Making the Most of Time in St. Thomas
Blackbeard's Castle, Skyride & More
St. Thomas has highlights, beaches, shopping and a lot of activities
There is a good reason that St. Thomas is the most visited of the U.S. Virgin Islands is St. Thomas.
First, it has an airport and it's a stop for cruise ships. But there's also a lot to do here, and this article covers activities from snorkeling to sailing.
But you don't have to do a thing when on St. Thomas. You could come here and just lay on a beach or by a pool with one of those those Caribbean rum drinks. How's that for a St. Thomas activity!?
This isn't from a movie or a postcard, it really exists on St. Thomas.
Charlotte Amalie offers a historic look at St. Thomas with landmarks such as Blackbeard's Castle, which may the oldest building in the Virgin Islands; 99 steps, one of several "step streets' built by the Danish to navigate the steep hills and the Saturday farmer's market at Market Square, The Visitor's Bureau is across from Emancipation Park.
St. Thomas is most definitely not a ski resort but it does have a lift. It is called Skyride and it goes from Havensight Mall to Paradise Point, providing a spectacular view of practically the entire US and British Virgin Islands. The cost is $19 R/T but if anyone has braved renting a car, road to the top is free. There a bar and restaurant at the summit.
There is also diving and snorkeling, fishing and boating available from charter companies; there's a dive shop by the Holiday Inn, which is near the Green Parrot bar in Charlotte Amalie.
For a look at the beaches of St. Thomas, click here.
For those who want to go sailing, Sandy Spit is a postcard destination.
For many, St. Thomas is the launch point for an entire week for sailing around all the Virgin Islands. Charter boats are available on the island, but it's best to have this reserved in advance, particularly during the busy winter season. They will provide skippers for those who don't know how to sail, but the skipper does take up a cabin on the boat.
And that opens up a whole grand adventure of The US and British Virgin Islands: Neighboring St. John and it outstanding snorkeling, the Baths of Virgin Gorda the Baths of Virgin Gorda, postcard beautiful Sandy Spit the caves off Norman Island and Tortola. including the World Famous Soggy Dollar Bar and Willie T's.
Catching Ferries From St. Thomas to the Other Virgin Islands
Tourists don't have to charter a sailboat to see the other areas. There is a ferry system that serves several islands and locations in the US and British Virgin Islands. Now is probably a good time to mention that there are customs in ports between the countries so be sure and pack the passport.
The St. Thomas ferry docks are in Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook (the latter is the one to take to St. John's Cruz Bay, 20 minutes, $6; it can connect through Charlotte Alamie for $11). Ferrys to Tortola of the British Virgin Islands are $30 each way, plus a $5 departure tax (passport required for entry into the BVIs).
There are also ferries to St. Croix ($90, 90 minutes R/T), and Puerto Rico ($100 R/T, 2 hours). One particular pleasing aspect of the ferrys is that out of Charlotte Amalie, the adjacent bar will hand rum drinks over its balcony directly into one's hands on the boat before departure ($7). Yes, you are in the islands, mon!
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