Packing for a St. John villa is different from packing for a hotel. You'll likely have a kitchen, washer/dryer, beach gear, and snorkels at the property — which means you can pack about half what you'd think. Here's the list.
The clothes
- 3 swimsuits (one is always wet)
- 2 cover-ups / linen pieces
- 2 nicer dinner outfits (Cruz Bay is "smart casual" — no jacket needed)
- 1 lightweight rain jacket for tropical showers
- Reef shoes or sturdy water sandals
- Sneakers if you plan to hike
What everyone forgets
- Mineral sunscreen. Chemical sunscreens (oxybenzone, octinoxate) are illegal in the USVI. Buying it on the island is 3× the mainland price.
- An underwater camera. A GoPro or even a cheap waterproof phone case will make your trip photos.
- A dry bag. For your phone and car key at the beach.
- Bug spray with DEET. Mosquitoes at dusk are mild but real, and "no-see-ums" are persistent. Picaridin works too.
What's already at most St. John villas (don't pack)
- Beach towels (every villa we know has these)
- Beach chairs / umbrellas / cooler
- Snorkel masks and fins (a few sizes)
- Kitchen basics: olive oil, salt, coffee, spices
- Hair dryer, iron, basic toiletries
Sunset Villa keeps all of the above plus a stack of paperbacks, a Bluetooth speaker, and a National Parks pass at the door.
Three things to actively NOT pack
- A wallet full of cash. Most places take cards. ATMs in Cruz Bay work fine.
- Heels. Cruz Bay is uneven cobblestone and gravel. You'll never wear them.
- A blow-out bag. The humidity wins. Embrace it.
Part of the Plan Your St. John Trip: When to Go, What to Pack, What to Know.
Frequently asked
›What should I not forget to pack for St. John?
Reef-safe sunscreen (chemical sunscreens are banned in the USVI), water shoes for rocky entries, a dry bag for boat days, and a refillable water bottle. Everything else is replaceable on-island.
›Do I need bug spray in St. John?
Yes — pack picaridin or DEET for evenings, especially if your villa is open-air. No-see-ums are the real nuisance, not mosquitoes.
›What's the dress code in St. John?
Resort casual everywhere. A linen shirt or sundress is the upper limit even at the nicer restaurants. Closed-toe shoes only for hiking.
