Cinnamon Bay
Cinnamon Bay
4.6
About
Situated in the unspoiled island refuge, Virgin Islands National Park, this beach offers a variety of water sports from snorkeling and kayaking to sailing and windsurfing, plus a popular beachfront cottage and campsite complex.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.6
1,249 reviews
Excellent
889
Very good
283
Average
63
Poor
12
Terrible
2
Kelsey P
San Rafael, CA119 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
For some reason there is not a separate page for the lodging, so posting the review here.
Had a fabulous stay at the Cinnamon Bay Campground! We stayed in one of the cottages. It is definitely rustic - communal bathroom with outdoor shower, no AC or internet/wifi service in the room, and wildlife right outside the door. The cottages are not on the beach but are very close and have a separate entrance from the general public. There is also a much bigger parking lot than at Trunk Bay and Maho Bay, so we never had trouble finding a spot.
Meals are available in the Rain Tree Cafe for breakfast and dinner, and at the food truck for lunch. There is a good variety and the dinner menu changes every night. There is also a daily evening program - we got to see a local musician and a presentation on invasive lionfish. They also have laundry available at $5 each for a wash and dry.
The only cons are that it is a long walk from the cottages to the dining area and parking lot, which on the whole was fine but was annoying when we had all our luggage. It is also a bit pricey for what you get for both lodging and meals, but the location inside the park can't be beat and the food was very good.
On whole, definitely recommend it for an adventurous national park stay!
Had a fabulous stay at the Cinnamon Bay Campground! We stayed in one of the cottages. It is definitely rustic - communal bathroom with outdoor shower, no AC or internet/wifi service in the room, and wildlife right outside the door. The cottages are not on the beach but are very close and have a separate entrance from the general public. There is also a much bigger parking lot than at Trunk Bay and Maho Bay, so we never had trouble finding a spot.
Meals are available in the Rain Tree Cafe for breakfast and dinner, and at the food truck for lunch. There is a good variety and the dinner menu changes every night. There is also a daily evening program - we got to see a local musician and a presentation on invasive lionfish. They also have laundry available at $5 each for a wash and dry.
The only cons are that it is a long walk from the cottages to the dining area and parking lot, which on the whole was fine but was annoying when we had all our luggage. It is also a bit pricey for what you get for both lodging and meals, but the location inside the park can't be beat and the food was very good.
On whole, definitely recommend it for an adventurous national park stay!
Written 6 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dottie W
1 contribution
Mar 2024 • Family
We stayed here for 10 days the last of March in one of the cottages with husband & brother-in-law. Plenty of room in the cottage and after an adjustment without all the comforts of home it was excellent. We cooked on the grill every other night to save a bit of money. Brought a separate suitcase with food, mostly dry goods but some frozen meats wrapped in newspaper & bubble wrap( it all stayed frozen and our plane was delayed a couple hours in NY. Boiled water in am & made great coffee in our French Press we brought along. Fridge small but adequate & cooler for drinks. Had to buy ice for $7 but the way it goes. We made breakfast with eggs, oatmeal, grilled bagels, etc.. Took sandwiches for lunch in a small insulated lunch bag & went to some different beaches almost daily for snorkeling as we rented a car. Ate delicious food in on-site cafe several nights & talk on the turtles was very interesting by a Professional volunteer of the Park. The island is truly beautiful & Cinnamon Beach great. The surf very high a couple days but we went to smaller bays on those days for snorkeling. Renting a Jeep is a must. Driving on the left takes a bit of getting used to & curvy roads a little scary at first. Bathrooms clean & great. Women can use a urinal too. ( I brought a small plastic container with cover & covered with a towel to empty in BR in morning). Staff were great! We will return to this Paradise some day!
Written 2 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennifer S
19 contributions
Jan 2025 • Couples
Parking Lot-
Decent size, make sure to get there before 0900. Although we got there around 330 pm another day and was still able to find a spot. Easy walk to the beginning of the beach on a paved pathway.
Very kept grounds, workers always fixing and cleaning something, even 800am in the morning. . Bathrooms were out of order and had Port-a potties cleaniest port a potties I have ever seen and the people to come clean them I saw twice on both days we were there. Deer walking all around the campground. Campground looked awesome and very clean. What a cool
Concept to go camping and then just walk right out literally onto the beach.
Food
Small area to get food, drinks , and beach stuff ( almost looked like trailers) $16 for rum drinks .
Little cinnamon smaller to the left of entrance after walking from parking lot , to the right nice wide beach, if you really want seclusion walk all the way down to the end near the rocks. This beach is nice and long and wide, probably why it never felt crowded. Went there at 0800 and also there from 400-6, both beautiful times. Water had small to medium waves and easy to swim in, my husband said the snorkeling was good but current was a little rough that day
Areas to sit in shade under trees if needed.
Awesome general store with nice apparel, snacks, poster, Ornaments.
Decent size, make sure to get there before 0900. Although we got there around 330 pm another day and was still able to find a spot. Easy walk to the beginning of the beach on a paved pathway.
Very kept grounds, workers always fixing and cleaning something, even 800am in the morning. . Bathrooms were out of order and had Port-a potties cleaniest port a potties I have ever seen and the people to come clean them I saw twice on both days we were there. Deer walking all around the campground. Campground looked awesome and very clean. What a cool
Concept to go camping and then just walk right out literally onto the beach.
Food
Small area to get food, drinks , and beach stuff ( almost looked like trailers) $16 for rum drinks .
Little cinnamon smaller to the left of entrance after walking from parking lot , to the right nice wide beach, if you really want seclusion walk all the way down to the end near the rocks. This beach is nice and long and wide, probably why it never felt crowded. Went there at 0800 and also there from 400-6, both beautiful times. Water had small to medium waves and easy to swim in, my husband said the snorkeling was good but current was a little rough that day
Areas to sit in shade under trees if needed.
Awesome general store with nice apparel, snacks, poster, Ornaments.
Written 7 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniel D
Hilton Head, SC1 contribution
Nov 2024 • Family
Cinnamon Bay was our favorite beach of all the beaches we went to during our Nov 2024 St John trip (incl Trunk, Maho, Salt Pond). First the parking is ample, the walk to the beach is easy, it was not crowded. The snorkeling was incredible, water was clear and we saw a ton of fish. We rented a glass bottom kayak and we used it all day to check out the big houses at Peter bay right next door. It was very nice to have hot food options for lunch, plus a gift shop that also sold food and drinks, and gear rentals all right there. The restrooms were good too, with running water. The staff was all super friendly and helpful. There were 6 of us, 3 different generations including my in laws and our two girls (16 and 12) and everyone of us all voted Cinnamon as our favorite beach.
Written 8 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shibana
United Arab Emirates4 contributions
Nov 2024 • Friends
Mr. Uditha, the restaurant manager, truly exceeded our expectations with his exceptional leadership and hospitality. His attention to detail, professionalism, and ability to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere made our dining experience unforgettable. A big thank you to Mr. Uditha for making our visit so special!
Chaitha from housekeeping did an outstanding job keeping our room clean and comfortable. His attention to detail and friendly service made our stay even more enjoyable. Thank you, Chaitha!
Haritha, our restaurant attendant, provided exceptional service during our dining experience. His care and attention truly enhanced our visit. Thank you, Haritha, for making our meal so memorable!”
Chaitha from housekeeping did an outstanding job keeping our room clean and comfortable. His attention to detail and friendly service made our stay even more enjoyable. Thank you, Chaitha!
Haritha, our restaurant attendant, provided exceptional service during our dining experience. His care and attention truly enhanced our visit. Thank you, Haritha, for making our meal so memorable!”
Written 24 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heidi M
8 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Loved this beach. Didn't show up until noon after a hike and it was hard to find a shady spot b/c it was crowded but we made due and may go back during our 7 day stay. Lovely sand, lovely water and entrance to the water (no rocks, etc) and great atmosphere!
Written 23 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris R
2 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Adrian and his staff were top notch. We are a family of 2 adults and 3 young kids. We arrived a day late due to a missed flight and they did everything they could be make our stay memorable. Our oceanside cottage was great. Steps from the beach it was great to be there right at sunrise before the parking lot filled. We have been coming to STJ for over 10 years and we are planning to try out the EcoTents this year. Don't pass up a chance to see the North Shore in this special way.
Written 25 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RLeave
Walworth, NY156 contributions
Jan 2025 • Couples
We stayed 2 weeks and really liked this place. The food was great at the dining center, but we did not eat at the beach cafe. In January the surf can be a bit high, so don't plan on snorkeling unless the surf is very calm. There are trails with great views across the street. Taxi service is good between 9 and 5.
Written 16 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matthew R
11 contributions
Jan 2025 • Couples
My wife and I visited Cinnamon Bay on our Royal Caribbean Cruise in January 25. We both were in agreement that this was the most beautiful place we have ever been to. Water was clear, the service was great, and it was a perfect relaxing day. We loved it so much that we made sure that St Thomas was a stop on our next cruise!
Written 16 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Magnus Holst
Sweden21 contributions
Nov 2024 • Family
Spent 2 nights in one of the campgrounds ecotents. Fun experience and a great beach.
Beach can be a bit ruff if theres some waves coming in.
If you are staying at the camping, be sure to bring extra lights (lanters and flashlights) also bring some snacks, the store on the grounds have a small but overpriced selection.
Beach can be a bit ruff if theres some waves coming in.
If you are staying at the camping, be sure to bring extra lights (lanters and flashlights) also bring some snacks, the store on the grounds have a small but overpriced selection.
Written 19 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can you often see turtles while snorkeling at cinnamon bay national park?
Written 2 November 2024
Do they enforce 4 people in a cabin? We have 5 including 2 small children.
Written 2 November 2024
Is there a place to do laundry at the Cinnamon Bay campground ?
Written 22 February 2024
Do you need cash to pay for things here ?
Written 12 January 2024
John C
Starksboro, Vermont
Hello,
I am looking for a week of vacation on St Johns close to body surfing.
Written 25 August 2022
The island is small they only have 6 beaches with ko real big waves
Would stay close to center of town and take a cab
Written 26 August 2022
Can anyone tell me if they have amenities such as SUP,open or are they not available this time?
Written 19 January 2019
Yes, there currently are porta- potty facilities.
Written 17 July 2018
Cinnamon bay beach - how difficult is it to get a cab from here to get back and catch the ferry? Thanks!
Written 23 February 2018
It shouldn't be to difficult. The shuttle buses run all day.
Written 23 February 2018
We were vacationing there last spring and summer. We met some friends and it is a real struggle for them because they survive and count on the tourism. We love that place and hope to be back soon!,
Written 5 November 2017
I'm thinking about a week here but am concerned about peace & quiet at night. Is this a party beach with loud music all night or is it truly a national park style area where a family can feel safe and unmolested by beach vendors and drunk reggae parties all night every night? Not trying to sound negative, but too many island "parks" I've been to are just not relaxing. Thank you
Written 5 May 2016
This is not a party beach- at least when we were there (May). It is a National park Beach and there is some ovbersight. It also is very large and, unless you go there during school break or Christmas, I think you will have plenty of privacy.
Written 13 June 2016
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