10 Best Things to Do In St Thomas
Coral World Marine Park & Undersea Observatory
Their slogan “Get up close and personal “ couldn’t be more appropriate. See tons of marine life without ever getting wet. See and learn about the beauty and magic of Caribbean marine life in a stunning setting. View life on a coral reef from their unique underwater observatory. Visit the shark pool where you can pet a shark or hand feed a stingray. Visit with the Lorikeets which will flock to your arm when offered a cup of nectar. And if you don’t mind getting wet bring your bathing suit so you can swim with the sea lions or try a Sea Trek Helmet Dive.
St.Thomas Skyride to Paradise Point
This unique attraction offers visitors a tram ride up to Paradise Point, 700 feet above sea level, where you can enjoy sweeping views of Charlotte Amalie Harbor, especially impressive when many of the cruise ships are in port. The tramway operates six cars, similar to those used at ski resorts, for the short ride to the summit. At the top, you can take in the amazing scenery and visit shops and the popular restaurant and bar. A visit at sunset is particularly beautiful. Recently added to Paradise Point is a new Bungie Jump. Located on the Main road in Havensight.
Atlantis Submarine Adventure
This is a wonderful family attraction which will be remembered and enjoyed by all from kids to adults. This is a real, very high tech submarine which takes you below the surface of the ocean in a calm area right off the coast of St Thomas. See abundant sea life from the comfort of the sub without ever getting wet. Thousands of visitors have been amazed by this once in a lifetime underwater experience. They can only accommodate a limited number of passengers so call ahead to make a reservation. They are currently offering a free T-shirt with the purchase of a regular priced admission!
Mountain Top
This viewing spot is at an impressive height of 1,500 feet above sea level, offering spectacular views of both the US and British Virgin Islands. In fact, National Geographic has rated this view of Magens Bay as one of the ten best views in the world. It features a casual shopping area for browsing and a bar which is the home of the world famous Banana Daiquiri. It is a great place to see the island chain. Vast panoramic views span from St. Thomas and St John to the British Virgin Islands and include a total of 20 islands. Just breathtaking!
Estate St. Peter Greathouse Botanical Gardens
Nestled high in the mountains of St. Thomas sits St. Peter Great House and Botanical Gardens. Originally, in the 1800’s, this scenic location was part of the 150-acre Plantation St. Peter owned by a family of French decent who settled in the Virgin Islands. Today, the Great House boasts classic West Indian architecture with lush Botanical Gardens and a Nature Trail, streaming waterfalls, tropical bird aviaries, fish ponds, more than 20 varieties of orchids and 150 species of Caribbean plants and fruits.
Duty Free Shopping
St. Thomas is widely known as the best shopping spot in the Caribbean and one of the 10 top shopping areas in the world! Many duty-free bargains can be found such as perfume, liquor, electronics, china, jewelry , watches and clothing. Many of these items can be found at prices that are 30 to 40 percent lower than in the United States, with no sales tax, making it worth your while to pick up some things to take home. The duty-free allowance is $1,600 per person including children So a family of four can take home a total of $6,400 worth of duty-free items.
Historical Charlotte Amalie
The downtown Charlotte Amalie area is full of history. From the Danish street names such as “Kongens Gade” or “King’s Street” to the yellow brick West Indian style buildings – the evidence of its rich past lie right before your eyes every which way you turn. The long warehouse buildings, running from the waterfront to Main Street, once housed goods which were traded to colonial New England and to Europe such as indigo, sugar, and cotton. These buildings now house the many fabulous shops of downtown Charlotte Amalie.
The Reef Bay Trail /St. John
The National Park Service offers guided hikes down the Reef Bay Trail. Transportation is provided from the National Park Visitors Center in Cruz Bay to the head of the trail. An experienced park ranger will act as your guide. In addition to the Reef Bay Trail, the walk will include the spur trail to the petroglyphs and a visit to the Reef Bay sugar mill. From the beach near the mill, you will be met by a boat, which will take you back to Cruz Bay, allowing you to avoid the more strenuous walk back up the trail. This popular activity is offered for a modest fee by reservation only.
Day trip to Other Islands
A day trip to some of the other nearby islands is as easy as jumping on a ferry or a seaplane headed towards your destination. If you travel to the British Virgin Islands you are required to have your passport with you. Otherwise travel to and from Puerto Rico, and St. Croix is done with your driver’s license or other photo ID. There are regular Seaborne Airlines flights between the BVI and St. Croix (see Seaborne Airlines ad). There are regular ferries to Tortola and Virgin Gorda (see Ferry Schedule page). St. Croix offers the picturesque towns of Christiansted and Frederiksted plus the world class golfcourse at Carambola. In Virgin Gorda you will find “The Baths”.
Magens Bay Beach
If you are visiting for a few days be sure to leave yourself at least a half day for relaxing and sunbathing on Magens Bay Beach. Noted as one of the worlds most beautiful beaches by both Condé Nast and National Geographic it is a must see. Lots of things to do besides swimming and sunbathing like hiking the nature trail, kayaking, paddle boat and sailboat rentals. A nice bar and restaurant with a shop for chair rentals, suntan lotion, bathing suits and many other items you might need while at the beach. Indulge in a milkshake from the St. Thomas Dairy on your way home. Be sure to have a designated driver as these milkshakes pack quite a punch!
