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Royal Caribbean shore excursion - Must... - St Thomas Cruise Excursions - Tours

• Caribbean    
• U.S. Virgin Islands    
• St. Thomas    
• Charlotte Amalie    
• Charlotte Amalie - Things to Do    
• St Thomas Cruise Excursions - Tours

On our trip, our family had a medical scare, and in this time of uncertainty, Keith was so... read more

My husband and I took this excursion booked through Royal Caribbean. This was a very special... read more

Royal Caribbean shore excursion - Must do!

We took this afternoon shore excursion while cruising on Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas. We did the 2pm while in St. Thomas. The staff was amazing, the boat was fast and the rum punch was free! We had a guided snorkeling tour where we say an amazing sea turtle, coral reefs and fish off Buck Island then spent an hour at Honeymoon Beach where we could eat, drink and jump off the boat. It was an amazing excursion and well worth the cost! Would do it again!

This was one of the ports of call on our 7 day Eastern Caribbean RCI cruise. We docked at Crown Bay. If you are docking at Havergill you probably have more options for sightseeing. We were offered through the shopping promoter on our ship a more convenient way of obtaining a taxi from the dock to the downtown area and so proceeded with a large group to waiting taxis very close to the dock. The taxi ride whether through the group or alone is $4 per person each way. There are plenty of taxis in the downtown area that you can grab to get back to the dock. We only partook of the shopping experience and didn't tour any other parts of the island. I would recommend doing so as the shopping experience is limited (many, many jewelry stores all vying for your money). You can only shop as long as the funds hold out. There are plenty of freebies to get you into the stores all of which we participated in and ended up with a couple of necklaces with birthstones and charms and a charm bracelet and some loose "gem stones". These are all nice bits of memories from the trip. We actually ended up with extras and we left these for our room attendant to either keep or give to her family and friends. We had hoped to be able to go to a beach after shopping (which lasted a couple of hours) but were told that the best beach was a 25 minute taxi ride at the cost of $8 per person each way. AS we werent' sure about getting a taxi back to the ship from the beach we just headed back to the ship to enjoy the pool and have lunch. Would recommend if you have a particular item in mind to purchase, that you find out where the best place to buy that is and then go there, make your best deal and then head out on a tour of the island or to the beach or leave the shopping til the end of the day after enjoying what the island has to offer.

You don’t need to look very hard to find angry people and bad attitudes here in Saint Thomas. This is visit number 8 and I find it all too apparent that many local who serve tourists, especially taxi drivers, have very low tolerance for their guests. It’s not the entire place by any means however far too many residents choose to be other than nice!

Captain Ryan, Jake, Anna, and Serena were all wonderful and couldn't have been better guides and a crew. The tour consists of a 20 minute power sail to Shipwreck Cove for 20-30 minutes of snorkeling over a WWII American Navy Vessel. Next they go to the island side and snorkel over Turtles (if they decide to show up). Afterwards the bar is opened and a slow sail/power back to the pier. We had an awesome time!

Today we took an excursion with castaway #3 catamaran to Buck Island. The crew was captain Ryan, Jake,Anna,and Serena. A better crew can not be found! These guys made our excursion relaxing, fun, and an overall wonderful time! They were knowledgeable, friendly and patient with all the passengers. Truly professional. Also free rum punch, snorkeling gear, and a really cool catamaran! Great fun! Don’t miss it if you ever find yourself in st Thomas. We booked this excursion thru MSC Seaside.🙂

On our stop from a cruise ship we boarded Castaway 3 and had a great time. Although we could not snorkel in Turtle cove since it was so rough, we did have a good time at shipwreck cove. The crew was awesome! Would definitely book again if we are down that way.

15 Best Things To Do In St Thomas Cruise Port + Port Guide

Welcome to St Thomas cruise port!

Nestled in the northeast Caribbean Sea and home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, prime snorkeling spots, and duty-free paradise, the island of St Thomas is the most popular U.S. Virgin Islands cruise port and a frequent stop in the Caribbean cruise itineraries. In this article, I share with you:

• St Thomas cruise port (St Thomas cruise terminal, getting around the port)
• 15 best things to do in the port of St Thomas and best St Thomas shore excursions

Visit also our cruise guides to  Grand Cayman ,  Labadee , St Maarten , St Kitts , St Lucia , Barbados

St Thomas Cruise Port

St Thomas port consists of 2 cruise ship terminals (Havensight cruise terminal and Crown Bay Marina) located in Charlotte Amalie, the island’s historic capital located in the south of St Thomas.

1. Havensight Cruise Terminal

Havensight cruise terminal is the primary port and it is the closest to the city center, approximately 2 km/1.2 miles, or a 20-25 minute walking distance. It has 3 berths and a pier is around 1 km/0.6 miles long.

Right by the exit of the port, you will find Havensight Mall, a large area filled with duty-free shops, souvenir and jewelry stores, a tourist information center (make sure you pick up maps, brochures, and guides to St Thomas), tour operator booths, ATMs (the currency is US dollar), and a variety of other amenities.

1.1. Getting Around Havensight Cruise Terminal 

• The port area is flat and suitable for people with walking difficulties/wheelchair users.
• Havensight Mall consists of dozens of shops housed in one-story buildings and some of the brands you’ll find are Diamonds International, Colombian Emeralds, Little Switzerland, Pandora, Effy, Boolchand’s (electronics), Harley Davidson, and numerous clothing and souvenir stores. There are also a variety of bars and restaurants offering international and Caribbean cuisine, such as Cravin’ Crabs, Wendy’s, The Smoking Rooster, Barefoot Buddha, Beni Iguana’s Sushi Bar & Restaurant, China King, Subway, Dog House Pub, Pizza Amore, Great Wall (Chinese restaurant), and many others.
• The bus parking and a large taxi rank are available right outside the cruise terminal gates. This is where you normally meet your tour guides for your shore excursions (however, make sure you double-check your meeting time and location indicated on your tour ticket).
• Upon exiting the ship, in the northern part of the Havensight dock, you will spot Yacht Haven Grande , a beautiful marina filled with luxury yachts and recreational boats. This is where you will find some high-end stores including the renowned Louis Vuitton. Here, you will also find several upscale cocktail bars and restaurants, as well as tour operator booths offering tours and car rentals. Yacht Haven Grande is located only a 10-15 minute walk from Havensight cruise terminal.
• To get to Charlotte Amalie downtown , you can take an easy 20-25-minute walk through the Yacht Haven Grande Marina, passing by Bluebeard’s Castle, one of the historic landmarks of the city. The alternative is to take a taxi that you can easily find at a designated taxi station right by the exit gates of the port.
• The majority of taxis in St Thomas are open-air taxis and shared (minivan style), so prices are per person. Rates are regulated so there is no chance to bargain. From the Havensight pier to Charlotte Amalie downtown, a taxi rate is approximately $5 per person each way. There are also wheelchair-accessible taxis in St. Thomas, however, they are very limited.
• As for public transport , it is available but not very reliable, so it’s not recommended to use it especially due to the limited time in port.
• Some of the attractions near the Havensight cruise terminal are Skyride to Paradise Point (the view in the picture above), and Pirates Treasure Museum .

IMPORTANT INFO : Cruise ship passengers in St. Thomas are required to have both the ship card and a valid photo ID to re-enter the pier. There might be delays in getting off the ship/tour departures as St Thomas is a U.S. cruise port, and the immigration process takes place upon coming to the port.

2. Crown Bay Marina Cruise Terminal

Inaugurated in 2007, Crown Bay Marina is the newest pier located in the western part of Charlotte Amalie’s Bay (on the opposite side of Havensight cruise terminal), approximately 2.6 km/1.6 miles from downtown. Crown Bay Pier consists of 2 berths and offers a variety of amenities.

Right by the exit of the security gates, there is a Crown Bay Center shopping mall where you can find a tourist information desk, ATMs, restrooms, duty-free shops, souvenir stores, tour operator booths, bars, restaurants, and free wi-fi (close to the bank).

Some of the brands that you will find include Diamonds International, Cariloha, Del Sol, Effy, Cardow, Little Switzerland, Milano Diamond Gallery, Royal Caribbean Shop, and a few others. The shore excursion meeting place is usually here, in front of the terminal gates, however, always double-check the information on your tour ticket.

To get to Charlotte Amalie downtown , you can walk which I wouldn’t recommend, as it’s too long and not very scenic (30-40 minutes walking distance). The best way to get into the town is by taxi . A taxi rank is outside the pier, the rates are displayed and taxis are shared; it costs around $5 per person one way to go to the city center.

There are no attractions close to the Crown Bay cruise terminal, however, you can take a taxi to some of the nearby beaches. The most popular and beautiful ones are Lindberg Bay Beach (a 20-minute walk, or less than a 5-minute drive), and Brewers Bay Beach (a 5-minute drive or 40-minute walk).

Getting Around St Thomas Port – Useful Info

• The official currency in St. Thomas is the U.S. dollar (USD), as the island is a U.S. territory. Credit cards are accepted in the majority of shops and restaurants. ATMs and banks are available in town.
• St Thomas is a duty-free shopping paradise. You’ll find hundreds of duty-free shops in Charlotte Amalie and Havensight cruise terminal.
• The peak tourist season in Saint Thomas lasts from December to April, so you may expect crowds during this period. The weather in St Thomas is warm all year round, with breezy nights and very little rainfall during the high season. The rainiest months are August, September, October and November, and this is when tropical storms/hurricanes may occur.
• Cyril E. King Airport is St Thomas’ International Airport and is located 7 km/4.5 miles (a 15-minute drive) west of Havensight Cruise Pier and less than 2.5 km/1.5 miles (a 5-minute drive) west of Crown Bay Marina.
• Major cruise lines sailing to Charlotte Amalie St Thomas include Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, MSC Cruises, Viking Ocean Cruises, Holland America Line and Windstar Cruises . Check out the St Thomas cruise ship schedule
• Explore St Thomas tours and activities
• Search for the best Caribbean cruise deals

15 Best Things to Do in St Thomas Cruise Port

1. historic charlotte amalie.

Start your day learning about the history of the largest capital city in the United States Virgin Islands. Founded in 1666 as Thapus, the city was renamed in 1691 as Charlotte Amalie in honor of the Danish Queen. Stroll through the narrow cobblestone alleys and admire the beautiful Danish colonial architecture.

The main city attractions are located within a short walking distance, so you can visit the majority of them in a few hours. Below is the list of Charlotte Amalie’s highlights:

• St Thomas Synagogue – The second oldest synagogue operating in the Western Hemisphere, offering guided tours and known for its floor covered by sand.
• Fort Christian – A remarkable Dano-Norwegian fortification originally dating from the 1600s. Built for defense purposes, it is the oldest standing structure in the Virgin Islands and overlooks the harbor.
• Blackbeard’s Castle and 99 steps – The 17th-century Blackbeard’s Castle is a circular hilltop watchtower located in the heart of the city’s historic district. The castle features a 14-foot-tall Blackbeard statue and its lookout point offers stunning views of the capital and its bay. The easiest way to get to the castle is to take a taxi downtown and then walk around 5 minutes to get to the bottom of the 99 steps , a long, brick staircase surrounded by lush nature and colorful flowers. The staircase will lead you to the castle.
• Emancipation Garden – A beautiful park and a small plaza with a pavilion, built to commemorate the abolition of slavery.
• Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial Park – At a stone’s throw from Emancipation Garden, this memorial park is a shaded relaxing area featuring a playground for kids, an ideal place for families and those in search of a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.
• Three Queens Statue – Built in 2005, the beautiful statue was erected to commemorate the three ladies who led the Fireburn Revolt against the Danish Government to improve the working and living conditions of plantation workers after slavery was abolished.

Check out Charlotte Amalie tours and activities

2. Magens Bay Beach

St Thomas has over 40 beaches boasting gorgeous white sand and crystal clear turquoise waters. Surrounded by abundant vegetation and known for its sugar-white powdery sands and calm waters, a mile-long Magens Bay is a true tropical gem ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world!

Magens Bay is located in the north of St Thomas, approximately 6 km/3.7 miles from Charlotte Amalie and the cruise ports. This stunning beach is suitable for people of all ages (very family-friendly) and features facilities such as a bar restaurant, sunbeds/umbrella rentals, as well as rentals of snorkel gear, kayaks, floats, paddleboats, and other equipment.

Magens Bay is an ideal beach for swimming and is most recommended when traveling with kids because of its calm waters. Snorkeling is also possible, however, the marine life right there is not the best due to the beach’s sandy bottom.

If you seek awe-inspiring sceneries, go for an uphill hike to enjoy some great scenic views of the bay, and on your way back, check out the Mountain Top, an observation deck offering spectacular views of the Magens Bay. A taxi ride takes approximately 20-25 minutes.

Check out Magens Bay tours and activities

3. Mountain Top

Visit the highest point in St Thomas to get breathtaking views of Magens Bay and neighboring islands while sipping their world-famous Banana Daiquiri. Rising 1,500 ft above sea level, Mountain Top offers not only spectacular views but also features a large duty-free shop where you can find authentic souvenirs, spirits, clothing, and much more!

There is also a bar so you can enjoy cocktails and the renowned liquor while taking in the best view in St Thomas! Many tours include a stop at Mountain Top, but if you decide to come on your own, a taxi is the best option.

Explore Mountain Top tours and activities

4. Coral World Ocean Park

One of the best family-friendly places in St Thomas, this incredible park offers marine interactive experiences, a nature trail, an Aquarium, an underwater observatory, and a glass-enclosed coral reef tank. Get up close with sea lions, turtles, dolphins, stingrays, and even sharks!

The admission fee to the park includes a souvenir map, access to the undersea observatory tower, and unlimited access to the park and beach. Other water activities and animal encounters are also available for an extra fee. Due to the popularity of the site, it is recommended to make your reservations in advance.

The Coral World Ocean Park is located approximately 10 km/6.5 miles or a 25-minute drive from both St Thomas cruise terminals.

Explore Coral World Ocean Park tours and activities

5. St John Island

If you are familiar with St. Thomas, I suggest taking a scenic ferry ride over to St. John, the smallest of the three Virgin Islands located four miles east of St. Thomas. The island boasts incredible nature and a large part of it is covered by a nature reserve.

St John is known as a great snorkeling and diving spot and has breathtaking beaches, among which Trunk Bay and Honeymoon Beach are the most popular ones.

You can take an open-air taxi and tour around the Virgin Islands National Park’s coastal swamplands and sugar plantation ruins, or relax and snorkel at one of the beautiful beaches.

The capital Cruz Bay offers visitors a wide range of restaurants, bars, and locally handmade items, so you can take a break at one of the charming cafes overlooking the picturesque harbour.

The only way to get to St John’s is to take a taxi from St Thomas to Red Hook Ferry Station , located around 12 km/7.5 miles from Charlotte Amalie. The taxi ride takes approximately 15 minutes. Ferry rides over Cruz Bay take 20 minutes.

Explore St John Island tours and activities

6. Snorkel at Trunk Bay (St John)

Nestled in the north of St John, Trunk Bay Beach is the most popular beach listed as one of the top 10 beaches in the world. Trunk Bay and its beach are known for incredible hiking and snorkeling opportunities as two-thirds of the island is part of the Virgin Islands National Park.

Those who seek peace and silence of nature can relax, swim or sunbathe at the beach, but those in search of an active holiday are welcome to discover tropical fish and colorful corals on the Underwater Snorkeling Trail , offering ideal snorkeling for first-timers, kids, and adults!

This 225-yard-long trail lies just 30 yards off the beach and allows visitors to enjoy an up-close encounter with St John’s vibrant marine life featuring corals, parrotfish, yellowtails, and turtles. Underwater signs give you an insight into the abundant sea life, which makes the whole experience unique and educational.

There is a small entrance fee to Trunk Bay. Beach chairs, umbrellas, and snorkeling gear are available for rental, and other amenities include showers, restrooms, and places to buy food and drinks.

Explore Trunk Bay tours and activities

7. Honeymoon Beach

Only a 5-minute drive from St John’s capital Cruz Bay, this picturesque piece of heaven offers a perfect retreat from the bustling St Thomas. Here, you can unwind and soak up the Caribbean sun with a glass of cocktail in your hand, or go for activities such as hiking, snorkeling, paddle boarding, or kayaking.

The beach boasts powdery sands and crystal clear turquoise waters and offers great snorkeling with sea turtles and other incredible marine life.

To get to the beach on your own, you need to take a golf cart for a small cost. Many tours include Honeymoon Beach, and the best way to reach it is by boat as you get to take in the stunning views of St John’s coastline.

The umbrellas and chairs are available for rental, as well as food and drinks that you can purchase on the beach. The prices are not the cheapest ones, but the place itself is beautiful and well worth the trip.

If you seek a more secluded beach, Solomon Beach located next to Honeymoon Beach might be just a perfect pick for you! It is accessible via hiking trails, has no amenities, and offers amazing swimming and snorkeling.

Explore Honeymoon Beach tours and activities

8. Boss Underwater Adventure

This is the perfect opportunity to discover St. Thomas’s underwater world from a different perspective. This unique underwater scooter is custom-built with an oversized helmet that allows you to breathe normally while enjoying great views of tropical reefs and colorful fish. There is no previous diving experience required for this underwater exploration.

9. Buck Island

Embark on a sailing adventure to Buck Island, the National Wildlife Refuge located only 2 miles south of St Thomas. This little island is known for its rugged coastline, colorful coral reefs, and an old, hilltop lighthouse offering breathtaking ocean views.

Turtle Cove is the most popular spot on the island, as it’s home to Green Sea Turtles that you can often spot swimming in the blue azure, crystal clear waters. Besides the turtles, you can snorkel/scuba dive around a fascinating coral reef teeming with abundant marine life including surgeonfish, squirrelfish, snapper, and other tropical sea creatures.

Another popular snorkeling and scuba diving location is a wartime-era shipwreck, lying at a depth of around 40 ft (12 meters). Buck Island is a blast and easily accessible by catamaran, speedboat, or sailboat on a guided tour.

Note : There are two Buck Islands; the little one I mentioned lies a couple of miles south of St Thomas, whereas the other Buck Island is a protected area and part of the Reef National Monument, located 1.5 miles north of St Croix Island (U.S. Virgin Islands).

Explore Buck Island tours and activities

10.  Sapphire Beach

This beautiful beach is located on the east end of St. Thomas, around 11 km/6.5 miles from the city, and is a great place for swimming, snorkeling, and water activities (jet skis, kayaks, parasailing). Beach chairs, umbrellas, and snorkeling equipment are available for rental, and you can also purchase food and drinks at a small open-air grill nearby. Sapphire Beach Resort , Condos, and Marina are also within walking distance from the beach.

Check out Sapphire Beach tours and activities

11. Cas Cay Mangrove Lagoon Marine Reserve

Tucked in the southwest of St Thomas, approximately a 20-minute drive from St Thomas cruise port, this beautiful mangrove lagoon is a protected area spread across a multitude of tiny islands fringed with red mangroves covering an area of 680 acres.

The lagoon is home to rare birds and fish species, mangrove forests, and a Marine Sanctuary that you can explore accompanied by a tour guide in kayaks, or by snorkeling and hiking. One of the points of interest is Red Point Blow Hole , an impressive geyser-like formation where you get to witness the wild side of nature!

Explore Cas Cay Mangrove Lagoon tours and activities

12. Secret Harbor Beach

This beautiful Eco Park Beach is tucked in Nazareth Bay located on the east end of St Thomas, around a 30-minute drive from the terminals. Home to the Secret Harbor Beach Resort , this beach is popular for its light pink sand and calm waters and is a great choice for families with small children and couples.

You can swim, relax, snorkel, or walk along the rustic lagoon and admire the ecological preservation of marine life and birds. There is natural shade but umbrellas, chairs, and other amenities are available for rental. It has a nice waterfront beach bar and restaurant.

Check out Secret Harbour Beach tours and activities

13. Lindberg Bay Beach

Located a stone’s throw from Charlotte Amalie, this is the closest beach if your ship docks at Crown Bay Marina cruise terminal. Lindberg Beach is a great beach for swimming offering a front beach bar, restaurants, and water activities for rental, however, don’t expect snorkeling to be good here. There is also a small playground for families traveling with kids.

Lindbergh Beach can be accessed by a short taxi ride from the port or about a 20-minute walk from Crown Bay Marina. I’ve been to this beach a couple of times and I absolutely loved it!

14. Skyride to Paradise Point

If you are looking for unforgettable views and sceneries, hop aboard a tram that will take you to Paradise Point, rising 700 ft above the town of Charlotte Amalie. The trams can accommodate 8-12 people each, and the ride takes 5 minutes one-way.

Once you arrive at the top, you can enjoy Paradise Point amenities including a bar restaurant, shopping deck, sun deck, patio, harbor terrace, and free wi-fi! The base station is located a few minutes’ walk from Havensight cruise port, near Havensight Mall.

15. Enjoy Duty-Free Shopping

Considered the duty-free capital of the Caribbean, St Thomas port offers a wide variety of luxury items, diamonds, liquors, perfumes, watches, cameras, and leather goods. Nearly all shopping areas are located in Charlotte Amalie downtown and Havensight mall, but at some places of interest and tourist attractions, you will also be able to shop.

Wrapping Up

The most popular island in U.S. Virgin Islands, St Thomas has a lot to offer and it’s recommended to plan your day ahead to get the most out of this beautiful port of call.

Visit also our cruise port guides to Aruba , Curacao , Bonaire , Falmouth , Cozumel , Costa Maya , Grand Cayman , Perfect Day at CocoCay

You may also like our cruise port guides to the Mediterranean , Caribbean , Western Europe , Baltic & Scandinavia , USA & Canada , Australia & New Zealand

This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. For full information, please see my  disclaimer  here.

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ST THOMAS & ST JOHN CRUISE SHIP SHORE EXCURSIONS

Are you arriving to st thomas by cruise ship, we have designed a variety of full and half day excursions on our yachts especially for you., whether you desire a full day of boating on an exclusive private journey, or a half day excursion which still allows for plenty of time to shop on the mainland at charlotte amalie, we’ve got an adventure to fit your schedule., our magic moments yachts can pick you up directly at the cruise ship excursion dock., we offer a fully customizable itinerary, whether you are arriving on a cruise ship from carnival, celebrity, costa, disney, holland american, msc cruises, ncl norwegian, princess, or royal caribbean , your st thomas and st john shore excursions should include yachting – one of the most sought-after destination features of the u.s. and british virgin islands, this is your opportunity to see the amazing national park island of st john, jost van dyke, tortola, sandy cay and other beautiful destinations..

• If you choose to visit the British Virgin Island, we meet at Compass Point Marina, a short taxi ride away.

A Taste of Yachting

Endless opportunities, come with us to discover the heights of luxury at sea level.

Contact Us with any questions or make a reservation today!

Magic Moments has been rated Excellent by TripAdvisor, described as the best activity in the Virgin Islands by the VI Daily News for nine consecutive years, and has been recommended by Fodor’s Travel Guide to the U.S. Virgin Islands.

You will receive personalized service on a spacious luxury yacht, with fine food and beverage.

Our balanced itinerary includes time to enjoy a variety of activities (snorkeling, swimming, beach-combing, relaxing on the boat) at a more leisurely pace than other charters. 

More than 20 years’ experience in the marine charter business has shown us what our clients desire from a luxury excursion.

For BVI customs, you’ll need a valid Passport. This requirement is subject to current BVI regulations, so be sure to ask when booking reservations.

You should bring a towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, and a camera (underwater, if possible).  For BVI customs, you will need a Passport (see above).

Yes, it is possible to charter.  A customized itinerary and menu are available for charters.

Know Before You Go

If we haven’t answered your questions here, please feel free ask us we’re happy to assist in any way we can, please complete the reservation request form below and we will contact you to confirm your reservation..

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17 Best Things to Do in St. Thomas on a Cruise Day

If you’re wondering about the best things to do in St. Thomas , USVI , you’re not alone. St. Thomas, nestled between the Atlantic and Caribbean Sea, is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the entire Caribbean.

In this post, we share our favorite things to do in St. Thomas in only one day. 

Best Things to Do in St. Thomas in One Day

In This Post...

Deciding what things to do in St. Thomas with only one day in port can be a bit overwhelming. There are so many interesting and exciting activities to pick and choose.

From relaxing on the white sugar-sand beach at Magens Bay, duty-free shopping (some of the best prices in the Caribbean) in Charlotte Amalie, to a white-knuckle zip-line or a helicopter adventure, there’s a ton of options to choose for your day in St. Thomas.

Make sure to pack your sunscreen, sun hat, maybe a daypack and get ready for a visit that includes relaxation, adventure, shopping and a bit of pirate lore. 

RELATED:   Do You Need a Passport for a Caribbean Cruise?

St. Thomas and the Pirates

Understanding the history of St. Thomas and the surrounding islands will give you better insight into what’s offered today. 

Piracy and privateering were happening here in the 1500s, when Spain was running shiploads of gold and silver looted from the Aztecs and Mayans.

Among the most famous and feared pirates in the Virgin Islands included Anne Bonny, Blackbeard, Captain Kidd, and Bluebeard. 

Throughout much of this time, the U.S. kept its eye on the Virgin Islands. In 1917, the United States purchased St.Thomas, St. John and St. Croix from Denmark. 

Where Do Cruise Ships Dock in St. Thomas?

It’s important for planning your day to know in advance where your ship will dock in St. Thomas. 

The main docking piers for St. Thomas are on the south side of the island;  Havensight Cruise Pier and the adjacent shopping mecca, Havensight Mall or Crown Bay, located just west of Charlotte Amalie.

Cruise lines that dock at Havensight include Carnival, Celebrity, Norwegian and most Royal Caribbean ships except for their Oasis class ships . 

Ships docking at Crown Bay are usually those with a deeper draft like Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class ships, Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 and several Holland America and Princess ships.

If Havensight Pier is too busy, your ship may end up docking in Crown Point Marina, despite being a smaller ship.

On busy port days, some cruise ship will have to drop anchor just offshore and guests will ride a tender (lifeboat) into port. 

This procedure usually goes fairly smooth and your ship may even distribute tender tickets to time your departure and avoid overcrowding at peak times. 

Because Havensight is such a large pier, be prepared for crowds. This is especially important if you travel during peak cruise season or the winter holidays.

Transportation into Town 

There are tons of taxis to hitch a ride between the main Havensight Mall area and Charlotte Amalie. It’s also walkable, though not in the heat of summer.

It’s only a 15-minute ride between the two spots, and your taxi ride will cost about $15 each way. Taxis can be found outside of the dock gates.

Trolleys also run between the industrial port (Crown Point Marina) and Charlotte Amelie. Usually there’s a small fee. On occasion, luxury cruise lines will cover the cost. 

Consider renting a car for the day if you want to go sightseeing on your own. There are several car rental agencies on the island and will pick up at the port. Budget has a car rental location at Havensight Cruise Pier. 

What to Do in St. Thomas

1. spend the day at beautiful magens bay.

Beautiful Magens Bay is probably at the top of nearly everyone’s list of the best things to do in St. Thomas. Or at least close to the top of the list.

Whether you want to dive into crystal-clear waters or take tropical Facebook photos, you’re in for a treat at Magens Bay. This beach is an escape like no other with the soft sand and gleaming turquoise water. 

Magen’s Bay is located on the north side of the island. There’s a small fee to visit the beach. Children under 12 are free, but it’s reported to be $5 per adult. Your cruise ship is sure to offer half- or full-day shore excursions .

If your stomach starts to growl, head to Magens Bay Beach Bar and Café . Here you’ll find everything from grilled sandwiches to pizza plus pre-made salads and sandwiches. 

You’ll quickly forget about your worries of paying to be on the beach once you set eyes on the area. Visitors have reported their visit to Magens Bay is worth every penny and more. 

Many local private companies offer boat tours of the area. Check with your cruise line about their shore excursions to Magens Bay, too. 

2. Stop by Blackbeard’s Castle

Unfortunately, due to Hurricane Irma, this attraction is currently closed off from the public. But even if you can’t go inside, see if you can still get a peek at the outside.

Serving as one of the most popular St. Thomas tourist attractions, this castle takes you deep into a pirate-packed past. 

You’ll find this landmark in the city of Charlotte Amalie at the highest point of Government Hill. It’s hard to miss due to its high vantage point and size. Almost all motorcoach tours of Charlotte Amalie stop for a photo op at Blackbeard’s Castle.

Blackbeard, formally known as Edward Teach, was rumored to have used the castle as a lookout point for his pirate plots. 

3. Explore Coral World Ocean Park

St. Thomas sightseeing is a great way to get a feel for the island, but you can cool off by diving deep into the waters of Coral World Ocean Park, located on the east side of the island by Coki Beach.

Guests can purchase general admission tickets to explore the five acres of land. There are extra excursions available to purchase. These extra excursions include dolphin kayak tours, a shark encounter, a sea trek adventure , and a snuba adventure.

If you aren’t interested in purchasing additional opportunities, you’ll still have plenty to do with the sea animal touch pools, stingray lagoon, and the underwater observatory tower. 

Are you with your kids and/or grandkids? This park offers educational opportunities that teach visitors more about local sea creatures and underwater habitats. 

4. Stroll Downtown Charlotte Amalie 

Stroll through the island’s capital city on the south side of the island, and lose yourself wandering through the cobblestone alleyways and take note of the interesting architecture. 

Luckily, the city’s historical landmarks aren’t too far of a walk from each other. Make sure to check out the St. Thomas synagogue with its sand floor, try to climb the steep 99 Steps, and the Three Queens statue. 

If you become hungry, there’s no shortage of good food in the city. Check out the Stone House Cafe, Amalie Cafe, Rum Island Pub, and Virgilio’s. 

Downtown Charlotte Amalie is the place to shop. Your cruise ship will of course offer their “guaranteed” shopping guide. And some of the offers are good. Whether you want to buy liquor or jewelry or simple souvenirs, you’ll find everything you need in the shops along these narrow alleyways.

5. Relax at Sapphire Beach

Located on the east side of the island, Sapphire beach is a beautiful escape from the busier hubs of the island. 

Head over the beach for a clear view of St. John, and dive deep into the waters for a snorkeling adventure you’ll never forget. You’ll also notice quite a few windsurfers during your visit. 

Want to go kayaking? Pop by the watersports booth to rent a kayak or snorkeling gear. Sapphire beach is also the best spot on the island to do a parasailing experience.

If you don’t feel like getting wet, sit on the rocky ledge and just dip your toes in the water.

6. See the Sea with Caribbean Buzz Helicopters

Do you want to see St. Thomas from above? Schedule a ride with Caribbean Buzz Helicopters, located on the west side of Charlotte Amalie. 

This company specializes in helicopter tours of the islands and even provides private airport transfers. Talk about showing up in style.

How daring are you? Choose a doors-off option to feel the cool ocean air blow past as you explore the islands from the sky. Just imagine your family’s reaction to the pictures you’ll be able to take. 

If your cruise is making a stop during a full moon, check out their Full Moon tour. Visitors have the chance to view the islands in the romantic moonlight. 

7. Try the Tree Limin’ Extreme Zipline

If you’re an adrenaline junkie, one of the best things to do in St. Thomas for you could a ride on the famous St. Thomas zipline . Anyone between the ages of 5-95 years can experience the thrill of a zipline ride!

Tree Limin’ Extreme Zipline starts high up in St. Peter Mountain. You’ll catch amazing views of Magens Bay on your way down. Soak it all up as you soar through what looks like a National Geographic ad. 

Do you need a break after your zipline experience? Relax at the da Lime in da Coconut bar that features flavors of Caribbean rum you’ve probably never tried.

8. Visit Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden

If you’re someone who enjoys slower moments at each cruise stop, then one of the best things to do in St. Thomas is to make your way to a beautiful botanical garden just south of Magens Bay.

At the Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden , you’ll discover dozens upon dozens of tropical plants and colorful blooming flowers. 

The gardens are educational for those interested in plants and flowers such as orchids, succulents, and palms. Garden staff also enjoy teaching others about the importance of conservation. 

Luckily, besides being one of the most beautiful attractions, it’s also one of the most affordable . Adults above the age of 12 only pay $10 to visit the gardens. 

9. Skyride Up to Paradise Point

Hop on the Skyride up to Paradise Point. The Skyride is directly across from the Havensight cruise port in Charlotte Amalie. 

Every 7 minutes, the Skyride shuttles passengers 700 feet to reach the top, Paradise Point. Use your moment in the sky to take awesome pictures or simply relax.

Once you reach the top, check out the observation deck overlooking the city and shore. The view is incredible. Feeling hungry or thirsty? 

Paradise Point offers a delicious restaurant and a highly rated bar famous for their Bailey’s Bushwacker or bananas daiquiris. 

10. Take a St . Thomas Food Tour

Incorporate a walking tour with a taste of the local culinary and cultural scene. There are several food tour operators in St. Thomas. 

Your cruise ship will most likely offer an excursion. The advantage of booking that type of tour with your ship is that the tour will begin and end at the port, but it will likely be quite a bit more expensive and not as relaxed.

Some food tours have a designated meeting point in Charlotte Amalie. This means you’ll have to find your own way to the meeting point and back to the ship.

If you decide to take a food tour on your own, be sure to leave plenty of time to get back to your ship after the food tour. The short 15 minute drive can take over 30 minutes where there are many ships docked at Havensight. 

11. Grab a Bite to Eat at Glady’s Cafe

Enjoy one of the best things to do in St. Thomas – lunch! If you’re hungry, head over to Glady’s Cafe.

This delicious eatery is located in the middle of Charlotte Amalie’s historic district. You can reach it either by walking, taking a taxi, or riding a local Vitran bus.

This restaurant is an inexpensive, casual eatery that serving local cuisine. Try their conch in butter sauce or jerk pork. You can even grab a bottle of Glady’s famous hot sauce to go!

Their menu also includes a variety of delicious sandwiches. 

12. Frenchtown Brewing Company

Do you enjoy cooling off from the heat with a cold brew? Make your way into the fishing village, Frenchtown, to give this business a try. 

The brewery opened in 2015 and offers authentic island beer. Give yourself plenty of time during your visit to tour the brewery and sample some of their most popular brews. 

Buy one of their steel growlers to go to have a few drinks on the beach. 

13. Airbnb Experiences

Not many people know Airbnb isn’t just for finding a place to stay for the night. The platform now also offers the chance to hang out with locals. 

Download the app before going on your cruise. Once your know your cruise itinerary, see what unique AirBnB experiences are available in the area on the day of your visit. 

Many hosts of the experiences create walking tours, food tours, boat tours, etc. They offer their views of the city and typically know a thing or two about the rich history.

Not only will you walk away with memories, but you’ll walk away with a new friend on the island!

14. Pirate Treasure Museum

Head to Havensight Mall (maybe your ship will dock there) and explore more of the island’s pirate history by visiting the Pirate Treasure Museum. 

You’ll quickly lose yourself in the two floors of exciting exhibits and interactive learning opportunities. 

Exhibits offer the chance to learn more about deep-sea technology, ancient artifacts, and ruins discovered by marine exploration. Don’t forget to grab a souvenir in their gift shop on the way out. You can even buy old coins found on one of the many nearby shipwrecks plus other pirate memorabilia.

15. St. John’s Fragrance Company

If you love perfume and fragrances, this could be the best thing to do in St. Thomas for you. Located in Warehouse 1 of Havensight Mall, this classic company is a popular spot for tourists. Be prepared to discover your new favorite fragrance. 

The secret ingredient is bay leaf oil, an oil that comes from the bay rum tree. This oil is blended with different mixtures of Caribbean spices to create intoxicating scents. 

Stop inside to sample smell the different perfumes and colognes. They also offer an array of aftershave and shower products. 

16. Drake’s Seat

For this one, you might want to rent a car or it might be included on an island tour. 

To check out one of the best scenic overlooks, visit Drake’s Seat on Mullbay Road, south of Magens Bay. This lookout area is one of the must-see St. Thomas tourist attractions offering views you can’t find anywhere else.

As you sit on the bench, travel back in time in your mind. It’s said that Sir Francis Drake used to sit on the bench to use as a vantage point.

No one knows if he used the bench to watch over his own ships or if he plotted to invade the others as he sat. The mystery is part of the fun. 

17. Visit the St. Thomas Synagogue

The oldest synagogue in continuous use in the U.S., and it is also the second oldest synagogue in the western hemisphere. Though the St. Thomas Jewish congregation was formed in 1796, it wasn’t until 1803 that the first synagogue was built. Destroyed by two separate fires, the synagogue was rebuilt and dedicated in 1833.

With its sand floors, beautiful native mahogany pews and a Baccarat crystal chandelier, a visit here is truly a step back in time.

A Day in St. Thomas: Make the Most of Your Time

If you’re reading this, you already know that a cruise is a wonderful way to relax and unwind. To discover the ultimate Caribbean escape, find a cruise that includes St. Thomas.

Once that’s done, remember to use the above guide to choose the best things to do. There’s a lot to pack in, in only one day.

St. Thomas offers beautiful beaches, delicious food, and an exciting look into the life of pirates. Whether you like to lounge on the sand or something more exhilarating like a zipline ride above the treetops, there’s something for everyone.

Do you need help with booking your next adventure? Check out the rest of our site today for travel guides, trip planning tools, and insider tips you won’t find anywhere else. There are even tips for solo travelers ! 

What travel tips do you recommend for the best things to do in St. Thomas? Please add in the comments below!

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23 Best Things to Do in St Thomas on a Cruise

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What to Do in St. Thomas While on a Cruise

If you’re going on a Caribbean Cruise, and visiting beautiful St. Thomas, U.S.V.I., you’re in luck! St. Thomas is an amazing Caribbean cruise port and a long time favorite of many cruisers!

There are so many fabulous things to do in St. Thomas, from dreamy white sand beaches, interesting sightseeing tours, snorkeling excursions, duty-free shopping opportunities, and more. Perfect for kids and families, as well as adults and couples, St. Thomas has a lot to offer!

One of the US Virgin Islands, St. Thomas is an Eastern Caribbean port of call, as is often included as part of many Southern Caribbean cruises as well. When you arrive by cruise ship, you’ll be docking near the town of Charlotte Amalie, the capital of St. Thomas.

Arrival in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas – The Harbor

Have your camera ready as you sail into St. Thomas harbor. The view and landscape is picture perfect! You may even want to head up to the top deck of your cruise ship and take some amazing photos before heading ashore.

Depending on your cruise ship, ou’ll either dock in Havensight or Crown Bay. Havensight is the older and more established cruise port of the two, and it’s a bit easier to maneuver and get around in St. Thomas from here. 

That said, both Havensight and Crown Bay have shopping close by, restaurants and bars, and transportation to the best attractions in St. Thomas.

If you’re looking for things to do close to the cruise port, you can find a few, even some within walking distance (from Havensight in particular).

However, most activities will require either a shore excursion or tour , or transportation to a local beach or attraction. As you exit from the cruise port, you’ll see that cabs, shuttles and tours sold through local vendors, are plentiful.

As in any port of call, always be mindful of the all aboard time and make sure to return to your cruise ship with ample time. A word of caution, cruise ships will not wait for late passengers unless you’re on a ship sponsored excursion.

If you’re wondering about the pros and cons of booking shore excursions with the cruise line versus on your own, I’ll leave a link to a helpful article at the end of this post.

Currency in St. Thomas

Since St. Thomas is a U.S. territory, US dollars are taken. Major credit cards are also accepted widely.

Top Attractions, Activities and Excursions in St. Thomas

If you’re only in St. Thomas for a day, it might be hard to choose what to do. While St. Thomas is known for it’s stunning beaches and snorkeling, you can also find interesting sight-seeing tours full of culture and history, shopping and even some adventurous activities that will keep you busy as well.

Personally, we don’t like to over saturate our port days and get too busy. So we remind ourselves that when we enjoy a cruise port, we’ll make plans to take another cruise and return!

Here’s a list of the very best things to do in St. Thomas while on a cruise

Things to do in charlotte amalie, capital of st. thomas, 1. charlotte amalie.

The bustling town of Charlotte Amalie is a main attraction in St. Thomas and is a 15 minute cab ride away from both cruise ports.

If you like, you can actually walk into town from Havensight. Although it’s only about a 30 minute walk, the weather in St. Thomas is usually hot and sunny, so a cab or open air shuttle may be more comfortable.

If you enjoy an easy day of visiting on your own, you can create your historic own “walking tour”, do some duty-free shopping, and stop in at a local bar or restaurant to soak in a bit of the St. Thomas island life.

3. Duty-free Shopping

St. Thomas is known for it’s duty free shopping deals, especially for gold jewelry and gemstones and quality tablecloths and linens. You’ll also find lots of items that make great souvenirs.

In Charlotte Amalie, you’ll find hundreds of brand name and local shops along Main Street and the cross streets. You’ll also find a local straw or flea market with some handmade jewelry, t-shirts and other souvenirs.

Downtown Charlotte Amalie National Heritage Sites

In the Historic district of Charlotte Amalie, there are several building and sights history buffs will enjoy.

4. Blackbeard’s Castle

Blackbeard’s Castle, a historic site, is named for the famous pirate Edward Thatch (they called him Blackbeard because of his… you guessed it – black beard. The castle is really a watchtower, which overlooks Charlotte Amalie and boasts breathtaking views.

5. Fort Christian

Built in the late 1600’s, Fort Christian is the oldest standing structure in St. Thomas. While this fort was built by King Christian V to protect Danish settlers on the island of St. Thomas, over time it’s been used as administrative offices, a church and even a prison. It is now a museum, housing artifacts

6. St. Thomas Synagogue

The St. Thomas Synagogue is full of history and a must see for those of all faiths. In the heart of Charlotte Amalie, you’ll find the synagogue located just two block up from Main Street.

Inside the Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas, you’ll get a brief history of the synagogue, the Jewish history of the island, and the significance of it’s sand floor.

Although guided tours are available, this is an active synagogue and working congregation. 

7. 99 Steps

Another tourist attraction located in Charlotte Amalie, closeby to the synagogue, is 99 Steps. Although 99 Steps is the most famous and most photographed, there are many of these “step” streets which cut through the hills in St. Thomas.

These step streets were originally built from ballast bricks of the tall ships coming from the Old World.

Funnily enough, there are actually 103 steps in this historic St. Thomas landmark.

Best Beaches in St. Thomas

St. Thomas’ white sand beaches are gorgeous and each one has a special character. Depending on what you enjoy most, you’ll likely have a preference.

8. Magens Bay Beach

Without a doubt, Magens Bay is the most famous as well as most popular beach in St. Thomas for cruise passengers. For many years, it was on several top ten lists of most beautiful beaches in the world.

Magens Bay Beach is a horseshoe shaped beach with pristine, crystal clear and calm waters. The colors of the blues and turquoise waters set against the lush mountains where it nestles, is picture perfect!

Magens Bay has good facilities. You can rent chairs and loungers, and there’s a nice beach bar and restaurant on site.

It does get crowded, but if you’d like to find a quieter spot to sit, head to either end of the beach and you’ll be fine.

Read more: All You Want to Know About Magens Bay Beach (on your own)

9. Sapphire Beach

Sapphire Beach is known for it’s stunning sapphire blue waters of course! However, you’ll also get a beautiful view of the neighboring island of St. John.

Sapphire Beach is located on the Eastern end of St. Thomas, and has a lot to offer those who enjoy an active beach day. Not only is the snorkeling pretty good, but there’s also jet skiing, parasailing and other activities available.

10. Coki Beach

Coki beach is another popular beach for cruisers. It’s located on the Northern coast of the island and most enjoyed for it’s snorkeling and diving.

Coki Beach is a bit smaller than Magens Bay, but does also have facilities, and is very pretty.

Coral World Ocean Park is located here, so this can make a great full day to combine a beach and aquarium visit.

11. Lindquist Beach

The quietest of the beaches, Lindquist Beach is known to cruise passengers who prefer to avoid the crowds. Located on the Eastern side of the island, this secluded beach has shallow and calm waters and a breathtaking view of the island of St. John.

While it has basic facilities, such as washrooms and picnic benches, other amenities are limited. You’ll need to bring any food or drinks with you, if you decide to head to Lindquist Beach.

Neighboring Islands of St. Thomas

12. Trunk Bay, St. John

One of the excursions that comes most recommended, is a visit to the neighboring island of St. John. In contrast to bustling St. Thomas, St. John is a much less busy and not commercialized as most of the island is part of the US Virgin Islands National Park.

The most popular beach for cruisers and those who want to snorkel, is Trunk Bay. Perfect for families and kids, this beach has an underwater snorkeling trail that’s accessible from the beach and close to the shoreline.

The island of St John is accessible by ferry and you can go your own, or book an excursion with your cruise line. If you do take the ferry on your own, do make sure to pay close attention to the ferry schedule so that you get back to the cruise ship on time (and avoid being a pier runner/missing the ship )

Recommended: 11 Cruise Shore Excursion Do’s and Don’ts

13. Honeymoon Beach / Water Island

One of the quieter beaches you can enjoy is Honeymoon Beach on Water Island. It’s a small and simple beach, but the water is beautiful and clear. There’s a cute little hot dog and burger restaurant, where you can grab a bite to eat in paradise.

To get to Honeymoon Beach, you can either take a ferry to Water Island, or you can go with a cruise line excursion. During a past cruise we did a snorkeling excursion which included a stop at this beach, and we enjoyed it.

Things to do close to the cruise port in St. Thomas

Closeby to the cruise port are bars and restaurants, as well as duty-free shopping. If you’re looking for free or inexpensive things to do in St. Thomas, there are a few ideas.

The Havensight cruise port has a large shopping plaza right outside the cruise port gates, and has attractions that are close enough that you can go to your own with one of the local taxis or shuttles.

14. Skyride to Paradise Point

Just a few minutes walk from the Havensight cruise port, you’ll find the Sky Ride to Paradise Point. Head up 700 feet to the top of the mountain by tram and experience incredible views of St. Thomas and the harbor.

This has been a favorite shore excursion for many cruisers over the years for taking Instaworthy photos of the stunning harbor. Plus, there’s a gift shop, restaurant and bar where you may want to stop for a famous Bailey’s Bushwacker.

You can easily visit in about an hour or two, and still have time for an afternoon excursion if you like.

15. Havensight Mall

The Havensight Mall is made up of over 50 shops and boutiques. While you can head into Charlotte Amalie and shop on Main Street, if you’re doing an excursion and time is limited, consider doing your duty free shopping close to the cruise port.

St. Thomas is a bit of a shopper’s paradise; shops include jewelry and gemstones, liqueur and spirits, clothing boutiques and souvenir shops. You can find some bargains (don’t be afraid to haggle a bit).

There’s also a pharmacy in the area, if you need some essentials or over the counter medications you may have forgotten to bring on your cruise .

Noteworthy Shore Excursions in St. Thomas

If you’re in St. Thomas on a cruise, you may want to do an excursion either with your cruise line or with a local tour operator. 

While you can easily head to the beach on your own, some activities and tours require a bit more organization, but the experience might be worth it!

16. Catamaran Snorkeling Excursions

St. Thomas has beautiful crystal clear water and underwater sea life, which makes snorkeling excursions quite popular. Some snorkeling excursions include at stop at one of St. Thomas’ beautiful beaches.

17. Turtle Cove to Buck Island Snorkeling Excursion

If you’ve dreamed of swimming with turtles (me!), consider this St. Thomas snorkeling excursion. We actually booked this one in the past and enjoyed it. 

I will say, we didn’t see as many turtles as we hoped, but we still had a great time and it was a cool experience.

18. Sunset Sail

If your cruise ship is docked until late at night, consider the ultimate romantic excursion, a sunset catamaran sail. 

Cruise Tip: If you’re doing an evening activity, consider booking your shore excursion with the cruise line for peace of mind. The cruise ship won’t wait for you if you’re late and are not with a cruise line sponsored tour.

19. Coral World Ocean Park

Located at Coki Beach, the Coral World Ocean Park is one of St. Thomas’ most popular attractions for families. This aquarium offers many opportunities to interact and learn about a variety of marine life, including sea lions, dolphins, and sea turtles.

If you’re visiting with kids, they’ll love the touch pool and turtle pool. You may aslo want to check out the Sea Trek Helmet Dive for a fun and different experience.

Sightseeing and tours

20. st. thomas island tour.

A tour of the island of St. Thomas is great for an overview of the whole island and visits to some of the most popular spots. You’ll drive to Mountain Top, where you’ll have amazing views of the island and a chance to take some photos. Some sightseeing tours will include a stop at Magens Bay or one of the other St. Thomas beaches.

Adventurous Things to Do in St. Thomas

21. tree limin’ extreme ziplining.

For solo travelers, couples or families that prefer a more adventurous activity while in St. Thomas, the Tree Limin’ Extreme Ziplining is an awesome experience.

This large zipline course soars through St. Thomas’ Caribbean rainforest and offers breathtaking views of the island and it’s famous beaches.

If you enjoy a fun and off the beaten path activity, check out this shore excursion.

22. St. Thomas Mangrove Lagoon and Kayak Tour

As busy as Charlotte Amalie and St. Thomas beaches can be, there are actually amazing places that are off the beaten path, that are worth a visit. Check out St. Thomas’ Mangrove lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary and Marine Preserve where you can  for a moderately active kayak tour.

Foodie Experiences in St. Thomas

Along Main Street in Charlotte Amalie, there are many local restaurants and bars where cruise travelers can enjoy the day. There are also some food and drink tours that are available.

23. St. Thomas Food and Rum Tour

If you love sightseeing, food and culture, then a food and rum tour is a great way to visit and experience St. Thomas. This tour takes place in the Downtown Charlotte Amalie Historic district, and includes eating Caribbean dishes at local restaurants. 

You’ll also sample and learn to make one of the St. Thomas’ local drinks, the Painkiller.

Here’s a video about how we spent our day in St. Thomas at Magen’s Bay on a recent cruise on Crown Princess

One you visit St. Thomas, you’ll know why it’s a favorite Caribbean cruise port for so many! This gorgeous Caribbean paradise has some of the most beautiful beaches and breathtaking mountain views. In addition, it’s history, wide choice of activities and awesome shopping deals makes St. Thomas a cruise port that you won’t soon forget!

Have you been to St. Thomas or will you be going there on a cruise? If so, what activity or excursion do you recommend? Please let me know in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

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Royal Caribbean Cruise Excursions

Allure of the seas excursions.

St Thomas Cruise Excursions warmly welcomes all Royal Caribbean Vision of the Seas Cruise Ship Passengers to Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas. We hope you enjoy your visit to the Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas.

St Thomas offers an abundance of excursions and activities to delight cruisers of all ages.

• St John Catamaran Sailing Tour
• St John By Luxury Sailboat
• 1/2 Day St Thomas Catamaran Charter
• 1/2 Day St Thomas Sailing Tour
• Jetski and snorkeling tour

St Thomas Island Tour and Beach

• Kayak & Snorkeling Eco Tours
• Private Sailing Charters
• Kayak, Snorkeling & Hiking

St Thomas Cruise Excursions offers a variety of options for you to choose from.

Our rates are direct group rates from the operators, allowing you to save money while providing you with a greater selection of shore excursions.

St Thomas Cruise Excursions recommends excursions for Royal Caribbean Vision of the Seas passengers for your visit to St Thomas based on the arrival times, departure time of the Vision of the Seas, and the length of your visit to our Port.

We also take into account the number of cruise ships arriving on the same day your ship comes to port. We can then provide you with options on how to avoid the busy excursions when this is appropriate.

Please have a look at our Recommended Royal Caribbean Vision of the Seas and Itineraries. If you don’t find what you are looking for, click on Excursions in the top navigational buttons for a full listing of excursions.

Recommended Shore Excursions.

We are diligently working to bring you the best tours available in Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas.

St Thomas is uniquely situated in an ideal location that provides access to incredible sea and land Adventures.

We specialize in unique and boutique tours in addition to our “best for less” excursions, offering excellent value for some of the most popular tours. Excursions International Ltd offers tours and excursions for almost every budget and individual need.

St Thomas Cruise Excursions are tour and excursion experts representing the best independent operators in Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas.

We provide firsthand information on every excursion we offer and recommend the best excursions for you.

That’s the Excursions International Ltd. difference!

Recommended Excursions

St John Private Catamaran Sailing & Snorkeling Excursion

• 6 Hour Luxury Catamaran Sailing to St Johns for up to 12 passengers
• Snorkel in the stunning Virgin Islands National Park in St. John
• Continental Breakfast, gourmet hot lunch, beer, sodas and rum drinks included

St Thomas Kayak Snorkeling Eco Tour

• 2-1/2 hr Guided Kayak and Snorkeling in Lagoon Cas Cay
• Kayak and Snorkeling Instruction by knowledgable guides
• Includes all snorkeling gear, safety gear, beverage and snack

St John & Thomas Sailing Tour : Snorkeling, Beaches and Sailing

• Sail from St Thomas to St John and surrounding islands for 6 passengers max
• Delicious hot lunch lunch with decadent chocolate dessert and open bar
• Snorkeling equipment and swim noodles

• 6 Hour Island Tour with Shopping and Beach Stop
• Transportation to/from Cruise ship terminal or Resort
• Stops at important St Thomas historical sites for photo ops

St Thomas Catamaran Sail & Snorkel Tour – Half Day

• St Thomas Luxury Catamaran Sailing & Snorkeling for up to 12 passengers
• 3 hour Sailing and Snorkeling in St Thomas US Virgin Islands
• Continental Breakfast, snacks, beer, sodas and rum drinks included

St Thomas Jetski Snorkeling Tours

• 1-1/2 hour Jetski Tour of St Thomas Coastline with Snorkeling
• Powerful Waverunners for 1 to 2 passengers in small groups and expert guides
• Snorkel at Christmas Cover or Lavongo Cay (subject to water conditions on the day of the tour0

Other Destinations

Bahamas Excursions

Barbados Excursions

Belize Excursions

Cabo San Lucas Excursions

Costa Maya Excursions

Cozumel Excursions

Grand Cayman Excusions

Jamaica Excursions

Puerto Rico Excursions

Roatan Excursions

St. Maarten Excursions

St. Thomas Excursions

We guarantee a full refund of your excursion deposit if your ship can not make it into the port of St Thomas

• Royal Caribbean International

Royal excursion recommendations for St. Thomas

By RNic , October 14, 2021 in Royal Caribbean International

Recommended Posts

We will be on the Harmony of the Seas in early December and stopping in St. Thomas. It’ll be our first time there and looking for excursion suggests. Would love to hear some ideas.  Thanks!

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The zip line was fantastic. And you get to see one of Oprah's many Caribbean homes.

Look into privately booked excursions rather than ship offerings.

Check your roll call and ports of call board for some ideas.

WisconsinFan

Do you like to sail/snorkel? We have done the Champagne Cat twice now. The first time in 2017 with our high school senior and his older brother. When they heard we were going back they said you just have to do it again- so we did. It is a cat that goes over to Honeymoon Beach (which sits below Kenny Chesney's home). You can snorkel (or not, they will take you by small boat to the beach) or swim. We saw sea turtles and many fish. On the way back we enjoyed cheese/sausage/crackers and rum punch. My DH says I only had one glass (as the crew kept it full). They also have soft drinks and water. In 2017 they also had beer, but for some reason last week no beer. It was a half day thing. Crew was fun and our fellow passengers were great too. FYI, St. Thomas has a mask mandate that is not only indoors but outdoors too. Once we were on the cat no issues, it could come off but even on our open air bus we had to have our masks on, and while walking around the port.

For the first time I would go to Coral World park and spend some time on Coki beach.

Agree with Champagne Cat to St Johns.  Masks came off when we left the marina on the cat.  Went in September and good tour.  Not much traffic going through town in the "cab" with most stores closed.

If the Doubloon sea turtle snorkeling excursion is still offered (I think they called it snorkel with sea turtles on a pirate ship or something like that in the cruise planner), it was one of my favorite ship-purchased excursions of all time. 

Itchy&Scratchy

we usually just go to the beach.

The first time we went to Magen's Bay and weren't impressed at all. Crowded beach and murky water.

22 hours ago, WisconsinFan said: Do you like to sail/snorkel? We have done the Champagne Cat twice now. The first time in 2017 with our high school senior and his older brother. When they heard we were going back they said you just have to do it again- so we did. It is a cat that goes over to Honeymoon Beach (which sits below Kenny Chesney's home). You can snorkel (or not, they will take you by small boat to the beach) or swim. We saw sea turtles and many fish. On the way back we enjoyed cheese/sausage/crackers and rum punch. My DH says I only had one glass (as the crew kept it full). They also have soft drinks and water. In 2017 they also had beer, but for some reason last week no beer. It was a half day thing. Crew was fun and our fellow passengers were great too. FYI, St. Thomas has a mask mandate that is not only indoors but outdoors too. Once we were on the cat no issues, it could come off but even on our open air bus we had to have our masks on, and while walking around the port.

We are very interested in this excursion. What time of year did you go?  We have been in the Bahamas at Christmas time and found the water cold. They actually canceled our snorkeling excursion because of the water temp. We were wondering if it’s any warmer in St. Maarten. I know we don’t have to snorkel, but would like the option. 

6 hours ago, RNic said: We are very interested in this excursion. What time of year did you go?  We have been in the Bahamas at Christmas time and found the water cold. They actually canceled our snorkeling excursion because of the water temp. We were wondering if it’s any warmer in St. Maarten. I know we don’t have to snorkel, but would like the option. 

we were in St Thomas and St Maarten in November 2019 (Thanksgiving). St Thomas: a cloudy, pleasant day, super nice warm water. St Maarten the next day: scorching hot day, full sun, colder water (but still nice).

BirdTravels

On our way to Sapphire, our RCCL taxi bus was driving aggressively and hit an oncoming car with enough force to trigger the driver's air bag, swerved into a wall, and broke an axel. While there were injuries on the bus, the tour company was only interested in herding people into another taxi and dropping us at the beach so that they could get paid. When we got back to the ship, they seemed to be a bit more concerned about kids with bumps on their heads from being thrown unrestrained into the row of seats in front of them. 

On 10/15/2021 at 11:53 AM, RNic said: We are very interested in this excursion. What time of year did you go?  We have been in the Bahamas at Christmas time and found the water cold. They actually canceled our snorkeling excursion because of the water temp. We were wondering if it’s any warmer in St. Maarten. I know we don’t have to snorkel, but would like the option. 

We went one time in March, and just did this first week of October on Symphony.  Remember, the Bahamas are pretty far north. The water and air are warm and clear. Temps are normally in the mid-80s as they are so far south. This excursion is St. Thomas to St. John. 

WISCONSIN FAN. Which excursion did you take?  We are in the Symph this coming Saturday.  BTW…we lived in Waukesha and Oconomowoc Lake years ago. 

33 minutes ago, island284 said: WISCONSIN FAN. Which excursion did you take?  We are in the Symph this coming Saturday.  BTW…we lived in Waukesha and Oconomowoc Lake years ago. 

We were on the Champagne Cat, 1/2 day sailing. We did it in 2017 with our 18 year old and his older brother and had to do it again. Highly recommend. Young crew, and great time. After swimming and snorkeling rum punch, soft drinks and cheese, sausage with crackers. We live north of Madison! Enjoy Symphony, we were on her Oct. 2 to 9.

firsttime100

Wisconsin Fan.  Did you do thru RCL or book excursion on your own?

Megan's Bay is incredible!! Highly recommend!!

1 hour ago, firsttime100 said: Wisconsin Fan.  Did you do thru RCL or book excursion on your own?

Through Royal. If not showing on your app you might be able to get it once you board. They hold some openings back sometimes. 

We just cancelled our original excrusion and  booked the 1/2 day Champagne Catamarin to St John.  I think we did something simialr when we were on Indy in 2009 but I dont remember if it was a catamaran.  St Joh is gorgeous!

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10 Best St Thomas Cruises Where You Can Sail Into Paradise

St. Thomas, the most beautiful U.S. Virgin Island , is a popular stopover for cruise ships and offers a plethora of things to do and see , making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Many of the world's leading cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Line, and Norwegian Cruise Line , offer itineraries that include Charlotte Amalie, the famous port of the stunning island of St. Thomas. These cruise lines provide an immersive experience in St. Thomas as well as many other stopovers, with world-class facilities, entertainment options, and dining options. Here are the top ten St. Thomas cruises, which promise a variety of shore excursions, thrilling adventures, and a once-in-a-lifetime Caribbean cruise vacation .

Our recommendations for the cruises mentioned in this article are backed up by research on cruise ships that visit St. Thomas. All cruises are chosen based on the amenities, entertainment, excursions, and activities available.

Related: Caribbean Cruises: How To Score The Best Summer Deals

Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas, one of the world's largest cruise ships as of 2023 , features numerous pools, thrilling water slides, Broadway-style shows, and gourmet dining options. The 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise includes stops in CocoCay, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and Miami, providing an unparalleled experience complete with luxury, entertainment, and adventure. Guests can explore magnificent beaches, participate in water sports, and fully immerse themselves in the vibrant local cultures during shore excursions. While onboard, they'll enjoy modern facilities such as the tallest slide at sea, the Ultimate Abyss, a high-flying Zip Line ride, ice skating shows, and the Aquatheatre.

• Cruise: 7-Night Cruise to the Eastern Caribbean
• Stops: Miami, CocoCay, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Miami
• Cost: $959 onwards per person

Book This Cruise

Carnival Magic

Carnival Magic offers the Dream Class cruise ship enjoyment, with the food-and-entertainment Ocean Plaza, outdoor promenade The Lanai, and numerous other exciting spaces, such as SportSquare, and Carnival WaterWorks, to keep passengers entertained and relaxed. Onboard, there are a variety of ways to have fun, including rope courses, live shows, water slides, and other activities. Selecting its 8-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise provides a fantastic opportunity to visit a number of alluring locations, including St. Thomas, San Juan, Grand Turk, and Amber Cove. Travelers can indulge in the exciting offerings of Carnival Magic while taking in the beauty of the Eastern Caribbean by setting sail on this cruise.

• Cruise: 8 Night Cruise to the Eastern Caribbean
• Stops: St. Maarten, St. Thomas, San Juan, Grand Turk, Miami
• Cost: $619 onwards per person

Norwegian Getaway

Norwegian Breakaway offers its guests a one-of-a-kind sea vacation with numerous thrilling activities, premium amenities, and ambiance. This award-winning cruise ship has The Waterfront, a quarter-mile oceanfront promenade filled with restaurants, bars, and breathtaking views. While live performances entertain guests, other activities include water slides, walk-the-planks, casinos, spas, and multi-level sports complexes, to name a few. Guests on the Eastern Caribbean Cruise will get the chance to spend time at Horseshoe Bay Beach, Crystal Cave, taking a scenic catamaran ride to Turtle Cove, snorkeling with green sea turtles, and much more while visiting Puerto Plata, San Juan, St. Thomas, and King's Wharf.

• Cruise: 10 Night Cruise to the Eastern Caribbean
• Stops: Puerto Plata, San Juan, St. Thomas, King's Wharf, King's Wharf, New York (Manhattan)
• Cost: $949 onwards per person

Celebrity Silhouette

Celebrity Silhouette has undergone a brilliant makeover and now boasts incredible embellishments at every turn, including gorgeously updated staterooms, the newly reinvented Passport Bar, the new Craft Social Bar, new designer boutiques, the renovated The Spa on Silhouette, and much more. With all these state-of-the-art amenities, Celebrity Silhouette cruise vacations are sure to be more beautiful than ever. Its cruises to St. Thomas allow tourists to discover the incredible experiences available in the Eastern Caribbean on St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Barbados, and St. Lucia. They will have the opportunity to visit pristine beaches, participate in shore excursions, participate in water sports, learn about the local way of life, and savor delectable Caribbean cuisine.

• Cruise: 9 Night Cruise to the Eastern Caribbean
• Stops: San Juan, St. Thomas, Antigua, St. Kitts (Port Zante), St. Maarten, Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades)
• Cost: $861 onwards per person

Related: Exquisite Escapes: 10 Best US Virgin Islands Resorts

Royal Caribbean Adventure Of The Seas

Adventure awaits onboard Royal Caribbean's Adventure of the Seas, a ship jam-packed with activities and luxuries. The cruise ship has numerous pools, thrilling water slides (The Perfect Storm), rock climbing walls, an ice rink, entertaining shows, and multi-cuisine dining options, providing the ideal blend of relaxation and adventure. The 8-night Eastern Caribbean cruise allows passengers to visit exciting destinations, such as CocoCay, St. Thomas, St. Croix, and San Juan, and enjoy activities like snorkeling, shopping, and learning about the region's cultural heritage. Keep these tried-and-true remedies in mind for a stress-free and enjoyable cruise vacation .

• Stops: St. Thomas, St. Croix, San Juan, Perfect Day at CocoCay, Port Canaveral (Orlando)
• Cost: $790 onwards per person

Disney Magic

Set sail on an Eastern Caribbean Disney cruise for an unforgettable experience in some of the world's most incredible locations, including San Juan, St. Thomas, Fort Lauderdale, and Disney Castaway Cay. A Disney cruise is not only for kids but unrivaled in terms of family entertainment, fine dining, and legendary service . Guests enjoy a diverse range of cultures, picture-perfect beaches, and pleasant weather throughout the cruise and will also spend time at Castaway Cay, Disney's private island in the Bahamas. Days at sea on the magnificent Disney Magic cruise ship are a delight in their own right, with daily entertainment, character interactions, live shows, and themed dining that make the trip memorable.

• Cruise: 5 Night Cruise to the Eastern Caribbean
• Stops: San Juan, St. Thomas, Nassau, Castaway Cay, Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades)
• Cost: $893 onwards per person

Celebrity Equinox

No matter the location, Celebrity promises an unparalleled cruise experience with every conceivable comfort and unmatched guest service. However, on Celebrity Equinox's 8-night cruise to the Eastern Caribbean, passengers can enjoy an extraordinary fusion of comforts, excursions, and leisure activities. The Retreat® Sundeck, The Retreat® Lounge, award-winning Luminae, ten outstanding dining venues, Craft Social Bar, Slush, Lawn Club, and numerous exciting activities are just a few of the luxuries that guests can enjoy while on board. When they stop over in destinations like St. Thomas, San Juan, St. Maarten, Fort Lauderdale, and others, they have once-in-a-lifetime experiences and adventures that leave them with wonderful memories of their journey.

• Stops: San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Tortola, Puerto Plata, Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades)
• Cost: $919 onwards per person

Carnival Venezia

The Carnival Venezia is the ideal cruise ship for travelers seeking an authentically Italian experience, offering everything from fine Italian cuisine and cool beverages to entertainment venues like Teatro Rosso, Gondola Lounge, and Terrazza Carnevale. While the Terrazza staterooms are a brand-new way to stay in style and comfort, there are also plenty of spaces for the ultimate excitement, including WaterWorks, SportSquare, Cloud 9 Spa, and Serenity Adult-Only Retreat. For kids, it has Camp Ocean and Club O2 to keep them engaged and entertained. Its cruises to St. Thomas offer incredible experiences like relaxing moments on a gorgeous beach, offshore excursions, and a variety of exhilarating adventures.

• Stops: San Juan, St. Thomas, Grand Turk, New York (Manhattan)
• Cost: $729 onwards per person

Related: 10 Best Things To Do In The US Virgin Islands That Unleash Tropical Bliss

Norwegian Sky

Norwegian Sky is a floating paradise that provides a wide range of amenities and entertainment to meet the needs of all travelers. From newly renovated staterooms to brand-new dining establishments, bars, and lounges, including Pinnacle Lounge & Sushi Bar, Bliss Ultra Lounge, and a full-service Starbucks, the cruise strives to provide passengers with unforgettable experiences. The itinerary for the St. Thomas cruises includes stops in Puerto Plata, San Juan, St. Maarten, Antigua, and St. Thomas, as well as a full-day excursion to Great Stirrup Cay, an idyllic island paradise only accessible to guests. Guests can explore breathtaking tropical islands, learn about vibrant cultures, participate in thrilling shore excursions, and experience the best of St. Thomas and other islands.

• Stops: Puerto Plata, San Juan, St. Maarten, Antigua, St. Thomas, Great Stirrup Cay, Miami
• Cost: $799 onwards per person

Caribbean Princess

On the Caribbean Princess Cruise Ship, enjoy joyful moments at sea with tantalizing cuisine, catchy entertainment, and fantastic venues to suit every mood. Expensive staterooms, a Reef Splash Zone for kids and families, The Shops of Princess, Festivals of the World, and other thrilling onboard activities will keep passengers entertained throughout their Caribbean Princess cruise vacation. On an Eastern Caribbean cruise, visit many of the most well-known islands, including St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and Grand Turk, known for their world-class beaches, historical attractions, and endless water sports. It is certainly an excellent cruise to St. Thomas to spend time with loved ones and have a memorable trip.

• Cruise: 7 Night Cruise to the Eastern Caribbean
• Stops: Princess Cays, San Juan, St. Thomas, Fort Lauderdale (Port Everglades)
• Cost: $458 onwards per person

Top Cultural Excursions in St. Lucia

Explore cultural excursions in castries.

With a blend of architecture, lush landscapes and age-old traditions, each cultural excursion offers a window into the soul of St. Lucia. From delving into the island's history and art to experiencing its natural beauty, every cultural journey adds an unforgettable chapter to one's Caribbean adventure.

A Little Taste of St. Lucia

• Home Visits: Explore St. Lucia's cultural heritage by visiting three historic homes, offering a deep dive into the island's architectural and cultural past.
• Art and Craftsmanship: Discover locally hand-crafted artwork, showcasing the skill and creativity of St. Lucian artisans.
• Culinary Culture: Indulge in authentic snacks and drinks at each home, providing a taste of the island's rich culinary traditions.

Accessible Piton Mountains and Diamond Waterfalls

• Village Life: Experience the cultural heritage of St. Lucia through a visit to the charming fishing village of Anse La Ray, highlighting the island's traditional lifestyles.
• Cultural Landmarks: Admire the majestic Pitons and explore a stunning botanical garden and waterfall in Soufrière, blending natural beauty with cultural significance.
• Accessible Exploration: Enjoy an accessible journey through St. Lucia’s cultural and natural landmarks, ensuring everyone can experience the island's heritage.

Beach & Capital by Trolley Train

• Capital City Tour: Take a cultural journey through St. Lucia’s capital, Castries, aboard an open-air trolley train, exploring its colonial architecture and vibrant history.
• Church Visit: Experience the cultural importance of the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, recognized as the largest church in the Caribbean.
• Cultural Insights: Learn about Castries’ legacy as a major British naval port and coaling station and explore the Old Town neighborhood's colorful colonial architecture.

St. Lucia Scenic Drive and Batik Creations

• Scenic Cultural Drive: Embark on a two-hour scenic drive around St. Lucia, experiencing the island's rich natural and cultural diversity.
• Batik Demonstration: Witness the creation of gorgeous, colorful batik prints at Caribelle Batik, highlighting a unique aspect of St. Lucian culture and textiles.
• Cultural and Artistic Exploration: Weave through dramatic landscapes and quaint rural communities, culminating in a visit to a state-of-the-art marina and picturesque coastline at Pigeon Island.

St. Lucia Wonders of Nature

• Cultural Hike: Hike up to one of St. Lucia's most breathtaking views between the famous Pitons, integrating cultural education with natural exploration.
• Traditional Art Production: Learn about the Amerindian art of farine and cassava production, providing insight into the island's indigenous cultural practices.
• Home Visit: Explore a replica home from years past, offering a window into St. Lucia's living conditions and traditional snacks.

Stairway to the Pitons, Rum and Chocolate

• Cultural and Scenic Drive: Enjoy a cultural excursion that includes a scenic drive, showcasing St. Lucia's natural beauty and cultural landmarks.
• Rum Tasting: Partake in a rum tasting session, delving into the cultural significance of rum production on the island.
• Chocolate Experience: Indulge in the cultural aspects of chocolate production in St. Lucia, from its cultivation to its role in the local cuisine and economy.

As the sun dips below the horizon in Castries, St. Lucia, travelers are immersed in the captivating culture of the island. Every excursion, whether it's discovering historic homes or indulging in local delicacies, intertwines the rich threads of St. Lucian heritage. These cultural experiences create unforgettable memories on each visitor's Caribbean adventure.

Experience Explore Cultural Excursions in Castries with these sailings

Complete your adventure with these shore excursions