Cruise Port Guide · Cruise port
Things to Do in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
St. Thomas is one of the busiest cruise ports in the Caribbean, with green hills rising above the harbour of Charlotte Amalie, the colourful capital. Ships dock at Havensight or Crown Bay, and from there it’s a short taxi ride to famous beaches, hilltop lookouts and duty-free shopping.
St. Thomas at a glance
“The view from the top of St. Thomas is one of my favourites in the Caribbean, and you can’t leave without a banana daiquiri!”
Top Things to Do in St. Thomas
Our recommendations on what to see and do, based on our own experience in port.
Island Tour and Mountain Top
Amy has taken the St. Thomas island tour several times, both in an open-air safari-style vehicle and as a private tour. The drive winds up into the hills for sweeping views over Magens Bay and the neighbouring islands, and the lookout at the top is a highlight. While you’re there, try the famous banana daiquiri at Mountain Top.
- Ways to go
- Open-air safari or private tour
- Highlight
- Hilltop views over Magens Bay
- Must try
- Banana daiquiri at Mountain Top
- Good for
- First-time visitors
Magens Bay
Magens Bay is the island’s most famous beach, a long curve of soft white sand on the north shore, tucked into a sheltered bay with calm, clear water. There’s an entrance fee, but everything you need for the day is right there: a bar and grill for lunch and drinks, plus beach chairs, kayaks and paddleboards to rent.
- Entrance fee
- $7 USD per person (under 12 free)
- Food and drinks
- Bar and grill on the beach
- Rentals
- Chairs, kayaks, paddleboards
- Water
- Calm and sheltered
Sapphire Beach and Secret Harbour
On the east end of the island near Red Hook, Sapphire Beach and Secret Harbour are smaller and more relaxed than Magens Bay. Both have clear, calm water that’s great for swimming and snorkelling, with views across to St. John and the British Virgin Islands.
- Location
- East end, near Red Hook
- Crowds
- Quieter than Magens Bay
- Water
- Clear and calm
- Good for
- Swimming and snorkelling
Duty-Free Shopping
St. Thomas is one of the most popular duty-free shopping stops in the Caribbean. Jewellery, watches, perfume and liquor are the big draws, and there’s no sales tax. Head into downtown Charlotte Amalie to browse the shops along Main Street and its little alleyways, or stay close to the ship at the shops by the Havensight dock.
- Where
- Main Street, Charlotte Amalie
- Near the ship
- Shops at Havensight
- Best buys
- Jewellery, watches, liquor
- Sales tax
- None
More Things to Do in St. Thomas
Popular things to do that we book for clients.
Day trip to St. JohnFerries run from Red Hook to Cruz Bay on St. John, home to Trunk Bay and the Virgin Islands National Park. Many boat trips also stop at Lime Out, a floating taco bar in Coral Bay.
Set sail on a catamaranA catamaran sail is one of the most popular ways to spend the day, with snorkelling stops in clear bays and drinks on board.
Explore historic Charlotte AmalieWalk the historic downtown to see the bright red walls of Fort Christian, built in the 1670s, and climb the 99 Steps for views over the harbour.
Free Things to Do in St. Thomas
Great ways to enjoy your day without spending a thing.
- Climb the 99 Steps: Climb this historic stone step-street in Charlotte Amalie for harbour views and a look at the old Blackbeard’s Castle watchtower at the top.
- Relax in Emancipation Garden: This small downtown park has the Freedom statue, a Liberty Bell replica and a gazebo, a nice shady stop near the waterfront.
- Explore the historic alleyways: Duck into Charlotte Amalie’s covered passageways, which once linked old trading warehouses and now make great spots for photos and browsing.
Know Before You Go in St. Thomas
- US dollars: St. Thomas is a U.S. territory and uses the US dollar, so there’s no need to exchange money.
- Taxis charge per person: Open-air safari taxis run set rates per person, so confirm the price and pickup time before you go.
- Driving on the left: Cars drive on the left here, so look both ways twice when you cross the street.
- Bring your passport: Passport valid for at least six months past your return date (the safest rule of thumb).
St. Thomas FAQs
Quick answers for your day in port
What is there to do in St. Thomas on a cruise?
Take an island tour up to the lookouts and Mountain Top, spend the day at Magens Bay, Sapphire Beach or Secret Harbour, shop duty-free in Charlotte Amalie, sail on a catamaran, or take the ferry over to St. John.
What are some free things to do in St. Thomas?
Some of our favourite free things to do in St. Thomas are climb the 99 Steps, relax in Emancipation Garden and explore the historic alleyways. Climb this historic stone step-street in Charlotte Amalie for harbour views and a look at the old Blackbeard’s Castle watchtower at the top.
Where do cruise ships dock in St. Thomas?
Ships dock at Havensight or Crown Bay, both a short taxi ride from downtown Charlotte Amalie.
What currency is used in St. Thomas?
St. Thomas uses the US dollar.
How much does it cost to visit Magens Bay?
The entrance fee for visitors is $7 USD per person, and children under 12 are free. Chairs, kayaks and paddleboards are available to rent.
Can I visit St. John from my cruise?
Yes. Ferries run from Red Hook to Cruz Bay on St. John, or you can book a boat excursion. Just leave plenty of time to get back to the ship.
Do I need a passport for a cruise to St. Thomas?
Canadians must travel with a valid passport, and we recommend it be valid for at least six months past your return date. Some destinations only require three months, but six months is the safest rule of thumb.
Does it cost more to book a cruise with a travel agent?
No, there’s no fee to book a cruise with Travitude Travel Group. You get a consultant who has been to these ports and can help with shore excursions.
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