St John in the U.S. Virgin Islands isn’t just about stunning beaches and clear waters. It’s also filled with stories of sugar plantations, shipwrecks, and local legends that make exploring its past fascinating. What makes it especially appealing is the variety of tours available that cater to different interests. For example, the Private Four Hour Historic/Beach Tour with Star Fish Tours & Taxi offers a perfect mix of cultural insight and beach relaxation, while the St. John Ghost Tour of Historic Cruz Bay appeals to those who enjoy a spooky story or two. We love how these experiences showcase the island’s distinct character—whether through its historic sites or its ghostly tales—and help visitors see beyond the beaches.
If you’re unsure what kind of tour suits you best, keep reading. We’ve broken down the top options, so you can decide whether you want a private, in-depth look at St. John’s history and beaches or an eerie evening walk through haunted streets. Both tours promise memorable moments, but each offers a different flavor of island exploration.
Quick Overview
The list below features two of the top historical tours in St John. First, there’s a private half-day tour combining beaches and heritage sites, offering personalized attention and flexibility. Second, a haunting ghost tour that explores Cruz Bay’s spooky stories after sunset. Both have their unique appeal—whether you’re interested in history and sunbathing or intrigued by local legends and ghostly encounters. For more details, visit the respective pages here and here.
1. Private Four Hour Historic/Beach Tour with Star Fish Tours & Taxi
This private four-hour tour gives you an excellent chance to explore St. John’s beaches and historic sites with a personalized touch. Your driver/guide will take you to popular beaches like Caneel Bay, Hawksnest, and Trunk Bay, giving plenty of time for swimming, sunbathing, or simply soaking in the scenery. The tour also includes visits to Annaberg Sugar Plantation, where you can wander among the ruins and learn about the island’s sugar-producing past, and a scenic stop at Coral Harbor with views of Caneel Bay.
What sets this tour apart is its flexibility. You can linger at places that interest you most—whether that’s snorkeling at Trunk Bay (admission not included) or enjoying a picnic at Hawksnest Beach. The guide’s local knowledge makes each stop meaningful, blending cultural insights with beach time, which travelers love. The tour includes round-trip hotel transfers and bottled water for comfort.
At just $287.50 per person, it’s priced for those wanting an intimate experience without the crowds, and reviews highlight the value of having a private guide who can customize your day. Many appreciate that this tour allows you to skip the busy parts and focus on what truly interests you.
Bottom line: This private tour is excellent for travelers seeking a full, flexible day combining history, beaches, and scenic views. It’s perfect if you value privacy and personalized attention.
2. St. John Ghost Tour of Historic Cruz Bay
For those intrigued by mystery and local legends, the St. John Ghost Tour of Historic Cruz Bay offers a fascinating evening walk through the island’s haunted streets. Although it currently has no reviews, the experience promises a mix of history, spooky stories, and ghostly encounters. As night falls, your guide will take you through historic sites—including a centuries-old grave—while sharing chilling tales of restless spirits and local legends.
This tour is about storytelling and atmosphere. It’s a great choice if you enjoy history with a supernatural twist or want to explore Cruz Bay after dark in a relaxed, engaging way. The tour lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours and costs $45 per person, making it a budget-friendly option for a quick evening adventure.
While it’s lighter on the physical activity, it offers a unique perspective on the island’s lesser-known side and an opportunity to see Cruz Bay’s charming streets under a different light. Guests who love a good story find this tour both fun and slightly spooky, perfect for families or friends looking for something different.
Bottom line: If you’re into ghost stories, legends, or just want to experience Cruz Bay’s historic streets with a twist, this tour adds a fun, eerie dimension to your visit.
$45.00 per person
How to Choose
Choosing between these tours depends on your interests and schedule. For a personalized, full-day experience that combines beaches and history, the Private Four Hour Historic/Beach Tour is ideal. It’s perfect if you want flexibility, time at the beaches, and a deeper understanding of St. John’s sugar plantation past.
If, instead, you’re seeking a short evening activity with a spooky twist, the Ghost Tour of Cruz Bay offers a fun, atmospheric way to explore the island’s mysterious stories.
Consider your budget, interest in history versus legends, and how much time you want to spend. Private tours are great for customization but come at a higher price, while ghost walks offer a quick, inexpensive thrill.
Final Thoughts
St John’s rich history and stories give every visitor a chance to connect deeper with the island beyond the beaches. For a comprehensive experience blending beaches and heritage, the private tour is hard to beat—especially if you prefer a flexible, intimate setting. If you’re curious about local legends and supernatural tales, the ghost walk provides a fun evening outing.
Both options highlight different facets of St John’s character and are worth booking early, especially in peak season. Whether you choose a private day tour or a spooky night walk, exploring the island’s past will add meaning and fun to your trip.