importance of this place. We had NO idea we were going to the beach at Trunk Bay for two hours. That was not in the description and we didn’t have towels or bathing attire with us. That was frustrating. We also went to Coral Bay and that wasn’t in the itinerary. And why didn’t we stop for a picture at the Trunk Bat overlook? It’s such a famous overlook. Were we in the wrong tour group? The group we were with were nice though.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you for taking the time to share such detailed feedback about your experience, Jody_F. We truly appreciate it and are sorry to hear that parts of the tour did not meet your expectations.
We sincerely apologize for the confusion at pickup regarding the driver assignment. We understand how important a clear and smooth start is, and we’ll be reviewing our communication process to avoid this in the future.
We’re also sorry that the visit to Annaberg ruins felt rushed. This is an important historical site, and guests should have adequate time to explore, read the signage, and take in its significance. Your comments have been shared with our guiding team so we can better balance historical stops with other activities.
Regarding Trunk Bay and Coral Bay, we understand your frustration. We regret that the extended beach stop was unexpected and that this was not clearly communicated in advance. We will be reviewing our tour descriptions and pre-tour briefings to ensure guests know what to expect, including beach time, so they can come prepared. Your point about the Trunk Bay overlook is also well taken, as it is indeed a favorite photo spot, and we’ll be reinforcing this with our drivers.
We appreciate your kind words about the group you were with and are truly sorry for the confusion and disappointment you experienced. Your feedback is very valuable to us and will help us improve both communication and pacing so future guests have a clearer, more enjoyable experience.
Thank you again for bringing this to our attention, and we hope to have the opportunity to provide you with a much smoother and more fulfilling tour in the future.
Kenneth_P, Nov 2025
Educational drive by viewing of St Johns/ Virgin Island national Park. Kenneth was excellent guide. This is not a stop, get out and walk around tour, but that's ok as most of our group had limited mobility. This is a drive by tour except for 20 minutes at sugar plantation. It's customary for taxis on Island to be open air and are bumpy winding roads. Two tall steps required to board taxi. Make sure your party ok with that. We would have liked a 20 minute stop at national park visitors center (was not offered). Overall I would recommend. The high tide is a decent restaurant overlooking water (cruz bay) while you wait for return ferry. Communication with the tour operator was good.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Thank you for sharing your detailed feedback, Kenneth_P! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the educational drive through St. John’s and the Virgin Islands National Park, and that Kenneth provided excellent guidance during your tour.
We appreciate your notes regarding the tour format and accessibility. As mentioned, this is primarily a drive-by tour with a brief stop at the sugar plantation, designed to accommodate guests with limited mobility. We understand the desire for a stop at the National Park Visitors Center, and we’ll take your suggestion into consideration for future itineraries.
We’re glad that you found the taxis and open-air transport an enjoyable part of the experience and that the high tide restaurant in Cruz Bay was a pleasant spot to wait for your return ferry. Thank you also for noting the positive communication with our team, we aim to make the booking process as smooth as the tour itself.
Your recommendation means a lot, and we hope to welcome you and your group back for another Great Exploration soon!
Stuart_K, Sep 2025
Kenneth was great about the history of the island and very personable. We did see most of the island with some spectacular views. The Annaberg Sugar plantation was interesting but be prepared to walk up and down a very steep hill. The views are well worth. The vehicle itself was hard to get into if you have any issues with your legs or back.
Karen_B, Sep 2025
Excellent scenic and beaches with clear water. Driver very knowledgeable of the Island. Will book again.
Beverly_D, Jul 2025
Kenneth our driver was very informative and informative. He went out of his way to make sure everyone had a good experience.
Lori_M, Jun 2025
Kenneth was a great and knowledgeable guide. He took us to many points of interest on the island of St. John. Also, when you get off the ferry, there are vendors right in the square. Great tour!
Robbin_B, Jun 2025
Very informative and priced right. We learned a lot about the history of the island. Kenneth really knows his stuff!
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thank you, Robbin_B! We’re so glad you found the tour informative and a great value. It’s wonderful to hear that you enjoyed learning about the island’s history—Kenneth truly enjoys sharing his knowledge, and we’ll be sure to pass along your kind words.
William_S, Jun 2025
Kenneth was wonderful. He gave us great insights to the history of the islands and more recent events. We arrived 30 minutes early but as the entire group was there Kenneth was ready to go too.
Tom_S, May 2025
Great tour! Our guide was knowledgeable and informative, giving us a real sense of the island and its history. It was interesting to learn about the local custom of driving on the opposite side of the road. Snacks and drinks (soda and water) were provided at no extra charge, which was a nice touch. The guide even contacted us the night before to confirm our hotel pickup time. Overall, well worth the cost!
Kathryn_S, Apr 2025
Kenny did a great job sharing his knowledge of the island. We stopped for some exceptional views our way to the remnants of the sugar plantation.
Scottanderinvoss, Apr 2025
Great tour of the island with the history and way of life there. Great driver - we stopped for great photo opportunities Kenneth shared more about the island at these points.
Meagan_A, Mar 2025
Kenneth is an excellent tour guide! Very knowledgeable and kind. He gave us plenty of time to take pictures on the overlooks and enjoy the sugar plantation. It was very relaxing. We enjoyed beautiful views of the British Virgin Islands, St John’s beach’s and even saw some wild donkeys!! Kenneth even included an extra surprise stop on our tour which we very much appreciated! Make sure to take this tour if it’s your first time on St John!
Jrslad, Mar 2025
Kenneth was a very insightful guide and very accommodative. Nice trip with a bonus visit to our 45th National Park. Only 19 left to visit them all
Amy_G, Feb 2025
We met Kenneth our tour guide right in front of Cruz Bay Dock. Sugar plantation tour was a highlight and I’m not a history buff. Kenneth was super knowledgeable and sweet! Truly appreciated him!
Response from Host, Feb 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words! 😊 We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your tour with Kenneth and that the sugar plantation visit was a highlight—even for someone who isn’t a history buff! Kenneth truly loves sharing the beauty and history of St. John, and we’re so happy you appreciated his knowledge and hospitality. We’ll be sure to pass along your compliments to him!
Hope to see you again for another adventure in the Virgin Islands! 🌴✨🚐
Tresa_W, Jan 2025
I really enjoyed the tour. We saw the national park and several beaches, an old sugar plantation among other things.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Thank you for your kind words! 😊 We're so glad you enjoyed the tour and had the chance to explore the stunning national park, beautiful beaches, and the rich history of the old sugar plantation. St. Thomas has so much to offer, and we’re thrilled you got to experience its beauty and culture firsthand. We hope to welcome you back for more adventures soon! 🌴🏖️
Sally_D, Jan 2025
Smithy did an excellent job of sharing the entire story of St John, the present, the past history and the lessons to be learned.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Smithy sounds like an incredible guide! Sharing the rich history, present-day insights, and valuable lessons of St. John must have made the experience so much more meaningful. It’s always special when a guide can weave together stories that leave a lasting impression. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Philip_C, Nov 2024
we got to share our tour with another 3 people who were on a different tour. They combine our tours to cheat each of us out of our own tours.
Response from Host, Dec 2024
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We're sorry to hear that your experience didn’t meet your expectations. Your accusation of our company cheating clients is not true. Please note that the St. John Island Sightseeing Tour you booked was not a private tour, so no one cheated you and we have a minimum number of guests required for booking. We always strive to provide a great experience for everyone, and we appreciate your understanding.
Nandanan_A, Oct 2024
They did not do whatever they promised for the tour and paid for the tour. The tour ended in approximately 1.5 hours just taking in the tour vehicle and going thru the national park ( no stops), thru the sugar plantation- 15 min stop , going thru the trunk bay - no stop and returned to Cruze bay dock. Not recommended for any one- pure waste of money.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thank you for sharing your feedback about the St. John Island Sightseeing Tour. We’re truly sorry to hear that your experience did not meet your expectations.
We understand there was some confusion regarding the tour package you purchased. It appears you were looking forward to specific stops, including Trunk Bay, but the tour you booked only included a brief overview of the island. We did offer an option to amend your tour, but we understand that the additional charge was a concern.
Your feedback is invaluable to us, and we take it seriously. We have been operating for 25 years, and our goal is to provide enjoyable experiences for all our guests.
Tiffany_A, Sep 2024
Kenneth was great and very knowledgeable! We had a great tour. Only thing I would change was that it was hard to hear him through the speaker.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Thank you for your feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the St. John Island Sightseeing Tour and that Kenneth's knowledge enhanced your experience. We appreciate your suggestion regarding the speaker, and we'll work on improving that for future tours. We hope to welcome you back soon for more adventures! 🌴✨
Brad_P, Jun 2024
Kenneth is great! He’s knows just where to stop and always has some interesting information to share. I highly recommend.
Response from Host, Jun 2024
Thank you for your fantastic review! We're thrilled to hear that you had such a positive experience on the St. John Island Sightseeing Tour. It's great to know that Kenneth provided an excellent tour with his insightful stops and interesting information. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we hope to see you on another adventure soon!
Robert_H, May 2024
This tour provided us with a great overview of the island and its history. Having never been to the USVI, we were overwhelmed by the vast array of opportunities to explore. This tour allowed us to see a lot of what we wanted to see. We especially enjoyed the chance to explore the Annaberg ruins.
Response from Host, May 2024
Thank you for your fantastic review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the St. John Island Sightseeing Tour and that it provided a great overview of the island and its history. It's wonderful to know that the tour helped you explore many areas of interest, especially the Annaberg ruins. We hope to have the pleasure of showing you more of the USVI on your next visit!
Kathryn_J, Apr 2024
Kenneth was great at telling us the history of St John…..was disappointed that the St John Virgin Islands National Park a visitor’s center was closed on a Saturday - not the tours fault, but something to be aware of!
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Glad to hear Kenneth shared insightful history during your St. John tour! Apologies for the inconvenience with the closed visitor center; we'll take note for future tours. Thanks for your feedback!
From $65.79
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
St John Island Sightseeing Tour
91
3 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$65.79
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Explore Similar Things to Do
Attractions in St John, US Virgin Islands