St Thomas is crucial and arguably essentially the most lovely of the three main Caribbean islands which collectively kind the US Virgin Islands, an abroad territory of the US.
Territory’s capital, Charlotte Amalie, a metropolis recognized for its cruise ship port and in depth buying, whereas across the island are many lovely bays, seashores, and resorts.
St Thomas is a singular mix of spectacular, tropical Caribbean surroundings and European influences.
From the Danish and British to its present place in the US, St Thomas has had an extended, various and fascinating historical past that has left the island with its peculiar mixture of place names, customs, and traditions.
It’s a small island, however there are a variety of issues to do in St Thomas USVI and it’s a wonderful level from which to discover the remainder of the encompassing Virgin Islands, British and American.
Don’t go away residence with out: Lonely Planet Caribbean Islands (Journey Information)
St Thomas Virgin Islands Highlights Map
HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Above you’ll discover a map of our highlights in St Thomas USVI. Click on on the highest left of the map to seek out separate layers marking the route and factors of curiosity. You may disguise and present totally different layers, or click on icons on the map to see the names of locations we point out on this journey information. “Star” the map to put it aside to your individual Google Maps, or open the map in a brand new window for a bigger model.
Prime 15 Issues to do in St Thomas USVI
1. Discover Charlotte Amalie
Charlotte Amalie is the capital of the US Virgin Islands and the primary port of name for many vacationers to St Thomas.
It may be a busy place, particularly when a cruise ship is docked within the harbor, but it surely’s a beautiful, ramshackle port metropolis to discover, with many quirky museums and factors of curiosity.
Many individuals go to this place for the in depth duty-free outlets, nevertheless, after getting had sufficient of buying, stroll via the outdated colonial streets and admire the spectacular and delightful harbor.
Look no additional, this nice Buying, Sightseeing and Seaside tour provides an entertaining information who will present you the highlights of St Thomas.
Go to Mountain Prime for gorgeous views of Magens Bay and a number of the neighboring islands. Peruse the outlets for souvenirs in Charlotte Amalie.
Improve your tour so as to add a while stress-free on a pristine native seaside. Select from 5 tour instances for optimum flexibility.
2. Go to Blackbeard’s Tower
Go to Blackbeard’s Tower for a style of the island’s pirate historical past.
The watchtower was constructed by the Danish quickly after they based the town, however one way or the other it took on the identify of one of many Caribbean’s most notorious pirates, Blackbeard.
3. Climb the 99 Steps
Some of the fascinating streets within the Charlotte Amalie is, in truth, a set of stone steps. The 99 Steps – there are literally greater than 99 and have been constructed by the Danish and lead via the ramshackle streets, to the highest of a lookout that provides unimaginable views over the island.
Mix sightseeing with foodie favorites on this guided tour of St. Thomas. The tour contains two rum cocktails, which you’ll learn to make, in addition to eat at in style spots in right here.
Get pleasure from Caribbean classics like curried rooster, fish tacos, Creole “fungi,” island slaw, and extra. Plus, study colonial historical past alongside the way in which.
This tour will lead you to 99 steps and problem you to climb them!
4. Try the Charlotte Amalie (St. Thomas) Synagogue
Discovered within the metropolis is the weird sight of a Jewish synagogue, a testomony to the really various and multicultural nature of the St Thomas’ wider historical past and inhabitants.
That is, in truth, the oldest synagogue that may be discovered within the Caribbean and the whole lot of the Americas and it’s an fascinating piece of historical past, even for these with no non secular affiliations.
5. Take in the solar at Magens Bay
Magens Bay is among the most iconic stretches of sand within the US Virgin Islands.
The attractive, white sand seaside is framed by the spectacular surroundings of the encompassing bay, and it’s the most well-liked vacation spot for first-time guests to the island to see.
It could get crowded in peak season, however that doesn’t cease it from wanting gorgeous. It’s as tropical as you may think about and it’s straightforward to spend the day lounging on the sands and splashing within the shallow, clear water.
Go to Magen’s Bay Seaside, persistently named one of many world’s high seashores. After pickup out of your lodge or cruise port, hit the sand for enjoyable, rest, and sunshine.
Go swimming within the turquoise waters, or simply chill out on the seaside and take within the tropical ambiance. You can even discover a nature path to search for nature birds and crops.
6. Have enjoyable at Coral World Ocean Park
Coral World Ocean Park is an unimaginable place to be taught concerning the marine lifetime of the Caribbean in lovely environment.
Discovered subsequent to an idyllic white sand seaside, Coral World provides guests the prospect to go underwater within the under the seas remark deck, with out getting moist.
The park runs conservation and training initiatives too, and it’s an exquisite place to see all the range of the encompassing ocean in a single place.
7. Discover The Historic Hassel Island
This historic island that was as soon as related to the mainland as a peninsula has a deep-rooted historical past for St. Thomas.
Only a quick boat experience from the Frenchtown sits a 135-acre property that has nice mountain climbing trails all through it together with ruins transporting you again to colonial instances when the Danish and British managed the world.
The ruins on Hassel Island are a number of the greatest in St. Thomas there’s an outdated Danish Prince Frederiks Battery, a Beginning’s officer quarters, a garrison home, and enlisted barracks. All are nice examples of the navy significance of the island.
Moreover navy ruins, there are additionally just a few nice maritime ruins that date again to 1700. The tales of this island are legendary about sea captains, privateers, coaling women, and the American Revolution.
8. St. Thomas Rum and Meals
When most vacationers consider the USVI they consider sitting again and tasting a number of the greatest Rums on the planet at a neighborhood seaside bar, which is true however do you know there’s greater than Rum then it’s refreshing style on this space?
It’s true, you’re visiting the place rum was created so why not take a while to find not simply the creation of Rum but in addition just a few tasty Caribbean classics when you are exploring.
St. Thomas has many well-known foodie haunts in Charlotte Amalie that provides should strive Caribbean classics like fall-off-the-curried rooster, fish tacos and let’s not neglect native rum.
These well-known foodie haunts date again generations many being handed down from member of the family to member of the family.
Don’t neglect to strive the BBQ with candy yellow plantains and have a drink on us and also you uncover the native taste.
Our beneficial eating places embody:
- Rum Island Pub
- The Smoking Rooster
- Tavern on the Waterfront
- Petite Pump Room Bar & Restaurant
- Hook Line & Sinker
9. Discover the Seaside on a Crusing Journey or Kayak Journey
A go to to St. Thomas within the USVI wouldn’t be full until you discover its shoreline and surrounding Islands on a sailboat or a kayak journey.
Soar aboard one of many many crusing boats that can take you away to a number of the greatest spots round St. Thomas for snorkeling, kayaking, SUP, and let’s not neglect some should want stress-free time on a number of the greatest seashores in St. Thomas. We love these adventures because it lets you discover areas that aren’t stuffed with limitless quantities of vacationer.
Top-of-the-line methods to finish a tremendous day in St. Thomas is whereas sipping a pleasant chilly beverage of selection whereas the solar dips under the horizon on a sundown crusing cruise.
For the adventurous traveler, we advise going out on an evening kayaking journey the place the water is lit by your kayak. It’s a must-do journey when visiting St. Thomas.
10. Attempt A Parasail Expertise
Uncover one in every of hottest issues to do in St Thomas, fly excessive above the intense blue Caribbean Sea on a parasailing tour. Admire the attractive coastal views of St. Thomas whereas crusing excessive behind a speedboat.
Whereas floating within the air preserve your eye out for shipwrecks, stingrays and turtles and are simply sighted whereas flying excessive above the water. If there’s one place on the planet you’re going to strive parasailing, it’s a must to strive it in St. Thomas.
When you’ve skilled parasailing on this superb location you gained’t need to head again to the dock. We recommend reserving your parasailing journey upfront because it’s one of the vital in style issues to do in St. Thomas they usually guide up rapidly.
11. Discover what’s underneath the ocean (Scuba Diving Journey)
For individuals who are into seeing what’s under the floor St. Thomas has many nice scuba diving websites positioned throughout the island. Most individuals don’t consider St. Thomas as a diving vacation spot till they’ve dived right here.
St. Thomas is scrounged by crystal clear Caribbean water that’s residence to tons of of spectacular reefs and a number of other wrecks so there’s loads of thrilling issues to see whereas driving round St. Thomas.
We love that lots of the dives are shallow with nice visibility and let’s not neglect concerning the good heat Caribbean water that makes it straightforward to spend your days exploring the underwater world.
All of the dive outlets are world-class they usually provide newbie lessons for individuals who aren’t licensed and haven’t any expertise.
12. Horseback Seaside Journey with Golden Age Ranch
Discover the countryside of St. Thomas on a pleasant leisurely horseback experience that provides superb views all through the experience ending on the seaside. In case you’ve ever wished to experience on a seaside, St. Thomas is the place for that.
The Golden Age Ranch is among the few locations in St. Thomas that provides horseback driving adventures. They run a top-notch facility that may be seen not simply within the operation however of their homes.
The Golden Age Ranch saves outdated racehorses and rehabilitates them for path rides on the seaside. They match every rider with a appropriate horse that permits for the best expertise. You don’t want any expertise.
For a lot of guests driving on the seaside and into the ocean is a bucket record journey, however that is a lot greater than a experience. It’s an opportunity to expertise one thing really magical whereas serving to with a brand new chapter in an animal’s life.
Greatest Day Journeys From St Thomas USVI
St Thomas is the right place from which to discover the remainder of the close by Virgin Islands, listed below are the very best day journey alternatives within the space.
13. Go to Water Island
Though simply ten minutes by ferry from Charlotte Amalie, Water Island is a world away from the town.
The primary sight right here is the lengthy Honeymoon Seaside, among the finest seashores within the US Virgin Islands. Think about white sands and tropical palm timber swaying within the solar, that’s Water Island.
14. Marvel at Nature on St John
The closest factors between St Thomas and St John island takes solely twenty minutes to cross. St John is smaller however packs simply as a lot pure magnificence to discover.
The island is the positioning of the Virgin Islands Nationwide Park, an space of undeveloped pure magnificence and residential to lots of the greatest bays and seashores within the Caribbean.
The Caribbean island of St. John is surrounded by federally protected seas. Guide this superior St John Snorkel Tour, which brings you to a number of the greatest snorkeling spots by giant powerboat, together with stopping at an uninhabited island.
Professional guides will present instruction to first-time snorkelers, and gear for all.
15. Make a journey to the British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands are extremely near the US Virgin Islands. Tortola, one of many largest of the British islands, is just some miles east of St John.
It’s straightforward to seek out boat excursions which absorb lots of the most lovely factors on excursions from one territory to the opposite or to journey on to the British aspect from St Thomas for a singular day journey and a take a look at the totally different cultures.
Discover the British Virgin Islands throughout this full-day cruise from St. Thomas. Throughout this tour, get pleasure from a breakfast boat experience to Virgin Gorda’s Baths.
Discover the grottoes, arches, and chain of tidal swimming pools shaped by eroded rocks alongside the seaside, then head to Diamond Reef to snorkel amongst colleges of tropical fish on the dwelling coral reef.
St Thomas USVI Planning Ideas
How you can Journey to St Thomas USVI
St Thomas USVI is the northernmost of the US Virgin Islands, discovered east of Puerto Rico and west of its neighbor St John. Town of Charlotte Amalie is the same old departure and arrival level on the island as an entire.
Many vacationers will arrive on one of many many, many cruise ships that decision into the attractive harbor there throughout the peak crusing season.
The island’s worldwide airport primarily serves the US mainland and is effectively related to US cities on the east coast resembling Miami and New York, from the place there are connections worldwide.
The airport additionally has routes to the opposite US Virgin Islands, in addition to many different Caribbean islands within the space.
From St Thomas, there are common ferries to the opposite islands. St Johns is only a quick boat experience away, whereas St Croix, the most important and most distant of the islands is an effective two or three hours away by ferry.
The British Virgin Islands are extraordinarily shut, and may also be reached simply by boat.
Greatest Time to Go to St Thomas USVI
The Virgin Islands are scorching all yr spherical, and St Thomas is not any exception. The temperature is subtropical, and the yr may be divided into moist and dry seasons.
The moist season is hurricane season when the climate is stormy, and hurricanes have been recognized to ravage the island, most not too long ago in 2017.
Watch out if planning a visit between June and November. Costs can be decrease and the cruise ships gained’t be filling the harbor, however the climate could flip for the more severe, in a short time.
Excessive season is the dry season when temperatures are scorching and the skies are clear.
That is cruise ship season too in fact when the island can be at its busiest. The excessive season typically runs from December to April.
The place to Keep in St Thomas USVI
Lodging may be discovered unfold out throughout St Thomas, with choices out there within the central space of Charlotte Amalie, as effectively in numerous, extra secluded bays and coastal areas.
Many resorts have been broken within the current 2017 hurricane season, and have been closed since for restoration, so all the time verify the resorts are performing at their greatest earlier than reserving. Even nonetheless, you will discover nice locations to remain irrespective of your price range.
Whether or not you’re on the lookout for one thing just a little fancier like The Ritz-Carlton or Level Nice Resort to one thing just a little extra low key and budget-friendly just like the Galleon Home Mattress & Breakfast or Midtown Visitor Home, St Thomas has lodging to satisfy each traveler’s wants.
Journey Round St Thomas
The US Virgin Islands are uncommon as a result of they’re the one US territory the place autos drive on the left. In case you are coming from the US this can be a shock, so take care if renting a car or when crossing roads in St Thomas.
Town of Charlotte Amalie can simply be navigated on foot, nevertheless hiring a car is essentially the most environment friendly technique to see all of the sights round the remainder of St Thomas, and the island is sufficiently small to be traversed in a day when you so want.
In case you desire, there are many tour businesses too, normally primarily based in Charlotte Amalie, that may prepare both personal or group excursions to the main vacationer spots.
Security in St Thomas USVI
St Thomas is usually a really protected island to go to, nevertheless, the principle metropolis of Charlotte Amalie has been recognized to expertise intervals of crime towards vacationers.
That is fueled primarily by the large amount of vacationers arriving on cruise ships, and unsavory characters taking benefit by making an attempt thefts and pickpocketing on unsuspecting guests.
