St Thomas Island
The Caribbean paradise of St Thomas Island offers something for just about everyone. St Thomas provides some of the Caribbean’s best beaches and has spectacular nightlife activities. The island is known as the gateway to the Caribbean and has several natural harbors and bays like Magens Bay, Jersey Bay, and Hendrik Bay. St Thomas is a cosmopolitan island yet it still retains the distinctive atmosphere of a secluded Caribbean paradise. St. Thomas is a safe island to visit. While there is a lot of violent crime on St. Thomas, it is seldom directed against visitors. However, regardless of the popularity of any place you visit, there is always the potential for dangerous encounters.
The city of Charlotte Amalie on Saint Thomas Island is the capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands territory. The city, with an estimated population of 19,000, plays host to a cruise ship industry. St. Thomas Island is virtually one long ridge of hills running east and west. Its landmass is 31 square miles, and St. Thomas is 32 square miles in size and about 4 miles wide and 13 miles long. St. Thomas is an island that requires driving to explore all of the incredible sights. While it’s possible to explore without hiring a driver or renting a vehicle, getting around will be much more of a hassle unless you do so. For some trips the “dollah bus” will cost you one or two dollars per person, but they only go on one route in one direction.
St. Thomas has a million miles worth of things to do. Go shopping and sailing, snorkeling and sightseeing, or diving and dining. The Audubon Society sponsored bird-watching tours are wonderful. There are over 160 species of resident and migratory birds in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The largest variety can be seen from November through February. Primarily humpback whales come to the Caribbean in winter to mate and raise calves. EAST, an environmental group on St. Thomas offers educational whale watching boat trips in February and March. St. Thomas is also one of the world’s premier sport fishing destinations. The island has a world-renowned golf course too.
Take the Skyride 700 feet above the city or climb the famous 99 Steps of Charlotte Amalie for an incomparable view of the Caribbean. The St. Thomas Skyride carries 24 passengers every seven minutes along its 8-tower ascent of Flag Hill and some of the most dramatic views of the Caribbean beaches of St. Thomas. Once at the pinnacle, guests can enjoy shopping and dining, watch a bird show, hike a nature trail or hop on the Sky Jump trampoline.
The 99 Steps is one of the most distinguishable landmarks in St. Thomas. They were used by the residents of Charlotte Amalie, These historical 99 steps – the actual count is 103 – were built from the ballast bricks of the tall ships coming from the old world which would then return to Europe loaded with products from the islands.
If you’re interested in culture and history, don’t miss seeing the second-oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere, the 1680-built Fort Christian or the childhood home of Camille Pissarro, one of the best-known French Impressionists. Historic buildings include a 1679 watchtower called Blackbeard’s Castle in reference to the area’s pirate history, Fort Christian in Charlotte Amalie which is has 17th-century Danish fort houses featuring a collection of Amerindian relics, and Seven Arches Museum, a 19th-century artisan’s home.
Hilltop Villas at Bluebeard’s Castle in Charlotte Amalie is 1.6 miles from Morningstar Beach. It has an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a hot tub, tennis courts, a fitness center, and a bar.
The Pirates Treasure Museum is #1 on Trip Advisor’s list of 109 Things To Do on St Thomas Island. It has hands-on, interactive exhibits that share the tales and treasures of deep-ocean exploration. The museum has an expansive selection of authentic shipwreck coins and themed gift items. Visitors delve into a fascinating bounty of pirate legend and historical fact, including reliving the heroic passenger accounts of surviving storm-tossed seas and sinking ships.
Finding delicious food is easy in and around Charlotte Amalie. The capital city of the U.S. Virgin Islands has countless dining options, from chef-prepared haute cuisine to more modest and traditional island fare. While meal prices in Saint Thomas can vary, the average cost of food in Saint Thomas is $43 per day. A typical fast food meal costs $8.00 at McDonalds or Burger King. Food prices generally hover consistently at 30% higher than average stateside prices.
Famous for its lively nightlife, St. Thomas has plenty of popular places for all the singing and dancing you could ever want. You’ll also find small venues with open mic nights and DJs spinning until dawn Nightspot areas are in Havensight, Charlotte Amalie, along the waterfront area, Frenchtown, just outside of Charlotte Amalie, and Red Hook with its semi-block parties. Nighttime activities also revolve around the major resorts.
Kayak, hike and snorkel the picturesque Mangrove Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary & Marine Preserve. Explore a deserted island, mangrove forests and snorkel clear protected waters along the beautiful beaches.
Each year St. Thomas hosts a variety of world-class sporting events, from glamorous regattas to highly competitive tennis, basketball and sport fishing tournaments.
The Beach House is nestled on the quiet side of the island. This luxurious villa has its own private section of beach and you’ll enjoy unspoiled views of the Caribbean Sea and yachts from the comfort of your deck chair. There are two small kayaks so you can go explore the bay for yourself. It comes with eight bedrooms, making it perfect for larger families and groups.
The two top sailing catamarans on St Thomas, Daydreamer Coconut, offer comfort and stability while sailing through pristine waters around the US and British Virgin Islands. Discover the beauty of the waters while being pampered by professional crew members. All trips include snorkel gear and open bar.
Coral World Ocean Park is one of St. Thomas’ greatest attractions. Park goers can swim with sea lions, sea trek along the ocean floor, encounter turtles, sharks, sting rays, feed the lorikeets, scuba, power snorkel, and more. Other highlights include the Undersea Observatory Tower built 30 feet underwater and the Marine Gardens gallery of 21 aquariums.
Red Hook is a town located on the east side of Saint Thomas in the East End sub district. It has a ferry that runs between St. Thomas and Cruz Bay on St. John. The trip takes approximately 20 minutes and it runs hourly between 6:00 am and Midnight. The East End features an unofficial “town” of red-tiled roof homes and businesses dotting a rolling coastline that overlooks Pillsbury Sound and the island of St. John. Red Hook is located just 2 miles from the Sugar Bay beach resort, Red Hook is more relaxed than other tourist destinations. It’s perfect for a USVI family vacation with the benefit of an array of boating, water sports activities, dining and nightlife. The town of Red Hook has a marina, fishing and boating excursions, island-style shops, restaurants, and more.
The St. Thomas Greathouse and Botanical Gardens is nestled high in the volcanic peaks overlooking the beaches of St. Thomas. It was originally part of the 150-acre Plantation St. Peter but now displays examples of West Indian architecture and furniture. The lush Botanical Gardens and nature trail feature streaming waterfalls, tropical bird aviaries, fish ponds and has more than 20 varieties of orchids and 150 species of Caribbean plants and fruits.
Sugar Bay Resort & Spa, a 4 star resort property, is a highly desirable place to stay on the island. It hugs a hillside on the northeast corner of the island. Cyril E. King International Airport is just 8 miles away.
This St Thomas resort with 294 air conditioned guestrooms is loaded with family pleasing amenities including a pool area with waterfalls, a white sand beach, a well-equipped spa, and tennis courts. Dining options at Sugar Bay Resort and Spa include 6 restaurants. 2 bars/lounges and a poolside bar open for drinks.
Rooms are all accessible via exterior corridors. Balconies offer water views. All Sugar Ray rooms include separate dining areas and desks, along with coffee/tea makers and safes.
In addition, this is one of the few resorts in the U.S. Virgin Islands that offers families an all-inclusive vacation option. The Sugar Bay Kids Klub is open throughout the year to entertain children ages 4-12. Activities include adventure hikes, treasure hunting, board games, crafts, sand sculpting, movies, music and dance, and cultural education. Fun family activities in addition to the kids’ program include bumper boats, miniature golf, iguana feeding, water sports, tennis courts, beach volleyball, and games around the pool.
This is a tour around St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. In this tour of the island they explore Charlotte Amalie, Magens Bay, Lindquist Beach, Coki Point and Brewers. They also head up to the Top of the Mountain and show you around Red Hook. There are many islands in the area. Nearby is the British Virgin Islands and towards Puerto Rico is the Spanish Virgin Islands.