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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.

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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 National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores St. John USVI

The Annaberg Sugar Plantation: St. John, USVI

Annaberg Plantation, St. John, USVI

At its prime, the Annaberg Sugar Plantation was one of the top sugar-producing factories on the island of St. John. St. John is located in what is now known as the US Virgin Islands. Today, all that remains of the plantation are the ruins of a windmill, slave cabins, and a handful of other buildings made from coral. Not only are the grounds and ruins beautiful, but the views are too! It’s so hard to believe that this paradise once brought people so much pain.

The View from Annaberg Sugar Plantation, St. John, USVI

Go and see the ruins but stay for the views. Tortola appears so close that you can almost touch it! Looking out from Annaberg, you can see Leinster Bay, the Sir Frances Drake Channel, and a few other British Virgin Islands.  

The History of Slavery in St. John

In 1717, 20 Danish planters came over from St. Thomas to settle and begin developing the area. Slaves grew sugar cane, cotton, and other crops. Sadly, by 1733 there were 109 plantations on the island.

In 1733, the slaves of St. John started a rebellion. Armed with cane knives (similar to machetes) they stormed Fort Frederiksvaern. After killing 5 of the 6 Danish soldiers at the fort, they fired the cannon signaling a six-month revolt. The revolt ended when French troops came over from Martinique. The slaves died by suicide before the French forces reached them.

At the height of the slave era, there were more than 2,604 slaves on the 19-square-mile island. When Denmark emancipated slaves in 1848, the plantations were abandoned.

The History of Annaberg Sugar Plantation

Way back in 1780, Annaberg Sugar Plantation was one of 25 sugar-producing factories on the island of St. John. The plantation, which encompassed 518 acres, also produced molasses and rum. Not surprisingly, slave labor was used to plant, harvest, and process sugar cane. The island wasn’t the ideal location for agriculture; the hills were too steep, and the soil was thin and rocky. Slaves worked painstakingly to terrace the slopes of the property so they could be farmed.

Annaberg Sugar Plantation Windmill Ruins, St. John, USVI

The windmill is one of the focal points of the site. It was built between 1810 and 1830 and stood 38 feet high, making it one of the largest on the islands. At times, when there was no wind, horses or mules were used to work the mill. Slaves would pass sugar cane stalk through the rollers and a box at the bottom caught the juice. The mill could produce between 300 and 500 gallons of juice each hour.

Next, the juice was then boiled to remove excess water until it became concentrated through heating and evaporation. Lastly, the juice was then placed into a box to crystalize.

Eventually, when slavery was abolished in 1848, the plantation was divided into smaller farms.

Annaberg Sugar Plantation Ruins, St. John, USVI

The Annaberg Sugar Plantation Today

Today, the plantation ruins are protected by the Virgin Islands National Park and are open to the public. Trees now stand where the terraces that were carved into the hillsides once were. There is a trail that leads through factory ruins, slave quarters, a windmill, and other ruins. There are placards and signs along the paths that describe how the sugar was produced and shares what life might have been like on the plantation and on the island.

Annaberg Plantation, St. John, USVI

Virgin Islands National Park

Virgin Islands National Park is made up of 7,259 acres of sheer beauty. In fact, more than 60% of the island of St. John is protected by the National Park system. The park also includes the reefs that surround the island, as well. Annaberg Sugar Plantation and Trunk Bay are two of the highlights of the park.

Other Ruins on the Island

If you’re interested, there are ruins scattered all around the island. Annaberg and the Reef Bay Sugar Mill Ruins are some of the best-preserved.

Hours

The park is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas. The visitor center is open from 8 AM to 4:30 PM.

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Trunk Bay, St. John, USVI

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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.

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    Posted Updated: 01/10/23

    Categories
    Caribbean Cruise Excursions Cruise Travel National Parks, Monuments, and Seashores St. John USVI

    Trunk Bay, St. John- One of the Top 10 Beaches in the World

    Virgin Islands National Park

    Trunk Bay is one of the most photographed beaches in the world. Of course, this is rightfully so! Trunk Bay is one of the most popular beaches on the island of St. John. I mean…come on, just look at the place. It’s ridiculously photogenic! Tourists crowd the north shore road overlook to snap a digital memory of this breathtaking beach.

    The History of St. John, USVI

    St. John is one of the US Virgin Islands (USVI)- an unincorporated territory of the United States. The other islands are St. Thomas, St. Croix, and many other smaller islands. The island is located just 4 miles east of St. Thomas, home of the territory’s capital, Charlotte Amalie. Interestingly, it is also 4 miles southwest of Tortola, which is part of the British Virgin Islands (BVI).

    There is evidence of civilization as early as the 700s. Christopher Columbus sailed past St. John on his second voyage in 1493, but he never came ashore.

    Zoom forward to 1671 when the Danish West India Company settled in the area. By 1673 they had established the African slave market. In 1717 20 Danish planters came over from St. Thomas to settle and begin developing the area. Slaves grew sugar cane, cotton, and other crops. The Annaberg sugar plantation was built in 1731 and became one of the largest sugar producers in the world. Sadly, by 1733 there were 109 plantations on the island.

    In 1733 the slaves of St. John started a rebellion. Armed with cane knives (similar to machetes) they stormed Fort Frederiksvaern. After killing 5 of the 6 Danish soldiers at the fort, they fired the cannon signaling a six-month revolt. The revolt ended when French troops came over from Martinique. The slaves died by suicide before the French forces reached them.

    At the height of the slave era, there were more than 2,604 slaves on the 19 square mile island. When Denmark emancipated slaves in 1848, the plantations were abandoned.

    In 1917, the United States purchased the islands for $25 million from the Danish government. Talk about a bargain!

    St. John Today

    This island is quite possibly the most perfect island on the planet. It is amazingly beautiful- soft white sand, vibrant blue water, and lush green hills. One of the cool things about St. John is that a majority of the island (about 60%) is protected by the National Park Service. What does this mean? It means that most of the island is undeveloped in has been left in a pristine, beautiful, unspoiled condition.

    Trunk Bay from the Overlook

    Aside from it’s Good Looks, What Else Does Trunk Bay Have to Offer?

    The crescent-shaped stretch of sand that makes up Trunk Bay is the most visited beach on the island. It has been consistently ranked as one of the Top 10 Beaches in the World. Uh, let me just tell you, it is NOT overrated!

    Trunk Bay is popular for several reasons; pillow-soft white sand, crystal clear water, good looking lifeguards, accessibility to concessions, and my favorite- an underwater snorkeling trail. The snorkeling course is located just offshore. It takes snorkelers around the Trunk Cay inlet and grants them glimpses of tropical fish and the reef. There are underwater placards that give information about what they are viewing and about the island itself. The course takes about an hour to swim. The area is looked over by lifeguards making it a safe, fun activity for visitors.

    There is a snack bar that serves lunch and snacks, so don’t worry about bringing along something to eat. There are also restrooms and showers available.

    Visitors are also able to rent snorkel gear, if you do not have your own. I always bring my full face snorkel mask along

    Booking an Excursion vs. Going On Your Own

    If you’re a cruiser, you’re in luck! All of the major cruise lines that stop in St. Thomas offer excursions to St. John and/or Trunk Bay. Prices tend to vary between $69 and just over $100 USD.

    Of course, you don’t have to rely on the cruise line to get you there. In fact, you’ll save money and have more time on the island if you go at it on your own. Almost all excursions use the Red Hook Ferry service to get to St. John. It is important to note that if you book an excursion through your cruise line they offer a guarantee to not leave your behind should you experience any delays in getting back to the ship.

    If you choose to head out on your own, take a cab from the cruise ship terminal (either Crown Bay or Charlotte Amalie) to the Red Hook Ferry terminal. The trip should cost you about $15 per person.

    The View from the Outlook

    From here, there are two options for the ferry from St. Thomas to St. John. The most common option leaves from Red Hook and takes about 20 minutes. It costs $6.  The ferry leaves Red Hook at: 6:30am, 7:30am, 8:00am, 9:00am, 10:00am, 11:00am, and 12:00pm. The return ferries from Cruz Bay are are at: 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm, 4:00pm, 5:00pm, and 6:00pm.The other option is a single ferry that leaves Charlotte Amalie at 10 AM. The return ferry leaves Cruz Bay at 3:45 PM. The ferry takes 45 minutes and costs $12.

    Getting to Trunk Bay…

    Once you arrive in Cruz Bay, grab a cab to the beach. The beach is only about 3 miles away so the fare is cheap- about $6. Ask your taxi driver if they can make a pitstop at the lookout so you can snap one of those iconic photos.

    The gorgeous water at Trunk Bay

    Since the Beach is part of the Virgin Islands National park, there is an admission charge of $5 per adult to enter. If you have a US National Park Pass, admission is free.

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    Updated: 7/6/22

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