Indo House Journal

The Coconut Telegram

Thoughtful notes on island life, travel planning, and the rhythms of staying well in St. John. Each post is shaped by local perspective and practical experience, offering guidance that helps you plan with confidence and arrive more at ease.
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Honeymoon Beach with palm trees and calm water along the sandy shoreline, St. John USVI
The Island Guide
April 15, 2026

Honeymoon Beach, St. John: A Local's Guide

Honeymoon Beach is one of St. John's quietest stretches of sand, reachable on foot from Cruz Bay or by water. Here's how to get there and what to expect.
Cruz Bay harbor and ferry dock on St. John USVI, the main arrival point from St. Thomas
Plan Your Stay
April 15, 2026

Do You Need a Passport to Visit the U.S. Virgin Islands?

U.S. citizens don't need a passport to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands. REAL ID matters for flights, and BVI day trips require one. Here's what to know.
Car and passenger ferry crossing the channel between St. Thomas and St. John, aerial view
Plan Your Stay
April 15, 2026

The Red Hook Ferry to St. John: Schedules, Fares, and What to Expect

The Red Hook ferry runs hourly from St. Thomas to St. John in 20 minutes. Schedules, fares, car ferry costs, parking, and what to expect on the crossing.
The Island Guide
April 15, 2026

Hawksnest Beach, St. John: The Quiet Alternative to Trunk Bay

Hawksnest Beach is the first north shore beach east of Cruz Bay and the quieter, easier-to-reach alternative to Trunk Bay. Here's what to know before you go.
Snorkeler floating at the surface at Maho Bay Beach, St. John, with the bay's green hills visible in the background
The Island Guide
April 14, 2026

Maho Bay Beach: Where Sea Turtles Come to Feed

Maho Bay Beach on St. John is a year-round sea turtle habitat. Green and hawksbill turtles feed in the seagrass shallows, often visible from the shoreline.
The Island Guide
April 14, 2026

St. John Beaches: A Guide of Our Favorites

St. John's beaches range from famous to secluded. A guide to what makes each distinct and how to choose based on what you want from a day on the water.
The Island Guide
April 14, 2026

Things to Do in St. John USVI: Activities Beyond the Beach

Beyond the beaches, St. John offers hiking trails, historic ruins, and a quieter rhythm. A guide to experiences that add depth to an island stay.
Elevated view of Trunk Bay beach crescent, St. John USVI, showing turquoise water and forested hills
The Island Guide
April 14, 2026

Trunk Bay: St. John's Most Famous Beach

Trunk Bay on St. John draws visitors for its crescent shoreline, clear water, and one-of-a-kind underwater snorkeling trail. Here's what to know before you go.
Aerial view of Great Cruz Bay and Indo House on St. John's South Shore, USVI
The Island Guide
April 14, 2026

Great Cruz Bay, St. John: Living on the South Shore

Great Cruz Bay on St. John sits just south of Cruz Bay, offering waterfront calm and quick access to town. Here’s what the area is like and who it suits.
The Island Guide
April 14, 2026

Chocolate Hole, St. John: A Neighborhood Guide

Chocolate Hole sits just south of Cruz Bay on St. John's quiet South Shore. Here's what the neighborhood offers, who it suits, and what daily life looks like.