Explore on your own rating
Walkable town at the pier, government-published taxi fares, and good beaches about 10 minutes away.
Where ships dock
- Heritage Quay and Nevis Street piers, downtown St. John's
- Additional berths at the expanded St. John's cruise port (larger ships)
Getting to town
The piers are in downtown St. John's. Heritage Quay shops and the town center are steps away.
Official Transport Board taxi fares are per car for 1–4 people, one way (double for a return trip). The published list shows US$12 from St. John's to the Dickenson Bay area and US$24 to Nelson's Dockyard and Shirley Heights. A water taxi also runs from Heritage Quay to Dickenson Bay (about US$20 round trip, per the operator).
Fares are as reported by the sources below and change often. Treat them as estimates.
Top sights nearby
- St. John's Cathedral and downtown
- Nelson's Dockyard National Park (UNESCO; taxi or tour)
- Shirley Heights lookout
- Fort James
Beaches
- Dickenson Bay (about 10 minutes)
- Fort James beach (close to town)
- Darkwood and Valley Church beaches (farther south-west; varies)
Safety & tips
- Confirm whether a quoted fare is in US or EC dollars.
- Pre-arrange your return pickup at the beach.
- Up to five ships can be in at once, so expect busy days.
Check U.S. State Department travel advisories before you sail.
⏰ Back to the ship on time
The Dockyard is about 30–40 minutes each way. Aim to be back at the pier 30–45 minutes before all-aboard.
Ship time can differ from local time. Your ship won't wait for independent travelers.