Things to Do in St. Thomas U.S.V.I.

Are you looking for a dream Caribbean destination without leaving the U.S.? Dreaming of clear turquoise waters and white sand? St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands may be just the destination for you! Located just a short distance off the Southern Coast of mainland U.S.A., St. Thomas is easily reachable by plane. There are plenty of things to do in St. Thomas U.S.V.I., with the island boasting the turquoise blue waters typical for Caribbean islands, white sand beaches perfect for sunbathing on, a host of wildlife viewing opportunities, and the history and culture of the destination is evident throughout.

While St. Thomas is a common cruise destination, we recommend visiting the island on your own to fully explore and see all that it has to offer! Our recent 12 day visit to the island allowed us to dive into not only the popular locations, but also the more remote and un-visited areas of the island. We have compiled a list of some of the best things to do in St. Thomas and the most important things to know before visiting the island.

Top Things to Do In St. Thomas U.S.V.I With the Family

St. Thomas, although not the largest island, has a plethora of fun activities for families to enjoy. From exploring the beach scene on the island, getting up close (responsibly) with wildlife, learning about the local flora and fauna of the island, and exploring the history, heritage, and culture of the island, you can easily fill up a week or more with exciting, fun filled days.

Spend a Day at the Beach

Without a doubt, one of the best activities to do in St. Thomas U.S.V.I. is to spend a day at the beach. The island, although not very big, is full of excellent beach options featuring turquoise waters, white sand, and colorful fish. Magens Bay Beach is one of the best beaches on St. Thomas, but is also one of the most crowded. It is a popular cruise ship destination, making it especially crowded when ships are docked. Regardless, when visiting St. Thomas, Magens Bay Beach should be on your list. Plan on visiting early in the morning to beat the crowds and get a parking spot. The beach features white sand and turquoise waters with restrooms, showers, rentals, and refreshments available.

Lindquist Beach is another one of the best options, often less crowded than the popular Magens Bay beach, with the exception of Sundays when the locals tend to visit the beach. Lindquist Beach is located on the Eastern side of the island in the Smith Bay Beach Park and Eco Reserve. On the Western side of this beach, you will find calmer waters, perfect for families with younger children.

Coki Beach is another great option and was one of our favorite destinations on the island. Coki Beach offers excellent snorkeling opportunities, and we were able to see fish swimming below the surface even without snorkeling equipment. The beach also offers snack shacks and water sport rentals, including snorkeling gear, jet skis, and stand up paddle boards.

Sapphire Beach, on the East side of the island, possesses stunning water and white sand along with plenty of water activities. The beach also offers some great views of St. John in the distance. A popular activity at Sapphire Beach is windsurfing, along with kayaking and snorkeling. Pettyklip Point at Sapphire Beach is one of the best spots for snorkeling.

Emancipation Garden

Visit the Emancipation Garden in the center of Charlotte-Amalie, a tribute to the freeing of the enslaved peole in St. Thomas in 1848. Aside from the historical value the park holds, it also offers a great destination for sitting and relaxing in the shade. When you are shopping in downtown Charlotte Amalie or visiting the historic destinations, be sure to stop in the park for a few minutes, or even pack a lunch and enjoy a nice picnic.

Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden

The Phantasea Tropical Botanical Gardens is one of the best things to do in St. Thomas U.S.V.I. The tranquil walk through a wooded area is calming and will take you away from the crowds of downtown Charlotte Amalie. While walking the gardens, you will be treated to some of the islands native plant and animal life in its natural habitat. You will also be treated to some views of the bays below. Keep your eyes open and see if you can spot one of the island’s most famous inhabitants-iguanas.

Be sure to check their site for open days and hours. If visiting on a day trip from a cruise and you want to visit the gardens, they may be able to arrange a visit for you that day if they otherwise are not open.

Things to Do in St. Thomas U.S.V.I.: Go Snorkeling

Snorkeling, when done responsibly, is an excellent activity to enjoy in St. Thomas U.S.V.I. with kids. St. Thomas is surrounded by corral reefs not far off the coast, giving visitors the chance to spot a large collection of native sea and plant life. If you’re lucky, you may be able to spot one (or more) of the island’s famous sea turtles.

There are plenty of options for snorkeling, whether on your own at basically any beach you visit or during a guided tour. If you have your own equipment, or plan on renting some, you can enjoy snorkeling at Coki Beach, Secret Harbor Beach, Lindquist Beach, or Sapphire Beach. If you prefer to join a tour, there are plenty of options from St. Thomas, including tours to Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge, Honeymoon Beach, and Cas Cay.

Go Parasailing

Parasailing is an exciting experience in St. Thomas that will give you a different view of the area. As the parachute pulls you into the sky, you will get excellent views of St Thomas and the turquoise blue waters surrounding the island. Parasailing can be done by kids as young as 6 years, making it a great family activity. For those nervous about parasailing, your fears are valid! I felt the same way prior to my first experience with it. However, parasailing is a calm activity, with slow take off and landing. It is one you will not regret.

Go Shopping in Charlotte Amalie

Downtown Charlotte Amalie is the capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands and a main attraction on St. Thomas. The city boasts historic, small streets with colorful and historic buildings. As you navigate through the small city, you will see evidence of the Danish heritage in the buildings and street names.

With a stroll down Main St., you can find pretty much anything you can think of, from exquisite jewelry and watches, Rum cakes, clothing, fine chocolates, beach towels, souvenirs, coffee, teas, spices, perfume, and tobacco. Vendor’s Plaza is a great place to stop for local vendors selling unique souvenirs and gifts. Within easy walking distance of Main St. is the St. Thomas Harbor waterfront, the perfect spot for relaxing walk.

Climb the 99 Steps

Another historical destination in Charlotte-Amalie, the 99 steps was built in the 1700’s by the Danes to help them get around the hills of the island. Historically, this type of staircase was called “step-streets.” The historic value alone is enough to draw visitors in, but a climb to the top will also give you some stunning views of the island. As you climb up the steps, you will be delighted by the colorful flora on either side of the steps. The top of the staircase leads to Blackbeard’s Castle, a national historic landmark. (Blackbeard’s Castle is currently closed to visitors with no set re-opening date at this time).

Interesting fact: There are actually 103 stairs in total.

Mountain Top

Mountain Top is an excellent destination for stunning views and delicious drinks. Mountain Top sits at 2,100 ft. on the top of St. Peter Mountain, the highest peak on St. Thomas, with stunning views of Magens Bay below. Like many other destinations in Charlotte Amalie, Mountain Top is often very busy when cruise ships are docked. Mountain Top is also a great location to find souvenirs and gifts. You also won’t want to miss out on a world famous banana daiquiri from the bar. Fun fact: The drink was created here in the 1950’s. Mountain Top is easily accessible by car, or you can join a tour that visits the store.

Things to Do in St. Thomas U.S.V.I.: Visit the Pirates’ Treasure Museum

The Pirates’ Treasure Museum is a fun experience for families in St. Thomas. The museum is open on cruise ship days, so it may be crowded at times. Visiting early in the day can help you avoid those crowds. The museum features artifacts from shipwrecks around the world, discovered during Odyssey Marine deep sea exploration. The museum also highlights shipwrecks and their history around the Virgin Islands.

Be sure to stop at the gift shop to get some unique souvenirs. If you have pirate lovers in your family, this will be one of the best things to do in St. Thomas U.S.V.I for entertainment and learning a little about the history of the area.

Tree Limin’ Extreme Ziplining

For a thrilling adventure, check out Tree Limin’ Extreme Ziplining. The zipline is located in the tropical rain forest on St. Peter Mountain with great views of Magen’s Bay below. At Tree Limin’ Extreme Ziplining, you will find 6 different ziplines and two sky bridges. To participate in the activity, there is a weight restriction of 70-275 pounds. Participants must also be at least 48″. If you have kids who are up for the challenge, ziplining in the Virgin Islands will be a fun and memorable experience.

Go Kayaking Through Mangroves

One of the best things to do in St. Thomas U.S.V.I. and most unique experiences is a kayaking trip through Mangrove Lagoon Marine Reserve & Wildlife Sanctuary on the Southern side of the island. You can find a wide range of tours taking you through the Mangroves, which include kayaking and snorkeling.

Virgin Island Ecotours offers a great option that takes you through the Mangroves to the secluded island of Cas Cay. During the tour, you will be able to hike on the island and explore its unique landscape, including volcanic cliffs, a geological blowhole, and beaches. You will also be able to enjoy a picnic lunch and snorkeling. For families with children aged 13+, the SUP and Snorkel tour is another great option. The tour includes stand up paddle boarding through the Mangroves and snorkeling a lagoon.

Take a Day Trip to Water Island

Water Island, although not located on St. Thomas, is one of the best things to do in St. Thomas U.S.V.I. Water Island is a largely uninhabited and undeveloped island, with a population of less than 200. While it is technically the fourth Virgin Island, it is not as well known as the other three islands. Water Island can be reached via ferry from Crown Bay Marina in Charlotte Amalie, which departs near Tickles Dockside Pub every hour. The ferry ride is about 10 minutes.

The best way to get around on Water Island is a golf cart rental. Rachel’s Rentals is located a short walk from the ferry dock and offers whole day golf cart rentals for $55 for a 2 passenger, $65 for a 4 passenger, and $75 for a 6 passenger. A credit card is also required for a $500 refundable damage deposit. You will want to reserve a cart in advance, as they tend to book up quickly.

Once on the island, some of the top things to do include visiting Honeymoon Beach, exploring the stunning views and native plant and animal life via golf cart, a visit to Fort Segarra, and grabbing a bite to eat at Dinghy’s Beach Bar or Heidi’s Hilltop Hideaway. Honeymoon Beach offers stunning turquoise waters and white sand, along with beach chair, umbrella, and hammock rentals.

Things to Do in St. Thomas U.S.V.I.: Go To Drake’s Seat Scenic Overlook

Drake’s Seat scenic overlook is a scenic overlook in the mountains of St. Thomas that gives you excellent views of the North side of the island, including Magens Bay and islands in the distance, including St. John and Jost Van Dyke. While there is not much else to do here, the view itself is worth the stop. The overlook is near other attractions, including Mountain Top, Phantasea Botanical Gardens, and Tree Limin’ Extreme Ziplining. If you are looking for a good sunset viewing spot, Drake’s Seat is a great option.

You can easily drive to Drake’s Seat if exploring the island on your own. Many of the tours also stop at this location, so that is another great option to view the area. If visiting on your own, we recommend choosing a day when cruise ships aren’t in port to avoid overcrowding.

Caribbean Buzz Helicopters

Another activity that will give you a unique view of the islands, Caribbean Buzz Helicopters is another one of the top things to do in St. Thomas U.S.V.I. The company offers a 30 minute tour that will take you over St. Thomas, St. John, Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, and smaller islands and cays in between. The company also offers custom itineraries and experiences. A helicopter ride is one of the most unique and memorable experiences when visiting St. Thomas.

Fort Christian

A historic structure in downtown Charlotte Amalie, Fort Christian was built between 1672 and 1680 as a defensive building and government building. It is now the oldest standing building in the Virgin Islands. The Fort is within walking distance of downtown Charlotte Amalie, so it is easily reachable by foot. You can view the building from the outside or take a tour of the interior. The building also currently houses the St. Thomas Museum, which contains artifacts from the island’s early years under Dano-Norwegian rule. The Fort is generally open Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 430pm.

Take a Tour to Little Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge

Little Buck Island is a protected island about 2 miles off the shore of St. Thomas. You are not able to step foot on the island due to it being a protected area, but tours frequently visit the waters surrounding the island, where you will also find some of the best snorkeling and wildlife viewing opportunities. There is also a shipwreck in the area, the Cartanza, that makes the area even more interesting.

Little Buck Island is also home to Turtle Cove, one of the best places to snorkel with sea turtles. As with any wildlife encounters, be sure to do so responsibly to avoid any unnecessary harm to the animals or environment.

*Tip: Do not confuse Little Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge with Buck Island Reef National Monument, which is located closer to St. Croix and has more access.

Go Scuba Diving

St. Thomas is one of the best diving locations in the Caribbean with a wide variety of sea life, including turtles, eels, many different types of Corral, angelfish, stingrays, hermit crabs, sea urchins, barracuda, damselfish, lobster, and more! The reefs surrounding the island present the perfect opportunity for scuba diving, and the variety of tours they offer make this activity possible even for families with children as young as 8.

Scuba diving can be a fun and exciting experience for the whole family when visiting St. Thomas. Companies on the island offer scuba diving tours for kids as young as 8. The PADI Bubblemaker Course is a beginner tour for kids as young as 8 years old that provides an introduction to scuba diving while having fun. This Discover Scuba Diving Tour focuses on teaching basic scuba skills with a trained professional, The dive typically lasts 40 minutes with a max depth of 400 ft. For families with older kids, there are more advanced tours. Be sure to check before booking if scuba diving certification is needed to join the tour.

Visit Virgin Island Coffee Roasters

Okay, this one might be more for the adults than the kids! But nonetheless, you should not miss a visit to the Virgin Island Coffee Roasters. The company’s small batch roasting method helps to ensure that their coffee flavors are unique and delicious. Visit the Roastery and Self Serve Retail for self-serve coffee, including hot and cold brew, and find some souvenirs to take home with you. The cafe is easily accessible in the Havensight Mall.

Virgin Islands Children’s Museum

The Virgin Islands Children’s Museum is a great choice for a rainy day or if you are looking to get out of the sun for a little while. Although not the largest, the museum has plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained. The water table in the front, play ground in the back, farming simulation, blocks, and more present many opportunities for learning while having fun. The museum is also located near other popular attractions, including the Paradise Point sky ride and Havensight Mall, making it a great addition to your itinerary when visiting St. Thomas with kids.

Go Shopping at the Havensight Mall

The Havensight Mall is another excellent option for duty-free shopping and dining on St. Thomas. You will find a combination of souvenir stores catering to cruise ship passengers and some local shops and dining options. You can find almost anything at Havensight, from souvenirs, exquisite jewelry, watches, designer fragrances, liquor, tobacco, cosmetics, and clothing. If you are visiting St. Thomas on a cruise, it is conveniently located right off of the dock. If visiting on your own, there is a large parking lot at Havensight Mall, but on busy days it does tend to fill up.

Things to Do in St. Thomas U.S.V.I.: Ride to the Top of Paradise Point

Paradise Point, located beside the cruise port, will take you to some of the best views on the island. The gondola ride takes you up 700 ft. above St. Thomas Harbor, giving you views of the harbor, smaller islands in the distance, and downtown Charlotte Amalie. On clear days, you may be able to see as far as Puerto Rico and St. Croix. The ride up is approximately 7 minutes, and each tram can fit up to 8 people.

Also at the top you will find a restaurant, sky walk, and shopping opportunities. Once at the top you can stay as long as you like, with the last ride down one hour after the listed closing time. Before visiting, you will want to check the schedule as it varies day to day. Paradise Point is generally open when cruise ships are docked, so be sure to plan to ride up early before the ships arrive. We rode right when it opened, and were able to avoid a wait on the way up. By the time we were headed down, the lines were much longer.

Take the Ferry to St. John

Taking the ferry to St. John is an excellent day trip option when visiting St. Thomas. The ferry ride is easy and short, and there are both people and car ferries. Big Red Barge offers a car ferry to St. John with departures several times a day. LoveCity Car Ferries also offers car ferry services from Red Hook to Cruz Bay. When boarding, make sure you are getting on to the correct ferry, as both use the same port. If you get on the wrong one, as we did, you will end up paying twice!

There are three options for getting to Cruz Bay on St. John as passengers. The closest and shortest option is Red Hook to St. Cruz, with a 15 minute ride across the bay. It is also the most frequent, with ferries departing approximately every hour from early morning to late night. A ferry also departs from Crown Bay to Cruz Bay several times a day with a 35 minute ride. A ferry runs between Charlotte Amalie and Cruz Bay with a 45 minute ride a few times a day. Be sure to check ferry times and rates, and purchase tickets, before your trip to St. John.

Once you get to St. John, you will find it to be much more remote than St. Thomas. U.S.V.I. National Park, one of the most unique and beautiful national parks in the U.S., is located on the island with some of the most stunning beach scenes, hiking, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Cruz Bay offers shopping and dining options, while a hike or drive around the island will take you to more remote and nature based areas of the island.

Take an Open-Air Bus Safari

A great, inexpensive way to see the island, an open-air safari bus will take you to some of the top destinations in St. Thomas. These include Mountain Top, Drake’s Seat, and some of the island’s best beaches, including Magens Bay, Coki Beach, and Sapphire Beach. The tour is 3-4 hours long, and there is time for swimming and shopping. Private tours can also be arranged to give you more freedom.

How To Make Your Trip To St. Thomas Sustainable

Do Not Remove Anything From the Beaches

When visiting the beaches of St. Thomas and other Caribbean islands, it can be tempting to want to collect seashells, coral, and sand. Doing so can cause harm to the environment and is actually illegal. Do not take any natural souvenirs from the beach with you. Instead, visit the island’s many souvenir shops lining Charlotte Amalie for unique gifts.

Protect Wildlife and The Natural Environment

As always, when visiting an outdoor destination, it is important to be conscious of how our actions and behavior impacts the environment and native wildlife. When visiting St. Thomas, it is important to ensure wildlife are treated with respect. When snorkeling or diving, do not touch or interact with wildlife in ways that are unnatural for them. When on land, it is not uncommon to spot iguanas roaming around the island. Do not approach them. Don’t feed wildlife.

When visiting the island’s beaches or going for a hike, be sure that you are carrying out all trash with you. When we visited Coki Beach, we were shocked with the amount of garbage that was left lining Coki Beach at the end of the day. For such a beautiful, natural destination, it was a shame to see what we as humans had done to it. Luckily, there are people to clean up after all visitors have left, but this is not always the case. If you are bringing items in or purchasing onsite, be sure to carry everything out with you!

Choose Businesses and Tours That Have Committed to Sustainable Travel

Virgin Islands Eco Tours is a great option for choosing eco-friendly tours in St. Thomas. The company offers tours to remote, natural destinations in not only St. Thomas, but St. John and St. Croix as well, with a focus on highlighting the natural beauty of the areas. You can also strive to stay at hotels and resorts on the island that focus on sustainability and protecting the island’s environment.

Use Only U.S. Virgin Island Approved Sunscreen

Sunscreens that contain the three “O”‘s-oxybenzone, octinoxate and octocrylene-are illegal to use in the Virgin Islands. Instead, mineral sunscreen should be used when visiting. You can also use rash guards and hats to protect yourself from the sun. Island Green Living offers a full list of sunscreens and companies offering them on their site.

Use Reusuable Items Whenever Possible

Avoid the use of plastic cups, silverware, straws, and bags. When packing for your trip, be sure to pack a reusable cup and straw to avoid having to use plastic/disposal items on the island. You can also pack a reuseable shopping bag so that you can avoid use of plastic bags while shopping.

What to Know Before Visiting St. Thomas

Driving

Driving on St. Thomas can be challenging for two reasons. The first is, if you are from mainland U.S.A. or another country that drives on the right side of the road, you may be a little disoriented as in St. Thomas, they drive on the left side. The second reason is the thin, mountain roads that are very steep in some places. Be careful driving, especially at nighttime when visibility is not great.

Public Transportation

There is no Uber or Lyft in St. Thomas. There are plenty of taxi services available, but prepare to pay a decent amount. Taxi services charge by the person, so this is something to keep in mind if you have a big family. In this case, renting a car may be the better option. There are several rental car agencies within close proximity to the airport, with many offering free shuttle service.

Consider Bringing a Passport

While a passport is not necessary to visit St. Thomas if you are a U.S. citizen, you will need one if you plan on visiting the nearby British Virgin Islands. Since the Bristish Virgin Islands have just as much to offer as St. Thomas, we definitely recommended considering a day trip to one of these areas!

Cell Service

If you are visiting St. Thomas from the U.S., you don’t need an international cell plan. St. Thomas is still considered part of the U.S., so you can continue using your domestic plan as usual. If you are visiting St. John (you may lose U.S. service, although we didn’t) or the British Virgin Islands, you may want to consider an international plan or turning your phones on airplane mode for the day (assuming you are taking a day trip).

Be Prepared for Higher Food Prices

We found this out quickly, as we headed out to a local grocery store on our first night on the island to stock up our Airbnb. Prices for common food items were sometimes twice as high as what we were used to paying on the mainland U.S.A. However, if you budget right, you will still be able to save some money by cooking meals yourself (we do recommend that you don’t completely skip going out to eat!)

Pay Attention to Cruise Ship Schedules

Days when cruise ships are in port will see much more crowds at some of the island’s top destinations. Coki Beach and Magens Beach are both destinations that are popular cruise excursions, so planning your visit around the cruise ship schedule can help you avoid some of the crowds. You will also want to pay attention to what attractions are only open on cruise ship days for planning purposes, so you don’t miss any of the best things to do in St. Thomas U.S.V.I.

Where to Stay in St. Thomas

• Bolongo Bay Beach Resort: An all-inclusive resort located in Bolongo Bay, a short drive outside of Charlotte Amalie. An all-inclusive stay package at this resort includes a la carte dining, complimentary water sports, beach access, and alcoholic drinks for the adults. You can also choose to stay at this resort non-inclusive. Bolongo Bay Beach Resort also has a focus on sustainability.
• Secret Harbour Beach Resort: Resort offering 1, 2, and 3 bedroom waterfront condos. The condos have full kitchens, balconies, and living areas, making it a great option for families. The resort also offers plenty of amenities, including beach access, a swimming pool, watersport rentals, boating excursions, and an on-site restaurant.
• Emerald Beach Resort: This resort is great or those visiting St. Thomas on a budget. The resort, located on Lindbergh Bay, is in close proximity to downtown Charlotte Amalie, making access to shopping and dining easy. The resort is close to the St. Thomas airport, making it convenient to get to. The resort also has an outdoor pool, fitness center, and watersport rentals.
• Airbnb or VRBO Rental: You can find beach property rentals on Airbnb and VRBO that will give you the feeling of home while in paradise. This is one of our favorite choices for accommodations when traveling and recommend checking out the options prior to visiting.

Where to Eat in St. Thomas

• Sunset Grill, Secret Harbor Beach: Sunset Grill, a waterfront dining option, is an excellent, casual choice for families in St. Thomas. The menu features a variety of seafood dishes, but also has a kids menu that even picky eaters will enjoy, with pizza, chicken tenders, mini-burgers, and fries.
• Delly Deck, Havensight: A laid back, local restaurant that offers a wide selection of breakfast food, salads, and sandwiches. There is also a bar onsite if you are craving some tropical drinks. Delly Deck is popular with the locals.
• Pizza Amore: Located directly across from Havensight, Pizza Amore is almost foolproof when visiting St. Thomas with kids. Choose a traditional cheese or pepperoni pizza, or try something a little more exotic like their Hawaiian Pizza. You can also find salads, lasagna, meatball heros, and key lime pie on their menu.
• Bumpa’s, Charlotte Amalie: Located in downtown Charlotte Amalie, this restaurant offers an open-air patio and traditional burger and sandwiches that kids will love.
• Cafe Amici, Charlotte Amalie: This restaurant is great for families looking for some traditional Italian food, with a variety of pastas, pizza, calzones, and paninis to choose from.

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