We think St. John is always worth the effort. We just spent a night in Salt Pond, St. John on the way back from STM via Virgin Gorda and had a pristine bay to ourselves while surrounded by national park. It will be quite a contrast to most BVI anchorages, with no more than a parking lot, beach and hiking trails. Trunk Bay does have a snack bar and Cinnamon Bay has a small camp store and restaurant.

Customs are pretty straightforward. You need to make certain that Moorings provides you the proper documentation. We see Moorings/Sunsail boats around St. John all the time, so the charter company knows what to provide.

If you draw less than 6' you can anchor in Cruz Bay Creek near the customs dock and dinghy to the NPS dinghy dock. Do not pull up to the customs wharf. If you draw more than 6' than you can moor at the Lind Point/Caneel Bay mooring field and dinghy in.

Cruz Bay is a great harbor village, so do budget some walking around time. We prefer to spend the night at Francis/Maho Bay or Leinster Bay. NPS moorings are $26 per night.

Cheers, RickG