There are places you visit once, and places you return to again and again because they feel like they were made for you. After a recent November stay on St. Thomas, with a day trip to St. John, I can say confidently: these two islands are the Caribbean at its absolute best — easy to reach, stunningly beautiful, rich with local culture, and full of experiences you simply won’t find anywhere else.
And here’s the best part: November and early December are some of the cheapest, quietest, most rewarding times for Americans to visit.
Let me take you through the trip — and show you why these islands should be at the top of your travel list.
There are places you visit once, and places you return to again and again because they feel like they were made for you. After a recent November stay on St. Thomas, with a day trip to St. John, I can say confidently: these two islands are the Caribbean at its absolute best — easy to reach, stunningly beautiful, rich with local culture, and full of experiences you simply won’t find anywhere else.
And here’s the best part: November and early December are some of the cheapest, quietest, most rewarding times for Americans to visit.
Let me take you through the trip — and show you why these islands should be at the top of your travel list.
A Perfect Home Base: Frenchman’s Cove & the Charlotte Amalie Coastline
My trip began at Marriott Frenchman’s Cove, a resort that blends comfort with convenience. The small private beach, calm blue water, and steady stream of taxis made it incredibly easy to settle into island life. A bonus surprise: having the Westin and Buoy House within walking or shuttle distance, plus a water taxi directly into Charlotte Amalie, opened up more dining and exploration options without ever needing to rent a car. Just be sure to check on the days the water shuttle is running, which generally is Monday-Thursday and, if there are sufficient tickets booked, Friday.
Staying here felt like the ideal introduction to St. Thomas — peaceful, connected, clean, and beautifully positioned for the island’s best beaches, all of which are within easy reach. There is great snorkeling near the beach, too! Just swim out and hug the shoreline heading into the harbor. We saw turtles there as well.
Also, don’t miss the nighttime glow boat kayak tour that launches from the dock at the resort. It was incredible seeing the fish attracted by the bright light, and we saw where some turtles rest overnight as well.
Beaches That Stop You in Your Tracks
St. Thomas and St. John are known for world-class beaches, but seeing them in person — especially during the uncrowded November shoulder season — was something else entirely.
If you are going to beach hop, you need chairs, a cooler, and snorkeling gear to get the most out of it. A special shout-out goes to Sapphire Provisioning, whose delivery of high-quality snorkeling and beach gear made the entire trip smoother, cheaper, and far more enjoyable.
⭐ Magens Bay — A Quiet Icon (With Sea Turtles!)
One of the most famous beaches in the Caribbean felt almost private thanks to the absence of cruise ships the day we visited. The water was calm, the scenery was unbeatable, and we spotted multiple sea turtles gliding just offshore. It’s the kind of beach that instantly resets your spirit.
Pack your snorkel gear when heading to Magens Bay — even on quiet days you’ve got a great chance of spotting sea turtles gliding through the clear, calm water. Arrive early, especially when no cruise ships are in port, to enjoy the beach at its most peaceful before the crowds trickle in.
⭐ Brewers Beach — A Hidden Gem for Wildlife Lovers
Tucked away from the tourist flow, Brewers Beach offered the most sea turtles of the entire trip. Add the local food trucks, relaxed atmosphere, and uncrowded sand, and you get a slice of St. Thomas that feels like a secret shared only with those who know to look for it.
⭐ Secret HarboUr — Tranquility Defined
If your vision of a Caribbean getaway includes quiet water, soft breezes, and a beachfront restaurant for an easy lunch, Secret Harbour is your place. It’s serene, scenic, and perfect for couples or anyone craving a slow, peaceful day.
⭐ Coki Beach — Colorful & Lively
Known for its vibrant marine life, Coki offered lots of fish but also larger crowds and choppier water during our visit. It’s great for snorkelers who enjoy energy and excitement — or consider it a quick stop before heading somewhere more relaxed.
⭐ St. John’s Jewel: Trunk Bay
A short ferry ride transports you to St. John, where two-thirds of the island is protected national parkland. Trunk Bay (pictured) is breathtakingly beautiful and home to the underwater snorkeling trail — a must-do for families, first-time snorkelers, and photographers.
Island Dining: From Waterfront Elegance to Local Favorites
St. Thomas surprised us with its range of food options — everything from high-end dining to affordable, delicious beachside burgers.
🍽 Oceana Restaurant & Bistro — The Trip’s Best Meal
Fresh seafood, dramatic waterfront views, and an atmosphere that’s worth every penny. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, this is the reservation to make.
🍽 Prime — A Sunset AND MEAL You’ll Remember
Perched above the harbor, Prime delivers incredible views and an excellent menu. Watching the sky change colors over Charlotte Amalie was almost as memorable as the meal.
🍔 Tap & Still (Havensight) — Best Budget Bite
For travelers looking to stretch their dollars, Tap & Still offers fantastic burgers and a fun vibe at a fraction of resort-restaurant prices.
Travel tip: Food costs are easiest to manage in the shoulder season, when restaurants are less crowded and reservations are easier to come by.
The Highlight: A Day on a Private Catamaran
The standout experience of the trip — and one I recommend to every traveler — was a full-day private catamaran charter with Seas the Day. Imagine snorkeling in calm coves, sunbathing on deck, exploring unspoiled stretches of coastline, and letting someone else handle everything from navigation to refreshments.
Seas the Day worked with us to tailor an itinerary that maximized good snorkeling and avoiding large crowds. We went to Brewers Bay before heading to Saba Island (pictured) and in both cases were one of only a few boats.
It’s the Caribbean at its most luxurious — and splitting the cost among a small group makes it surprisingly affordable.
Getting Around the Islands
Because Frenchman’s Cove sits off the main safari taxi loop, we relied almost entirely on private taxis. They were prompt, friendly, and ideal for travelers who want flexibility without the stress of driving on the left side of the road.
For visitors staying on the safari route, open-air taxis can be just a few dollars per ride — making St. Thomas one of the more affordable islands to navigate.
Why Visit in November? (Or Why You Should Avoid Peak Season)
If you want value, November through mid-December is the sweet spot. Here’s why:
- Lower flight and hotel prices
- Fewer cruise-ship crowds
- Comfortable humidity and ideal water temps
- Better availability for excursions and dining
- Turtles everywhere — no exaggeration
You truly get more island for your dollar.
St. Thomas & St. John: Two Islands, One Unforgettable Escape
What struck me most on this trip was how different — and complementary — these islands felt.
- St. Thomas offers top-tier beaches, easy transportation, great dining, and lively harbors.
- St. John offers pristine nature, national-park scenery, and a slower, more untouched Caribbean experience.
Together, they create a vacation that’s part adventure, part relaxation, and entirely unforgettable.
Whether you’re dreaming of sea turtles swimming past your mask, sunsets over Charlotte Amalie, or gliding across the water on a private catamaran, these islands deliver.
Now is the perfect time to plan — before peak season hits and prices climb.
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