MileHacker Logo
Things to Do in St Thomas

Things to Do in St Thomas

St Thomas US Virgin Islands Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

The natural beauty of St. Thomas provides a perfect backdrop for various outdoor pursuits.

Hiking & Trekking

Magens Bay Preserve Nature Trail

Offers short, scenic hikes through lush vegetation, leading to viewpoints.

Estate St. Peter Greathouse & Botanical Gardens

Features walking trails through tropical gardens, with panoramic island views.

Fortuna Hill

Features additional challenging hikes, with rewarding views from elevateder elevations.

Water Sports & Activities

  • Snorkeling & Diving: Abundant opportunities around St. Thomas and nearby cays.
  • Parasailing: Available at popular beaches for thrilling coastline views.
  • Jet Skiing, Paddleboarding & Kayaking: Rentals are often at major beaches.
  • Sailing & Boating: Charter a sailboat or join catamaran excursions.

Adventure Sports

  • Zip-lining: Tree Limin' Extreme Zipline Park offers a thrilling course.
  • SNUBA and Sea Trek: Coral World Ocean Park has underwater breathing without heavy gear.
  • An adrenaline rush is found here.
  • Book Adventures on GetYourGuide.

Wildlife Encounters

  • Coral World Ocean Park: Interactive experiences with sea lions, sharks, and turtles.
  • Birdwatching: Various tropical birds inhabit the island.
  • Marine Life: Snorkeling and diving around reefs reveal colorful fish and sea turtles.
  • Buck Island off the coast is a popular spot.

Cycling Conditions

  • Cycling for general transport or mountain biking is limited.
  • Hilly terrain and narrow roads present challenges.
  • St. Thomas lacks dedicated bike lanes.
  • Road cycling can be unsafe for casual riders.

Important Note on Gear

Consider bringing your own Cressi Palau fins, mask, and snorkel set for a good fit and hygiene, especially for frequent water activities.

Cultural Immersion

Engage with the local the culture via different activities and events.

Workshops & Performances

  • Specific workshops (art, craft, music, dance) are not extensively advertised for tourists.
  • Inquire at local community centers or the information center centers.
  • Steelpan music and Mocko Jumbie stilt dancing frequently occur at holiday resorts and during Carnival.
  • Quadrille Dance is a traditional folk dance sometimes presented at cultural events.

Community & Festivals

Community-Based Tourism

Support local artisans and businesses directly. Purchase crafts from local vendors.

Cultural Festivals

St. Thomas Carnival (late In the fourth month/early May) is the island's premier cultural celebration.

Transfer Day

March 31 commemorates the transfer of the isles from Denmark to the U.S. In 1917.

Language Learning

English is the official language and universally understood. While a local English Creole dialect is spoken, visitors encounter no significant language barrier.

Local Support

Dine at family-owned restaurants and use local tour guides to support the island's community members directly.

Carnival Highlights

The St. Thomas Carnival often features a wide array of local foods, music, and street performances.

Relaxation & Wellness

Find tranquility and revitalization in the island's serene beauty.

Spa & Wellness Centers

  • Many luxury resorts feature full-service spas.
  • They present a range of treatments: massages, facials, body wraps.
  • The Ritz-Carlton Spa and Secret Harbour Beach Resort Spa are cases.
  • Independent spas additionally run on the island.

Yoga & Other Options

Yoga & Meditation

Some resorts or independent studios present yoga classes, often with ocean views.

Natural Therapy

No natural hot springs exist on St. Thomas. Focus on beaches and calm waters.

Beach & Pool Clubs

Numerous resorts and beaches present day passes to their pools and beach clubs.

Traditional Healing Practices

Limited Access

Traditional healing practices are not widely accessible to tourists.

Focus on Conventional

Visitors typically rely on conventional wellness services provided by spas.

Inquire Locally

Local wellness communities might offer insights, but specific retreats are less common.

Entertainment & Nightlife

St. Thomas features a lively evening entertainment, specifically in certain areas.

Live Music & Dancing

  • Red Hook features several bars and restaurants with live local bands.
  • The Tap & Still and Duffy's Love Shack are examples of casual, energetic atmospheres.
  • A few venues in Red Hook are available for dancing and late-night socializing.
  • These venues play a mix of Caribbean music, reggae, hip-hop, and international hits.

Theater & Pub Crawls

Theater & Performances

Formal theater and dedicated performance spaces are limited; local productions may appear at community centers.

Bar Districts & Pub Crawls

Red Hook is the main concentration of bars, with easy walking between establishments.

Late-Night Options

Most nightlife winds down by midnight or 1 AM on weekdays; some points in Red Hook have later hours on weekends.

Resort Entertainment

Some larger resorts have nightly entertainment, including live music, steelpan bands, or local cultural performances for their guests.

Safe Transportation

Always confirm you have safe transportation arranged for late-night returns to your accommodation.

Organized Pub Crawls

  • Some local operators may present organized pub crawls.
  • These are notably available for cruise ship passengers or groups.
  • A structured way to experience nightlife.
  • Inquire with local tour providers.

Safety Advisory

While St. Thomas nightlife is generally safe in popular areas, always exercise caution and stay aware of your surroundings.

Shopping & Markets

St. Thomas is renowned for its duty-free shopping, presenting a wide array of goods.

Traditional Markets & Crafts

  • Traditional open-air markets or extensive bazaars are limited.
  • Local vendors may sell crafts and produce near popular tourist sites.
  • Small galleries and shops sell local art, jewelry, pottery, and textiles.
  • Look for "Made in USVI" labels to confirm authenticity and support the local economy.

Souvenir Recommendations

Local Rum

Duty-free pricing on liquor makes local rum a popular souvenir.

Hot Sauces

Locally made hot sauces, with unique Caribbean spices, are a flavorful choice.

Jewelry

St. Thomas is known for its duty-free jewelry stores, notably on Main Street.

Luxury & Boutique

  • Main Street, Charlotte Amalie: The epicenter of duty-free shopping.
  • World-renowned brands in jewelry, watches, electronics, liquor, perfumes.
  • Prices can be significantly lower than mainland U.S. Prices.
  • Large selection of diamonds, gemstones, and gold.

Yacht Haven Grande

  • A high-end marina village.
  • Features boutique shops and designer stores.
  • Restaurants and cafes are on location.
  • A modern and curated shopping experience.

Ethical Shopping

  • Prioritize supporting local artisans and businesses.
  • Look for "Made in USVI" labels for authenticity.
  • Avoid purchasing items from endangered species.
  • Avoid products that promote unsustainable practices.

Shipping & Customs Information

Duty-Free Allowance
  • U.S. Citizens have a generous duty-free allowance ($1,600 per person).
  • This applies when returning from the U.S. Virgin Islands.
  • Keep all your receipts for purchases.
International Travelers
  • Check your home country's specific customs regulations.
  • Shipping services are available for big buys (jewelry, art).
  • Discuss shipping and insurance options with the vendor.

Shopping Insight

The duty-free status here means prices can be significantly lower in comparison with the mainland U.S.

Activity Planning Summary

Outdoor Adventures

  • Snorkeling and diving present abundant opportunities.
  • Sailing trips to nearby islands are popular.
  • Kayaking has peaceful exploration of calm bays.

Cultural & Leisure

  • Attending local festivals like Carnival is a must-do.
  • Exploring historic attractions and galleries has cultural depth.
  • Enjoying duty-free shopping along Main Street is popular.
Things to Do in St Thomas. Activities, Experiences, Adventures