15+ Unusual Things to Do in ST Thomas Virgin Islands – With Tips

With its stunning beaches, coral reefs, stunning views and cruise ships, St Thomas is the famous tourist destination in Caribbean islands.

The island is not only a famous cruise port but it is also a great place to try unusual things to do in ST Thomas Virgin Islands.

For your dream island getaway, ST Thomas is the ideal starting point. Whether you want to go with your family, spend romantic honeymoon with your better half or an adventurous day trip with friends, you can make your tour memorable & fun-filled by trying unique things.

Let’s breakdown into details what you can expect from this Caribbean’s paradise.

15+ Best Things to Do in ST Thomas Virgin Islands

Here is a detailed breakdown of unique things to do in ST Thomas Virgin Islands.

Beach & Nature Experiences

1. Relax at Magens Bay

Magens Bay is currently ranks among the best beaches in the world and crown jewel of beaches in St Thomas. The bay is located between two lush green peninsulas with heart-shaped coastline stretches for nearly a mile of powdery white sand with crystal-clear waters.

To enjoy serene atmosphere while sunbathing, swimming or floating, there’s no other place ideal than Magens Bay. The blue waters are generally gentle and shallow near the shore, making it a perfect spot to enjoy for kids & families.

For more interesting, relaxed & fun experience, enjoy paddleboarding and hiking with panoramic views.

Secret Tips

• There are heavy cruise ship docks crowds during weekends so prefer visiting weekdays.
• Bring reef-safe sunscreen as it is mandatory by law in the USVI to protect marine life.

2. Snorkel at Coki Point Beach

Coki Beach is an underwater playground for snorkelers. It is located on the northeast coast side, famous for clear waters and marine life. There are schools of colorful fish, sea urchins, and perhaps even a sea turtle or two. Just a short distance from the shoreline.

Because of lively right reef near the sand and easy water access, Coki beach is a famous spot for beginner snorkelers. You can expect to see rental shops of snorkel equipment, food vendors selling island favorites like fried fish and johnnycakes and operators conveying snorkeling trip lessons.

Secret Tips

• Bring cash for rentals and vendors as they do not accept cards.
• Arrive early to secure parking spots.

3. Visit Coral World Ocean Park

Want to try one of the best things to do in ST Thomas Virgin Islands for adults? Coral World Ocean Park is the perfect spot for families or anyone curious about ocean ecosystems with amazing marine life experience. Coral World allow visitors to explore marine creatures face-face with natural settings.

There’s an underwater observatory tower that’s situated above 15 feet below the sea where you can walk. Swimming with sea lions, feeding stingrays and interacting with starfish in touch pools are some of the best experiences you can enjoy. Also, there is a natural trail and aviary.

Secret Tips

• Book tickets online in advance to save both time & money.
• Sea Trek helmet dive is a must-do activity so don’t skip out on it.

4. Hike the Hassel Island Trails

Hassel Island is a part of the Virgin Islands National Park where you can easily reach by taking a short kayak or ferry ride from the Charlotte Amalie harbor.

This island is well-known because of its rich history in the form of colonial-era ruins, fortifications, and trails dating back to the 1700s.

To enjoy scenic views, hike to Fort Willoughby while exploring British and Danish military outposts, and stroll through the remains of an old marine railway.

The trail is short with moderate difficulty level but still advised to bring sturdy shoes and water.

The nature, solitude and thrilling views of St Thomas coastline makes it an unforgettable spot for tourists.

Secret Tips

• The trail is accessible only through kayak or small ferry so check schedule in advance.
• Do not forget to bring camera & sun protection.

Water Adventures

5. Sail to St. John or the British Virgin Islands

If you want to explore the Caribbean in a magical way, sail to St. John or the British Virgin Islands. Sunset cruises and day sails are amazingly popular and unforgettable experiences for tourists. St. John is just a short boat ride away and is home to the protected Virgin Islands National Park.

At St. John, you can go to uncrowded beaches like Trunk Bay and Cinnamon Bay. To enjoy a bigger adventure, charter a catamaran or join a group trip to the BVIs.

The famous spots are The Baths at Virgin Gorda or Jost Van Dyke, home to Soggy Dollar Bar and the original Painkiller cocktail.

Secret Tips

• For BVI trips, passport is needed so do not forget it.
• Capture worthy moments during sunset sails around Charlotte Amalie harbor.

6. Go Scuba Diving or Snuba

What to do in St Thomas for a day? For underwater enthusiasts, scuba diving in St. Thomas is a dream activity. The excellent visibility, warm waters & unique dive sites make this spot a perfect spot for memorable scuba diving activities. The popular dive spots are:

Cow & Calf Rocks: A combination of rock formations, swim-throughs, and coral gardens.

Cartanza Senora Shipwreck: Great for sunken freighter with unlimited marine life.

Wye Reef: Best for spotting rays, eels, and barracuda.

If you don’t like scuba diving or want more than snorkeling, try SNUBA. This is a unique hybrid of both scuba and snorkeling where you breathe through a hose connected to a surface raft. It’s beginner-friendly and perfect for those who get nervous quickly.

Secret Tips

• Go for morning dives as these dives comes with clear visibility.
• Book diving experience with certified operators like Aqua Marine or Coki Dive Center.

7. Take a Kayak & Bioluminescent Night Tour

Bioluminescent Night Tour is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all kinds of tourists. When the sun sets, you can go into Salt River Bay or Mangrove Lagoon, where microscopic organisms called bioluminescent plankton light up the whole water.

With various options, you can easily choose between clear-bottom kayaks, traditional sit-ons, or even stand-up paddleboards. When you glide through water in silent way, you can see every stoke of your paddle creates magical blue glow, what a wonderful experience.

Secret Tips

• Check the lunar calendar before because it is best seen on dark nights.
• Must wear quick-dry clothes and bring bug spray.

8. Jet Ski or Parasail

Are you an adrenaline junkie and want to try adrenaline activity? Go for jet skiing or parasailing. In the presence of island’s protected bays and beautiful coastline, you can enjoy high-speed water sports with thrilling moments.

Jet skiing around the calm waters is one of the memorable experiences that you can’t forget ever. You can also take guided tours around nearby beaches and cays. On contrary, parasailing comes with bird’s eye view of Magens Bay or Sapphire Beach.

While floating hundreds of feet in air, you will see coral reefs, sailboats, and maybe even dolphins from above.

Secret Tips

• During peak season, book yourself in advance to acquire your slot.
• Check the reviews of guided tours beforehand so you can easily go for best option.

Cultural & Historical Attractions

9. Climb the 99 Steps and Visit Blackbeard’s Castle

If you are looking for free things to do in St Thomas, go to one of the famous landmarks of St. Thomas. The 99 steps in an amazing staircase which was built back in the 1700s using bricks brought over from Denmark as ship ballast. In real the steps are more than 99, I think 103 but who’s counting when views are this good?

Blackbeard’s Castle is the castle that you will find at the top. This is a watchtower that was originally named as Skytsborg Tower, built in 1979 by Danes. A fun spot to explore for couples, families and other tourists with charming views of Charlotte Amalie Harbor.

Secret Tips

• Wear comfortable shoes because the climb is steep.
• Go early morning or after the sun goes down to avoid extreme heat issues.

10. Tour Fort Christian

All over the Virgin Islands, Fort Christian is the oldest standing structure built between 1672 and 1680. You can find this standing structure in downtown Charlotte Amalie. The red walls and beautiful star-shaped design captures the attention of huge number of tourists.

Inside structure, there is an old museum where you will explore colonial, religious, and cultural history of the Virgin Islands.

Also, there are ancient tools, 19^th century photographs and Danish-era documents. A best place for both cultural and historical enthusiasts.

Secret Tips

• Check museum hours in advance as museum is closed on Sundays & some holidays.
• Make your visit more memorable by visiting nearby attractions i.e., Emancipation Garden & Legislative Building.

11. Explore Downtown Charlotte Amalie

Downtown Charlotte Amalie is the capital of St. Thomas, a busiest spot for culture, history and shopping. Stroll around narrow and cobblestone streets to discover:

• Explore Danish architecture (historic) with facades & arcades.
• Go to duty-free shops of jewelry, perfume, liquor, and electronics.
• Go to local markets where vendors sell spices, crafts, and Caribbean souvenirs.

Here are some must-visit stops:

• Main Street (Dronningens Gade)
• Market Square
• Palm Passage

Secret Tips

• Local shoppers negotiate prices so don’t shy to do bargaining.
• Plan your visit accordingly as area becomes overcrowded because of cruise ship days.

12. Visit the St. Thomas Synagogue

In Western Hampshire, this is the second oldest synagogue, officially named as Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas. This is not only a hidden gem but also best place for those looking for best things to do in St Thomas with family.

The sand-covered floor, Jewish symbol of diaspora’s journey and a nod to the Sephardic Jews makes it a unique place for tourists.

The simplicity, elegance and peacefulness of this building is remarkable with beautiful mahogany pews and chandeliers. Simply an active place for worship.

Secret Tips

• Dress respectfully without hurting cultural and religious norms.
• Admission is completely free so do not pay even a single penny to anyone. You may give donations.

Food & Local Flavors

13. Sample Island Cuisine

For foodies, the St. Thomas’s tour would be incomplete without tasting sample authentic island cuisine. The local cuisine is a perfect combo of Caribbean, African, and European flavors, rich in spices, tasty ingredients and hearty traditions.

Here is a list of must-try dishes:

Conch Fritters: Served with spicy dipping sauce with savory and crunchy flavor made from chopped conch (sea snail), seasoned batter, and deep-fried.

Callaloo: Callaloo is a creamy and Spinach-like stew made with leafs and okra. It’s rich, comforting, and very Caribbean.

Johnnycakes: A perfect meal for breakfast in the form of fried or baked cornmeal cakes. It is crispy from outside and soft from inside.

Where to Eat Like a Local?

• Gladys’ Café
• Brooks Bar & Kitchen
• Cuzzin’s Caribbean Restaurant

Secret Tips

• Ask locals to get recommendations about delicious street and roadside food.
• Try local hidden food points from where the original taste comes.

14. Experience a Beach Bar or Rum Tasting

Experiencing a beach bar or rum tasting is one of the best things to do in St Thomas today. Within St. Thomas, you will find unlimited popular beach bars with live music and dancing.

Top Spots to Sip & Savor

Duffy’s Love Shack: Famous for wild cocktails served in tiki mugs and coconuts. This spot is ideal for couples looking best things to do in ST Thomas Virgin Islands for couples.

Iggie’s Beach Bar: Great spot for casual dining with lively late night music scenes and karaoke nights.

Margaritaville: If you want to experience a jimmy buffet-style dining, Margaritaville is your go-to spot.

Local Rum Tastings & Cocktails

• The Painkiller
• Bushwacker
• Rum Punch

Secret Tips

• Drink carefully especially when you are driving or catching a ferry.
• Ask bartenders for their personal spin on classic island drinks.

Unique Experiences

15. Take the Skyride to Paradise Point

By taking a skyride to Paradise Point, you can enjoy wonderful views of the harbor neighboring islands and cruise ships. Paradise point skyride is basically a beautiful tramway that takes you almost 700 feet above Charlotte Amalie.

When you will reach at the top, Bushwacker is the place where restaurant and bar serving up the island’s signature drink. It’s a great place for:

• Taking photos
• Sunset views with drinks
• Enjoying live musical performances or fire shows on selected nights

Secret Tips

• Must check the cruise ship schedules as its busiest when ships are in port.
• Do not forget to avail discounts/ offers when buying tickets.

16. Kayak Through Mangrove Lagoon Marine Reserve

Want to explore something different other than beach, maybe natural beauty? The Mangrove Lagoon Marine Reserve is a must. It is located on the southeastern shore with tranquil atmosphere, a perfect spot for tourists preferring uncrowded places.

Take a guided kayak tour through winds surrounding by red mangroves, learning about the unique ecosystem that supports fish nurseries, birdlife, and even juvenile sharks. Some tours allow you to snorkel in the shallow and protected waters.

Secret Tips

• Try to choose a night tour to enhance probable chances of seeing bioluminescence.
• Must bring waterproof camera to capture underwater memories.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Trip to St. Thomas

Perfect Time to Visit

In Virgin Islands, the weather is warm year-round but certain times are ideal for better experiences.

High Season: December to April

Most visited and peak time of the year because of drier weather with less humidity. This time considered as ideal time for beach days, sailing, and sightseeing.

Shoulder Season: May to June

Before hurricane season starts, May to June months come with few tourists, affordable prices and great weather for outdoor activities.

Low Season: July to November

During these months, the hurricane season starts. The crowds are fewer, prices are lower but there is a high chance of rain and storms. A least visited time of the year.

How to Get Around the Island?

Renting a car is one of the best options to explore St. Thomas in Virgin Islands especially when you want to explore hidden spots at your own pace.

In the U.S. Virgin Islands, you need to drive on the left side of road. It may be odd at first but you will get used to it quickly after driving for 1 or more days.

Also, there is an option of taxis but they charge higher fares than you expect especially for longer travel or long distances. So, it is good to confirm fare before booking taxi for your adventure.

For quick island’s journey experience, ferries run between St. Thomas, St. John, and Water Island. They are affordable options to get from one place to another.

It’s all up to you which mode of transport you want to use for getting around within city.

What to Pack & Bring?

• Reef-safe sunscreen as it is required by USVI law.
• Pair of water shoes for water excursions.
• If you aim to visit mangroves or do hiking, bring bug spray.
• Breathable and lightweight clothing due to temperature warmth.
• Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated while on the go.
• Dry bag or waterproof phone pouch for beach & boat days.

Optional but handy:

• Snorkel gear
• Power bank for your phone
• GoPro or waterproof camera

What to Know Before you Go?

Wrapping Up!

And there you have it. This is the latest and updated list of best things to do in ST Thomas Virgin Islands for all types of tourists.

We hope you found this blog post helpful in making plannings for your next trip to St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Frequently Asked Questions