Wow, awesome pictures - thanks so much for sharing. Can't wait to get back to some great snorkeling (still 15 long weeks away though!). Francis is one of our favorite spots, but although we have seen where octopus "were" (lots of clean shells), we haven't actually seen one there. Can I ask...

We have been going annually in the fall since 2008. 2008 was the first year that both our kids were away at college (i.e. not home to worry about), so my wife and I started going in early/mid November, to take advantage of the lower shoulder season rates, and be a bit outside of the busy "H&quo...

Just take a look at the Soggy Dollar Bar webcam (on the top of the webpage link below) on any day to get a feel for how crowded the beach gets (and at different times). Helps to get us through in between visits! http://www.soggydollar.com/

Went to the Terrace this past December. My wife and I both got the Colorado Rack of Lamb, which was excellent. Will definitely return again during our upcoming Decemer trip.

I have always rented a car from Avis..... for the past 5 years, 4 of which we stayed on St John, and Avis didn't seem to have an issue with that at all. All of our experiences with Avis have been fine, and without issue. We are renting from them again this December, but this time will rent a 4 door ...

We have done both - did Cloud 9 in 2010 and 2011, and did it on our own via the ferry this past December. Ferry was fine, and enabled us to maximize our time on JVD. Ferry puts you in walking distance to Foxy's, but then you would take a quick taxi ride to White Bay, where all of the bars are right ...

Have enjoyed chicken roti's at Foxy's in the past few years, but this past December, we tried Gertrude's on White Bay, and her chicken roti was outstanding. I highly recommend it. And, when I ordered a painkiller, she handed my the bottle of rum, bottle of mix and a nutmeg grinder and told me to mak...

Attached site is a good resource for upcoming live music - check it out as your trip gets closer. Recommend trying to catch Inner Visions at High Tide - often there on Thursday evenings. Saw them in early Dec. 2011..... missed them on our last trip this past December (scheduled but cancelled). Beach...

I also recommend renting snorkel gear from Low Key Water Sports (just across the road and a few steps up from the Beach Bar). We have rented from them for the past 2 years. And, if you pre-register, you can save an additional 15% off the rental rates. They do a nice job of fitting you for gear, whic...

As an aside, someone thinks they saw Mario Batali at The Terrace earlier this week....
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g1 ... lands.html

Zozo's (at the bar) would always be my first recommendation, but since you mentioned you had been there a few times and were looking for something new, I would suggest you add The Terrace to your list of places to consider. Just opened this past fall at the location of Cactus Blue and the Stone Terr...

Have only stayed there with my wife.... I would think it would feel crowded with 5 adults. To answer 2 questions - the upper loft isn't too hot - especially with the ceiling fan on above the bed and/or AC on. Also, when you make a reservation, you can request that if you notice an advertised special...

Another vote for Zozo's at Gallows Point for a special, romantic dinner. You should definitely make reservations - they take reservations up to one month in advance. Either try upstairs at the bar at the 2 seats to the farthest right (when facing the ocean), or a table on the rail downstairs in the ...

Don't bring food....... instead, try an amazing Chicken Roti at Gertrudes (along with a "make-your own" painkiller!).

Partially saw one in a crevice on the right side of Francis Bay in Dec. 2011. Saw the pile of shells and was able to partially see his arm under a rock. Never came out though. Then 2 weeks ago on our next visit, I briefly saw one in front of Gallows Point - midway between the swim platform and the h...