Welcome to St. Thomas

St. Thomas, part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant shopping scene, and rich history. As one of the Caribbean’s most popular cruise destinations, St. Thomas offers visitors a blend of natural beauty and modern amenities. Whether you’re looking to relax on world-class beaches, shop for duty-free goods, or explore historical sites, St. Thomas has something for everyone. With 6-10 hours to explore, cruise passengers can enjoy the best of the island, from the bustling town of Charlotte Amalie to the serene waters of Magens Bay.

The port of St. Thomas is one of the most popular cruising destinations in the Caribbean. All major cruise lines call to this island. On busy days, the island can host up to 6 or 7 ships at one time. Excellent infrastructure makes it possible to get to most points on the island in relatively short time. There are many of people offering tours, hundreds of shops, many beaches and abundant sunshine to make this port of call one you will likely not easily forget.

St. Thomas is the only location under US jurisdiction where people drive on the left side of the road. 

The average temperature is fairly constant throughout the year with highs around the upper 80's and lows in the mid 70's. Most rainfall occurs in the months Sept through Nov, these are the last months of the hurricane season. 

Cruise Docking Information

Cruise ships in St. Thomas dock at either the Havensight Cruise Terminal or Crown Bay. Havensight is located about 1.5 miles from downtown Charlotte Amalie, while Crown Bay is about 2 miles away. Both terminals are equipped with shops, restaurants, and transportation options, making it easy for passengers to start exploring the island. St. Thomas is one of the busiest cruise ports in the Caribbean, especially during the winter months, welcoming thousands of visitors each day. From the dock, passengers can easily reach the town center or venture out to the island’s famous beaches and attractions.

Three cruise ships (Cel. Equinox, Carnival Victory and Adventure ots) docked in St. Thomas.

Transportation Options

St. Thomas offers a variety of transportation options to help visitors explore the island:

• Walking: If docked at Havensight, the town of Charlotte Amalie is within walking distance, about a 20-25 minute walk. However, taxis and shuttles are available if preferred.
• Taxis: Taxis, including open-air “safari taxis,” are widely available at both cruise terminals and can take visitors to popular destinations like Magens Bay, Coral World, or the Skyride to Paradise Point. Fares vary depending on distance, with a ride to Magens Bay costing around $10 per person.
• Rental Vehicles: Car and jeep rentals are available for those who wish to explore the island at their own pace. Daily rentals start at around $60-70 USD.
• Ferries: Ferries operate between St. Thomas and nearby islands such as St. John and Water Island, providing additional opportunities for exploration. Ferries to St. John depart from Red Hook, about a 20-minute drive from the cruise terminals.

Nearby Towns and Cities

While Charlotte Amalie is the main town on St. Thomas, there are nearby islands and areas worth visiting:

• Red Hook: 12 km (7.5 miles) away, about 20 minutes by car. Known for its marina and restaurants, Red Hook is also the departure point for ferries to St. John and other nearby islands.
• St. John: 24 km (15 miles) away, about 20 minutes by ferry from Red Hook. Famous for its national park and stunning beaches, St. John is a popular day trip from St. Thomas.
• Water Island: 3 km (1.8 miles) away, accessible by a short ferry ride from Crown Bay. Water Island offers a quieter, more laid-back atmosphere, perfect for those looking to escape the crowds.

Local Foods

St. Thomas offers a delicious mix of Caribbean and American cuisine, with fresh seafood being a highlight. Be sure to try these local dishes:

• Conch Fritters: A popular appetizer made from deep-fried conch meat, served with a tangy dipping sauce.
• Johnny Cakes: Fried bread, often served as a side dish with saltfish, chicken, or beef.
• Callaloo Soup: A hearty Caribbean soup made with leafy greens, okra, and sometimes seafood or meat.
• Roti: A Caribbean flatbread filled with curried chicken, goat, or vegetables, often served with chutney.
• Painkiller Cocktail: A local favorite, this tropical drink is made with rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, cream of coconut, and a sprinkle of nutmeg.

Top 5 Attractions

St. Thomas offers plenty of activities for cruise passengers, from beach days to cultural experiences. Here are the top five must-see attractions:

• Magens Bay Beach: One of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, Magens Bay offers calm waters and soft sands. Entry is around $5 per person.
• Coral World Ocean Park: This marine park offers a chance to explore underwater life through touch pools, aquariums, and an underwater observatory. Entry is around $24 per adult.
• Skyride to Paradise Point: Take a scenic cable car ride to the top of Paradise Point for breathtaking views of the harbor and surrounding islands. Tickets are around $25 per person.
• Blackbeard’s Castle: A historic watchtower built by the Danes in the 17th century, offering panoramic views of Charlotte Amalie. Admission costs around $15 per person.
• Charlotte Amalie Shopping District: St. Thomas is known for its duty-free shopping, with plenty of boutiques, jewelry stores, and souvenir shops along Main Street. Free to explore, with plenty of bargains to be found.

Beaches

A paradise for beach lovers! St. Thomas offers some amazing beaches all across the island for snorkeling, diving, swimming and other water activities. 

Beautiful blue crystal clear water and white sandy beaches gives it a post card, breathtaking sight. The palm trees and the mountains in the distance complete the picture. Most beaches are located on the eastern side of the island, approx 30 minutes drive from the cruise ship pier.

The sun can get quite intens at times and it is thus very advisable to take all necessary precautions. Use sufficient sun block and limit your time in the sun. Many beaches offer beach chairs and umbrellas.

Popular beaches include:

• Megans Bay
• Coki Beach
• Sapphire Beach
• Bolongo Bay
• Turtle Cove
• Secret Harbor
• Lindberg Bay

When you arrange transportation on your own, do make sure you also prepare the return journey. Make sure there are taxi's available to go back to the ship and if not, then make good arragements with you taxi driver to arrange pick up.

Shopping

St. Thomas is paradise for shoppers. Hundreds of duty free shops can be found in and around the capital of Charlotte Amalie. Numerous gift shops, luxury boutiques and jewerly stores are located here.

This port is specially popular for items like jewelry, diamonds, china, perfumes, electronics (small) and alcohol. You will most likely be overwhelmed by the number of shops and bargains so it is advisable to prepare if you intend to go shopping.

The shops can be found in the center. From the main ship pier it will take you about 30 minutes to walk. Due to the heat and busy roads, do consider taking a taxi for a few dollars per person (negotiate the price before getting in a taxi). Ask to be dropped off on Main Street (Dronningens Gade). The two parallel roads, Back Street and the Waterfront as well as smaller alleys will boast a huge variety of shopping for all occassions. Some popular locations include Vendor's Plaza and Havensight.

Most shops on the island are open from 9am to 5pm (Mon - Sat). Sundays the shops are usually open until 1pm but they might stay open longer to accomodate cruise ship passengers when many ships are in port.

Do take into consideration that there are restrictions regarding the import of duty free items.

Interesting Facts

St. Thomas is rich in history and culture, with plenty of interesting stories to discover. Here are a few fun facts about this Caribbean island:

• St. Thomas was originally settled by the Arawak and Carib peoples before being colonized by the Danish in the 1600s. The island remained under Danish rule until 1917, when it was sold to the United States.
• The town of Charlotte Amalie is named after Queen Charlotte Amalie of Denmark, wife of King Christian V.
• St. Thomas is home to the second-oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere, the St. Thomas Synagogue, which was built in 1833.

Geographical Position and Surroundings

St. Thomas is located in the Caribbean Sea, part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, approximately 40 miles east of Puerto Rico. The island is mountainous, with lush tropical forests, white-sand beaches, and crystal-clear waters. Charlotte Amalie, the capital, is situated on the southern coast of the island and serves as a major hub for shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. The island’s warm tropical climate makes it a year-round destination, with temperatures ranging from 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C).

Local Customs and Culture

St. Thomas is known for its friendly, laid-back atmosphere, reflecting the island’s Caribbean culture. English is the official language, and the U.S. dollar is the local currency, making it easy for American visitors to navigate. The island is deeply connected to its African, European, and Caribbean roots, and this is reflected in its music, festivals, and cuisine. Visitors may hear calypso, reggae, and steel pan music playing in the streets, and the island hosts colorful carnivals and cultural events throughout the year. Tipping in restaurants is customary, with 15-20% being typical.

Family-Friendly Activities

St. Thomas offers a wide range of activities for families with children of all ages:

• Children up to 6 years old: Visit Coral World Ocean Park, where young children can get up close to sea turtles, stingrays, and tropical fish.
• Children 7-12 years old: Spend a day at Magens Bay Beach, where kids can swim in the calm waters or enjoy a picnic under the shade of palm trees.
• Teenagers 13-18 years old: Take the Skyride to Paradise Point for incredible views and a chance to explore the hiking trails at the top of the mountain.

Google Maps

St. Thomas

*Notice: Content and travel advice presented is created by a port moderator and/or AI. It is specifically designed for cruise passengers visiting this port of call. A port moderator could be a local individual, destination expert, port authority, or a tourism agency. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we recommend that you verify critical information like visas, health and safety, customs, and transportation with official sources before departure. Always familiarize yourself with safety aspects when visiting your destination. We have given some pointers under the information button in the main menu of this app.*