Chocolate Hole, St. John Travel Guide

Trip Profile

Budget Category LUXURY $400-700 per person

Perfect For

Luxury Romantic Beach Outdoors Family Adventure

Traveler Scores

Family-Friendly

8.0/10

Romance

9.0/10

Adventure

7.0/10

Relaxation

10.0/10

Travel Planning

Current Weather at Airport

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Best Months to Visit

December-April

Hurricane Season

June-November

Peak: December-March | Shoulder: April-May, November

Airport

STT - Cyril E. King Airport

No Passport Needed (US Citizens) | No Visa Required

US Dollar

English

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When to visit Chocolate Hole

Best months

December-April

Peak season

December-March

Shoulder season

April-May, November

Off season

June-October

Hurricane season

June-November

Chocolate Hole quick facts

Main airport

STT - Cyril E. King Airport

Language

English

Currency

US Dollar

Typical daily cost

$400-700 per person

Budget category

Luxury

Getting around Chocolate Hole

Most visitors rent a car or 4WD vehicle to navigate the hilly terrain and reach secluded beaches. Taxis are available but limited, and many villa rentals include transportation from the ferry dock.

Rental car

A rental car or 4WD is highly recommended as villa driveways can be steep and public transportation is very limited on this part of St. John.

Public transit

Public bus service is minimal and doesn't serve the Chocolate Hole area directly, making private transportation essential.

Rideshare & taxis

Uber and Lyft are not available, but local taxi services can be arranged through villa concierges or by calling ahead, though availability is limited.

Local tips for Chocolate Hole

Insider tips

Book villa rentals well in advance as Chocolate Hole has limited high-end accommodations that fill up quickly during peak season.
Rent a 4WD vehicle as many villa driveways and local roads are steep and can be challenging for standard cars.
Stock up on groceries in Cruz Bay before heading to Chocolate Hole as dining and shopping options are very limited in the immediate area.
Bring cash as some local vendors and taxi drivers prefer cash payments over credit cards.
Visit nearby Salt Pond Bay early in the morning for the best snorkeling conditions and fewer crowds.
Download offline maps as cell service can be spotty in some areas around the bay.
Pack reef-safe sunscreen as regular sunscreen is harmful to the coral reefs you'll be snorkeling over.
Time your ferry rides to avoid the busiest periods when cruise ships are in port at St. Thomas.

What to pack

Reef-safe sunscreen
Snorkeling gear (mask, fins, snorkel)
Waterproof phone case
Lightweight hiking shoes
Quick-dry swimwear
Insect repellent
Light rain jacket
Sun hat and sunglasses
Underwater camera
Cash for local purchases

Sample itinerary: 4 days in Chocolate Hole

A suggested day-by-day plan your travel agent can customize.

Day 1: Arrival and Bay Exploration

Morning: Arrive via ferry from St. Thomas and check into your villa rental, taking time to settle in and enjoy the bay views.

Afternoon: Explore Chocolate Hole's calm waters with swimming and snorkeling right from your accommodation's beach access.

Evening: Enjoy a sunset dinner on your villa's terrace or venture to nearby Fish Bay for dining with panoramic ocean views.

Day 2: National Park Adventure

Morning: Hike the Salt Pond Bay Trail, which leads through dry forest to a beautiful secluded beach perfect for snorkeling.

Afternoon: Continue to Drunk Bay for tide pool exploration and unique coral and shell formations along the shoreline.

Evening: Return to Chocolate Hole for a relaxing evening swim and stargazing from your villa's deck.

Day 3: Water Sports and Beach Hopping

Morning: Take a short drive to Lameshur Bay for some of St. John's best snorkeling among pristine coral reefs.

Afternoon: Try kayaking or paddleboarding from your villa's beach, exploring the protected waters of the south shore.

Evening: Drive to Cruz Bay for dinner at a local restaurant and browse the duty-free shops for souvenirs.

Day 4: Relaxation and Departure

Morning: Enjoy a final morning swim and snorkel session in Chocolate Hole's crystal-clear waters.

Afternoon: Pack up and take the scenic drive back to the ferry terminal, stopping for last-minute photos at overlooks.

Evening: Catch the ferry back to St. Thomas for your departure flight or extend your stay on St. Thomas.

Chat with Courtney to plan your dream Chocolate Hole itinerary

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about visiting Chocolate Hole

The best time to visit Chocolate Hole is December-April. Peak season runs December-March, offering the best weather but higher prices and larger crowds. Shoulder season (April-May, November) provides a great balance of good weather and lower prices. Note that hurricane season is June-November.

A typical daily cost in Chocolate Hole is $400-700 per person per person. Chocolate Hole is generally considered a luxury destination.

No passport is needed for US citizens visiting Chocolate Hole, as it is a US destination.

The main airport serving Chocolate Hole is STT - Cyril E. King Airport. The primary language spoken is English. The currency used is US Dollar.

Essential items to pack for Chocolate Hole include: Reef-safe sunscreen, Snorkeling gear (mask, fins, snorkel), Waterproof phone case, Lightweight hiking shoes, Quick-dry swimwear, Insect repellent, Light rain jacket, Sun hat and sunglasses. Always check the weather forecast before your trip and pack layers for varying conditions.

Here are some insider tips for Chocolate Hole: Book villa rentals well in advance as Chocolate Hole has limited high-end accommodations that fill up quickly during peak season.. Rent a 4WD vehicle as many villa driveways and local roads are steep and can be challenging for standard cars.. Stock up on groceries in Cruz Bay before heading to Chocolate Hole as dining and shopping options are very limited in the immediate area.. Bring cash as some local vendors and taxi drivers prefer cash payments over credit cards.. Visit nearby Salt Pond Bay early in the morning for the best snorkeling conditions and fewer crowds..

Chocolate Hole, St. John