Snorkel Snorkel
FROM ADVENTURE DAYS TO POOL CABANAS & COCKTAILS WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED!
THE BEST WAY TO GET THERE AND WHAT TO DO ONCE YOU’RE THERE!
• STJ LOVE
LET’S SPEND A DAY IN ST. JOHN YOUR PERFECT ONEDAY ITINERARY AWAITS!
This November, a brand-new Lime Out location in Lindbergh Bay serves up the same irresistible mix of sunshine, sea breeze and signature tacos and margaritas, all delivered with unbeatable island energy. Set to open mid-November, Lime Out St. Thomas is more than just a place to eat; it’s a destination to float, feast, and unwind.
• Stay tuned for the official opening date and details by subscribing to St. Thomas Magazine for the latest island news, dining features and exclusive insights. 05
Table of Contents
08 November Upcoming Events
What’s going on this month on island... Your Don’t Miss List!
10 The Best Trips to Book this Year
From boat days to island tours and day passes...we cover every vibe here.
20 Beach Guide to STT
We feature the best sunrise and sunset spots on island to catch the most beautiful colors of the day.
20 BVI Best Getaways
We visit our island neighbors and find out the best ways to get there and the hottest activities to do for the day!
27
31
Find your favorites from breakfast, lunch, dinner to after hours.
Where to Stay on Island
We feature the most popular and up and coming places to stay in every part of the island to suit varied interests.
38 St. John for a Day
44 St. Thomas Dining Guide
We’ve crafted your perfect one-day itinerary for visiting St. John. Beautiful beaches, exploring and sunsets.
Thank You to Businesses and Upcoming Topics
Appreciation to St. Thomas businesses and see what’s next for December and the holiday season.
Boat Days in the Caribbean with NOVA Charters
Your One-Day Itinerary for St. John
N O T E S
November in St. Thomas marks the start of something exciting...the return of season! The island is alive with new energy as boats return to the waters, restaurants reopen their doors and visitors take in the sunshine we’ve missed sharing. It’s a time for fresh beginnings, familiar faces and the unmistakable buzz of island life at its best.
In this issue, we celebrate everything that makes this season special; from the best trips to book and can’t-miss excursions to our Beach Guide to St. Thomas and perfect one-day itinerary for St. John.
E D I T O R ’ S
We highlight BVI getaways, exciting new openings like Lime Out St. Thomas and dining spots that capture the island’s flavor and soul. As we welcome back travelers and reconnect with our vibrant community, our hearts are also with our Caribbean neighbors in Jamaica, who are experiencing the impacts of Hurricane Melissa as I write this. The islands have always stood strongest together, so let’s lift them up with love, support and relief wherever we can.
Here’s to a season of sunshine, connection and Caribbean resilience.
With island gratitude, GG Editor, St. Thomas Magazine
UPCOMING EVENTS November 2025
Saturday, November 1 , 3-8pm st
NOV 1 Haunted Manor @Antilles School
NOV 5
Wednesday, November 5 from 7pm-11pm th
Sapphire Beach Full Moon Party
Live beats from DJ Cypha and full moon fun on one of the most beautiful beaches in St. Thomas! Sapphire Beach Bar hosts this monthly event with cabana rentals, free entry, great food, cocktails, Moko JUmbies, fire dancers and FUN!
NOV 8 Nana Baby’s Tacos & Tunes Throwdown @Magens Bay
Get ready for the Most Epic Event of the Year Nana Baby’s 4th Annual Tunes & Taco ThrowDown! This festival-style fundraiser has it all: sensational live music, mouthwatering tacos, refreshing margaritas, and family-friendly fun all for a wonderful cause Saturday, November 8 from 12pm-5pm th
NOV 9 Bordeaux Farmer’s Market
Local farmers and artisans gather to share organic produce, handmade goods, and islandgrown flavors. Come early for fresh fruits, bush tea, crafts, and a true taste of local community life 10am-5pm 2 and Last Sundays of the Month nd
Sunday, November 16 from 5:30pm-7:30pm th
NOV 16
Moko Jumbie Cultural Show @Blackbeard’s Castle
Learn all about the history and culture of Moko Jumbies and the Virgin Islands with host and icon, Yisrael Peterson at Blackbeard’s Castle. Congo drummers, many styles of dance from moko jumbies, story-telling, fire dancers and more! Perfect for lovers of the VI
November 15th-16 at Pink Palm Hotel th
NOV 16
NOV 23
Drag Under the Palms 2 Day Event
Due to high demand, we’re hosting two shows - Saturday & Sunday each followed by a pool party featuring interactive games with the queens, raffle prizes, permanent jewelry, and so much more! Reserve by calling: 340-715-7760 to book
Sapphire Sundays Live Music - Every Sunday!
Wrap up your week with live music on the beach hosted by Sapphire Beach Bar from 36pm every Sunday! Live music, great food and cocktails, beautiful white sand, cabana rentals for your group and great vibes! Free Entry and rentals available Every Sunday from 3pm-6pm
2 5 ' - 2 6 '
The Best Trips to Book this Year
Your must-do excursion roundup for November & December; from luxury yacht charters and snorkeling adventures to offbeat island tours.
JAMMIN’
Wanna see the real side of island life in St. Thomas?! Spend a day with Jammin’ Jeep Tours and visit historical landmarks, taste local cuisine, learn about VI culture and lingo and of course visit our most beautiful beaches and marine life. Private half days and full days available from local born and raised guides who are thrilled to show you their home!
View Jeep Tours
VIRGIN ISLA
For an adventure that blends serenity and discovery, VI Eco-Tours offers unforgettable kayak, hike and snorkel excursions through the mangrove lagoon and wildlife sanctuary at Cas Cay Choose from Half-Day, Full-Day, or Sunset tours as expert guides lead you through a maze of lush mangroves, volcanic rock formations, and calm turquoise waters Perfect for families, couples, and nature lovers alike, it’s the ultimate eco-adventure in the Virgin Islands!
View Nature Tours
FromSunrise... FromSunrise...
SAPPHIRE BEACH
WAKING UP AT 5AM IS HARD ON VACATION BUT YOU ARE REWARDED WIH STUNNING COLORS AND COMPLETE QUIET WHILE STAYING OR VISITING SAPPHIRE BEACH. OH AND THEN THERE’S BREAKFAST AFTERWARDS FROM BEACH BUZZ!
COKI BEACH
10 MIN FROM SAPPHIRE, YOU WILL FIND ISLAND FAVORITE, COKI BEACH. THIS GORGEOUS SNORKELING AND LOCAL VIBE SPOT IS QUIET AT THIS HOUR AND PUTS ON A STUNNING SHOW! PHOTOS OF COKI FROM MISSLYN SEVERIN.
....toSunset ..toSunset
THIS NORTHSIDE HIDEAWAY PUTS ON THE MOST STUNNING SHOWS AS THE SUN GOES DOWN. BRING A BLANKET, SOME WINE AND TAKE IN THE SHOW. THEN HEAD TO THE SHACK FOR DINNER AND FUN AFTERWARDS THE PERFECT EVENING.
SECRET HARBOUR
HOSTING ONE OF THE BEST SUNSET DINNERS ON ISLAND, SECRET HARBOUR IS A PERFECT BEACHFRONT DESTINATION TO TAKE IN THESE COLORS. A LITTLE MORE LIVELY THAN HULL BAY, IT IS ON THE EAST END OF THE ISLAND AND HAS FANTASTIC FOOD AND DRINKS ON SITE AS WELL
HULL BAY BEACH
B V I B e s t G e t a w a y s
Hendo’s Hideout in White Bay, Jost Van Dyke
BVI or BUST! and yes, you need your passport!
One of the best parts of visiting St. Thomas is how close you are to the British Virgin Islands; a completely different set of islands with their own magic. November is a perfect time to hop across the channel, with calm seas and cooler breezes. But how do you get there? Here are the three main ways:
Ferry Service: The Budget-Friendly Route
The easiest and most economical way to get to the BVIs is by ferry. Regular service runs from St. Thomas to Jost Van Dyke, Tortola, and Virgin Gorda.
Best for: Day-trippers who want to keep costs down
Pros: Simple, scheduled, no need to charter a boat. Perfect for solo travelers or small groups.
Cons: Less flexibility, fixed departure and return times, lines at Customs can eat into beach time.
Private Charters: The VIP Experience
For groups of friends, families, or anyone who wants full flexibility, a private boat charter is the way to go Charter companies in St. Thomas will handle your paperwork, supply a captain, and whisk you to snorkeling spots, beach bars, or secluded coves.
Best for: Groups, special occasions, travelers who want custom itineraries
Pros: Total freedom you choose your stops. Drinks, snacks, and snorkel gear often included.
Cons: More expensive, especially for small groups.
Popular Stops: The Baths at Virgin Gorda, Foxy’s on Jost Van Dyke, Cooper Island Beach Club
Shared Excursions: The Social Adventure
If you’re not traveling with a big group but still want the fun of a charter boat, sign up for a per-person excursion with companies like Ocean Surfari or Stormy Pirates These tours take you to some of the BVIs’ best beaches and snorkel sites, often with open bars and music on board.
Best for: Solo travelers, couples, or small groups looking for a lively day.
Pros: More affordable than private charters, still includes top stops, food, and drinks Built-in social vibe
Cons: You share the itinerary with others, so less flexibility
Insider Tip: Bring cash for beach bars like the famous Painkiller at Soggy Dollar on Jost Van Dyke.
Hendo’s Hideout at Jost Van Dyke
Ferry Schedules to Jost & Virgin Gorda
Ferry Schedule:
Red Hook/Cruz Bay ⇄ Jost Van Dyke
Operator: Inter Island Boat Services
Days of Operation:
Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays
Departure Times:
Red Hook, St. Thomas – 7:30 AM
Cruz Bay, St. John – 8:00 AM
Return:
Great Harbor, Jost Van Dyke – 3:30 PM
Duration: Approximately 35 min. each way
Fares:
Adult: $120 round-trip | $100 one-way
Child (ages 3–11): $100 round-trip |
$80 one-way
Infant (ages 2 & under): $40
Requirements:
Valid passport required for all passengers
Additional Fees:
$30 customs and immigration fee (not included in fare)
Check-In:
45 minutes prior to departure
Ferry Schedule:
Red Hook/Cruz Bay ⇄ Virgin Gorda
Operator: Inter Island Boat Services Day of Operation: Thursdays
Departure Times:
Red Hook, St. Thomas – 7:30 AM
Cruz Bay, St. John – 8:00 AM
Return:
Virgin Gorda – 3:00 PM
Duration: Approximately 90 min. each way
Fares:
Adult: $150 round-trip | $130 one-way
Child (ages 3–11): $130 round-trip |
$110 one-way
Infant (ages 2 & under): $40
Requirements:
Valid passport required for all passengers
Additional Notes:
Check-in 45 minutes before departure
Customs and immigration fees not included
BUY TICKETS
Ferry service operating out of STT and STJ
Snorkeling at The Baths in Virgin Gorda
Van DykeJost
All DAy White Bay & Willy T starting at $300/pp!
• Open Bar • Snorkel Gear • Snacks
• Customs is additional Trips leave out of American Yacht Harbour at 7:30am and leave at 3:00-3:30pm Book NOw!
White Bay and Willy T Funday from Stormy Pirates.
For the best of the best....Go Private
Why a Private Charter to the BVI Just Makes Sense
If you’ve got four or more people ready for adventure, a private charter to the British Virgin Islands is the way to go. Once you factor in ferry tickets, taxis, and time, the cost of a private boat often comes out about the same but the experience? Completely different. You’ll set your own schedule, skip the crowds, and check off every stop on your bucket list from Jost Van Dyke’s beach bars to snorkeling The Indians and lunching at Cooper Island.
It’s freedom, comfort, and island-hopping done your way...the perfect day at sea.
Saba Rock in Virgin Gorda, Pirate’s Bight in Norman and The Baths.
The caves & The Indians at Norman Island is a must!!
Norman Island in the British Virgin Islands is an absolute MUST DO! The Indians and The Caves are two of the most spectacular snorkeling sites in the Caribbean. Beneath crystal-clear waters lies a world bursting with color...coral gardens teeming with tropical fish, schools of blue tangs and sergeant majors, huge tarpon and even the occasional curious moray eel. Don’t fear the tarpon...I promise they’re after the smaller fish!
At The Indians, towering rock pinnacles rise dramatically from the sea, creating incredible swim-throughs and light-dappled shallows perfect for exploring. A short ride away, The Caves invite you to snorkel into the shadows of pirate legend...a magical underwater playground where everything topside just fades away.
It’s not just a typical snorkel stop; it’s an incredible experience. I honestly felt like I was in The Galapagos the first time I did it! So much marine life...p.s. watch out for the giant Grouper in the caves!
Snorkeling at the Indians and the Caves in Norman Island.
LEARN TO
Book Now
What’s Included dive now!
Certified dive instructor/guide
Dive and snorkel gear
Shorty wetsuit
Water, soda, light snacks. FUN!
The captains Rum Punch.. if he likes you and decides to share once you’re done diving!
What to Bring
swimwear, sun protection (sunshirt/rashguard, hat, sunglasses, reef safe sunscreen) towels or other creature comforts for the boat ride personal snack or drink if you have specific dietary needs
Gratuity for the crew whom you’re guaranteed to love!
N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 5
ST. THOMAS DINING GUIDE
Find your favorite cup of coffee to your live musicafter dinner fun in this local guide.
Cuveé in Frenchtown
Gladys’ Cafe downtown Hotel 1829 for Sunday Brunch
Northside
Northside Grind
Breakfast, lunch, coffee and drinks! Open from 7am-3pm
The Shack at Hull Bay
Fresh lunch and dinner options tucked in at Hull Bay!
Sib’s on the Mountain
Local favorite, casual food, live music and events 4pm-12am
Fish Bar
Dinner on top of the world!
Gorgeous date night with fresh catch and craft cocktails
East End
Lattes in Paradise
Coffee, breakfast and lunch overlooking the marina. Red Hook.
Tarpon’s Table
Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Casual, friendly vibes at the marina
Oasis at Bolongo Bay
Cozy, island favorite located in East End, St. Thomas. Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Sapphire Beach Bar
East End fun with the best fish tacos on island! Sunday Funday!
Island Time Pub
Some of the best pizza on island Located in Red Hook.
Sangria’s Beachside Bistro
Breakfast, lunch and dinner served beachfront with friendly vibes
XO Bistro
Lunch, dinner and intimate
cocktail setting. Late night fun and local favorite Halloween parties this month!
Southside
Barefoot Buddha $
Coffee-shop, healthy breakfast bowls and more in Havensight
Cutlass & Cane $$$
Waterfront views of the marina with steaks, seafood and craft cocktails
The Longboard at St. Thomas $$
A STJ favorite serving lunch and dinner on the beach at Limetree.
El Barsito at Pink Palm $$
Super cute boutique hotel restaurant serving bites and brunch
Box Bar $$
Outdoor favorite in YHG with great drinks and live music Friendly staff
West End
Frenchtown Deli & Coffee $
Local favorite serving breakfast, lunch and dinner
Dinghy’s Beach Bar & Grill $
Take the ferry over to Water Island for this great beachfront faavorite
Petite Pump Room $$
Breakfast and lunch, local fare and great views of the harbour Cuveé $$$
Waterfront setting with intimate vibe, excellent food perfect date night
Emerald Beach Resort $$
Multiple food options including beach bar and dinner vibes Beachfront, casual dress.
El Barsito at Pink Palm Hotel
Cutlass & Cane at Yacht Haven Grande Sangria’s Beachside Bistro Cuveé in Frenchtown
Sun’s Out, Lime Out...in
St. Thomas
Get ready, St. Thomas the island’s favorite floating taco bar is expanding!
The team behind the original Lime Out St. John is bringing their famous tacos, cocktails, and sunshine-soaked vibes to Lindbergh Bay...aiming for November!
Expect beachy energy, boat shuttles, and fresh tacos served straight from the water...up to 350 an hour! This new hotspot will also create 25+ local jobs, boosting both tourism and the island’s food scene.
Margaritas, tacos, water, and sunshine; sounds like the perfect St. Thomas day.
Coming Soon: Lime Out St. Thomas!
The island’s most talked-about floating taco bar is dropping anchor in Lindbergh Bay...slated for November!
• Accessible only by boat
• Famous tacos & craft cocktails
• Floating tables, clear water & chill vibes
• Eco-friendly design protecting our reefs.
Get ready to lime out St. Thomas–style! Where tacos meet turquoise!
�� Follow for updates: limeoutvi.com
Where to Stay STT
Southside
Frenchman’s Reef www.frenchmansreefstthomas.com
Limetree Beach Resort www.clubwyndham.com
Bluebeard’s St. Thomas www.bluebeards.com
Olga’s Fancy in Frenchtown www.olgasfancy.com
Getaway Girlfriend
Charlotte Amalie/Waterfront
Palm Passage VI
Havensight/Yacht Haven Grande
Cafe Amalia, Greenhouse, Virgilio’s
Skyride to Paradise Point
Children’s Museum/Pirate Museum
Bolongo Bay Resort & Restaurant
Thanksgiving in St. Thomas 2025
Givethanks,IslandStyle withthesefamilyfriendly events
Your Perfect one day Itinerary...
St. John
Getting to St. John: Ferry Schedule & Transport Info
The Red Hook to Cruz Bay ferry is the most popular and convenient way to spend a perfect day on St. John.
Ferry Route: Red Hook, St. Thomas ⇄ Cruz Bay, St. John
Travel Time: Approximately 15–20 minutes each way
Daily Departures (from Red Hook to Cruz Bay):
6:30 AM 7:30 AM 8:30 AM 9:00 AM 10:00 AM Every hour until 11:30pm return
Daily Returns (from Cruz Bay to Red Hook): 6:00 AM 7:00 AM 8:00 AM 9:00 AM Every hour until 11:00 PM
Fares:
Adult One-Way: $8.15 (Non-Resident)
Child (Ages 2–11): $1.00
Luggage Fee: $4.00 per bag
Getting There:
Take a taxi from your hotel or cruise port to Red Hook Ferry Terminal (about 25–30 minutes from most areas on St. Thomas).
The ferry drops you directly in Cruz Bay, the heart of St John perfect for starting your island adventure.
Return Tip:
Catch an evening ferry back around 6:00–8:00 PM to enjoy a full day exploring beaches, dining and shopping before heading home.
BUY TICKETS
Mongoose Junction in Cruz Bay
ONE-DAY ON
St. John
BREAKFAST & BEACHES
After arrival on the ferry, grab a bite to fuel you for the day from High Tide, Beach Bar or Sun Dog Cafe in Mongoose Junction!
BEACHES, BEACHES, BEACHES
It’s easier to stay Northside if you want to hit up a number of spots, catch the safari taxi at the ferry dock and head straight to Maho, Cinnamon, Trunk, Hawksnest & Honeymoon!
LUNCH IN CRUZ BAY OR CORAL BAY
If you have a rental car, definitely head over to Coral Bay to take a shuttle to Lime Out or take a safari taxi back to Cruz Bay.
AFTERNOON SHOPPING & BOUTIQUES
Explore Mongoose Junction and Cruz Bay proper for tons of cute shops, souvenirs, jewelry and local art...so much to see!
SUNSET AT WINDMILL BAR
An absolute MUST for sunset...on top of the world at Windmill Bar for gorgeous views, cocktails, apps and often live music!
RETURN HOME TO ST. THOMAS
Ferry return back to Red Hook, St Thomas...last one leaves at 11:30PM.
EXPLORING CRUZ BAY: SHOPPING,
DINING
& LOCAL VIBES
Cruz Bay is the lively center of St. John and the perfect place to spend a few hours between beach stops. Just steps from the ferry dock, Mongoose Junction offers a mix of local art galleries, jewelry studios, boutiques, and cafés, all set within beautiful native stone architecture surrounded by tropical gardens. It’s a great spot to browse for souvenirs, island-inspired fashion, and handcrafted gifts.
A short walk toward the waterfront brings you to The Beach Bar, one of the island’s most-loved hangouts With live music, oceanfront views and cold drinks served all afternoon; it’s the ideal place to unwind after exploring town
AND FOR THE FINALE... SUNSETS AT WINDMILL BAR
SUNSET & BITES AT THE WINDMILL BAR
Wrap up your St. John adventure with sunset drinks and dinner at The Windmill Bar, perched high above Cruz Bay on the historic Neptune’s Lookout Estate.
Open daily from 11 AM – 8 PM, this open-air bar and grill pairs breathtaking views with a laid-back island vibe, serving up burgers, tacos, fresh salads, and signature cocktails alongside live music most evenings. Happy Hour runs 12pm-3pm every day. Stay for the sunset; it’s one of the most spectacular in the Virgin Islands.
How to Get There:
From Cruz Bay, it’s about a 10-minute taxi ride or an adventurous 30-minute walk uphill to Neptune’s Lookout. Taxis are readily available near the ferry dock and drivers know the spot well. Plan to catch the 7:00 or 8:00 PM ferry back to St. Thomas after your evening at The Windmill Bar or head over to Beach Bar for drinks and live music...10pm ferry back just to be safe!
Editor’s Pick:
Trust us the peel-and-eat shrimp and a classic Painkiller cocktail are out of this world. Arrive early to grab a front-row seat for sunset and live music under the stars.
Excursions & Activities
Ocean Surfari www oceansurfari com
Stormy Pirates www stormypirates com
EcoTours www.viecotours.com
Phoenix Charters www.charterphoenix.com
OceanRunner www oceanrunnerusvi com
Visit USVI and USVI Festivals
Aqua Marine Dive www.diveaquamarine.com
GoMojo Tender Rentals www gomojovi com
NOVA Luxury Charters www.novachartersvi.com
St. Thomas Historical Trust www.stthomashistoricaltrust.org
Restaurants & Bars
Northside Grind www.northsidegrind.com
Mim’s Seaside Bistro www mimsseaside com
Barefoot Buddha www barefootbuddhavi com
Sangria’s www.sangrasvi.com
Tarpon’s Table www tarponstable com
Fish Bar www.fishbarvi.com
The Shack at Hull Bay www.theshackhullbay.com
Oasis at Bolongo Bay www bolongobay com
Cutlass & Cane www.cutlassandcanevi.com
Cariga’s Island Cafe: Find Cariga’s on Facebook
Duffy’s Love Shack www duffysloveshack com
Island Time Pub: Find ITP on Facebook
Latte’s In Paradise www lattes vi Cuvée www cuveevi com
Bernie’s Bar & Grill: Follow on FB
Restaurants & Bars cont.
Lodging and Resorts
Salt Shack at Buoy Haus www frenchmansreef com
Mim’s Seaside Bistro www mimsseaside com
Box Bar www.boxbarvi.com
Prime at Paradise Point www.primeusvi.com
Oceana www oceanavi com
Emerald Beach Resort www.emeraldbeach.com
Two Tickets to Paradise Cottage www.twotickets.vi
Virgin View Villas www.virginviewvillas.com
Hideaway at Hull Bay www hideawayhullbay com
Stone Cottage Hideaway www.stonecottage-virgin-islands.com
Sapphire Beach Resort www.sbrmbookings.com
Secret Harbour Resort www secretharbourvi com
Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas www.ritzcarlton.com
Margaritaville St Thomas www margaritavilleresorts com
Belle Vie at Sapphire Beach www sunsweptvi com
Emerald Beach Resort www.emeraldbeach.com
Mango Cove Villa www mangocovevilla com
Island View Guesthouse www islandviewstthomas com
Villa Milagro St. Thomas www.vrbo.com/1035172
Bella Fortuna www.airbnb.com/h/bellafortunastt
Morningstar Buoy Haus at Frenchman’s Reef www frenchmansreef com
Bolongo Bay Beach Resort (All Inclusive) www.bolongobay.com
Bluebeard’s St. Thomas www.bluebeards.com
Olga’s Fancy www olgasfancy com
Frenchman’s Reef www frenchmansreefstthomas com
Limetree Resort www.clubwyndham.wyndhamdestinations.com
Villa Tryst Vacation Rental www searenaproperties com
Special thanks to our in house travel planner, Getaway Girlfriend. Complimentary services for those visiting the Virgin Islands
www.getawaygirlfriend.com
