We just got back from our fifth (maybe sixth, we lost count... whups!) trip to St Thomas. As always the weather was gorgeous and the people are extremely hospitable. With a minor lost luggage delay, we were still able to fit tons of fun things into our island adventure!
About the IslandGetting Around: The island was once Danish owned, and operated sugar plantations. Although the island is now an American territory, cars drive on the left side of the road. This makes it a bit tricky with right-handed cars. I would recommend a taxi for families under 4 people. Renting a car is unpredictable and there is limited availability. Currency: USD, but expect to pay island premiums! Taxis and many non-prebooked attractions are CASH ONLY! |
Things to do
Scuba diving: My sister and I are both recently certified divers. I actually got certified in St Thomas 2 years ago and have subsequently dove in Maui! If you are looking to dive here, I would recommend a boat dive. We have used two different operators: A qua Marine and Underwater Safaris Personally I liked Aqua Marine better, they have great rankings on sites such as trip advisor and don't use a "cattle boat" to haul you to different dive spots, keeping your group size to 6 or less. During our two diving trips we were able to dive: Stragglers, Calf, Packet Rock and Cow (Our favorites were Calf and Cow which are almost right on top of each other!) On a previous trip I dove Navy barges and Spratt (Supermarket) reef which were also fun places to check out! | Snorkeling: While there are some spots that are interesting, I believe that the better spots are only dive-able! |
Beaches: Avoid going to the public beaches on days that there are many cruise ships in town. This will give you the most pleasant experience. But I will list some of the most "popular" and my personal favorites!
Magen's Bay: Far and beyond the most popular beach, this is one of the top 10 beaches in the world! But you also will face massive crowds in the high season. Catch a cab to the beach and enjoy some of the most amazing views of the island!
Coki Beach: Nearby Coral World, this beach is a nice long stretch. We only went for a while before we headed out to Coral World, but if you are looking to add half a beach day to Coral World this is a good one!
Secret Harbor: By taking a taxi you can head out to this beach, while not as large, it is attached to a resort and you can get away from the cruise passengers. Looking over the beach is Sunset Grill, the tuna nachos are great, but the burgers are also a good price!
Honeymoon Beach: by taking a ferry, you can head over to water island for $5 a head, round trip. Here you can rent a golf cart from Kelly's Karts for $30 or just head straight up the hill then make the first right, about a 15 minute walk, just be careful, the hills are steep! This is quiet, secluded and you don't have to pay to rent beach chairs!
Morning Star Beach: this one is at the Marriott, but it is one of the longer stretches of beach. It is nice as there is a pool located right off the beach in addition to a couple restaurants/bars and even jet ski rentals. Additionally, this is one of the few beaches with "waves" that you can boogie board in!
Magen's Bay: Far and beyond the most popular beach, this is one of the top 10 beaches in the world! But you also will face massive crowds in the high season. Catch a cab to the beach and enjoy some of the most amazing views of the island!
Coki Beach: Nearby Coral World, this beach is a nice long stretch. We only went for a while before we headed out to Coral World, but if you are looking to add half a beach day to Coral World this is a good one!
Secret Harbor: By taking a taxi you can head out to this beach, while not as large, it is attached to a resort and you can get away from the cruise passengers. Looking over the beach is Sunset Grill, the tuna nachos are great, but the burgers are also a good price!
Honeymoon Beach: by taking a ferry, you can head over to water island for $5 a head, round trip. Here you can rent a golf cart from Kelly's Karts for $30 or just head straight up the hill then make the first right, about a 15 minute walk, just be careful, the hills are steep! This is quiet, secluded and you don't have to pay to rent beach chairs!
Morning Star Beach: this one is at the Marriott, but it is one of the longer stretches of beach. It is nice as there is a pool located right off the beach in addition to a couple restaurants/bars and even jet ski rentals. Additionally, this is one of the few beaches with "waves" that you can boogie board in!
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Water Island: The photo above and honeymoon beach are both located on Water Island. Water taxis leave from Crown Bay Marina and will cost $5 a person. From here you can reserve a golf cart at Kelly's Karts for $30 a day. This is a quick and convenient way around the island. A few notable "stops" on the island: Fort Segarra WWII turret and bunker and Honeymoon beach with Dinghy's a well priced bar!
Tour of BVI: There are many charters to the British Virgin Islands. We took one out of Red Hook, but to be honest I can't remember the name. None-the-less, BVI will not disappoint! Cruising past St John you should stop at Tortola, getting your passport stamped and heading to the Baths. A MUST! At the baths you walk through caves that allow sunshine and waves in creating stunning views. There is also swimming and cliff diving if you are feeling adventurous! Typical charters will stop at Cooper Island for lunch, an island with a population under 20, this provides a quiet and secluded lunch spot for around $15 a person. We then went snorkeling and to Soggy Dollar Bar. The bar is named after your soggy dollars as the boats set anchor and you must wade in to indulge in a painkiller... or two!
St John: Nearly 60% of the island is a national park. Grab a ferry from Red Hook and you can get on a tour or take a taxi from the port. While Trunk Bay is the most popular and consistently voted one of the top beaches in the world, it can get quite crowded. Make a stop then head over to Cinnamon Bay for some great snorkeling!
Coral World: With shark, turtle and sea lion encounters/swims, this is a fun place to spend a couple hours. I would describe Coral World similar to Sea World and an aquarium. While encounters run $60-150, this is very reasonably priced compared to other operators (i.e. Atlantis, Discovery Cove).
Tour of BVI: There are many charters to the British Virgin Islands. We took one out of Red Hook, but to be honest I can't remember the name. None-the-less, BVI will not disappoint! Cruising past St John you should stop at Tortola, getting your passport stamped and heading to the Baths. A MUST! At the baths you walk through caves that allow sunshine and waves in creating stunning views. There is also swimming and cliff diving if you are feeling adventurous! Typical charters will stop at Cooper Island for lunch, an island with a population under 20, this provides a quiet and secluded lunch spot for around $15 a person. We then went snorkeling and to Soggy Dollar Bar. The bar is named after your soggy dollars as the boats set anchor and you must wade in to indulge in a painkiller... or two!
St John: Nearly 60% of the island is a national park. Grab a ferry from Red Hook and you can get on a tour or take a taxi from the port. While Trunk Bay is the most popular and consistently voted one of the top beaches in the world, it can get quite crowded. Make a stop then head over to Cinnamon Bay for some great snorkeling!
Coral World: With shark, turtle and sea lion encounters/swims, this is a fun place to spend a couple hours. I would describe Coral World similar to Sea World and an aquarium. While encounters run $60-150, this is very reasonably priced compared to other operators (i.e. Atlantis, Discovery Cove).
Bars & Restaurants
Duffy's Love Shack: Located in the middle of a parking lot, the love shack can be looked over. DON'T! With competitively priced drinks, you even get a fun mug to go! Spunky place and the staff loves to have fun. Pop on over for Happy Hour and you won't regret it (PS ladies night is on Wednesday)! | Greengo's Caribbean Cantina: This lively, Day of the Dead themed restaurant is my new favorite on the island! Greengo's boasts the "largest" tequila selection on the island in addition to bottomless margaritas on Sundays for $15! Dive into some fish tacos or a burrito and enjoy the afternoon in Charlotte Amalie. Havana Blue: An expensive menu, but if you are looking for a nice (and pricy) dinner out this is your place! The food is exceptional. You really can't go wrong. The open air, beach side atmosphere and blue up-lighting on the white walls gives Havana Blue a magical feel. Sunset Grille: Located at Secret Harbor, this lunch spot boasts it's Tuna Nachos in addition to well-priced burgers! Quick and friendly staff get you on your way and back in the sand! Room with a View: Similar to Havana Blue price wise. Located at Bluebeard's Castle (photo below), this is a great early dinner location as you watch the harbor transform from day to night! Here's a link to the menu! The Greenhouse: A great lunch spot if you are shopping downtown. The Greenhouse is an open air bar that I would compare to something like TGI Fridays with a Caribbean flair. As an establishment for over 20 years, this is a popular stop if you are in or around Charlotte Amalie. Coco Joes: located at the Marriott, this beachside restaurant is "island priced," but a nice place to relax and enjoy free nightly entertainment. If you are looking to budget your meals, there are slightly more expensive buffets a couple nights a week! (Music is hit or miss... no promises) Shipwreck Bar & Tavern: Located close to the cruise ship docks, Shipwreck wasn't very impressive. I would describe it as typical bar food. Fat Turtle: Located in Charlotte Amalie, Fat Turtle resides by the docks of the mega-yachts... along with the Prada, Gucci, and other stores with brands I can't afford! With fun fish bowl drinks and good sandwiches, this is an enjoyable place to gawk at the multi-million/billion dollar yachts and watch the cruise ships leave port. Tap & Still: Located in Red Hook, this moderately sized bar has one of the largest tap selections on the island. Grab a menu off the table and check what you want included on your burger. A short wait and you will have your creation delivered in a paper bag! |