St Thomas

St. Thomas is a Caribbean jewel that dazzles visitors the moment they step off the cruise ship onto the sun‑kissed harbor of Charlotte Amalie. The capital’s historic downtown is a vibrant maze of pastel‑colored buildings, bustling market stalls, and cobblestone streets that echo with the rhythm of island life. One of the first things you notice is the warm, welcoming smile of the locals, who greet you with a friendly “Wah‑guh‑yuh?” that instantly puts you at ease. The island’s most iconic landmark, Magens Bay, boasts a crescent‑shaped beach of soft white sand framed by emerald hills, making it a perfect spot for sunbathing or a leisurely swim. For the adventurous, a short drive takes you to the rugged cliffs of the island’s north shore, where the dramatic vistas at Mahogany Run provide a thrilling backdrop for a scenic hike. Snorkeling and diving are world‑class here; the crystal‑clear waters around the Virgin Islands National Park reveal vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles, and occasional reef sharks. If you prefer to stay on land, the historic Annaberg Plantation offers guided tours that bring the island’s colonial past to life with stories of sugarcane, slavery, and resilience. Shopping in Charlotte Amalie is a delightful mix of duty‑free luxury and local artisans, where you can find everything from high‑end jewelry to hand‑crafted “Moko Jumbie” figurines. The island’s culinary scene is a flavorful fusion of Caribbean, African, and European influences, and you can savor fresh conch fritters, jerk chicken, and a refreshing rum punch at waterfront eateries. Nightlife on St. Thomas is lively yet relaxed, with beachfront bars offering live reggae bands and sunset cocktails that sparkle as the sky turns pink. The island’s compact size makes it easy to explore by rental car, scooter, or the convenient “Vitran” public bus system, which adds a charming local flavor to every trip. Eco‑tourists will love the protected waters of the Virgin Islands National Park, where kayaking through mangrove lagoons provides a peaceful glimpse of the island’s diverse ecosystems. Cultural events such as the annual Carnival celebration showcase vibrant costumes, steel‑pan music, and dance that embody the spirit of the Virgin Islands. Accommodation options range from luxurious resorts perched on hilltops with panoramic ocean views to cozy boutique hotels nestled in quiet bays. Even during the hurricane season, the island’s resilient community and well‑prepared infrastructure ensure that visitors can enjoy a safe and memorable stay. Overall, St. Thomas offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality that makes every traveler feel like they’ve found their own private paradise in the Caribbean.

Busy stretch of Charlotte Amalie with many stalls and shops selling local products and souvenirs, duty free liquors, restaurants, pubs and boutiques. Big draw for tourists to browse, shop and eat

Had a blast running around this tiny island....after a quick stop at the dentist office for an ill timed tooth infection! Got a taxi driver, all rates are per person and non-negotiable, and she came and picked us up and dropped us off all day...better than $400 half day rate. Dentist was great getting me in and prescribing me antibiotics, then off to the beach, then lunch downtown (where the locals eat), and a little shopping where we got a pretty good deal on some jewelry in HIGHLY competitive jewelry disrict...minus the tooth infection hiccup, it was great!

If we ever make it back to the island I would stay here in a second. We stayed here for half of our honeymoon, after fleeing St. John to st Thomas right before Hurricane Irma hit. No one would take us in. I begged them at the desk while my wife sat in the rental about to cry. They took us in and boarded us up in a concrete villa. Hurricane shutters and all. After the complete destruction we all became a family and took care of each other and waited for rescue. The cooks there made us our first hot meal maybe days later down by the water. We ate MRE meals from the military throughout and had saved water in our bathtub and all the bowls in the villa. A lot of the lower buildings were destroyed and roofs ripped off. It was terrifying. The aftermath was almost more terrifying than the storm as the island was so destroyed no one could get food or buy anything let alone drive anywhere with phone poles blocking roads and electrical wires everywhere. This is but a short description of the ordeal. We were eventually rescued by a ln old cruise ship. I believe we might have written a thanks shortly after but with Hurricane season starting it made me remember how wonderful the people at this place were to us. Truly like saved our lives. We had nowhere else to stay and time was running out. Thank you again from Buffalo NY. We stayed in B-15. I have tons of professional photos of the damage and trip 😞

the locals drive like it's Pakistan. Beware the sea weed in the summer. bring at least $300.00 a day for food... duty-free stores are a joke , they say no tax , however, everything you buy is at least 3x more expensive than anywhere else. Just price some booze... aside from the horrible drivers and way extra priced everything the views are great the water is super clear ,and if you get away from the cruise area it's better. I did not cruise had a car so I did see entire island.

The island is beautiful, but my experience is the people are antagonistic towards visitors. For example Wendy's at Long Bay has to educate the workers not to be rude. I have never seen such a behavior. Education starts with the parents. Don't hire rude people.

The U.S. Virgin Islands are so much fun and there are so many fun things to do! I highly recommend St Thomas! The U.S. Virgin Islands are truly a tropical paradise, and St. Thomas is no exception! From the moment I arrived, I was captivated by the island's stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant culture. There's so much to see and do in St. Thomas. I spent my days lounging on the beach, snorkeling in the turquoise waters, and exploring the charming town of Charlotte Amalie. I also had the opportunity to hike through lush rainforests and visit historical sites like Blackbeard's Castle. The locals were incredibly friendly and welcoming, making me feel right at home. The food was delicious, with a variety of fresh seafood and Caribbean flavors. If you're looking for a fun and relaxing vacation, I highly recommend visiting St. Thomas. It's a truly unforgettable destination that has something to offer everyone.

I Love St Thomas. The Island is so Beautiful and lush. The waters are magnificent and bright blue. Mountain Top Banana Daiquiri is highly recommended with the view of Meagan's Bay below.