St Thomas US Virgin Islands Travel Guide
Whether you dream of relaxing on an isolated beach, exploring historic sites, or seeking thrilling water adventures, St. Thomas awaits. The island has a welcoming vibe, making visitors feel at home. Its charm lies in its ability to combine luxurious relaxation with genuine Caribbean life. St. Thomas promises sunshine, warmth, and memories that last a lifetime. Discover your own piece of paradise in the U.S. The Virgin islands archipelago.
The island captivates with the beauty of its nature and culture. From tranquil beaches to lively town centers, every corner of St. Thomas holds something special.
The warmth of the Caribbean sun, the clear blue waters, and the welcoming spirit of the locals form an inviting atmosphere for all who visit.
St. Thomas is one of the three main islands comprising the U.S. Virgin Islands, an unincorporated territory of the United States. Positioned in the Lesser Antilles, it sits approximately 1,100 miles southeast of Miami, Florida, and just east of Puerto Rico. The island measures roughly 32 square miles, with a length of about 13 miles and a width of 4 miles at its widest point. Its hilly and mountainous terrain defines its landscape, with numerous elevated viewpoints. Crown Mountain is the island's highest point, reaching 1,550 feet.
The geography of St. Thomas impacts its tourism appeal. Its significant, protected harbor, Charlotte Amalie, has historically been a hub for trade and now a popular cruise ship destination. The island's many bays and coves create sheltered beaches with calm waters, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities. The northern side faces the Atlantic Ocean, often experiencing rougher seas, while the southern side, bathed by the Caribbean Sea, tends to offer calmer conditions.
To the east, the slender Pillsbury Sound separates St. Thomas from its tranquil sister island, St. John, a short ferry ride away.
Further east, beyond St. John, lie the British The Virgin islands archipelago, easily visible on a clear day. This proximity has opportunities for day trips and island hopping.
St. Thomas sits just east of Puerto Rico, a larger island providing various travel experiences.
The island's compact size means that beaches, towns, and attractions are relatively close, making travel around St. Thomas simple.
Hilly terrain creates many viewpoints with panoramic scenes of the Caribbean Sea.
The deep, protected Charlotte Amalie harbor historically positioned St. Thomas as a trade hub, now a popular cruise destination. The island's many bays and coves create calm, sheltered beaches, perfect for water activities. The northern Atlantic side may see rougher seas, while the southern Caribbean side is typically calmer. The island's manageable size positions beaches, towns, and attractions close to each other.
The northern coastline of St. Thomas faces the Atlantic. This area often experiences stronger waves and currents. It remains beautiful but may not always offer the calm swimming conditions found on the southern side.
The the southern shoreline, bathed by the Caribbean Sea, typically has calmer, more tranquil waters. This side of this island is home to many of its famous beaches and popular spots for swimming and snorkeling.
The island’s topography, with its many hills, grants frequent, stunning vistas. These views encompass the blue sea and nearby islands, adding to the visual beauty of the destination.
St. Thomas is a long and complex history, deeply intertwined with European colonial powers and the transatlantic slave trade. The island was originally inhabited by the Ciboney, Arawak, and Carib peoples before European arrival. Christopher Columbus sighted the Virgin Islands in 1493, naming them "Santa Úrsula y las Once Mil Vírgenes." For nearly a century and a half, the islands remained largely unsettled by Europeans.
In 1672, the Danish West India Company colonized St. Thomas, establishing the first permanent European settlement. This marked the beginning of Danish rule, which lasted for 245 years. Under Danish administration, St. Thomas became a prosperous trading port, benefiting from its strategic location and excellent harbor. The Danes focused on sugar cane cultivation, which leads to the forced labor of enslaved Africans. The island's economy thrived on sugar production, rum distillation, and, regrettably, the trade of enslaved people.
This period saw the construction of many stone buildings and fortified structures, including Fort Christian and the famous 99 Steps.
Charlotte Amalie, the capital, grew into a bustling free port, attracting merchants and seafarers from around the world.
In 1917, the United States purchased the Danish West Indies from Denmark for strategic defense purposes.
The abolishment of slavery in 1848, a result of a slave revolt, significantly impacted the island's economy. Over time, the sugar industry declined, and the island's strategic importance waned.
St. Thomas today has a vibrant and appealing destination for travelers. The island is often recognized for its stunning beaches, especially Magens Bay, consistently ranked among the world's most beautiful.
These beaches boast calm, clear waters, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sun relaxation. Beyond the sand, the island's hilly interior offers panoramic views from various points, like Drake's Seat and Paradise Point, accessible by a scenic Skyride.
Magens Bay consistently ranks among the world's most beautiful beaches, with quiet, clear waters.
The capital city bustles with cruise ships and features renowned duty-free shopping.
Diving, sailing, deep-sea fishing, zip-lining, and hiking trails have a range of adventures.
Historic sites, including the 99 Steps, Fort Christian, and the St. Thomas Synagogue, dot the cityscape, inviting exploration into the island's Danish colonial past.
