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With designer shops, local craft markets, and plenty of duty-free malls and stores, there’s no shortage of places to find souvenirs and discounted designer goods. With both ports located such a convenient distance from a major airport, you shouldn’t have difficulty finding your way to your ship if you fly into St. Thomas. For those interested in more active pleasures Ziplinning in St. Thomas is a must. Although the Zip Line is currently closed it is advisable to check the Zip-line Facebook Page for updates as it is scheduled to open at any time soon. The Coral World Ocean Park is open and offers exotic aquatic adventures. St Thomas is one of the most visited islands in the Caribbean and the most popular of the U.S.
Money & Shopping
St. Thomas has a public bus system called VITRAN, which does make a stop at the airport. Take the Route Number 201 bus from the airport to Schneider's Hospital, then take a 12-minute taxi to the Havensight Cruise Pier (aka West Indian Company Dock). If you're going to the Crown Bay Dock, take the same bus and get off at the Ulla Muller School bus stop. Then, either walk for 15 minutes to the pier or take a five-minute taxi.
Charlotte Amalie Shore Excursions
Also within the expansive Havensight Mall, you'll find a post office, ATMs for Bank of Nova Scotia and First Bank and Havensight Pharmacy. Depending on your plan, your American cellphone might work in St. Thomas without roaming charges. St. Thomas is a foodie’s haven, and you’ll find no shortage of bars and pubs serving up local favorites like St. John Brewers Virgin Islands beer and Blackbeard Ale™. West Indian fare, like callaloo (sautéed leafy greens) and Johnnycakes (cornmeal flatbreads), is a staple. And you absolutely can’t leave without trying some chocolate dipped coconut patties. In restaurants and bars, you may wish to add a gratuity of 15-20% to your bill if service was especially good.
Getting to the Virgin Islands
Roughly two miles from either cruise port, you can get there in less than ten minutes via taxi. For those looking to enjoy more of the island’s natural side, there is also the Skyride to Paradise Point, just a five-minute walk from the Havensight Pier. This gondola is one of the most popular attractions in the Caribbean, as it quickly takes passengers 700 feet above the port, enjoying stunning views and even a fully stocked bar! Although it’s not the island’s highest point, it is still a must-do, and it couldn’t be in a more convenient location.
Snorkeling Should Be High on Your List of Things to Do in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Both the West Indian Company Dock (Havensight Pier) and Crown Bay Dock at the St. Thomas cruise port are highly wheelchair accessible. Look for official taxis, which have a dome light and the letters "TP" on their license plates. The taxi rank is located in the ground transportation area outside the arrivals hall. Note that there are no ridesharing services available on St. Thomas. There is also a bar so you can enjoy cocktails and the renowned liquor while taking in the best view in St Thomas!
However, you’ll still find some basic convenience stores, several duty-free shops, and souvenir stalls selling locally-made items. Still, you’ll want to take a taxi into the city center if you’re going to enjoy more of what the island has to offer. Crown Bay is a bit smaller, as it was not purpose-built for cruise ships.
THE 25 BEST Cruises from Miami to St. Thomas (with Prices) on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic
THE 25 BEST Cruises from Miami to St. Thomas (with Prices) on Cruise Critic.
Posted: Fri, 19 Apr 2024 15:55:01 GMT [source]
Blackbeard and Bluebeard, two of the most infamous pirates of their time, are said to have used the island as their base. Legends of their escapades still echo in the winding alleys and historic forts. Over time, this bustling port town played a central role in trade, especially during the pirate era, witnessing tales of swashbuckling adventures and treasures. If the sun-kissed beaches are the face of St. Thomas, its rich history forms the soul. 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.
Ferry Schedules & Times
Your cruise ship will of course offer their “guaranteed” shopping guide. Whether you want to buy liquor or jewelry or simple souvenirs, you’ll find everything you need in the shops along these narrow alleyways. This park offers educational opportunities that teach visitors more about local sea creatures and underwater habitats.
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. 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. 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).
Popular with scuba and snorkeling enthusiasts, this eye-catching beach is one of the island’s true hidden gems. Thanks to the surrounding timeshares and hotels, there are also plenty of restaurants, bars, cafés, and ice cream shops, so there’s plenty to do when you’ve had enough beach fun. It’s about 10 miles from Havensight and roughly 8 miles from Crown Bay, so you’ll need to take a taxi. This Danish fort is one of the island’s most iconic historical landmarks. Not only is it the oldest standing structure on St. Thomas, but it also functions as a museum that showcases the unique history of the entire island.
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. 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. This large zipline course soars through St. Thomas’ Caribbean rainforest and offers breathtaking views of the island and it’s famous beaches. 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.
Even this town has local character (this is where expat residents of St. Thomas spend their time) that's a far cry from Charlotte Amalie's shopping mall vibe. Just taking transportation to the eastern end of the island will give you emotional distance from the hectic pier. Take the cable car up to enjoy great views over the southern part of the island. Located about 13-minutes' drive from either cruise ship pier, Drake's Seat offers up a stunning vista of Magen’s Bay. You also have the option to drive up to the top instead of walking up. Mountain Top is another great spot for hiking, which is a bit more grueling as it's 1,500 feet above sea level.
Pack light clothing for the daytime, with a sweater for the evening. Home page with highlights and listing of reviews, port guides and articles. Wear your swimsuit under your clothing; bring a towel, reef-safe/biodegradable sunscreen, light clothing to act as a full cover-up for further protection from the sun, and a hat. You will be met by an instructor and taken up the mountain in a six-wheel drive. The minimum age is 5 years old, but parts of the course are fast and are better suited for older kids. To help you figure out what not to miss when calling this port, we have put together a list of eight things to do in St. Thomas, U.S.V.I., even for those who have visited before.
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