Great Cruz Bay's real estate market offers a variety of properties, including condos and homes. The condos range from affordable to luxury, often featuring amenities like private balconies and pool access. Homes in the area are known for their spacious layouts and scenic views, catering to a diverse range of buyers from retirees to vacation home seekers. High-end properties in Cruz Bay can range in price from $11,900,000 to $12,000,000, offering luxury amenities and waterfront views​​​​.
Great Cruz Bay boasts a variety of dining options that cater to different tastes. Some of the most popular restaurants in the area include:
These restaurants provide a taste of local and international cuisine, enhancing the culinary experience in Cruz Bay.
Cruz Bay is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with its popular attractions including:
These attractions offer a mix of leisure, adventure, and exploration, perfect for experiencing the natural beauty of Cruz Bay.
Great Cruz Bay and its surroundings offer various accommodation options, catering to different preferences:
These accommodations range from luxury resorts to boutique hotels, providing comfortable and unique stays for visitors to Great Cruz Bay.
Check out more St. John villa rentals.
Great Cruz Bay is one of the most sought-after "Estates" on St. John, offering a refined residential atmosphere just a few minutes from the bustle of the ferry docks. Known for its calm harbor and luxury villas, living here provides a distinct island experience. Here are the most common questions from those looking to call this bay home.
1. Is Great Cruz Bay walkable to downtown Cruz Bay?
While Great Cruz Bay is physically close to town, the walk involves traversing Jacob’s Ladder, an extremely steep hill. Most residents find the walk down into town manageable, but the return trip is a significant climb. Additionally, the roads lack consistent sidewalks and lighting, so most locals recommend a Jeep or taxi, especially at night.
2. What is the difference between Cruz Bay and Great Cruz Bay?
Cruz Bay is the commercial heart of the island, where the ferries arrive and most shops are located. Great Cruz Bay is a residential "Estate" (neighborhood) located just south of town. It is centered around a large natural harbor and is home to high-end private villas and the Westin St. John Resort.
3. Are the beaches in Great Cruz Bay open to the public?
Yes, by Virgin Islands law, all beaches are public up to the high-tide mark. While the Westin Resort occupies much of the shoreline in Great Cruz Bay, non-guests can still access the beach. However, keep in mind that resort amenities (like beach chairs, umbrellas, and the pool) are typically reserved for resort guests or requires a day pass.
4. Where do residents go for groceries?
Residents have several convenient options nearby. Dolphin Market (at Chocolate Hole) and St. John Market are the closest neighborhood grocery stores. For a larger selection, Starfish Market in The Marketplace (near the ferry dock) is the island's largest full-service grocery store and is only a 5-minute drive away.
5. Does Great Cruz Bay have its own Homeowners Association?
Yes, the Estate Great Cruz Bay Association is an active HOA that represents homeowners in the area. They manage neighborhood improvements, govern land use through specific bylaws, and host annual meetings to discuss community security, road maintenance, and local environmental preservation.
6. Can I moor a private boat in the bay?
Great Cruz Bay is a popular harbor for both residents and visitors. While there are no full-service marinas in the bay, there are mooring fields managed by the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR). Space is limited and often requires a permit, so it is essential to check availability if you plan to keep a vessel in the harbor.
7. What are the "High" and "Low" seasons for residents?
The High Season runs from Thanksgiving through mid-April, bringing perfect 80°F weather but also higher prices and more traffic. The Low Season (May–November) is quieter and more affordable, though it is warmer and coincides with the Atlantic hurricane season. Many residents prefer the tranquility of the summer months when the beaches are nearly empty.
8. Is the water safe to drink in Great Cruz Bay homes?
Most luxury villas in Great Cruz Bay utilize cisterns (large underground tanks that collect rainwater). While many homes have advanced UV filtration and RO (Reverse Osmosis) systems, many residents still prefer to use bottled water for drinking. Homes within the Westin or specific condo complexes may be connected to a local desalination system.
9. How do residents handle trash and recycling?
St. John does not have door-to-door municipal trash collection. Residents take their household waste to roadside dumpster sites located throughout the island. There is a convenient disposal site located near the entrance to the Chocolate Hole/Great Cruz Bay area. Recycling is primarily managed by the Island Green Living Association, which has a center for aluminum cans and glass.
10. What is the "Estate Chocolate Hole" connection?
In local real estate listings, you will often see Great Cruz Bay grouped with Estate Chocolate Hole. These two adjacent neighborhoods share similar geography and a communal feel. While they are separate bays, they are the primary luxury residential hubs on the south-west side of the island and share many of the same access roads and local shops.
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