How to Pack for St. John USVI

Do you have a trip planned to the untouched, relaxing, tropical Island of St. John, USVI? Get excited you are about to go on the trip of a lifetime!! Here I have created you a full St. John USVI packing list!

St. John is a special place…60% of the Island is National Park which means no commercial high rise hotels, no cruise ships, no large crowds. The Island is just stunning, you have the beautiful beaches, dozens of hiking trails, boats all around you, the most amazing views and a fun downtown. 

I just  got back from spending  a week on the Island of St. John! The day I left I was trying to think of any way possible I could stay on that Island instead of coming home…it was that great. During my time on St. John I did as much as I could within a week! Visited 10 different beaches, did lots of  hikes, drove all over the Island, spent a day on a boat, tasted all the rum punches and more! 

I overpacked for my trip to St. John and all I took was a carry-on luggage, tote bag and a purse!  Here, I will tell you everything you need for a vacation to St. John! Don’t over pack for this trip…you really don’t need much!

How to Pack for St. John USVI

The most important things you need to make sure you pack for this trip are bathing suits and beach coverups! It’s what you will wear almost the entire time, all day everyday.

Don’t overthink dinner outfits…most of the restaurants on the island are super casual, a lot of people are still in their beach outfits from that day.

If you like to hike, be sure to bring a few hiking outfits, remember it gets very hot in St. John!

• Bathing suits 
• Beach coverups 
• Tshirts 
• Tank Tops 
• Athletic shorts 
• Casual shorts
• Sweater 
• PJs 
• Dress 
• Sports bra 
• Regular bra
• Underwear 
• Socks

Do you like to take lots of photo on vacation? Bring you cameras with you to St. John!! I brought my cameras with me all over the island, there is so much to photograph!

• DSLR camera 
• GoPro 
• 35mm Film Camera 
• Instax camera 
• Chargers, film, accessories
• Phone charger
• Headphones
• Mini speaker

Toiletries

For some reason the bugs can get really bad on St. John…Especially at night. Bring some good bug spray and make sure to wear it every night!! I didn’t and had literally dozens of bug bites and never even saw any bugs.

Be sure to only bring reef safe sunscreen with you to St. John! Pretty much every beach you will swim at has coral reefs with lots of sea creatures. You want to wear sunscreen that isn’t harmful to them.

• Bug spray (with deet) 
• Reef safe sunscreen! Here are some I really like that I brought: Sea & Summit, Bare Republic & Badger
• Makeup
• Shampoo 
• Conditioner 
• Body wash 
• Face wipes/ face wash
• Lotion 
• Moisturizer 
• Razor 
• Lufa 
• First aid kit 
• Deodorant

Miscellaneous

These are all of the other random items I brought with me to St. John that I would bring again!

• Sunglasses
• Baseball cap
• Sun hat
• Headbands
• Fanny pack
• Backpack
• Beach bag
• Reusable grocery bag
• Crossbody purse
• Snorkel gear (mask, snorkel & flippers)
• Beach towel
• Jewelry
• Book
• Travel beach blanket- Grand Trunk Parasheet Blanket
• Small insulated bag for snacks and drinks at the beach
• Mini dry bag
• Reusable water bottle

What suitcase should you bring?

No need to check a big bag for a trip to St. John…all you really need is a carry-on!

I used a roller carry-on bag that I stored right above me on the plane. As well as a beach tote that I stored under the seat in front of me and carried my important documents in a small purse that I kept with me at all times.

Even though I didn’t think I packed much I still way over packed. No need to give yourself lots of outfit options for this trip (other than for bathing suits and coverups!) you just simply won’t use much.

When you get packing, try to fit it all in your carry-on then be sure to bring either a backpack or beach tote as your personal item. You will get lots of use out of it! It comes in handy on some of the mini hikes down to the beaches in St. John.

Do you feel prepared?

Are you getting excited!? I know when it’s time to start packing it means the trip is soon which makes me very excited!

Just remember, keep it simple when packing for this trip. Most of your days will be spent in the hot sun on a beach relaxing with a rum punch in your hand. As long as your have all of your favorite bathing suits, some reef safe sunscreen, a camera, sunglasses and a good book you will be all set!

I hope this list has been helpful for you! Follow along with me on Instagram to keep up with all things travel and adventure! Thanks for being here!

Check out my Printable Travel Planner to help plan your trip to St. John!