St Thomas is in the US Virgin Islands and is known as the gateway to the Caribbean. It was founded by the Danish in the 1600’s and is frequently visited by cruise ships. It has a history of pirates and is famous for beaches and great snorkelling. If you take a vacation there, have a look at these places to visit in St Thomas.
For me, I’ve been there, and done all this. I do have one standout recommendation if you like cocktails, and that’s Duffy’s Love Shack!
Places to Visit in St. Thomas
#1. Magen’s Bay
Magen’s Bay is a one mile beach that is consistently known as one of the world’s top beaches.
It is one of the most developed beaches (unlike some others, where you can be the only person on it).
Magen’s Bay is a cove with beautiful turquoise water and is a great place for watersports, sun-bathing and people watching. The Bay is surrounded by white sand and coconut trees, remember it will cost you $5 for anyone over 13 years old and is free for the under-13s.
#2. Fort Christian & Blackbeard’s Castle
If you are looking for historical places to visit in St Thomas, it’s easy to take in Fort Christian and Blackbeard’s Castle on the same excursion. In fact, you could do this and do some tax free shopping at the same time!
Fort Christian was built in the 1670s as a defensive and government base. These days it houses a museum, which is well worth a visit.
Blackbeard’s Castle is one of the five historic landmarks in the US Virgin Islands. It’s not known when the notorious pirate Blackbeard (aka Edward Teach) visited the castle, but it’s part of the folklore of St Thomas that he used it as a lookout for his exploits as a pirate.
Blackbeard features in Pirates of the Caribbean (played by Ian McShane).
#3. Coral World Ocean Park
Coral World Ocean Park is a great place to visit if you want to see turtles, sting rays or have a sea lion encounter.
You can also go ‘snuba’ diving – this is great if you don’t have a diving qualification, but if you want to get under the water.
Coral World is a great place for kids to explore the underwater world too, whilst staying in a safe environment.
(Please note, at time of writing, Coral World is still recovering from Hurricanes Irma & Maria, so some attractions are in a state of repair and have limited availability).
#4. Mountain Top
There are two main reasons to include a visit to the Mountain Top – first of all, the views of Magen’s Bay are breathtaking and you can take some great photos; secondly, in 1953 the ‘Ultimate’ Caribbean Cocktail was created here – the now world famous Banana Daquiri! It’s made by mixing the Virgin Islands’ own Cruzan Rum, sugar cane extract and ripe bananas from a nearby grove, then adding fresh lime juice and a secret banana liqueur.
#5. St John Ferry
To get to the smallest of the three US Virgin Islands, take a ferry from St Thomas to St John.
If you are into ecotourism, then St John is the place to go. There are nature hikes in the National Park, white sandy beaches and brilliant snorkelling.
There are two places on St Thomas that you can get the passenger ferry from, Charlotte Amalie (takes 35 minutes) or Red Hook (takes 15 minutes).
It’s important, at the time of writing, that you check out what you can do on both St Thomas and St John since the recent hurricanes, as the locals are still repairing damage and rebuilding. BUT, there is still lots to do and by vacationing over there, you will be supporting the rebuilding process.
Also, look up the passport requirements for St Thomas before you go!
And word to the wise, I had a bad experience at the Ritz in St. Thomas. This was beyond shocking to me, but if you read my review, you may want to avoid the Ritz Carlton.
About Liz Skelcher
Originally from the UK, Liz has a passion for traveling. Liz writes for several blogs and is working towards being able to take her trusty Mac and work from anywhere. She loves exploring different cultures & countries, including some of Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the US & some of Europe. Her next big adventure will be 2023, when the Rugby World Cup is beckoning in South Africa. Highlights so far are diving with sharks in the Bahamas & bungee jumping in New Zealand.
