St Thomas
St Thomas is the second largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Charlotte Amalie is its territorial capital and harbor town. St Thomas suits people who want a mix: a historic downtown walk, shopping, a view over the harbor, and a beach or a boat trip. The island is hilly, so plan the day around where you want to go first.
The most reviewed first. Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
St. Thomas Create Your Own Perfume Experience with Wine
Lindbergh Bay Beach
A public beach directly across from the Cyril E. King Airport on St Thomas. Visitors come for the sand and the water, with a park alongside for picnics and play.
Charlotte Amalie
Charlotte Amalie is the territorial capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands, a downtown harbor town on Saint Thomas. Visitors come for the shops, the hillside views over the harbor, and the old Danish-era streets.
Havensight and Yacht Haven Grande
Havensight and Yacht Haven Grande is a shopping area beside the cruise dock in St Thomas. It has smaller versions of downtown stores and premium brands.
Vendor's Plaza
Vendor's Plaza is an open-air bazaar near downtown Charlotte Amalie, with tent kiosks selling shirts and souvenirs. Bargaining is the norm here, so you can take your time and haggle.
Paradise Point
Paradise Point is a hilltop overlook above Charlotte Amalie harbor, reached by the Skyride tram from the Havensight area. Visitors go up for the harbor view, a bar and restaurant, and a short walk at the top.
Fort Christian
Fort Christian is a bright red Danish-built fort in downtown Charlotte Amalie, now home to a museum. Visitors come for the exhibits and the harbor views from the roof.
99 Steps
The 99 Steps are a historic stairway in downtown Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. You climb the hillside past old stone walls and town houses.
St. Thomas Synagogue
St. Thomas Synagogue is a historic house of worship in the old town of Charlotte Amalie. It is the second oldest synagogue under the US flag.
Coral World Ocean Park
Coral World Ocean Park is a marine park on St Thomas where you can watch a coral reef from an underwater observatory, meet dolphins and sea lions, and snorkel or swim with juvenile sharks.
Turtle Cove, Little Buck Island
Turtle Cove at Little Buck Island is a snorkel stop reached by catamaran sail. Visitors swim alongside green sea turtles over coral reefs.
Tree Limin' Extreme Adventure Park
Tree Limin' Extreme Adventure Park is a zip line canopy course on St. Peter Mountain, above Magens Bay on St. Thomas. Riders cross the rainforest from treetop platform to platform.
Virgin Islands National Park
Most of Virgin Islands National Park lies across the water on St John. Its many hiking trails suit every ability level, and the park runs ranger-guided programs.
Crown Mountain
Crown Mountain is the highest point on Saint Thomas and in the whole US Virgin Islands. People come up for the views from the top of the island.
Good to know
Beaches
Lindbergh Bay Beach is a public beach across from the Cyril E. King Airport. The port authority counts it among the most beautiful public beaches in the USVI, and it has park facilities. A swim and lunch make a good morning here. Sapphire Beach is another option if you have a private vehicle.
Shopping
Downtown Charlotte Amalie has dozens of shops. Vendor's Plaza, near downtown, has open-air tent kiosks with shirts, caftans and rainwear.
When to go
Good to know
- Keep swimwear for the beach and dress a little more modestly in town.
- Bazaar sellers may not take credit or debit cards, so carry U.S. dollars for the kiosks.
- Greet people with good morning or good afternoon before you start talking, and when you get into a taxi.
Coming by ship
Ships usually stay about 9 hours in St Thomas, and most arrive between 7 and 9 am.
Getting ashore and around
Open-air Safari cabs, pickup trucks with bench seats, run to downtown for a set fare of $4 per person each way. Taxis also wait downtown. Taxi fares are per person, so agree on the price before you get in. Once downtown, walking is the easiest way to see the old town. Outside town the roads are narrow and hilly, so a driver or a tour suits longer trips.
Questions people ask
How far is downtown Charlotte Amalie from Havensight?
Safari cabs and taxis cover the trip for a set fare per person, so agree on the fare before you get in.
What is the best beach near Charlotte Amalie?
Lindbergh Bay Beach is across from the airport. It has park facilities. Glass, pets, open flames and removing sand or shells are not allowed there.
Can I see wrecks or snorkel in St Thomas?
Yes. Boat dives take in the Miss Opportunity, WIT Shoal and WIT Concrete wrecks, though certification is needed for the tank dives. Half-day catamaran sails include snorkel stops at Turtle Cove near Little Buck Island.
These places share what it's known for.
