Things to do in St Thomas

Things to do in  St Thomas

Sea’s the day

St. Thomas is the most popular of the US Virgin Islands, the epitome of a tropical paradise. Turquoise waters and dozens of postcard-perfect beaches surround a lush mountainous interior, which accounts for many of the best things to do in St. Thomas: enjoy all kinds of water sports from mild to wild; admire sweeping views from atop the 99 Steps, Paradise Point, or Drakes Seat; savor a banana daiquiri at Mountain Top; explore history at Fort Christian; or stroll and shop the colorful colonial streets of Charlotte Amalie.

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Top 15 attractions in St Thomas

#1

Mountain Top

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Located at the top of St. Peter Mountain is the oldest, highest, and one of the most popular attractions on St. Thomas, the aptly named Mountain Top. Mountain Top features a massive duty free shop, a bar known for its banana daiquiris, and an observation deck that offers sweeping views over Magens Bay from 1,500 feet (457 meters.More
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#2

Sapphire Beach

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Located on the eastern end of St. Thomas, Sapphire Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the island. Featuring stellar views and a long stretch of pretty white sand, it’s an ideal beach for relaxing and sunbathing, snorkeling, and a variety of water sports. Numerous amenities and rentals make for an easy and enjoyable day out.More
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#3

Magens Bay

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Thanks to its curving arc of white sand and its bright blue water, Magens Bay is St. Thomas’ most popular beach. The area is surrounded by forests and palm trees, and the bay offers calm waves for swimming and kayaking. For stunning views of the bay’s unusual rectangular shape and mile of beach, head to the nearby Mountain Top lookout.More
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#4

Water Island

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Water Island officially joined the US Virgin Islands in 1996. The fourth and smallest isle of the four, it is by no means boring. At roughly 490 acres (200 hectares) and home to about 175 residents, Water Island is a less touristed destination in the island chain, offering idyllic beaches and lazy-day vibes.More
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#5

Secret Harbour Beach Resort

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Located along the southeastern shore of St. Thomas, Secret Harbour Beach Resort is set in a secluded cove in Nazareth Bay. Featuring a pretty white sand beach and crystalline waters, it’s a popular spot for sunbathing, snorkeling, and other water sports, such as scuba diving, paddleboarding, and kayaking.More
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#6

Honeymoon Beach

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On Water Island, south of St. Thomas, Honeymoon Beach curves around the clear waters of Druiff Bay. Soft white sand and swaying palm trees invite visitors to linger in this peaceful tropical paradise, while a bustling beach bar offers amenities, sustenance, and many different ways to play.More
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#7

Drake's Seat

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Named after Sir Francis Drake, who was said to have used the spot to look for enemy ships, Drake’s Seat was built in 1933 by Arthur Fairchild and offers one of the best views of St. Thomas. Located just minutes from Charlotte Amalie, it offers sweeping views of Magens Bay and the British Virgin Islands.More
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#8

Coki Beach

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Coki Beach is considered St. Thomas’ party beach and is always full of families, revelers, and vendors. Snorkelers and scuba divers love the clear water and sea creatures here, while beach-goers enjoy the white sands, sunshine, and wandering vendors who offer drinks and snacks, souvenirs, sunscreen, and hair braiding.More
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#9

Honeymoon Beach

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Located on the northwest shore of St. John and part of the Virgin Islands National Park, Honeymoon Beach is an idyllic tropical paradise of white sand, palm trees, and clear shallow waters. A concession offers cabana and chair rentals, amenities, and food and drinks, making for an easy and relaxing day on the beach.More
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#10

Coral World Ocean Park

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One of the top family-friendly attractions in the US Virgin Islands, Coral World Ocean Park combines both indoor and outdoor observation facilities which showcase the region’s diverse and plentiful marine life. Highlights include the hermit crab, starfish, and sea cucumber touch pool and the 50,000-gallon Deep Reef Tank, home to moray eels, tarpon, and plenty of sharks.More
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#11

Blackbeard's Castle (Skytsborg Tower)

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High above Charlotte Amalie is Skytsborg (“sky tower”), a round defensive tower built by the Danish in 1679 to watch for enemy ships which might attack Fort Christian and other harbor settlements. While there was a real pirate called Blackbeard (Edward Teach) who prowled nearby waters, his association with the site owes more to tradition than history.And anyway, who needs a history lesson when you have one of the great Caribbean views laid out before you. The visual feast encompasses dramatic green slopes, bobbing yachts, hulking cruise ships and outlying islands. Facilities at the site include a swimming pool and snack bar.More
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#12

Fort Christian

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A historic fortress built in the history-rich St. Thomas town of Charlotte Amalie, Fort Christian has been a cultural highlight here since 1672 and acts as one of the finest treasure troves of ancient artifacts in the small Caribbean island’s long history. This Danish-built fortress serves as a beautiful example of Dutch-Caribbean architecture in the Gothic-Revival style and as a modern-day museum.More
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#13

Skytsborg Historical Park

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Known also as Blackbeard’s Castle, the Skytsborg Historic Park is one of St. Thomas’s most beautiful landmarks. The park contains, alongside life-sized bronze pirate statues, some of the most beautiful architecture and ocean views on the island. Situated scenically on a hilltop overlooking the harbor and surrounding sea, the park sits on five acres and includes multiple manor houses dating back to the 17th century. The houses collectively contain the largest display of authentic West Indian mahogany furniture, which is all handmade. The Villa Notman, Haagensen House and Hotel 1829 are listed on the National Register of Historic PlacesMarked paths allow for self-guided walking tours that tell the history of the area. The Skytsborg Tower is of particular interest, having been a 17th century Danish defense tower built to protect the harbor. There are also three pools, many terraces, and tropical gardens to explore throughout.More
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#14

99 Steps

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During early colonization of the Caribbean, tall ships used huge stones as ballast in their hulls, then offloaded them while stocking up on spices and other goods, leaving the stones as a reminder of their visit. Residents of Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas then used these stones to build steep stairways such as 99 Steps up the town’s hills.More
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#15

Hull Bay

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Hull Bay on St. Thomas is all about snorkeling the neighboring reef, swinging in a beach hammock, and unwinding at a cool little beach bar. There’s fishing off nearby Inner and Outer Brass Cays, and the Atlantic whips up waves for some of the island’s best surfing. Hull Bay doesn’t attract the crowds of nearby Magens Bay, so the vibe is more laid-back and off-the-beaten-path.More
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Top activities in St Thomas

Turtle Cove Catamaran Snorkel and Sail at Little Buck Island

Turtle Cove Catamaran Snorkel and Sail at Little Buck Island

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Sea Trek Helmet Dive at Coral World Ocean Park

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Flavors of St Thomas Walking Food Tour
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The Baths and White Bay

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Cas Cay - Kayak Hike and Snorkel Adventure

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St Thomas Food Tasting and Cultural Walking Tour

St Thomas Food Tasting and Cultural Walking Tour

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Parasail Experience in St Thomas
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50' Luxury Yacht. Private Full or Half Day Catamaran Snorkel, & Beach Experience

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Snorkel St. John Tour from Sapphire and Margaritaville

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Snorkel & Swim with Turtles. Semi Private Tour to Buck Island & Honeymoon Beach

Snorkel & Swim with Turtles. Semi Private Tour to Buck Island & Honeymoon Beach

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High Speed Harbor Tour from Charlotte Amalie Cruise Port
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High Speed Harbor Tour from Charlotte Amalie Cruise Port

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Cocktail Sunset Cruise from Sapphire Beach Resort

Cocktail Sunset Cruise from Sapphire Beach Resort

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Tree Limin' Extreme Zipline

Tree Limin' Extreme Zipline

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Champagne Sunset Sail from Margaritaville

Champagne Sunset Sail from Margaritaville

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Sunset & Harbor Lights Dinner Sail from the Marriott's Frenchman's Cove

Sunset & Harbor Lights Dinner Sail from the Marriott's Frenchman's Cove

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Private Luxury Catamaran Yacht. Full or Half Day Charter - Sail, Beach, Snorkel.

Private Luxury Catamaran Yacht. Full or Half Day Charter - Sail, Beach, Snorkel.

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St Thomas to St John Snorkel, Swim & Beach Experience Aboard Luxury MV Sea Wolf
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Snorkel Cat All Inclusive Adventure

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Private Fast Power Catamaran. Full or Half Day for Beach Hopping, Snorkel & Swim
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All about St Thomas

When to visit

The best time to visit St. Thomas is April through June. The weather will be pleasant (but still mostly dry), the prices lower, and the crowds smaller than at other times of the year. The St. Thomas Carnival also takes place in April or May. Hurricane season runs from late June to October, with the heaviest rain in September and October. Visit in the winter to look for migrating humpback whales. The peak tourist season runs from December to March.

Getting around

There is a public bus system on the island, but wait times can be long and routes limited. Taxis are readily available, just be sure to negotiate the fee ahead of time. Another option is the “dollar taxi” safari bus. Rental cars are a good way to get around though be aware that the roads are steep, windy, and sometimes narrow. You also can rent motorcycles, scooters, and bicycles. Interisland transportation options include ferries, water taxis, and seaplanes.

Traveler tips

Charlotte Amalie is one of the few places around the island where it’s preferable to wall. With a maze of one-way streets, driving can be difficult, and parking even more so. You can park along the waterfront for free for two hours. But, if you can’t find a spot, the Fort Christian lot offers reasonably priced paid parking, and from there you can walk to the many things to do in the city.

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People Also Ask

What is St. Thomas known for?

St. Thomas is known for its beautiful beaches and snorkeling spots, where a variety of sea life can be seen. It’s also known for the colonial-era architecture and shops and restaurants of the capital, Charlotte Amalie. St. Thomas is a popular port of call for Caribbean cruise ships.

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What is there to do in St. Thomas?

There’s lots to do in St. Thomas. Go swimming, snorkeling, diving, or standup paddleboarding at one of its beautiful beaches, or kayak among the mangroves. Take a tour to attractions like the Fort Christian Museum and Hotel 1829. In capital Charlotte Amalie, shop at duty-free boutiques and dine at restaurants in colonial-era buildings.

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Does St. Thomas have waterfalls?

Yes, there are some waterfalls on St. Thomas, particularly after rain. Check out the waterfalls at St. Peter Greathouse and Botanical Gardens, and the 40-foot falls along the Reef Bay Trail, a forested hiking area.

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How many days is enough in St. Thomas?

Many people visit St. Thomas for one or two days on a cruise, but around four days is recommended if you have the time and you want to unwind. The beaches could occupy you for days, and more active pursuits such as kayaking and diving can also be enjoyed. On extra days you could visit nearby national parks.

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What can you do for free in St. Thomas?

Free activities in St. Thomas include swimming and lounging on the beach (bring your own towel and umbrella), strolling the colonial-era neighborhoods of Charlotte Amalie, and hiking (or driving) up to Drake’s Lookout to take in the views.

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Is it expensive in St. Thomas?

Yes, St. Thomas is quite expensive. Almost all food is imported, which makes the cost of living and visiting St. Thomas relatively costly, whether you’re eating out or self-catering. Accommodation is most expensive at peak times such as the winter holiday period, but outside the busiest times you’ll find lower prices for accommodation and flights.

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Frequently Asked Questions
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