Choose from 15 Fun Things to Do in St Thomas
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Charlotte Amalie Cruise Port
The Charlotte Amalie cruise port serves as a cruisers’ gateway to St Thomas and the rest of the US Virgin Islands, a hugely popular stop on Eastern Caribbean cruises. With great shopping, sightseeing, and beach water sports within easy reach of the cruise terminal, the capital city of Charlotte Amalie and the rest of St Thomas offer everything you need for a perfect day ashore paradise. Other US Virgin Islands include St John, St Croix, and Water Island, also easily reachable from the port.
The Basics
Once on dry land, start your time in St Thomas with a sightseeing tour to downtown Charlotte Amalie for duty-free shopping and Danish architecture on Veterans Drive and Main Street, or a trip to the island’s highest point at the summit of Mountain Top. Some cruise ship passengers opt for shore excursions that highlight Caribbean adventures in the USVI—think snorkeling with sea turtles, kayaking through a mangrove lagoon, and hiking at historic Hassel Island and Virgin Islands National Park. Other cruise excursions include admission to Coral World Ocean Park for a theme park experience or transport to the area’s best beaches, including Lindbergh Bay Beach, Magens Bay, Honeymoon Beach, Sapphire Beach, and the Marriott Beach Resort, for a day of relaxation before heading back to the cruise ship.
How to Get to Charlotte Amalie From the Cruise Port
While St Thomas has two cruise ports, most large cruise ships come in at the busy West India Company Dock (Havensight) on the south-central part of the island, about 1.5 miles (2.5 km) from downtown Charlotte Amalie. Take a long stroll along the waterfront to get into town, or opt for a 10-minute taxi ride. At the port area, travelers will find a shopping mall and a few dining options.
Port Information
English is spoken here (often with a French or Spanish lilt), and residents are United States citizens. Banks and ATMs can be found in downtown Charlotte Amalie; the US dollar is the local currency. The British Virgin Islands are neighbors to the east, and Puerto Rico is about 40 miles (64 km) to the west.
The Basics
Once on dry land, start your time in St Thomas with a sightseeing tour to downtown Charlotte Amalie for duty-free shopping and Danish architecture on Veterans Drive and Main Street, or a trip to the island’s highest point at the summit of Mountain Top. Some cruise ship passengers opt for shore excursions that highlight Caribbean adventures in the USVI—think snorkeling with sea turtles, kayaking through a mangrove lagoon, and hiking at historic Hassel Island and Virgin Islands National Park. Other cruise excursions include admission to Coral World Ocean Park for a theme park experience or transport to the area’s best beaches, including Lindbergh Bay Beach, Magens Bay, Honeymoon Beach, Sapphire Beach, and the Marriott Beach Resort, for a day of relaxation before heading back to the cruise ship.
- Most St Thomas shore excursion tours include pickup and dropoff at the port.
- St Thomas is fairly compact, so it’s easy to pack a number of activities into your island tour.
- The island enjoys warm weather year-round, although the months of June through November are known as hurricane season.
How to Get to Charlotte Amalie From the Cruise Port
While St Thomas has two cruise ports, most large cruise ships come in at the busy West India Company Dock (Havensight) on the south-central part of the island, about 1.5 miles (2.5 km) from downtown Charlotte Amalie. Take a long stroll along the waterfront to get into town, or opt for a 10-minute taxi ride. At the port area, travelers will find a shopping mall and a few dining options.
Port Information
English is spoken here (often with a French or Spanish lilt), and residents are United States citizens. Banks and ATMs can be found in downtown Charlotte Amalie; the US dollar is the local currency. The British Virgin Islands are neighbors to the east, and Puerto Rico is about 40 miles (64 km) to the west.
Address: Veterans Dr, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
Hours: Daily
From $ 20
Drake's Seat
For one of the best views on St. Thomas, make the drive to the mountaintop perch at Drake’s Seat. Here you can keep lookout over Magens Bay and the British Virgin Islands, just as Sir Francis Drake was said to do from this very spot in order to catch pirates, privateers and invading naval ships approaching from the north via Drake’s Passage, also bearing his name. Today, this lookout point sports a stone platform with a bench atop it, and it’s a popular top for tour groups. The crowds mostly disperse by evening however, making Drake’s Seat an ideal spot to take in the sunset.
Practical Info
Drake’s Seat is just a 5-minute drive from the capital and cruise port of Charlotte Amalie, and it’s also a regular stop on most island tours. Visitors coming on their own can avoid the largest crowds by coming early or late in the day.
Address: Rte. 40, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas 00802, US Virgin Islands
From $ 50
Mangrove Lagoon
St. John might have the lion’s share of the Virgin Islands’ natural attractions, but the extraordinary concentration of flora and fauna in St. Thomas’ Mangrove Lagoon makes it a top eco-tourism destination.
Small kayak groups thread through the lagoon’s tiny red mangrove islands, with guides pointing out the huge diversity of birds they attract, including herons, egrets and ducks.
The route takes you to deserted Cas Cay island, where hermit crabs dart about among mangrove roots. On your gently-paced travels you’ll see young fish darting around this natural breeding ground. Low-impact snorkeling will get you even closer, and you’ll spot rays, eels and jelly fish as well as a host of colorful tropical fish.
Practical Info
Mangrove Lagoon is in the southeast of St. Thomas, less than 15 minutes’ drive away from the capital, Charlotte Amalie.
Address: US Virgin Islands
Admission: Free
From $ 39
Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden
Finally opening its gates in February 2015 after a 20-year-long construction, the Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden offers a unique collection of tropical plants, spread over a 2-acre plot. The scenic gardens stretch along a mountain ridge at 1,100 feet, with viewpoints offering impressive views across Magens Bay and Tortola, and the paved walking trails dotted with benches and gazebos to relax in. The real highlight is the plants themselves – a colorful collection featuring over 1,000 orchids, plus hundreds of palm trees, bromeliads and heliconias, creativity arranged and marked with information boards.
Practical Info
The Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden is located in Lerkenlund on St Thomas Island and is open daily from 9am-5pm. Adult admission at the time of writing is $10.
Address: Lerkenlund, St Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, US Virgin Islands
Hours: Open daily from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Admission: Adults: $10; Childen (5-12) -$5
From $ 10
Water Island
Water Island is the smallest of the main US Virgin Islands, and that’s what gives it its charm. Rather than shops and restaurants, it’s the thatched cabanas and lazy vibe of idyllic beaches like Honeymoon Beach that are its main draw.
Away from the beach, you can tour the underground tunnels and watchtowers of Fort Segarra, built during WWII. Getting around the island by bicycle is highly recommended.
Around 160 people are fortunate enough to live on Water Island, but the volcanic island remains undeveloped. Facilities are limited to a few food outlets, dive shops and charters, a beach bar, fishing operator and ferry dock.
The US Virgin Island’s so-called fourth island, Water Island only joined the group relatively recently, in 1996, and so far it’s kept its low-key atmosphere and local character.
Away from the beach, you can tour the underground tunnels and watchtowers of Fort Segarra, built during WWII. Getting around the island by bicycle is highly recommended.
Around 160 people are fortunate enough to live on Water Island, but the volcanic island remains undeveloped. Facilities are limited to a few food outlets, dive shops and charters, a beach bar, fishing operator and ferry dock.
The US Virgin Island’s so-called fourth island, Water Island only joined the group relatively recently, in 1996, and so far it’s kept its low-key atmosphere and local character.
Practical Info
Water Island is a 10-minute ferry ride from Charlotte Amalie. It lies southwest of the capital in the harbor, adjacent to Hassel Island.
Address: US Virgin Islands
From $ 103
99 Steps
In the old days of Imperial Empires and the early colonization of the Caribbean, tall ships would set their ballasts with huge stones and offload them when filling up with spices and other exotic Caribbean goods, leaving the stones as a reminder of their visit. Intrepid residents of Charlotte Amalie in St Thomas have since decided to use these stones as a stairway up the city’s hills, which serves to remind residents of their colonial roots.
What makes the 99 Steps (there are actually 103; 99 Steps has a better ring to it) an attraction, however, is the lush foliage on either side of the stairway and the spectacular view from high atop the mountain once you make the climb. At the top you'll see Black Beard’s Castle. Innovative explorers have learned that a cab can be taken up to the top to avoid walking up 103 stairs. It’s easy, however, to take the 99 Steps downward at a leisurely pace.
Practical Info
99 Steps is located in the town of Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas and is free for all.
Address: Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas, US Virgin Islands
From $ 40
Magens Bay
Magens Bay is just one of the reasons why the US Virgin Island of St. Thomas is such a popular holiday isle.
The island’s favorite beach is a curving arc of white sand and bright blue water. It’s protected by a forested arboretum and palm trees, ensuring calm waves for swimming and kayaking.
From the vantage point of Mountain Top, you can easily make out the bay’s unusual rectangular shape and mile of white-sand beach, but the best view is up close from the sand.
Being so popular, the beach has some great facilities, including lifeguards, showers, snack stall and windsurf rental.
A nature trail winds from Magens Bay Road down the beach, just over a mile, taking you through tropical forest and mangroves via boardwalks and well-maintained steps and paths.
The island’s favorite beach is a curving arc of white sand and bright blue water. It’s protected by a forested arboretum and palm trees, ensuring calm waves for swimming and kayaking.
From the vantage point of Mountain Top, you can easily make out the bay’s unusual rectangular shape and mile of white-sand beach, but the best view is up close from the sand.
Being so popular, the beach has some great facilities, including lifeguards, showers, snack stall and windsurf rental.
A nature trail winds from Magens Bay Road down the beach, just over a mile, taking you through tropical forest and mangroves via boardwalks and well-maintained steps and paths.
Practical Info
Magens Bay scoops into the island’s central north coast, bordered by Tropaco and Picara Points. Charlotte Amalie is 10 minutes away by bus or car
Address: Rte. 35, at end of road on north side of island, US Virgin Islands
Hours: Open daily 8am - 5pm
Admission: Adults: $4
From $ 50
Coki Beach
Coki is St. Thomas’s party beach, thronged with families, revelers and beach vendors.
Snorkelers and divers love Coki’s underwater clarity and sea creatures. Beach day-trippers enjoy the sand, sunshine and wandering vendors of drinks and snacks, souvenirs, sunscreen and hair-braiding.
Coki Beach is quite a scene, lively and fun rather than quiet and laid-back. Beach lounges and thatch umbrellas can be hired, along with all kinds of water sports equipment, from jet skis to snorkel gear.
The fish are used to people at this popular beach, and have even been known to eat from your hand (BYO dog biscuits).
Snorkelers and divers love Coki’s underwater clarity and sea creatures. Beach day-trippers enjoy the sand, sunshine and wandering vendors of drinks and snacks, souvenirs, sunscreen and hair-braiding.
Coki Beach is quite a scene, lively and fun rather than quiet and laid-back. Beach lounges and thatch umbrellas can be hired, along with all kinds of water sports equipment, from jet skis to snorkel gear.
The fish are used to people at this popular beach, and have even been known to eat from your hand (BYO dog biscuits).
Practical Info
Coki Beach is in the east of the island on Coki Bay, next door to the Coral World Marine Park and Coki Point.
Address: US Virgin Islands
From $ 20
Honeymoon Beach
Set offshore from St Thomas on a tiny isle known as Water Island, Honeymoon Beach is a peaceful cove characterized by a long, soft stretch of sand that curves against the sea, framed by palm trees and lush greenery. A popular swimming and snorkeling spot, Honeymoon Beach provides a respite from busy Charlotte Amalie and serves as a good alternative to St Thomas' popular Magens Bay. Travelers will find restaurants, bars and bathrooms set conveniently adjacent to the beach, which is accessible via trails.
Practical Info
Ferries from St Thomas to Water Island leave multiple times per day—nearly every daytime hour from Monday to Saturday. Departing St Thomas from Crown Bay, these ferries only take 10 minutes. Round-trip tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for children. Once on Water Island, it's a 10- to 15-minute walk uphill to reach Honeymoon Beach from the ferry.
Address: Water Island, St Thomas, US Virgin Islands
From $ 139
Fort Christian
A historic fortress built in the history-rich St Thomas town of Charlotte Amalie, this Danish-built fortress has been a cultural highlight here since 1672 and so acts as one of the finest treasure troves of ancient artifacts in the small Caribbean island’s long history.
Fort Christian serves as a beautiful example of Dutch-Caribbean architecture, built in the Gothic-Revival style. It once successfully repelled foreign invaders from a bygone era, but today, the fortress stands as a monument to colonialism and exhibits the history of the Caribbean from the Stone Age to the present, while also offering a fine display of Dutch antiques.
Practical Info
Fort Christian is located between Veterans Drive and Emancipation Garden in the St. Thomas town of Charlotte Amalie. The fortress is currently undergoing reconstruction, but is open Monday – Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Address: Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas, US Virgin Islands
From $ 40
Hassel Island
Located on the western edge of St Thomas' harbor, Hassel Island was once part of a peninsula. But the Danish government decided that separating it from St Thomas would create better water circulation in the harbor, so in the 1860s Hassel Island was born. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers widened the channel again in 1919, further separating the island from St Thomas.
Today, it is primarily a national park and a popular spot with visitors to St Thomas. Hassel Island is best explored via a kayaking, hiking or snorkeling tour, all of which give visitors a combination of a history lesson and an eco-adventure. And although it is primarily governed as a national park, there are several private estates on the remaining land, including a 10-acre compound with three houses totaling 15,000 square feet.
The historic district encompasses the entire island and includes ruins from early 19th-century English fortifications and 19th-century shipping and coal stations. Important ruins of note include Shipley's Battery (Fort Shipley), a key reminder of Britain's presence and rule during the Napoleonic Wars in the early 1800s, and the Creques Marin Railway remains, built in the 1860s.
Hassel Island was home to a U.S. naval station from 1917 until 1932, when the island was purchased by a family to provide water for its distilleries. By the 1940s, the family owned 125 of the 135 acres and was receiving (and turning down) hefty offers from Korea and Germany to purchase the island. It was ultimately sold to the Virgin Islands National Park in 1978, preserving it for visitors today.
Practical Info
Insect repellent is heavily advised at Hassel Island and throughout the Caribbean. The island is open year-round to the public and is located south of Charlotte Amalie in St Thomas, from where visitors must arrange for water transportation. Overnight camping and fires are prohibited.
Address: St Thomas, US Virgin Islands
From $ 89
Sapphire Beach
With more than 40 major beaches lining St Thomas’ shores, how do you decide which to visit?
One of the most popular is Sapphire Beach, located on the east end of the island. This area of St Thomas is known for its laid-back atmosphere and is home to some of the best views of neighboring St John. With a mix of red-tiled roof homes and commerical buildings, the area is anchored by Red Hook, a popular spot for boating enthusiasts and where the historic center of Charlotte Amalie is located.
Sapphire Beach, an ideal stop for cruise ship passengers exploring St Thomas for a day, features about 35 acres of fine white sand beaches and is also a great choice for families. The waters are calm and good for snorkeling, while the sea grape trees on the right end of the beach provide some shade for beach goers. The left side, however, is ideal for sunbathing. Keep your eyes open for ducks and iguanas wandering the shores.
At the nearby Sapphire Beach Resort, visitors can rent lounge chairs and snorkeling equipment, or opt for other water activities, such as windsurfing, kayaking, jet skiing and sailing.
Practical Info
Beaches in St Thomas are public property and typically extend to the tree line. There are no clothing-optional beaches in St Thomas, and public nudity is illegal. Do not remove shells from the beaches or feed the marine life and sea birds.
Address: Sapphire Beach, St Thomas, US Virgin Islands
From $ 89
Mountain Top
Perched on a set of cliffs overlooking Caribbean waters, Mountain Top is considered the oldest and tallest attraction on the island. With an elevation of 2,100 feet above sea level, it provides visitors with some of the best views on St Thomas. More than 20 neighboring islands can be seen from the top.
The views from Mountain Top are so renowned that National Geographic Magazine hails the spot as one of the Top 10 Scenic Views in the world. The site wasn't always accessible, however; it was occupied by the United States during the 1940s as a strategic communications location called Signal Hill.
Today, the site is also considered a shopping mecca and known as the birthplace of the banana daiquiri.
Even so, it's a toss-up as to whether visitors like the site's views or shopping better. A shopping mecca, this is where people come to check out a range of unique souvenirs and handicrafts. Shops selling everything from T-shirts to Cruzan Rum are at Mountain Top, along with international brands like Tommy Bahama, Reef, Guy Harveyand Panama Jack.
If you are a fan of banana daiquiris, Mountain Top is the place to be. As the self-proclaimed birthplace of the beloved tropical drink, Mountain Top legend has it that in 1953, a British sea captain by the name of George Coule was sailing from his native Barbados in search of the perfect Caribbean cocktail. He tried Guava Gimlets in Guadeloupe, Soursop Sodas in Saba and Mango Margaritas in Martinique, but when he arrived on the highest mountain in St Thomas, he found the banana daiquiri.
Practical Info
Mountain Top is one of the prime duty-free shopping areas in St Thomas. It can be found near another of the island's best attractions, the St Peter Greathouse and Botanical Gardens.
Address: Mountain Top, St Thomas, US Virgin Islands
From $ 56
Coral World Ocean Park
Coral World is considered one of the top family attractions in the US Virgin Islands. Much of this integrated marine park displays the true habitat of its subjects, with both indoor and outdoor observation facilities meant to exemplify the diverse and plentiful nature of the area’s marine life. The park’s major attractions include a touch pool with hermit crabs, starfish, and sea cucumbers; nearly two dozen aquarium exhibits; and its 50,000-gallon Deep Reef Tank, sporting some of mother nature’s deadliest carnivores, such as moray eels, tarpon, and plenty of sharks.
The Basics
A general admission ticket to the park grants access to all five acres of the facility, including outdoor pools, aquariums, nature trails, and the Undersea Observatory Tower. Other interactive activities are available for additional costs, offering chances to cruise in a semi-submarine for views of the sea floor, snuba dive in the Caribbean Sea, or view endangered sea turtles alongside an expert instructor. While sea lion encounters are offered onsite for an additional fee, Viator does not offer this activity.
- This attraction is a must-see for families.
- Choose between a general admission ticket and a combo pass that includes a semi-submarine cruise, turtle encounter, or snuba dive adventure.
- Most exhibits are wheelchair accessible; there’s a wheelchair elevator in the Caribbean Reef Encounter.
How to Get to Coral World Ocean Park
Making your way to the park is fairly easy provided you either rent a car while visiting St. Thomas or spend a bit extra on a cab. The ride from downtown typically takes 20 to 30 minutes and is easily navigable on the island’s major roads. It's also possible to take a short boat ride from Water Bay and Coki Point to dock right at the park.
When to Get There
Coral World is open year round, but the best time to visit is early in the morning right when the park opens, particularly on days when there are no cruise ships in port. The park hosts feedings and presentations throughout the day, so check the schedule ahead of your visit to ensure you don’t miss your favorites.
What's Nearby Coral World Ocean Park?
Travelers with extra time before or after a visit to the park can bring along a beach towel and spend some time on beautiful Coki Beach, located right next door. This white-sand beach is one of the best in the area for snorkeling thanks to the high concentration of tropical fish in the clear waters. It’s also possible to rent paddle boards and explore the nearby shoreline.
Address: 6450 Coki Point, St. Thomas 00802, US Virgin Islands
Hours: Daily 9am–4pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 20
St Peter Greathouse
Estate St. Peter Greathouse and Botanical Gardens is perched 1,000 feet above sea level on the volcanic peaks overlooking one of the most majestic spots on St. Thomas. Offering views of more than 20 islands and islets, the site's mountaintop location enchants visitors. Sights to see from the observation deck include Hans Lollick, an uninhabited island between Thatched Cay and Madahl Point.
St Peter Greathouse features Western Indian architecture and a beautiful botanical garden, complete with waterfalls and local plants and fruits. The site is about 20,000 square feet and serves as a popular site for private parties and corporate events. With air-conditioned banquet halls that can hold up to 500 guests, the venue has become a hot spot for destination weddings.
Gardeners, botanists, photographers and all-around nature lovers rave about the gardens, which many call a “museum of living plants.” The collection extends beyond varieties found only St Thomas with more than 50 families and 200 genera of plants represented. There are tropical flowers, fruits and other plants found from tropical regions across the globe. As if the collection isn't impressive enough, the backdrop is unrivaled. With meandering streams and waterfalls overlooking the Caribbean Sea, it’s no wonder photographers flock to the estate. Don’t miss the birdhouse with macaws and the koi fish in the lily lake.
The Blue Orchid, the site's signature restaurant, is open Monday through Saturday for dinner and cocktails. Look for freshly caught seafood, Caribbean-inspired dishes, handcrafted cocktails and an extensive wine list.
Practical Info
St Peter Greathouse and Botanical Gardens is located at the northern end of St Thomas and is open daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Parts of the site may be closed for private events.
Address: St Peter Mountain Rd, St Thomas, US Virgin Islands
From $ 56