What to do in St. Thomas Cruise Port + Best Beaches

THE GEN X WANDERER / What to do in St. Thomas Cruise Port + Best Beaches

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A Quick Look at the Island

St Thomas is part of the US Virgin Islands, which comes with a few perks. The currency is the US dollar, so there is no strange conversion math, although my fellow Canadians will notice the exchange rate is not doing us any favours. Note that cars drive on the left and the steering wheels are also on the left too, a combination that would be disastrous for my aging brain.

The island is hilly, green, and ridiculously pretty. Ships dock at either Havensight or Crown Bay, both a short taxi ride from Charlotte Amalie, the capital, with its pastel colonial buildings and a harbour that looks like a postcard somebody forgot to Photoshop. Celebrity usually docks in Crown Bay.

After the rental car disaster a couple days before in St. Maarten, we decided to save our wallets and just wander the tourist trap around the area, head back to the ship and enjoy it with nobody in there.

But! That doesn’t stop me from writing what I would have actually done.

How We Spent Our Four Hours

Honestly, not far from the ship. So let’s back up… we celebrated our 25th anniversary on the Celebrity Beyond with their Aqua Class which I highly recommend on the Celebrity!

And today we were docked in St. Thomas USVI. HOWEVER! For some reason, Celebrity only gave us 4 hours at this port today, I think it had something to do with the scheduling and this was an unforeseen circumstance. The haters will definitely come out now and say “why even bother cruising, you don’t get to see anything“. And they are completely right, but today, our destination was basically the cruise ship and the area surrounding the cruise ship.

After the rental car disaster a couple days before in St. Maarten, we decided to save our wallets and just wander the tourist trap around the area, head back to the ship and enjoy it with nobody in there.

But! That doesn’t stop me from writing what I would have actually done.

Where to Stay in St. Thomas USVI

Obviously, if you are cruising, you are only docking for the day, but if you are planning to stay in St. Thomas, check out this map for accommodations! Staying near Charlotte Amalie keeps you close to restaurants and shops, while the east end of the island leans toward beach resorts and a slower pace.

• Star Icon: Beaches
• Leaf Icon: Look Out Points
• Star in Badge: Paradise Point

Best Beaches in St. Thomas USVI

You bet your bottom dollar that if we had more time, I probably would have visited one of these beaches.

1. Magens Bay Beach

Magens Bay Beach is a must-visit destination in St. Thomas, USVI, featuring a beautiful stretch of white sand surrounded by tropical hills and calm, blue Caribbean waters. Visitors can spend the day swimming, sunbathing, enjoying the scenery, or relaxing at this popular beach with convenient facilities nearby. For cruise passengers searching for the best St. Thomas beach excursions, Magens Bay is an excellent choice for a relaxing day in paradise.

2. Sapphire Beach

Sapphire Beach is a picturesque destination on the eastern side of St. Thomas, known for its turquoise water, sandy shoreline, and beautiful views of nearby islands. It’s a great place to spend a few hours swimming, relaxing in the sunshine, or exploring the underwater world with snorkelling equipment when sea conditions permit. For visitors planning St. Thomas cruise excursions, Sapphire Beach offers a memorable Caribbean beach experience with opportunities for relaxation and water-based activities.

3. Secret Harbour Beach Resort

Secret Harbour Beach is tucked into a sheltered cove on the east end of St. Thomas, offering a scenic waterfront setting with clear water and opportunities for swimming and snorkelling. The nearby resort provides access to dining and water activities, making this beach a convenient choice for travellers who want to combine relaxation with a meal overlooking the Caribbean Sea. If you’re comparing St. Thomas shore excursions, Secret Harbour is worth considering for a more laid-back beach visit away from some of the island’s busiest tourist spots.

4. Coki Point Beach

Coki Point Beach is a lively Caribbean beach known for its clear water, colourful marine life, and popular snorkelling opportunities close to shore. Visitors can enjoy swimming, rent snorkelling equipment, or explore the nearby food and drink vendors for a casual beachside experience. For cruise passengers looking for St. Thomas excursions that combine beach relaxation with underwater adventures, Coki Point is a popular option to consider.

5. Brewers Bay Beach

Brewers Bay Beach offers a more relaxed atmosphere than some of the island’s busier tourist beaches, with a sandy shoreline and scenic surroundings near the airport. Visitors can enjoy a swim when conditions are suitable, relax by the water, and sometimes spot sea turtles in the seagrass areas offshore. If you’re looking for less crowded beaches in St. Thomas, Brewers Bay is worth considering for a laid-back afternoon during your island visit.

6. Lindquist Beach

Lindquist Beach, located within Smith Bay Park, is known for its natural beauty, soft sand, and clear Caribbean water framed by tropical vegetation. It’s an appealing destination for sunbathing, swimming when conditions are safe, and enjoying a quieter beach setting away from some of the island’s busiest resort areas. Travellers researching the best beaches in St. Thomas, USVI, should consider Lindquist Beach for its scenic surroundings and peaceful atmosphere.

What to Do in St Thomas Cruise Port

Ok, things would have looked a little different if we had time, and this is what I also would have done. So I’m saving this for my next round. If you want to add excursions to your trip, visit my list of curated experiences just for you for St. Thomas, USVI in my Viator Shop.

1. Ride the Skyride to Paradise Point
Allow approximately 1 – 1.5 hours

For a view without a big commitment, look into the tram ride up to Paradise Point, which gives you that sweeping harbour photo in a short amount of time. The Skyride to Paradise Point offers one of the most memorable sightseeing experiences in St. Thomas and views of Charlotte Amalie Harbour. From the summit, you can enjoy sweeping views of the cruise port, harbour, surrounding islands, and sparkling Caribbean Sea. It’s a popular St. Thomas cruise excursion for travellers looking for incredible photo opportunities and panoramic island views without spending the entire day on a tour.

2. Drake’s Seat
Allow approximately 2 – 2.5 hours, including transportation

Drake’s Seat is a scenic lookout in St. Thomas where visitors can admire the spectacular coastline and sweeping views across Magens Bay. It’s an excellent stop for photography and is frequently included in island sightseeing tours that explore the island’s most famous viewpoints. If you’re searching for free things to do in St. Thomas, Drake’s Seat is a worthwhile addition to your itinerary, especially when paired with a trip to Magens Bay Beach.

Book this Drake’s Seat Excursion

3. Mountain Top
Allow approximately 2 – 2.5 hours, including transportation

Mountain Top is a popular attraction in St. Thomas, situated at a high elevation with impressive views of Magens Bay, nearby islands, and the surrounding Caribbean waters. Visitors can browse the shops, pick up souvenirs, enjoy refreshments, and take photos from the scenic observation area. Many St. Thomas sightseeing excursions include Mountain Top as a stop for travellers who want to experience the island’s beautiful landscapes and famous viewpoints.

See two of St. Thomas’s well-known viewpoints on a short island sightseeing trip. Drake’s Seat offers sweeping views over Magens Bay, while Mountain Top provides elevated coastal scenery and opportunities to browse shops and pick up souvenirs.

Book this Mountain Top Excursion

4. Explore Historic Charlotte Amalie
Allow approximately 1.5 – 3 hours

A short taxi ride gets you to Main Street in Charlotte Amalie, which is the easy win, with shops selling jewellery, linens, rum, and the usual tourist treasures. You can browse, snap photos of the colourful buildings, and still make it back with time to spare. Walk through Charlotte Amalie’s historic streets, browse local shops, and discover landmarks that reflect the island’s Danish colonial past. This is a convenient option for cruise passengers who prefer shopping, architecture, and local history without travelling far from the port.

5. Blackbeard’s Castle (Skytsborg Tower)
Allow approximately 1 – 1.5 hours
Blackbeard’s Castle is a historic hilltop landmark overlooking Charlotte Amalie, offering a glimpse into the island’s colonial history and pirate folklore. Visitors can enjoy the surrounding scenery and views of the harbour while exploring the historic area.

6. Fort Christian
Allow approximately 45 – 60 min
Fort Christian is a distinctive red-brick fortress in downtown Charlotte Amalie that reflects St. Thomas’s Danish colonial heritage. Visitors can explore the historic site and learn about the island’s past, depending on which areas and exhibits are open.

7. 99 Steps
Allow approximately 20 – 30 min
The 99 Steps are a historic hillside staircase in Charlotte Amalie, built using bricks brought to the island by Danish ships. Climbing the steps offers a different perspective of the town and provides access to the surrounding historic neighbourhood.

New to Cruising? Don’t miss my informational articles below so you can get sailing!

• Ultimate Cruise Packing Guide + Itinerary! Free Download
• Fear of Cruising? You’re Fears are Probably all Wrong
• First Time Cruising? Let’s Put Your Mind at Ease
• Prone to Seasickness? Choosing the Right Cabin Matters!

FAQ

What is St. Thomas best known for?
St. Thomas is a popular Caribbean destination known for its beautiful beaches, duty-free shopping, lively cruise port, and fascinating history. Whether you want to spend the day swimming in turquoise water, explore historic Charlotte Amalie, or take in panoramic island views, there are plenty of ways to enjoy your visit.

Cruise tip: If you have fewer than four hours ashore, choose an activity close to your dock or allow extra time for transportation. For beaches and sightseeing trips farther away, confirm your return arrangements in advance and leave a comfortable buffer before your ship’s all-aboard time.

Can you rent a car and drive the island? How will that take?
St. Thomas is approximately 13 miles long (20.9km), and driving from the western end of the island to the eastern end typically takes around 30 – 45 min, depending on traffic and road conditions. Allow extra time if you’re stopping at beaches, scenic overlooks, or attractions along the way.

Is St. Thomas Walkable from the Cruise Port?
Whether you can explore St. Thomas on foot depends on where your cruise ship docks. From Havensight, you can generally walk to downtown Charlotte Amalie in approximately 15–25 minutes, although the distance and route depend on your exact starting point. If your ship docks at Crown Bay, downtown is farther away, so a taxi is usually the more practical option.

What Is the Rainiest Month in St. Thomas?
August through October is generally considered a less predictable time to visit St. Thomas because of the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June through November. These months can bring heavier rainfall, tropical storms, and changes to excursion schedules. However, you can still visit during this period, and many travellers enjoy their trips without major disruptions; booking flexible activities and monitoring the weather forecast can help you prepare. November is often among the wettest months in St. Thomas, although rainfall varies from year to year and September and October can also be very rainy. The wetter part of the year overlaps with the Atlantic hurricane season, so occasional heavy showers and tropical weather are possible. March is typically one of the drier months, making it an appealing time for beach visits, sightseeing, and outdoor excursions.

Where Should You Avoid Going in St. Thomas?
St. Thomas is a popular tourist destination, but visitors should use common-sense precautions and pay attention to their surroundings. Stick to well-travelled areas, especially after dark, avoid unfamiliar or isolated neighbourhoods, and use reputable transportation when travelling outside the main tourist districts. Beaches and quieter areas that are enjoyable during the day may have fewer people and limited services at night, so plan your return transportation in advance. For more specific details in terms of safety, check out The Mary Anne and Villa Marbella USVI.

Final Thoughts on What to Do in St Thomas Cruise Port

Book an excursion through the ship if timing makes you nervous, since the ship waits for its own tours. Bring small bills for taxis. Wear comfortable shoes, because Charlotte Amalie has hills and cobblestones that do not care about your cute sandals. Pack sunscreen, because the Caribbean sun has no respect. And if you are researching what to do in St Thomas cruise port before you sail, decide on your one big thing before you leave the ship, because a hot dock is a terrible place to make plans.

Four hours in St Thomas was a tease, though a pretty one since we did do lots of walking around. Next time we will do more with zero rushing, and I will report back with actual authority. Until then, I am filing this post under unfinished business.

Viator ~ Things to do in St. Thomas USVI

Disclaimer*: Booking through Viator is a great way to explore beyond the cruise line’s offerings, often with more flexibility, unique experiences and generally much cheaper. However, it’s important review: pickup location, proximity from the cruise port, excursion timing, travel time and return time to ensure everything aligns with your ship’s “all aboard time”. Cruise ships will not wait for passengers delayed on independent excursions. All third-party excursions are your responsibility.