St. John Packing List: What to Bring for Your Villa Vacation
Packing for St. John is different from packing for a typical Caribbean resort vacation. You're staying in a villa, not a hotel. You'll be on an island with limited shopping. And you'll be spending a lot of time outdoors. Here's what to bring (and what to leave at home) after 40 years of hosting guests on St. John.
The Essentials
- Reef-safe sunscreen (required by USVI law, no oxybenzone or octinoxate)
- Passport or driver's license (for ferry check-in and car rental)
- Cash (small bills for taxis, ferries, and beach fees)
- Credit card (Visa or Mastercard preferred, Amex less widely accepted)
- Phone with offline maps (cell service can be spotty on the island)
Beach and Snorkel Gear
- Snorkel mask and fins (rent on island or bring your own for best fit)
- Rash guard or swim shirt (sun protection in the water)
- Water shoes (essential for rocky entries at some beaches)
- Dry bag (keeps phone and wallet dry on boat trips)
- Beach towel (some villas provide these, check before packing)
- Underwater phone case (for snorkeling photos)
Clothing
St. John is casual. Very casual. You'll be overdressed in anything more than shorts and a nice t-shirt at most restaurants. Pack light.
- 3-4 swimsuits (you'll live in these)
- 5-6 t-shirts or tank tops
- 2-3 pairs of shorts
- 1 lightweight long-sleeve shirt (sun protection and cooler evenings)
- 1 nice outfit for dinner (still casual, think sundress or collared shirt)
- Light rain jacket (brief tropical showers are common)
- Sandals (one pair for beach, one for evening)
- Hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers (for National Park trails)
- Sun hat or cap
- Sunglasses with UV protection
Villa Kitchen Essentials
One of the best parts of a villa vacation is cooking with fresh local ingredients. Our villas come with fully equipped kitchens, but consider bringing:
- Coffee (your favorite brand, local grocery selection is limited)
- Spices (basic salt and pepper are provided, but bring your favorites)
- Wine or spirits (prices are higher on island, bring what you can)
- Reusable water bottles (reduce plastic waste, stay hydrated)
- Snacks for the first day (before you hit the grocery store)
Local tip: Starfish Market in Cruz Bay is the best grocery store on the island. It has a good selection of produce, meat, and pantry items. Plan to shop there on your first day.
What NOT to Bring
- High heels (St. John roads and sidewalks are uneven. Flats or wedges only.)
- Expensive jewelry (island life is casual, leave valuables at home)
- Hair dryer (most villas have one, and the humidity wins anyway)
- Towels (all our villas provide bath and beach towels)
- Beach chairs (most villas have them, or rent on island)
- Too many clothes (you'll wear the same 5 things all week)
Pet Friendly Travel
If you're traveling with a pet, bring their vaccination records, a travel water bowl, and any specialty food they need. Pet supplies on St. John are limited. Several of our villas are pet friendly. Ask us about which villas welcome pets when booking.
Final Tips
- Pack in a soft-sided duffel rather than a hard suitcase (easier to fit in taxis and ferries)
- Bring a small backpack for day trips to the beach
- Download playlists, podcasts, and books before arrival (streaming uses data)
- Bring binoculars if you have them (bird watching and whale spotting in season)
Still have questions about what to bring? Contact us and we'll send you a customized packing list based on your villa and travel dates.