Cruz Bay Visitor Center
Cruz Bay Visitor Center
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Find out all about St. John and the Virgin Islands National Park at this major source of information on sightseeing, recreation and accommodations.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.0
115 reviews
Excellent
51
Very good
39
Average
20
Poor
3
Terrible
2
sue
Wailea, HI43 contributions
Mar 2021
They close at 3 every day so if you are on the beach and aren't staying in Cruz bay you have to be sure to leave early to get there. They are not open on the weekends. They are not extremely motivated either so begin their close routine early so don't show up at 2:45 or you won't get any real help either. They don't print many items out to save paper, which is fine, but also don't post them online, to save ?? not sure what. So they have a schedule of things going on at Annandale estate but your only option is to memorize it or try to take a picture through glass on your cell phone which really doesn't work. I did see one ranger out of the office once, on easter sunday. he was giving a tickets to people parked at maho beach who were parked where people always park??
Written 7 April 2021
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.
piratical
Jensen Beach, FL184 contributions
Sept 2013 • Couples
We were able to visit St. John through a Carnival Cruise Line excursion. It was actually the cheapest excursion we could take and we wanted to do something relaxing and enjoyable. We are both in our early 50's, but young at heart and sports. This is a trip we took without our kids. First, a wonderful boat ride from St. Thomas to St. John ensued. Once we got to St. John, the crew was quick to get us onto Tour buses and we enjoyed an incredible tour through St. John National Park. The views were incredible and our tour guide was fun! He took time to let us take photographs as we stopped. I would actually do this tour again and go to St. John AGAIN. It was absolutely worth every minute!
Written 29 November 2013
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.
Sapphire Ed
St. Thomas760 contributions
Feb 2016 • Couples
Val and I stopped in last week on our way to the Lind Point trail. It was a pleasant surprise. The people were helpful and the place was very informative. We even became members!
Do stop in.
Do stop in.
Written 7 March 2016
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.
Celia L
Great Neck, New York, United States186 contributions
Took an excursion off a Holland America cruise and we agreed this was our best excursion of the trip. Great narrated boat ride from St Thomas to St John on the Island Girl, where we got an informative bus tour of the National Park. One stunningly beautiful beach after another, facts about geography, flora and fauna. Real estate prices ($$$$$$$). Lots of photo ops. Steep, steep roads and lots of hairpin turns. We learned they drive on the left, even though the cars are left drive: less likelihood of going off a cliff that way. Visitors Center is housed in a handsome old building right on the dock, ventilated by a large arched opening that can be closed with giant shutters. Informative dioramas and photographs, very nice collection of T shirts and souvenirs, particularly for kids. Only downer was unfriendly cashiers. Smile when you take our money! Very clean bathrooms reeking of scouring powder. Great visit.
Written 16 December 2014
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.
Grizeagle
Terrace, Canada345 contributions
Mar 2014 • Couples
We thoroughly enjoyed the wavy rock n' rolly half hour boat ride from St. Thomas cruise terminal to the docks near the Cruz Bay Visitor Center. We were on a self guided tour of St. John's and the Virgin Islands National Park around Trunk Bay, The Cruz Bay Visitor Center is situated in the very quaint, picturesque sheltered waterfront of this gateway to the Virgin Island National Park. The information at the center is very helpful and historically interesting to browse through. The staff and wardens are very friendly and informative and will genuinely be interested in giving you pertinent information to make your visit to St. John a truly extraordinary, natural world experience. The staff will enthusiastically encourage you to get the most out of your visit within your time constraints and will channel you to the highlights of this fantastically gorgeous scenic natural Caribbean environment that is preserved within the Virgin Island National Park. This Cruz Bay Visitor Center is a must stop right after you disembark on your journey from St. Thomas, so you can get a good feel and idea of the history, culture and natural world environments on this amazingly beautiful island. The info center is right on the dockside shoreline near colorful shops, bars and eateries around Mongoose Junction in the good feel, safe feeling waterfront environment of Cruz Bay. The visitor center is a very modern looking , red roofed structure with suttle light biege walls with green painted panels that seem to match the earthy tones of this environment. It is situated on the water amid various boats moored to the docks and near the leafy palm studded walkways and kids park within a few paces. The center has historical displays, artifacts, items for sale and valuable information on the bio-diversity of the natural world of this unique ecosystem and its inhabitants.It is a very clean and inviting place and source of educational, environmental,and biological information on the various habitats encountered in the Virgin Island National Park in and around Cruz Bay and St. John. The bay around the Cruz Bay Visitor Center is stunning with colorful sailboats bobbing on the tourquoise waters beside steep rocky shores where seabirds soar on the warm thermal updrafts against azure blue skies strewn with fluffy white clouds.This picturesque location has got to be the closest thing to heaven and makes your inner soul feel at peace with the natural world and makes you yearn to return again. The Cruz Bay Visitor Center is an impressive way to start your adventure to give you information to inform you of the things to see and do on this awe-inspiring, spine-tingling beautiful piece of paradise on a majestic.preserved Caribbean island with low-key commercialism and impact. The quaintness and closeness of everything around the visitor center is very peaceful and warm hearted with a very small town feel of friendly helpful people proud to provide you with material to enjoy your visit to their paradise.I highly recommend visiting the visitor center for a few minutes or more to get orientation for a memorable journey to St, John as you will definately want to return someday and enjoy the hospitality of the visitor center and it's amazing island environs as they will inform you and give you valuable information.
Written 7 November 2014
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.
ZEESHANA2
Bury, UK60 contributions
Jul 2013 • Friends
A lot of people who visit St John, do so primarily for hiking within the Virgin Islands National Park (covering 60% of the island).
Situated just a short walk away from the harbour, the visitor centre in Cruz Bay is a good starting point for your trip. From here, you can get maps and information about all the available trails on the island. You can also get a cute little stamp for visiting (which is more for kids, but I got one anyway :D). Recommended, especially if it's your first visit to the island.
Situated just a short walk away from the harbour, the visitor centre in Cruz Bay is a good starting point for your trip. From here, you can get maps and information about all the available trails on the island. You can also get a cute little stamp for visiting (which is more for kids, but I got one anyway :D). Recommended, especially if it's your first visit to the island.
Written 1 June 2014
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.
elib_travels
Israel942 contributions
Feb 2020
This should be your first stop especially if like us you are spending a week or so on the island. They helped us to map out our hikes and answered all of our questions in detail. There are bathrooms out side and they are clean . We got a pass for the day to park and did the hike to honeymoon bay .
Written 18 March 2020
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.
Susan M
Shelby Township, MI963 contributions
Aug 2019
The VC has very limited items for sale. The movie equipment was broke and when I requested the movie, the staff suggested that I bought the video. I did not. The brochure provided the most help. The center has two passport stamps. The Virgin Island National Park and the Virgin Island Reef National Monument, which surrounds the island through various areas in the water.
Written 20 August 2019
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.
Nell C
22 contributions
Jun 2016 • Couples
Free maps, a few nice displays on local culture and nature. Super friendly service. Nice, national-park-quality souvenirs. Definitely worth it to drop in here and chat with the people manning the desk for tips on snorkeling and sights to see.
Written 21 June 2016
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.
FLHarlock
Tavares, FL4,942 contributions
May 2016 • Couples
This is definitely the first place to go when you get to St John. Everything you need to know about Virgin Islands National Park. Maps, books, exhibits, activities schedule, even souvenirs. I picked up a hikers guide that was priceless for my adventures. Every trail on the island, including length and degree of difficulty. Also a beautiful facility, right on Cruz Bay. Staff is super friendly and knowledgable.
Highly recommend a visit!
Highly recommend a visit!
Written 18 June 2016
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.
We want to get a parking permit and then do the Lind Pond trail and go to several beaches. We wanted to go early but I see they do not open until 11!!! Is this true?
Written 25 March 2017
It is my understanding that they are open 8:00 am to 4:30 pm every day
Written 26 March 2017
Karen W
Tucson, Arizona
While we visit St. John's, I will need access to the internet in order to take a test, is the Visitor Center the best place for internet service? Library? Or where do you suggest?
Written 7 January 2016
Hello,
Looking for an all day cruise with snorkeling, drinks, and maybe lunch? Who do you recommend that picks up or leaves from St John? We are staying on the island, for the first time, the week after 4th of July. I would like more of a party boat feel than a private group. Any help you can offer would be very helpful!
Written 23 June 2015
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