St Thomas vs St John: What Island is Better for You?
Deciding between St Thomas or St John for your next vacation? I’ve got you covered.
Both islands have their pros and cons, but which one is better for you? After visiting both destinations many times over the years, I’ll be breaking down the differences between these two islands so you can start planning your next vacation!
I know how hard it is to decide between St Thomas and St John – after all, they’re both two of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean. But, they couldn’t be more different!
The US Virgin Islands were the first islands I visited out of the 13 I’ve been to over the last decade, and these always make the list as two of my favorites.
First, you might want to know: How far is St John from St Thomas Virgin Islands?
Thankfully, they’re just a short ferry ride apart – so you can get your fix of both islands in one vacation.
But, there are plenty of things you’ll need to decide before choosing which island to spend most of your time on. From safety and convenience to beaches and activities, here’s everything you need to know before deciding whether you should stay on St Thomas or St John for your next vacation.
St Thomas vs St John: Which Island is Better for Your Next Vacation?
| Safety | St John |
| Cost | St Thomas |
| Beaches | St John |
| Nightlife | St Thomas |
| Romance | St John |
| Families | St Thomas |
St John is best if you’re looking for a romantic or luxurious beach vacation! St Thomas is better for families and travelers on a budget looking for excitement, lively nightlife, and excursions.
Similarities between St Thomas and St John
Both of these islands are filled with spectacular, white sandy beaches, duty-free shopping, and incredible weather. And the hated hurricane season can hit both islands.
As they are both US territories, American citizens don’t need a passport to enter either island, making travel to them incredibly easy.
However, St Thomas and St John actually couldn’t be any different! Choosing between the two simply depends on what you’re looking for in your vacation.
Let’s break up the key differences:
What is St Thomas Known For?
St Thomas is the second largest island in the U.S. Virgin Islands, right behind St Croix. It’s known for upscale resorts, popular attractions, and exciting nightlife in the USVI’s capital, Charlotte Amalie.
Charlotte Amalie is a popular cruise port close to relaxing beaches and excursions to choose from. There have even been some famous movies filmed here. From snorkeling, duty-free shopping, Coral World Ocean Park, at Coki Point, and sailing charters, there’s something for the whole family on St Thomas.
St Thomas is home to the Cyril E. King Airport (STT). Direct flights are available from certain cities like Miami and Puerto Rico.
Because of the St Thomas nightlife, airport, and capital, it is a much busier and more populated island than St John.
What is St John Known For?
St. John is known for its natural environment and its small population (population of 4,170 as of 2020). It is a small but stunningly beautiful island in the US Virgin Islands. It’s also known for its gorgeous beaches, which are quiet and secluded, and its lush tropical forests, which are perfect for hiking and exploring.
The island is also home to the Virgin Islands National Park, making it a great destination for nature lovers.
In addition to its natural beauty, Cruz Bay is known as St John’s downtown area, boasting excellent restaurants and even a bit of nightlife. The harbor is also used by tour boats and ferries that provide transportation to the neighboring islands of Saint Thomas and Saint Croix.
The island only has a total area of about 20 square miles.
Which Island is Safer?
Historically, St John has a lower crime rate compared to St Thomas, making it the safer of the two islands. The secluded nature and smaller size of St John contribute to its intimate atmosphere and lower crime rates. Just a few of the reasons I myself, and other travelers, love visiting Saint John!
On the other hand, St Thomas has a more moderate crime rate, comparable with other tourist cities. The attorney’s office of the US Virgin Islands has continual plans in place to protect their citizens and visitors.
Don’t worry – it’s still safe for residents and visitors, especially during the day. However, instances of petty crimes like pickpocketing and theft do occur.
Whichever island you choose, take standard precautions – think: secure your personal belongings and avoid secluded areas at night.
Despite these issues, the overall safety risk in St Thomas is low when compared to other locations, but St John is simply the safer option island of the two.
Which island is safer? St John!
Which Island is Cheaper?
St Thomas is fantastic for all budgets. It’s larger so you have more accommodation choices. You can find something that suits you whether you’re a big spender searching for luxury villas and beach resorts or a penny pincher looking for a nice boutique hotel.
The average cost in the ever-so popular January season is about $250 per night, but you can find places as cheap as $81/night or open your wallet for $569 a night.
To add to the cost-savings, flying into St. Thomas is a breeze, thanks to the Cyril E. King International Airport on the island. Once you’re there, taxis are handy and affordable (within reason, of course) with fares averaging at $8 to $15 per person depending on your destination.
So if you’re looking for a budget-friendly, stress-free getaway, St. Thomas is your guy!
On the other hand, if you don’t mind splurging for a quieter and intimate experience, St John is a great alternative.
It’s a smaller island with limited accommodation options, but the places are absolutely amazing. The average cost during January is a bit higher at $371 a night, ranging from $170/night to $490/night.
Additionally, you’ll need to add in the cost of a ferry or a hopper plane to get from St Thomas to St John as well.
Taxi rides from Cruz Bay to Coral Bay average at about $15 per person.
So, to wrap things up: if you’re looking for the most bang for your buck, St Thomas wins hands down.
Which island is more budget friendly? St Thomas!
Which Island is Better for Couples?
St. John is unquestionably the better choice for couples hoping for a romantic getaway. This island has everything you need for a private and intimate trip.
The secluded beaches allow for a private retreat where you can spend quality time with your partner.
The luxury vibes and beautiful accommodation options add to the romance, creating an atmosphere of relaxation and rejuvenation.
But, while St. John is quieter and more intimate, that doesn’t mean that you will be missing out on the action. If I’m staying in St John, I’m going to still plan a day trip to St. Thomas for some shopping and history in Charlotte Amalie. If I stay a night, I’ll make sure to plan a meal at Oceana for a great dinner.
Which island is better for couples? St John!
Which Island is Better for Families?
Whether you go with St John or St Thomas for families depends on what activities you and your family are interested in.
St. Thomas should be the destination for adventurous families eager to explore while keeping the kids entertained with endless things to do.
Take the kids ziplining through the forests, on snorkeling tours to revel in the underwater world, and historical explorations that are as fun as they are educational.
There are beach hopping opportunities at every corner – Coki Beach is so fun – music, drinks, food, great off-shore snorkeling. Hit Coral World, right around the corner, if your kids love sea life.
Learn about the rich history of St Thomas together at the historic synagogue and churches, climb the 99 steps in Charlotte Amalie, explore Fort Christian, or head to Blackbeard’s Castle.
Plus, with a wider range of St Thomas resorts, finding accommodations that suit your family’s needs and budget could be easier.
On the other hand, if your family leans towards tranquility and natural beauty, St. John could be an ideal destination.
It’s perfect for families who love hikes through nature in Virgin Islands National Park. The ranger-guided tours offer unique insights into the local ecology and history, including the petroglyphs of Reef Bay.
You can also charter a boat for the whole family for the day and explore the beautiful coastline at your own pace.
Which island is better for families? St Thomas!
Which Island is More Convenient?
When it comes to choosing between St Thomas and St John for a Caribbean vacation, St Thomas is often the more convenient option. St Thomas has a larger population and access to more resources and accommodations.
Because of this, the roads are better maintained, making it easier to get around without a 4-wheel-drive vehicle. To top it off, St Thomas’ close proximity to the airport gives travelers easier access to the island.
St John is a bit more secluded and remote but still offers plenty of attractions, things to do, and beautiful scenery. Depending on your travel needs, the convenience of St Thomas may not be necessary!
Which island is more convenient? St Thomas!
Which island should you stay on?
St Thomas is more centrally located, so there are some benefits to staying in St Thomas. The airport is located directly in St Thomas.
To get to St John, you have the additional step of taking a hopper plane or ferry to Cruz Bay.
St Thomas is also home to the capital city, Charlotte Amalie, offering more shops, grocery stores, restaurants, nightlife, and people!
Finally, St Thomas holds a wider variety of accommodation options from top resorts on the beach and luxury villas to boutique hotels in Charlotte Amalie. This will make it easier to find something that fits your budget and lifestyle.
However, if you don’t want the hustle and bustle of a busy town, staying in St John will be perfect for you.
The luxury villas in St John offer perfect seclusion for a quiet getaway. If you want a little more going on, there are a few hotels in Cruz Bay to choose from.
Where should you stay? St Thomas for more options, St John for seclusion
Which island is easier to get to?
The main airport in USVI is in St Thomas, making it easier to get to. But, that doesn’t mean St John is hard to get to!
If you want a nonstop flight to bring you straight to your destination with no funny business, then by all means, stay on St Thomas!
But, getting to St John is just a quick ferry ride away. It’s also very affordable! From Charlotte Amalie, the ferry ride is 45 minutes. From Red Hook, the ferry to Cruz Bay is just 20 minutes.
Island hopping between St Thomas and St John is super simple if you want to get a taste of both!
Overall, don’t let the ferry ride scare you – it’s very easy to get to both islands, particularly from the United States! You don’t need a passport unless you plan to visit the British Virgin Islands.
Which island is easier to get around?
Driving in St Thomas Virgin Islands is generally easier than St John, since its roads are flatter and better maintained.
You can travel around most parts of the island comfortably without a 4-wheel drive rental car. This makes it ideal for visitors who don’t want to deal with the hassle of offroading.
Conversely, navigating the terrain in St John requires a vehicle capable of handling some steep hills. You’ll find it to be a struggle to get to and from your St John vacation rental without a 4-wheel-drive vehicle.
But it is important to note that St John is smaller, so you may be able to get around the whole island faster than St Thomas.
Aside from rental cars, taxis are more readily available in St Thomas compared to St John.
Both islands offer plenty of attractions and sights that make them worth exploring, but if you’re looking for an easier way to get around, St Thomas will probably be your best bet!
I am lucky enough to partner with and recommend – Key N Go for your car rental in USVI (Let them know CaribbeanUncovered sent you! 😉)
Beaches in St John vs St Thomas
If you’re heading to the US Virgin Islands for a beach trip, St John is the better choice here.
That’s not to say St Thomas beaches aren’t spectacular, but you’ll likely run into more tourists on St Thomas beaches than you will in St John!
60% of the St John beaches are part of the US Virgin Islands National Park, making them protected land on the island. Maho Bay, Trunk Bay, and Honeymoon Beach are just a few of the loved north shore beaches in St John that will quite literally take your breath away.
For those who love underwater exploration, snorkeling in St Thomas vs St John are both exceptional, but you might want to go with St John if you prefer a more secluded experience.
St John Virgin Islands is much less populated than St Thomas and there are fewer resorts and hotels around the island. Because of this, you’ll likely run into fewer people on the beaches.
You can hike to many of the beaches in the Virgin Islands National Park, adding an additional layer of excitement to your vacation in St John!
Which island is better for visiting beaches? St John!
The best St Thomas/St John snorkel and beach hopping tour ►
Beaches in St Thomas
- Magens Bay Beach: This clearwater beach is perfect for the whole family. There are a variety of vendors, amenities, and watersport rentals on this famous beach.
- Coki Beach: From epic snorkeling and visiting Coral World Ocean Park, to the SCUBA Dive shop right on the beach, you won’t get bored visiting Coki Beach – one of the best beaches in St Thomas USVI.
- Secret Harbor Beach: Head to the double reef offshore for endless snorkeling, great amenities, and a resort and restaurants on-site.
Book a beach-hopping excursion in St Thomas
Beaches in St John
- Trunk Bay Beach: Trunk Bay Beach is the most photographed beach in the Caribbean with white sand, clear water, and the popular Underwater Snorkel Trail.
- Cinnamon Bay Beach: Cinnamon Bay Beach is great for snorkeling and watersports; there’s a cay and a shipwreck near the shore to explore.
- Honeymoon Beach: You can hike to Honeymoon Beach from the Lind Point Trail or take a boat tour and get there from the water! Honeymoon Beach is a bucket list beach for most St John visitors. Some couples call it the best beach in the US Virgin Islands!
Book a beach-hopping excursion in St John
Things to Do in St John vs St Thomas
St Thomas is larger and more populated, meaning there are typically more options in terms of nightlife activities, sightseeing opportunities, shopping malls, and other attractions.
However, since its smaller size gives it a sense of exclusivity, St John can be an ideal destination for those looking for a bit more privacy.
For those who want something less “touristy”, you’ll find plenty of options on St John. Most of these options are based around water activities – beaches, boats, and beach bars!
When it comes to things to do, both St Thomas and St John offer visitors plenty of options, whether you’re staying for 3 or 7 days.
Ultimately, the choice between the two islands really depends on personal preference and individual travel goals. Both locations offer unique experiences that make them worth exploring.
Things to Do in St Thomas
There’s a wider variety of things to do in St Thomas. There are many historic sites to see, trails and beaches to explore, and endless shopping opportunities! There are also many free things to do if you’re on a budget.
1. Hike the Magens Bay Trail
One of the best ways to get to beaches in St Thomas is to find the hidden entrances! Magens Bay is a popular hike in St Thomas.
2. Kayak Cas Cay
If you love outdoor adventures, kayaking Cas Cay is the perfect outing for couples, solo travelers, or families.
Book a kayaking and hiking Cas Cay experience
2. Explore Downtown Charlotte Amalie
Hit the historic sites – 99 Steps to Blackbeard’s Castle, St Thomas Synagogue, Fort Christian, and the Frederick Lutheran Church, enjoy some duty-free shopping, or hop on the ferry to St John or St Croix for the day!
3. View the Incoming Ships in Yacht Haven Grande
Take in the views at this large marina and spend the day watching ships go in and out of the harbor, or head to the shops for some high-end souvenir shopping!
4. Skyride to Paradise Point
Viewing the scenic overlooks in St Thomas is a must-do during your trip. You can take the Skyride to Paradise Point, drive to Drake’s Seat, or head to the Charlotte Amalie Overlook. Drake’s seat is arguably the best place to see the sunrise in St. Thomas!
5. Visit St Thomas’s Notable Attractions:
- Charlotte Amalie Downtown Boardwalk, Shopping, Historic Sites
- Ferry Port for Cruise Ships Arrivals and Island Hopping
- St Thomas Overlooks: Mountain Top, Drake’s Seat, and Skyride to Paradise Point!
Things to Do in St John
Many things to do in St John revolve around floating around in the water. You can charter a boat, swim at the beach, or snorkel through coral reefs. Whatever you choose, I hope you love the water if you’re planning a trip to St John USVI (not to be confused with St John’s, Antigua)
6. Lunch at the Floating Taco Bar – LIME OUT!
You can only get to this unique lunch spot by boat! LIME OUT is a floating taco bar where you can enjoy chilled drinks and chef-made tacos right from your boat!
🤿 Snorkel and sail St John on your way to LIME OUT
7. Private Boat Charter to Island Hop and Explore
Book a private boat charter and get to some of the best snorkel spots and beaches in the US Virgin Islands – even hit places you can’t get to by land!
Explore the Virgin Islands with the best Private Boat Charter ►
8. Snorkel Through the Coral Reef Underwater Park
Check out this famous snorkeling location full of colorful fish and protected reefs. The underwater trail is maintained by the NPS and is a great spot to hit in St John. This is great for beginner snorkelers or advanced snorkelers!
9. Enjoy St John’s Historic Sites
Petroglyphs of Reef Bay, Sugar Mill Ruins, and Virgin Islands National Park all hold an important part of St John’s history.
10. Explore BVI and the famous Soggy Dollar
Enjoy breakfast on a catamaran on your way to Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands. Have a drink at the Caribbean’s most famous beach bar – the Soggy Dollar!
⭐Book a tour to BVI and have a drink at the Soggy Dollar
St John’s Notable Attractions:
- US Virgin Islands National Park Hiking Trails and Historic Sites
- Trunk Bay Beach and other Popular Beaches, Underwater Snorkel Trail
- Wandering Donkeys in the Road (keep an eye out when you’re driving and do NOT feed them!!!)
- Cruz Bay Dining, Shopping, and Attractions
Which island has better nightlife?
When it comes to nightlife, St. Thomas definitely beats St John. It boasts a vibrant nightlife scene with a variety of clubs and bars for all tastes – from the dance floors of Starz Nightclub to the laid-back atmosphere of The Rum Hut.
Whether you’re in Charlotte Amalie, Red Hook, or Havensight, you’ll find an array of options that can keep the party going.
On the other hand, St. John offers a still-charming but more modest nightlife with a handful of delicious local restaurants and bars in Cruz Bay and Coral Bay.
So while there’s not a proper nightlife, I actually prefer the cute beach bars (…like The Beach Bar) in St John compared to the louder bars in St Thomas at night.
Although these spots offer a nice evening out, they often close earlier compared to those in St. Thomas.
St. Thomas is the clear winner in terms of nightlife.
Who wins for nightlife? St Thomas!
Which island has more food options?
Both islands offer similar cuisine. The largest difference is St Thomas has many more options in more areas.
Whether you’re in Charlotte Amalie or Red Hook, Coki Beach or Magens Bay, you’ll find food just a short drive or walk away. In St Thomas, you can enjoy food vendors and resort fine dining, and everything in between.
By contrast, St John’s restaurants are mainly in Cruz Bay and Coral Bay, with few to no options in between. On top of restaurants closing early, food availability may impact where you choose to stay.
Here are a few great, locally owned restaurants in St Thomas to add to your do-to list. These run a close competition for the best food in St Thomas!
- Evolution Bar & Grill (Caribbean)
- Buddha Sushi (Sushi)
- Arian’s (Caribbean)
- Island Flavors (Caribbean)
- Lake’s Chicken Fry (fried chicken)
- Speedy Redemption (vegan)
- The Tuck Shop (sandwiches)
Who has more food options? St Thomas!
Book the top-rated St Thomas Rum & Food Tour Experience ►
Where to Stay in St Thomas and St John
Hotels in St Thomas
Check out these top-rated St Thomas hotels for your next trip. There are more options in St Thomas than St John, as it’s a larger island and generally welcomes more visitors.
The best places to stay in St Thomas depends on your travel preferences, so take a look and find what appeals to you!
Hotels in St John
There are fewer places to stay in St John, but plenty of St John hotels and luxury villa rentals are available throughout the island. Discover the best places to stay on St John!
Overall Pros and Cons: St Thomas vs St John
Pros of St Thomas
- Convenience to Airport
- More attractions, things to do
- Family-oriented
- Livelier nightlife
Cons of St Thomas
- More populated than St John
- More crowds
- Slightly higher crime rate
Pros of St John
- More secluded, less populated island
- Extremely safe
- More romantic, better for couples than families
Cons of St John
- More expensive than St Thomas
- Less convenient, fewer options
- Requires a ferry ride from the airport
St Thomas vs St John: Which Island Is Better?
So between St Thomas and St John, do you know which island is best for you?
For families looking for popular activities and a variety of attractions, St Thomas is better for you. For couples looking to escape to quiet beaches and dip their toes in the water, head to St John US Virgin Islands.
Trust me when I say you can’t go wrong with either when deciding on the best Virgin Island to visit. However, choosing between the two is a choice only you can make! Your island choice will depend on what exactly you’re looking for out of your vacation.
To sum it up:
| Safety | St John |
| Cost | St Thomas |
| For Families | St Thomas |
| For Couples | St John |
| Convenience | St Thomas |
| Beaches | St John |
| Snorkeling | St John |
| Nightlife | St Thomas |
