29 Best Things To Do In St Thomas Cruise Port
Cruising into the beautiful port of St. Thomas is an exciting experience, with a wide variety of activities and excursions to enjoy, some steps away from the ship. Narrowing down the top things to do in the St Thomas cruise port can be tough- but I am here to help! The island of St. Thomas holds a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the 17th century when it was colonized by the Danish. Today, St. Thomas is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands and is well-known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant culture.
When we settled on an itinerary for our cruise, I knew I wanted to have a stop in St Thomas if possible. I have heard many amazing things about the area, the beaches and the nearby islands, so I was really excited when it worked out. Then the pressure was on to determine how we wanted to spend our 8 hours on the islands. With many options to chose from, stick around to see what we did and loved!
History of St Thomas
Before diving into the excursions, it’s helpful to understand the rich history of St. Thomas. The island has a diverse past, having been under the control of the Danish, the Spanish, and the British before becoming a part of the United States and the U.S Virgin Islands. Its colonial history is reflected in its architecture and culture, making it a fascinating place to explore. The island is also home to the oldest standing structure in the USVI, Fort Christian.
The capital of St Thomas is Charlotte Amalie. It is a vibrant and historic city known for its colonial architecture, colorful streets, and bustling waterfront. Charlotte Amalie is a popular port of call for cruise ships, and it offers a diverse range of attractions including duty-free shopping, historic sites, and cultural experiences. The city’s rich history, combined with its picturesque setting and lively atmosphere, makes it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring St. Thomas.
When cruising into the St Thomas cruise ports, you’ll also have the opportunity to visit other local islands such as St. John and Water Island. St. John is just a short ferry ride away and is home to the Virgin Islands National Park, offering breathtaking hiking trails and pristine beaches. Water Island, the fourth and smallest of the US Virgin Islands, is a hidden gem with secluded beaches and a laid-back atmosphere.
When planning your visit to St. Thomas, it’s important to consider the local customs and etiquette. The official currency is the US dollar, and English is widely spoken. It’s advisable to dress in light, comfortable clothing and to pack sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water to stay hydrated in the tropical climate. Even though you may not be behind the wheel during your visit, keep in mind that drivers in St. Thomas drive on the left side of the road- whether you think that is the “right” or “wrong” side is debatable 🙂
This isn’t exactly the type of history you may be used to, but this area of the USVI was included in Elin Hildebrand’s Paradise series, which makes it a win for me! If you haven’t read the books, I highly recommend them before you make your journey to this area of the Caribbean Sea. The book mainly takes place in St John, but you may end up there during your visit, depending on the most enticing excursion option below!
Overall, cruising into St. Thomas offers a wealth of opportunities to explore the island’s history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re seeking relaxation on the beach, adventure in the water, or immersion in local heritage, St. Thomas has something for every traveler to enjoy.
The Port of St Thomas
The cruise terminal is located on the south side of St Thomas, so if you are planning things to do in the St thomas Cruse Port, keep this in mind. There are two cruise ship docks within the port- the West Indian Company Dock (also known as Havensight) and the Crown Bay Dock which is often the overflow dock. There are plenty of things to do directly off of the ship or within a short walk. This was a nice surprise as some ports didn’t have much to offer so the options were either stay on the ship or book an excursion. That is not the case in St Thomas.
- Go shopping. The Havensight Mall is steps away from the dock with well-known shops, bookstores, jewelry stores, surf shops, and several souvenir shops. There are many duty-free shops if you have your eye on something special and want to save a bit of money.
- Grab a bite to eat. There are over 15 restaurants in walking distance from the dock. Virgin’s Haven has a fun, outdoor, island vibe, Tap and Still Havensight is the spot for burgers and beers, Agave – Havensight is a bit of a nicer spot with cocktails and Mexican food, and Mutiny Bar & Kitchen has a variety of options in a nice location.
- Go for coffee. I am all about coffee shops, and there were a few within walking distance from the ship! I tried Stir It Up on our way out in the morning and another, Virgin Island Coffee Roasters, on our way back that evening. Both were delicious and the staff were great.
- A few other things within a walk from Havensight pier: Skyride to Paradise Point Lookout is a fun tram ride up the mountain top to scenic views, a restaurant and bar- the best thing about this is that it’s less than a 10-minute walk from the pier, Pirates Treasure Museum and the Virgin Islands Children’s Museum are also less than 10 minutes from the port, and Someday Charters for private boat rentals and tours is right around the corner.
Excursions from the St Thomas Cruise Port
Now, let’s talk about the best excursions to consider when visiting St. Thomas. There are plenty of options depending on what you are hoping to do. Do you want to snorkel around coral reefs? Visit some of the best beaches in the Virgin Islands. Take a walking tour of historical landmarks? All of the above and more are available from the island of St Thomas.
Visit White Sand Beaches
Magens Bay: One of the most popular excursions is a visit to Magens Bay beach, consistently rated as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. You can spend a relaxing day sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the serene surroundings. The estimated cost for this excursion is around $40-$80 for entrance fees and transportation, with the length of the excursion being half a day. If you have a group of at least 6, this tour option will be the most budget-friendly, getting you directly to Magens Bay and on the beach for a few hours. This tour can be booked for any number of guests and will take you on a short sightseeing drive to the top of the mountains (the views are amazing!) and then to Magen’s Bay beach to enjoy the popular beach. This tour option is perfect if you want to go shopping, have a daiquiri tasting with a view, and then spend a few hours on the beach. Can you tell that I highly recommend ending up at Magsn Bay Beach during your time in St Thomas? This tour ranges from $70-$100.
Other beaches worth visiting:
- Sapphire Beach has calm waters and a variety of wildlife, and it is a beautiful beach overall. There are mainly home rentals in the area so it isn’t crazy busy
- Lindquist Beach is great for some of the best snorkeling on the islands.
- Coki Beach is another option with great snorkeling and reefs.
If you are looking for a private guide to get around to multiple beaches, look into booking this tour. You can decide which beaches to explore, where to go shopping and how often to stop for drinks!
We booked a tour to visit Secret Beach (with bottomless rum punch, waters and soda!) and see views from Skyline Drive (linked to Carnival cruise line but most cruises offer a similar tour or you can book outside of your cruise line through this link). I love a mix of off the beaten path & self-guided options and this was perfect! We spent the morning shopping around the Havensight cruise pier and were picked up for our tour around 11am. We boarded a safari bus (an open air bus!) and drove ~20 minutes to “secret beach” aka Smith Bay Beach Park & Eco Reserve. The beach is run by a local family and they serve drinks, while other locals are nearby with food options. The beach had plenty of empty chairs all along the water, a nice location to walk the beach, and sea life if you want to snorkel! We brought our snorkels with us and I’ll never forget the moment my daughter saw a stingray swim under her. It was so cool! We had 3 hours on the beach which was a perfect afternoon for us!
The rum punch was also delicious and even though they were bottomless, 2 was quite enough! After the beach, we hopped back in the bus and drove to a lookout point of Skyline Drive. It was a stunning view of the island, harbor and port!
Adventurous Experiences
If you are looking to be on the water rather than sitting on a beach, this kayaking tour through the mangroves will be perfect! You will also have the chance to snorkel in the lagoon and Wildlife sanctuary. We often prefer to have an adventures day with water sports, so this is a great way to enjoy St Thomas and the beautiful turquoise water. Another fun option would be a stand-up paddleboard experience through the mangroves.
Go Parasailing above the Caribbean Sea, where you will get a view like no other! I have parasailed in multiple places and St Thomas truly is one with the greatest views.
Exploring The Virgin Islands
If you want to see the surrounding islands, taking a tour will be the best way to ensure you have enough time to enjoy the experience, pop into a local restaurant, and hit the main attractions- or those off the beaten path if you prefer!
Take a catamaran tour. This is a great way to get out on the water, visit multiple beaches and have a fun experience with endless rum punches. You will be able to snorkel for a bit then visit amazing beaches like Honeymoon Beach and Maho Bay in St John.
Go on a Jeep Safari. This option will take you from St Thomas, on the ferry and to St Johns where you will visit off the beaten path beaches, experience incredible views and enjoy the ride along the way.
Take a Red Boat tour to St John where you will snorkel, enjoy a local lunch and see sights that look straight out of a movie set! The views are incredible.
If you have a long port day in St Thomas, I highly recommend booking a private boat tour to see more of the US Virgin Islands and some of the British Virgin Islands as well! This is one of the best experiences you could have while experiencing a port day.
Another great night adventure if you have a later departure would be this amazing sunset champagne cruise, you can’t beat watching the sunset on a large catamaran with a glass of champagne in hand! I have experienced this first hand and it’s truly incredible!
Head to St John by boat to see the Virgin Islands National Park, a beautiful sugar plantation and nearby beaches like Trunk Bay. This is a great experience if you want to see St John but don’t necessarily want to spend the whole day on the beach.
Learn About History
For those interested in history, a visit to Blackbeard’s Castle. Blackbeard’s Castle is a historic watchtower offering panoramic views of the island. The estimated cost for this excursion is around $25-$35 for entrance fees and transportation, with the length of the excursion being half a day.
Charolette Amalie Walking Tour. The historic district of downtown Charlotte Amalie is a must if you are intrigued by the history of the islands. While the busy town of Charlotte Amalie is renowned for its colonial architecture, you will also find a vibrant shopping and dining scene. This tour includes ten tastings while on a guided walking tour with an informative guide. I know several people who have enjoyed this tour to get a break from beach days while cruising. On this shore excursion, you will tour locations in the downtown area, the historic site of Fort Christian, the emancipation garden, and more.
Coral World: Coral World Ocean Park in St. Thomas is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in marine life and underwater ecosystems. This fascinating ocean park offers visitors the opportunity to explore and learn about the diverse and colorful marine life of the Caribbean island.
Located on the northeastern side of the island, Coral World provides an immersive experience for visitors of all ages. The park features a variety of interactive exhibits, including an underwater observatory where visitors can marvel at the beauty of a living coral reef without getting wet. The observatory provides a window into the underwater world, allowing guests to witness an array of tropical fish, sea turtles, and other marine creatures in their natural habitat. You can book this experience here.
In addition to the underwater observatory, Coral World offers exciting experiences such as swimming with dolphins, feeding stingrays, and snorkeling in a protected lagoon. Visitors can also take part in educational programs and interactive encounters with marine animals, providing a unique opportunity to learn about conservation and the importance of protecting our oceans.
For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Coral World offers activities like snuba diving, a combination of snorkeling and scuba diving that allows participants to explore the underwater world while breathing through a simple-to-use regulator system connected to a tank on the surface.
Overall, Coral World Ocean Park is a fantastic destination for individuals, families, and marine enthusiasts alike, offering a blend of entertainment, education, and conservation awareness in a stunning Caribbean setting.
In addition to these excursions, I recommend planning time to indulge in a bit of duty-free shopping, sample local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the island’s lively culture.
As you can likely tell, a visit to the beautiful port of St. Thomas offers a wide range of activities and excursions, making it an exciting destination for cruise travelers. With its rich history, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture, there’s something for every type of traveler to enjoy. Whether you choose to explore the island’s colonial past, relax on its pristine beaches, or embark on an adventure to nearby islands, St. Thomas has it all. From shopping and dining near the cruise port to excursions to white sand beaches and historical landmarks, there’s no shortage of experiences to make the most of your time on this captivating island. St. Thomas truly has something for everyone, making it a must-visit destination for any cruise itinerary. I hope you enjoy your visit!
