Caribbean · US Virgin Islands
St. Thomas Travel Guide
St. Thomas is one of the most popular Caribbean cruise ports — a lush, mountainous island with duty-free shopping, spectacular beaches, and panoramic viewpoints. As a US territory, it's familiar and easy for American travellers, with no passport needed.
How Do You Get from the Ship to the Island?
St. Thomas has two cruise piers. Havensight is the main one — walk off the ship into the Havensight Mall shopping area. Charlotte Amalie (the capital) is a 15-minute walk or $4 taxi ride. Crown Bay is the second pier; take a $5 taxi to Charlotte Amalie. Safari taxis (open-air trucks) run constantly between all points.
What Can You Do in 6 Hours?
Magens Bay Beach — A stunning horseshoe-shaped bay with calm, crystal-clear water. $5 entry fee. Full facilities (loungers, food, snorkelling gear rental). Taxi $10 per person from the port.
Mountain Top — The highest accessible point on the island (2,100 ft). Panoramic views of the British and US Virgin Islands. Famous for banana daiquiris. Taxi $10 per person.
Charlotte Amalie — The historic capital. Danish colonial architecture, Fort Christian (1680), duty-free shopping on Main Street and Back Street. Very walkable.
Coral World Ocean Park — Marine park with an underwater observatory, sea lion encounters, and snorkelling with sea turtles. A family favourite.
Sapphire Beach or Lindquist Beach — Quieter alternatives to Magens Bay on the east end. Excellent snorkelling, fewer crowds.
Where Should You Eat in St. Thomas?
Local food: Try pates (fried pastries filled with saltfish, chicken, or beef) — the Virgin Islands' signature street food. Sold at bakeries and roadside stalls for $2-3.
Seafood: Fresh lobster, conch, and catch of the day are excellent. Gladys' Cafe in Charlotte Amalie is a beloved local institution for Caribbean home cooking.
Rum: Cruzan Rum (from nearby St. Croix) is the local spirit. Try a painkiller cocktail — rum, cream of coconut, pineapple juice, and orange juice.
Is St. Thomas Worth Exploring Independently?
St. Thomas is one of the easiest Caribbean ports for independent exploration — especially for American travellers. Everything is in US dollars, everyone speaks English, and the safari taxi system is cheap and efficient. Ship excursions to beaches charge $60-80; a taxi and beach entry costs $15-20. The savings are significant, and you get to stay as long as you like.
Useful Local Phrases
Good mornin'!
Good morning (always greet people)
(as written)
Lime
Hang out / relax
(as written)
Local Tips
- •St. Thomas is a US territory — no passport needed for US citizens. US dollars, US cell service, English everywhere.
- •Duty-free shopping in Charlotte Amalie is genuinely good — jewellery, liquor, and perfume at significant discounts.
- •Magens Bay beach ($5 entry) is consistently rated one of the world's best beaches. Take a taxi ($10 per person) from either cruise port.
- •Driving is on the left (British legacy) but cars are left-hand-drive (American cars). It's confusing — take taxis rather than renting.
- •Open-air safari taxis (converted trucks with bench seats) are the cheapest way to get around — $2-4 to most destinations.