Cinnamon Bay, St. John

BUDGET December-April STT - Cyril E. King Airport US Dollar
Trip Profile
Budget Category BUDGET $75-150 per person
Perfect For
Budget Friendly Beach Family Adventure Outdoors Culture
Traveler Scores
Family-Friendly
8.0/10
Romance
6.0/10
Adventure
9.0/10
Relaxation
8.0/10
Travel Planning
Current Weather at Airport
Loading weather...
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 Cinnamon Bay

Best months
December-April
Peak season
December-March
Shoulder season
April-May, November
Off season
June-October
Hurricane season
June-November

Cinnamon Bay quick facts

Main airport
STT - Cyril E. King Airport
Language
English
Currency
US Dollar
Typical daily cost
$75-150 per person
Budget category
Budget

Getting around Cinnamon Bay

Transportation on St. John is primarily by rental car or taxi, as the island has no public bus system. Most visitors rent a vehicle to explore the various beaches and hiking trails throughout Virgin Islands National Park.

Rental car

Highly recommended for maximum flexibility to explore the island's many beaches, hiking trails, and scenic viewpoints at your own pace.

Public transit

No public transit system exists on St. John, making rental cars or taxis the only transportation options.

Rideshare & taxis

Uber and Lyft are not available; traditional taxi services operate but can be expensive and may require advance booking, especially for multiple trips.

Local tips for Cinnamon Bay

Insider tips

  • Book tent sites well in advance, especially for winter months when the campground fills up quickly.
  • Bring a cooler and stock up on groceries in St. Thomas before taking the ferry to save money on limited island options.
  • The beach faces west, so arrive early morning for the best snorkeling visibility before afternoon crowds.
  • Pack reef-safe sunscreen as regular sunscreen is harmful to the coral reefs you'll be snorkeling over.
  • Rent snorkel gear on-island rather than flying with it to avoid baggage fees and potential damage.
  • The camp store closes early, so grab essentials before evening if you need supplies.
  • Bring cash as many local vendors and small businesses don't accept credit cards.
  • Download offline maps before arriving since cell service can be unreliable in the national park.
  • The beach can get crowded when cruise ships are in port, so check schedules for quieter days.

What to pack

  • Reef-safe sunscreen and aloe vera
  • Quick-dry clothing and swimwear
  • Waterproof phone case
  • Insect repellent for evening
  • Portable cooler for food storage
  • Flashlight or headlamp
  • Water shoes for rocky areas
  • Lightweight rain jacket
  • Reusable water bottles
  • Cash for local purchases

Sample itinerary: 4 days in Cinnamon Bay

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

Day 1 — Arrival and Beach Setup
Morning: Arrive via ferry from St. Thomas and check into your tent site at Cinnamon Bay Campground. Get oriented with facilities and set up your temporary home base.
Afternoon: Explore the beautiful Cinnamon Bay Beach with its soft white sand and calm waters. Try snorkeling right off the beach to see tropical fish and coral formations.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at the on-site restaurant and watch the sunset over the Caribbean Sea from your beachfront camping spot.
Day 2 — Historical Discovery
Morning: Hike the easy Cinnamon Bay Trail to explore the ruins of an 18th-century sugar plantation and learn about the island's colonial history.
Afternoon: Visit nearby Trunk Bay, famous for its underwater snorkel trail with marked coral formations and abundant marine life.
Evening: Return to camp for a barbecue dinner using the provided grills and enjoy the peaceful sounds of the ocean.
Day 3 — Adventure and Exploration
Morning: Drive or take a taxi to Virgin Islands National Park Visitor Center to learn about local ecology and pick up trail maps.
Afternoon: Explore Annaberg Sugar Plantation ruins and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding islands and crystal-clear waters.
Evening: Experience local culture with dinner at a nearby restaurant in Cruz Bay, the island's main town.
Day 4 — Beach Hopping
Morning: Visit Maho Bay for sea turtle spotting and excellent snorkeling in calm, protected waters.
Afternoon: Relax at Francis Bay Beach, known for its peaceful atmosphere and good snorkeling opportunities along the coral reef.
Evening: Return to Cinnamon Bay for a final beach sunset and pack up for departure the next morning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about visiting Cinnamon Bay

The best time to visit Cinnamon Bay 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 Cinnamon Bay is $75-150 per person per person. Cinnamon Bay is generally considered a budget destination.

No passport is needed for US citizens visiting Cinnamon Bay, as it is a US destination.

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

Essential items to pack for Cinnamon Bay include: Reef-safe sunscreen and aloe vera, Quick-dry clothing and swimwear, Waterproof phone case, Insect repellent for evening, Portable cooler for food storage, Flashlight or headlamp, Water shoes for rocky areas, Lightweight rain jacket. Always check the weather forecast before your trip and pack layers for varying conditions.

Here are some insider tips for Cinnamon Bay: Book tent sites well in advance, especially for winter months when the campground fills up quickly.. Bring a cooler and stock up on groceries in St. Thomas before taking the ferry to save money on limited island options.. The beach faces west, so arrive early morning for the best snorkeling visibility before afternoon crowds.. Pack reef-safe sunscreen as regular sunscreen is harmful to the coral reefs you'll be snorkeling over.. Rent snorkel gear on-island rather than flying with it to avoid baggage fees and potential damage..