Overview of St. Thomas, USVI

St. Thomas is the most developed, most cosmopolitan of the US Virgin Islands. St. Thomas is a small island at 32 square miles, yet it remains one of the most popular cruise destinations in the Caribbean and the busiest in the West Indies. Known for its great shopping, St. Thomas also has many historical sites and excellent beaches. The cruise ships dock in one of two docks in Charlotte Amalie, which at one time was a haven for pirates. It is about a 10 minute cab ride to the center of St. Thomas, Downtown Charlotte Amalie, from the cruise ship docks.

Check out this panoramic view of the harbor in Charlotte Amalie

What language is spoken at this cruise port? Do they speak English?

English is the official language of the US Virgin Islands. The many locals speak Creole, Spanish and English with a strong Creole accent.

What is the national currency in St. Thomas?

The US Dollar is the official currency of the US Virgin Islands.

Do they accept US Dollars around the port?

Yes, the US Dollar is the official currency.

Where can I get or exchange money?

Money can be exchanged at local banks. Some of these banks include: Banco Popular de Puerto Rico, Bank of Nova Scotia, Barclays, Chase Manhattan Bank, Citibank, First Federal

• Banks closest to cruise port: 
  • Bank of the Virgin Islands
  • The People's Bank of the Virgin Islands
  • Virgin Islands National Bank
• ATMs closest to cruise port: 

  There are more than 50 ATMs on the island. Most are located in Charlotte Amalie, where the cruise ships dock. They are located everywhere on downtown streets and will charge $2-3 per transaction. Nearly all are operated by Scotiabank, FirstBank, and Banco Popular. Banco Popular, Chase Manhattan and First Bank all have ATMs in Havensight.

How do I get around St. Thomas?

Walking

Use caution when walking on the island - remember that cars may be approaching from the opposite direction than expected. St. Thomas is a safe island, but exercise the same common sense that you would in any city, particularly after dark.

Ferries

There are ferries available for travel to each of the main Virgin Islands and also to Puerto Rico from St. Thomas.

Taxis

Taxis are available at the cruise ship dock. Most are open air and are not metered. Rates are set per person and per destination. Getting to the popular shopping and eating spots in Charlotte Amalie will cost about $7-15 for one person and $4-10 per person for two or more passengers.

Buses

Safari Buses are open on the sides and are similar to caravan vehicles. They offer a tour around the island which takes about two and a half hours and will cost about $20-30 per person.

Rental Car

There are numerous car rental agencies located at the airport, which is within walking distance from the docks:

• Dollar Rent a Car has a location at the airport in Charlotte Amalie. For more information contact them at (340) 774-0111.
• Thrifty Car Rental has a location at the airport in Charlotte Amalie. For more information contact them at (340) 776-1500.
• Hertz Rental Car has a location at the airport in Charlotte Amalie. For more information contact them at (340) 774-1879.

Remember that driving in St. Thomas is England style (on the left) although the steering wheel is on the left as in the United States. The roads are not in good condition, and you need to use caution when merging or pulling out onto the road.

Scooter Rental

Scooter Rentals are popular on the island as an easy way to get around. Bicycles are available for rent too, but due to the hilly terrain, they are not advised for the average person.

How can I stay in touch with home? (Ex. Email, phone, etc.)

There is no international roaming with most of the major US cellular carriers (excluding Verizon.)

How can I call home? Are there call centers?

There are pay phones available for use using US coins througout.

Where are the Internet cafes?

There are numerous Internet cafes in St. Thomas and many restaurants offering free WiFi as well:

• The Crew Hub is an Internet cafe located in Havensight complete with telephones, phone cards, faxes and internet service. Contact them at (340) 715-2233.
• Beans, Bytes & Websites Cafe is located in Havensight at the Royal Dane Mall.

What are the cell phone rates?

Verizon is $1.99/minute. ATT, T-Mobile and Sprint do not charge international roaming rates on any of the US Virgin Islands, therefore you can use your cell phone as you would at home. Contact your cell phone provider to verify your international roaming rates.

What are the top attractions and must-sees in St. Thomas? How long will it take me to get there and to explore?

Attractions

• Coral World lets you examine sea life of all varieties, swim with sea lions, take a guided tour of the ocean floor, and encounter sharks. Coral World is located on the north east shore.
• St. Peter Great House and Botanical Gardens, situated 1000 feet above Hull Bay and world famous Magens Bay in the volcanic peaks of St. Thomas, offers spectacular views of neighboring islands, including St. John, Tortola and Jost Van Dyke. The outdoor observation deck offers breathtaking views and great photo opportunities. It covers 11 acres and has several self guided nature trails and over 200 varieties of tropical plants and trees.
• The St. Thomas Skyride to Paradise Point will take you by tram 700 feet above Charlotte Amalie and give you breathtaking views of the harbor and neighboring islands, even Puerto Rico. Only minutes from the docks and running every 7 minutes, this is a must do attraction that can be easily fit in amongst other great things to do in St. Thomas.

Check out this video of the ride down on the St. Thomas Skyride from Paradise Point

Beaches

• Magen Bay, located north of the port, is the best beach for a half day trip. Known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Magen Bay is a 20 minute taxi ride away from the port (see map), with an admission charge of $3.
• Sapphire Beach, located on the east side of St. Thomas (see map) offers stunning views of St. John and the British Virgin Islands. Every type of water sport is available from kayaks to jet skies. This is also an ideal location for snorkeling and scuba diving.
• Coki Point Beach, is located northeast of the port (see map) near Coral World, is nice beach although often quite crowded. It is an excellent beach for swimming. Snorkeling is also very popular here because of the abundance of colorful fish and beautiful corals. Water sports such as water skiing and parasailing is also available.

Shopping

St. Thomas provides duty free shopping throughout the island. If you are looking for something in particular make sure you know the price back home before looking for a deal on the island; at times the "discounts" aren't what they are cracked up to be. Although not as much as other islands, barganing is a part of the shopping experience, so don't be afraid to haggle a little, especially with the higher priced items like jewelry.

Offering more than 50 stores located in Havensight and many more are located in Charlotte Amalie, shopping is one of the things St. Thomas is known for. Be sure to duck down the numerous alleys and alcoves so you don't miss a thing.

Golf

Carambola Golf & Country Club, located 15 minutes north of the port area (see map), is a 6022 yard, par 70 course designed by George and Tom Fazio. Greens fees range from $65-$100 for 9-holes and $100-$165 for 18-holes, depending on the time of day and time of year. Tee times can be booked online or you can contact them by phone at (800) 253-7103, ext. 1 or (340) 777-6006, ext. 1.

Scuba

Diving in St. Thomas offers a wide variety of dive sites and marine life for the enthusiast. In addition, St. Thomas being a US territory, adds the peace of mind of knowing that all dive companies are coast guard inspected and certified. Below are a couple of the dive centers that serve St. Thomas:

• Blue Island Divers will pick you up from your dock site, take you on a two tank dive and drop you back off at no extra charge. Blue Island Divers specialize in dive sites all throughout the waters south of St. Thomas.
• Aqua Action Dive Center operates out of the Secret Harbour Beach Resort, which is located 15 minutes east of the port (see map.) Aqua Action Dive Center currently offers dives at 40 different locations, both on the north and south side of the island.

Tours

• The Champagne Sailing Adventure is an all day (7 hours) tour on a 61' classic sailboat. This tour comes complete with breakfast, lunch, open bar, 2 snorkeling stops on the way to St. John, BVI. E-mail the tour operator for more information.
• Blackbeard's Castle Tour boasts pirate hideouts, historic manor houses, botanical gardens, archaeological sites, sparkling pools, waterfalls, museums, bars, shops and much more. Self-guided tours are $14 for adults and $5 for childern under 12. For more information contact the office at (340) 776-1234.
• The Water Island Adventures Tour begins with a ferry ride from the cruise dock to Water Island, while passing several little islands and the sceneic coastline. Upon arrival at Water Island, you will board a bike bus that will take you up to Fort Segarra, where the bike tour begins. You would then follow the trail down, while taking in the natural beauty and wildlife that Water Island has to offer, and arrive at Honeymoon Beach for a refreshing dip. From there you will board the ferry which will take you back to the cruise ship dock. Contact the tour operator by phone at (340) 714-2186 or (340) 775-5770; or by email.

Other

Remember that everyone is on "island time" on St. Thomas - nothing runs on schedule, or gets done in a hurry. Just relax and enjoy the scenery and eventually everything will be taken care of. Greet everyone with "hello" or "good morning" etc. before getting down to business, whether ordering a drink at a bar or just passing people on the street.

What are the must-eats? Where are the best places to get them?

Without much good soil to cultivate, most food ingredients are imported to St. Thomas. One thing that is abundant, since it is an island, is seafood. One very popular accompaniment is a fried unleavened bread called a johnnycake. There are several good restaurants throughout the island, especially in Charlotte Amalie.

A casual favorite among locals is the Greenhouse Restaurant located right across from the seawall in the center of town. The friendly bartenders pour a decent beverage and prices are good, at least by island standards.

What are the must-drinks? Where is the best place to get them?

Most any rum drink is popular in St. Thomas. Try a BBC, made with Banana rum, Bailey's Irish Creme and Banana liquor with pina colada mix and fresh bananas in a blended frozen cocktail, at Big Kahuna Rum Shack (located on the waterfront less than 2 miles east of the port.)

Which are the best souvenirs to buy in St. Thomas? Where can I get them?

Under $25:

Cruzan Rum is an appropriate souvenir from your visit to the US Virgin Islands. You are allowed to bring back 6 bottles duty-free, and they will package it for you for flying. Just have the ship store the rum until you arrive at your home port.

$25-$75

Porcelain, especially imported patterns, can be purchased duty-free and at a substantial discount on St. Thomas. The best prices in the Caribbean are found here.

Over $75

Emerald jewelry can be purchased at excellent prices on St. Thomas. There are many good jewelry shops in Charlotte Amalie and at the Havensight Mall. Don't be afraid to bargain with vendors.

What is the weather like in St. Thomas?

Current Temperature

Average Monthly Temperatures and Rainfall in St. Thomas