Tag: ST. THOMAS

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Caribbean Cruise Travel St. Thomas USVI

Free Things to do in St. Thomas

Magens Bay
Magens Bay

Visiting St. Thomas doesn’t have to be expensive!  There are a few free things to do in St. Thomas. Like most Caribbean islands, there are endless opportunities to bask in the sunshine, splash in the sea, and enjoy the great outdoors.  But, there is more to St. Thomas than just beaches, the island is full of charm, Danish colonial architecture, and pirate folklore.

St. Thomas is one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean.  Each year, more than 2.5 million visitors step foot on the island (about 2 million of those arrive via cruise ship!).

Free Things to do in St. Thomas, USVI

Hit the Beach

Obviously one of the best free things to do in St. Thomas is hit the beach.  I mean…that’s why most of us visit the Caribbean, right?    St. Thomas is home to some absolutely incredible beaches including the world-renowned Magen’s Bay.  Magen’s Bay is often dubbed as one of the Top Ten Beaches in the Caribbean.  

There are loads of other great beaches on the island, as well.  In fact, St. Thomas has over 40 beaches just waiting to be explored!

Free beaches include Smith Bay Beach (also known as Lindquist Beach), Hull Bay Beach, and Coki Beach.

Drake's Seat

While there’s not much to do here, it is worth a stop if you are on your way to Magen’s Bay.  This vantage point, where Sir Francis Drake allegedly kept a look out for enemy ships, offers superb panoramic views of the Virgin Islands.  From this spot, you can see the spot where the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea meet.

The view from Drake's Seat

99 Steps

The 99 Steps is one of the most visited landmarks in St. Thomas.  The famous staircase is one of the several “step-streets” built by the Danes to help them navigate the island’s hilly terrain.  The bricks used to construct the steps were once used as ballasts in the holds of trade ships that came over from Denmark.  Visitors can walk to the top of the 99 (err…it’s actually 103…) steps to discover a stairway leading to Blackbeard’s castle.

Main Street

St. Thomas is known as the shopping capital of the Caribbean.  Main Street (also known by its Danish name Dronningens Gade) is where you’ll find everything from souvenirs, perfume, designer clothes, and jewelry.  While shopping obviously costs money, it’s free to window shop.

Inexpensive Things to do in St. Thomas

If you don’t mind shelling out a few bucks, there are more fun, yet inexpensive things to do in St. Thomas.  For instance, we love taking the Skyride to Paradise Point (about $25/adult) to grab lunch, some drinks and enjoy the view.  

You can also island hop for a bargain!  Grab the Red Hook Ferry from St. Thomas to St. John ($6/each way).  It’ll cost you about $6 to grab a cab from the ferry terminal to Trunk Bay (one of the most gorgeous beaches in the world).  Purchase a day pass for $5. 

While you’re on St. John, spend some time at the Annaberg Sugar Plantation ruins before heading back to St. Thomas.

Plan an Excursion

Since most visitors arrive via cruise ship, we thought we’d share another option.  Often times, you can book an excursion through a third party for cheaper than you can book it through the cruise ship.  

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While you’re in St. Thomas, we suggest checking out the Skyride to Paradise Point and checking out one of the beaches.  Check out our list of the 5 Best Beaches in St. Thomas and our guide on How to Get to Magen’s Bay without a Cruise Excursion.

Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

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Caribbean Cruise Tips Cruise Travel St. Thomas USVI

5 of the Best Beaches in St. Thomas, USVI

Are you looking for the best beaches in St. Thomas?  Well, look no further!   Each year more than 500 cruise ships dock in the harbor of St. Thomas.  Thousands of Americans also travel here by air, since you do not need a passport to visit!  It is estimated that close to two million tourists travel to the USVI each year.

When people arrive in St. Thomas they have two things on their mind, shopping (it’s the shopping capital of the Caribbean), and the beach.  In this post, we’ll outline where to find the best beaches in St. Thomas!

Grab your snorkel gear, a towel, and some sunscreen and let’s get started!

The 5 Best Beaches in St. Thomas, USVI

Magen's Bay

We’ll start with the most obvious choice, first:  Magen’s Bay.  Magen’s Bay is often called the most beautiful beach in St. Thomas and frequently ranks as one of the Top 10 Beaches in the Caribbean.  The one-mile-long horseshoe-shaped stretch of white sand is absolutely stunning.  While many cruisers book an excursion to get to the beach, it’s actually quite easy to get to the beach on your own– in fact, we suggest not booking an excursion.

There is also a rental shop where you can rent:

  • Beach chairs
  • Lounge chairs
  • Floats
  • Snorkel gear
  • Paddleboards 
  • Kayaks 

There is also a 1 1/2 mile trail, a coconut grove, a mangrove, and an arboretum.

Coki Beach

Coki Beach is another popular choice with tourists.  Though it is not as large as the nearby Magen’s Bay, it still offers the same soft white sand and clear, turquoise waters. 

Thanks to the calm waters, it is popular for snorkeling and diving.  You can even snorkel right from the beach! Over the years, tourists have been encouraged to buy dog biscuits to feed to the fish.  Because of this, the friendly fish are quick to approach swimmers looking for a little snack!  

The beach is right next to the Coral World Ocean Park.  There are plenty of amenities and little shops where you can purchase souvenirs, local food, and beverages.  Coki Dive Center is also located nearby.  They offer intro diving lessons for children and adult, certification classes, and beach and boat dives.  

You’ll also find options for renting SUP, jet skiis, beach gear, and more!

Sapphire Beach

This lively beach gets its name from the stunning shades of blue water that dance along the shore.  We love this beach because it has stunning views of the neighboring island of St. John. 

Sapphire Beach is popular with families because of the trees that provide shade.  Your little ones will love seeking out the iguanas and ducks that are known to hang out by the pond close by.

A nearby reef and rocky ledge make this a hot spot for snorkeling. In fact, some say that this is one of the best spots on the island to snorkel.       

Sapphire Beach is also popular for jet skiing, parasailing, and windsurfing because of its proximity to the marina.  The sports booth offers kayaks, windsurfing, snorkel gear, and chair rentals.  If you want to kick it up a notch, you can rent a jet ski from the local marina.

The best thing about this beach?  It doesn’t get nearly as crowded as the others!

Lindquist Beach

Lindquist Beach is another popular beach located on the East end of the island.  It has shallow waters marking it great for little ones!  Grown-ups will enjoy the views of nearby St. John and the British Virgin Islands.  There are restroom facilities, which is a huge bonus!

A lifeguard is on duty between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm.  There’s an offshore reef that is wonderful for snorkeling.  Little ones will love playing in the tide pools and older kids will enjoy the shallow shelf.

Part of the beach is made up of land protected by Smith Bay Park.  Smith Bay Park is a 21-acre park managed by the National Park Service.  There is a $5 fee per person to enter the beach.  If you’re driving to the beach, plan on paying $2 to park.

Hull Bay

I learned about Hull Bay Beach from a local girl who told me it’s very popular with the islanders. According to her, it’s one of the best beaches in St. Thomas!   It’s really easy to get to via taxi for travelers but if you’re driving on your own, be sure to type in “Hideaway Hull Bay” rather than “Hull Bay Beach.”  If you do the latter, it will take you to private property.  Hideaway is the name of a restaurant that is located right on the beach making it an easy landmark.

The stunning beach has a snack bar where you can purchase food and drinks.  There is also a dive shop that offers snorkel tours in the protected bay.  

Don't Forget to Pack These Items!

We hope you’ve been inspired by our list of the best beaches in St. Thomas!  No matter which beach you end up at, we suggest you bring along snorkel equipment!  You’re guaranteed to find something interesting in the turquoise waters that surround the island.

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Caribbean Cruise Travel National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores St. John United States USVI

How to get to Trunk Bay Without a Ship Excursion

Think you have to book an excursion to get to one of the most stunning beaches in the world?  Think again!  In this post we’ll outline how to get to Trunk Bay Without a Ship Excursion!

Trunk Bay is arguably one of the most recognized beaches in the world.  Trunk Bay, and nearby Magens Bay, have consistently ranked as some of the most beautiful beaches on the planet.  The beach is located on the northwestern side of the picturesque island of St. John in the US Virgin Islands.  

Trunk Bay got its name for the leatherback turtle, which locals call trunks.  Formally known as Trunkscildpatt, these massive turtles can be as large as 9 feet and weigh over 2,000 pounds.  The bay is home to a 0.30-mile crescent of powdery sand and a famed snorkeling trail.

If you’re considering visiting St. John from St. Thomas, it is easy to get to Trunk Bay without a ship excursion and is totally worth the trip!

Trunk Bay is sheer paradise!  Picture lush green velvety hillsides bordered by vibrant blue waters and sugary white beaches.  Sound like heaven?  That’s because it is!  Luckily, getting to the beach is relatively easy, even without booking an excursion.  

Trunk Bay- For the History Buffs

Archeologists have found remnants of a settlement that dates back to 700 AD.  These people, known as the Tainos, grew yucca, fished, gathered fruit, and created pottery, tools, and weapons.  It appears the Tainos lived in the area until 900 AD, and left rather quickly- as evidenced by cooking pots still filled with food.

Centuries later, Denmark staked a claim on the island of St. John. Remnants of the Danish sugar cane plantations can be found dotting the island.

   Laurence S. Rockefeller, of the famed Rockefeller family, fell in love with the marvelous picturesque beach, the warm, calm, turquoise waters, and the rolling green hills.  He purchased more than 5,000 acres of land on the island and donated it to create what is now known as the Virgin Islands National Park.  Today, the park covers nearly 2/3 of the island and includes Trunk Bay.

 

How Do I Get to Trunk Bay?

Every single cruise line offers excursions to Trunk Bay. They typically give you about 2 hours at this beach, although some may offer a little bit more time on the sand. If you are booking an excursion, try to book the earliest one possible. The beach can be crowded, especially when there are multiple ships in port.  

How Do I Get to Trunk Bay on My Own?

If you’d rather strike it out on your own, it is easy to get to Trunk Bay on your own.  All major cruise lines dock in either Charlotte Amalie or Crown Bay.  Whether you book an excursion through the cruise line, or decide to get to Trunk Bay on your own, you’ll end up having to take the Red Hook Ferry.  

In order to get to Trunk Bay on your own, you’ll want to try to be one of the first groups off of the ship.  Once you’re off the ship, find the taxi stand and hail a cab to the Red Hook Ferry- easily accessible from cruise terminals.

The ferry departs Red Hook at 6:30am, 7:30am, 8:00am, 9:00am, 10:00am, 11:00am, and 12:00pm.  The return ferry from Cruz Bay to Red Hook departs at 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm, 4:00pm, 5:00pm, and 6:00pm.  Be sure to account for travel time from Red Hook back to the ship when selecting your departure time.  You’ll also want to leave a cushion just in case the line to get back onto the ship is long (spoiler alert: it probably will be).  The ferry takes about 20 minutes to get from Red Hook to Cruz Bay.

Once your on the island of St. John, you’ll be in an area known as Cruz Bay.  Grab a taxi and ask them to take you to Trunk Bay, which is about 3 miles away.  Most drivers will pull over at scenic lookouts so that you can snap some photos of the island.  

The bay is located within Virgin Islands National Park.  Admission to the park itself is free, however if you want to visit Trunk Bay, you’ll need to purchase the Trunk Bay Day Pass which is $5 per adult ($2.50 for senior citizens).   If you have the America the Beautiful National Park Pass, admission is free.

Based on our experience, it’s actually cheaper to get to St. John on your own- we were able to visit for about 1/3 of the cost when we did it on our own vs. when we did it with an excursion.  We also got to spend more time at the beach.

Once You're at Trunk Bay....

The highlight of Trunk Bay is the 225-yard-long  Underwater Trail.   This snorkeling trail is completely underwater and follows along the reef system.  Here, you can try your hand at underwater photography and snorkeling.  There are rental facilities at the beach/park that offer snorkel equipment rentals. 

If snorkeling is not your jam, you can also bask in the tropical sun on the sugary sand beach.  The rental shop has chairs that you can rent for the day.  Other activities include hiking trails, exploring the ruins of historic sugar plantations and St. John’s Danish colonial past.

What we love most is the fact that Trunk Bay is totally kid-friendly!  The calm waters, rental options, and outdoor activities make it a great spot for families to spend the day.  

There are limited concessions on the beach.  There is a snack bar, showers, and restrooms.  The snack bar is open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.  

You can rent masks, snorkels, and fins from the Beach Bum Snorkel Rental (the same building as the snack shack).  The gear must be retuned by 3:00.

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Caribbean Cruise Excursions Cruise Travel St. Thomas USVI

Skyride to Paradise Point- St. Thomas

The Skyride to Paradise Point is a must-do while you’re in St. Thomas. The Skyride to Paradise Point is located close to the Havensight Pier in Charlotte Amalie. Since it is so close, it can easily be combined with many of the excursions offered in port or with a day of shopping. Be sure to grab a “Bushwacker” from the top and sit back to enjoy the unforgettable views!

The Skyride to Paradise Point is a classic gondola ride that takes you from sea-level on a comfortable, slow-moving, five-minute journey to the top of a mountain. At the top of Paradise Point, you’ll find shops, bars, restaurants, and an iconic view of Charlotte Amalie. Although the area is very touristy, it’s definitely worth a visit. The view alone makes it worth the time!

How Do I Get to Skyride to Paradise Point?

Chances are, you’ll be able to easily spot the Skyride from your ship! Once you disembark the ship, simply walk out of the port area and cross the road. It’s a simple, easy 5-minute walk. There are signs guiding you in the right direction so it’s (theoretically) impossible to get lost. If you do get lost, just look up and head in the general direction of the Skyride.

If you are docked at Crown Bay, you’ll need to take a taxi to the Skyride since the two cruise ports are 3 miles apart.

Important Information

  • The Skyride to Paradise Point opens at 9 AM however, it is only open on days when there are ships in port.
  • Tickets cost $21 for each adult and $10.50 for children. Ages 5 and under are free.
  • You’ll be able to use a credit card to purchase the tickets.
  • You’ll be given a wristband that grants you unlimited rides on the Skyride for the day.

Should I Purchase My Tickets for the Skyride to Paradise Point Through the Cruise Line?

Honestly, buying the tickets in advance from the cruise line doesn’t have any advantages. You’ll still have to walk to the Skyride by yourself and it costs the same. You’ll be given a voucher that you have to exchange for the wrist band. Personally, I think it’s better to wait until you pull into St. Thomas to decide if you want to visit- just in case there’s bad weather or there is low visibility.

If you’d like to purchase them in advance, you can do so via the official website.

The Cable Car

In order to access the cable car, you’ll need to climb about forty steps. Unfortunately, there is no elevator. The cable cars run every seven minutes and each cabin holds eight people.

The ride up to Paradise Point takes about 5 minutes as you travel up to 700 feet above sea level. There are windows that offer you a 360-degree view of the gorgeous harbor of Charlotte Amalie. The views are absolutely incredible- be sure to have your camera ready!

Paradise Point

Once you reach Paradise Point, there are several viewing areas where you can sit back and admire the view. There are also many gift shops and a handful of bars and restaurants. This is the perfect place to dine al fresco while sipping on the signature drink; Bushwacker (a mixture of Bailey’s, Kailua, Amaretto, Coconut, Rum, Vodka, and chocolate)!

Is it Worth the Visit?

The Skyride to Paradise Point is easy to pair with a day of shopping or an excursion. It is the perfect place to enjoy the views of this gorgeous port. It is definitely worth the visit!  The short ride in the gondola up to the top will lead you to absolutely exquisite views of the island.  Even if you don’t take advantage of the shopping, bars, and restaurants at the top, the Skyride to Paradise Point is absolutely worth it just for the views alone.

If you’re looking for the perfect day in St. Thomas, we suggest starting your day at Magens Bay.  Magens bay has consistently been voted as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.  The beach is located on the Atlantic side of the island and features a 3/4 mile white sand beach and gorgeous, calm turquoise water.  

After spending the morning at the beach, grab a cab to the Skyride to Paradise Point for lunch, a Bushwacker, and and some shopping.

While You're in St. Thomas...

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Updated: 11/14/21

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Caribbean Cruise Excursions Cruise Travel St. Thomas USVI

How to Get to Magens Bay Without a Ship Excursion

Magens Bay is one of the most popular beaches on the island of St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands. Even more, it is consistently rated as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world (along with Trunk Bay)! The beach is located on the Atlantic side of the island and features a 3/4 mile white sand beach and gorgeous, calm turquoise water.

Magens Bay, St. Thomas

Magens Bay is paradise! It is exactly what you picture when you close your eyes and imagine the Caribbean- complete with tropical drinks and turquoise waters. Getting to the beach is relatively easy, even without booking an excursion. Cabs and shuttles are cheap and easy to acquire.

Magens Bay- For the History Buffs

Early maps of St. Thomas refer to the bay as “Great Northside Bay”. Pretty boring, right? It wasn’t until the vice governor Jacob Jorgenson Magens and his decedents took ownership of the land that surrounded the bay took on a new name.

During the 20th century, the land changed hands from the Magens to Arthur Fairchild, a Wall Street financier. Fairchild donated 56 acres of the beach and surrounding area to St. Thomas and St. John under the stipulation that the land be used as a public park.

Legend has it that Sir Francis Drake used Magens Bay as an anchorage while waiting for ships to plunder.

How Do I Get to Magens Bay?

Every single cruise line offers excursions to Magens Bay. They typically give you about 2 hours at this beach, although some may offer a little bit more time on the sand. If you are booking an excursion, try to book the earliest one possible. The beach can be crowded, especially when there are multiple ships in port.

Pro Tip: If you arrive to the beach on a busy day, walk to the far left of the semi-circle. You’ll find that this part of the beach is a lot less crowded!

Magens Bay, St. Thomas

How Do I Get to Magens Bay on My Own?

There are plenty of taxis and shuttles waiting at the port, whether you pull into Havensight or Crown Bay. Follow signs for the taxi stand and link up with a driver.

The taxi fare from Havensight to the beach is about $8 per person. If you are traveling in a larger group, you can ask if they can offer you a discount. Magens Bay is about 15-20 minutes from Havensight. The cost and travel time is about the same from Crown Bay.

Beach Fees

$5 per person for visitors, $2 per person for locals
Kids under 12 are free

If you are going to the beach on your own, make sure you have cash on you. They will gladly accept your USD. If you are going with an excursion, the cost should be rolled into your excursion fee.

Learn more about the Best Beaches in St. Thomas.

Magens Bay, St. Thomas

Once You’re There

One of the best parts of Magens Bay is all of the amenities that are available here. There’s a snack cart, bar, and souvenir shop.

There is also a rental shop where you can rent:

      • Beach chairs

      • Lounge chairs

      • Floats

      • Snorkel gear

      • Paddleboards

      • Kayaks

    The rental of this equipment does require a deposit however, it will be refunded when you return the equipment.

    One of the perks is having waitstaff walking along the beach to take drink orders.

    There is also a 1 1/2 mile trail, a coconut grove, mangrove, and an arboretum.

    When You’re Ready to Head Back to the Ship

    When you’re ready to head back to the ship, simply go back to the entrance. There will be taxis and shuttles waiting to take you back. The cost will be about $8 (the same you paid to get there).

    It is important to leave some cushion time when you’re heading into town on your own. If you do not book an excursion through your cruise line, they do not have to wait for you to board the ship if you’re running behind.

    Let Us Help You Plan Your Trip

    Check out our Ultimate Guide on How to Plan a Cruise and start planning your dream vacation today!

     

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    Be sure to give us a like on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and Twitter for more travel tips and tricks. See you next time!

    Posted Updated: 01/10/23

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