The US Virgin Islands are America’s paradise. St. Thomas, capital of the island group, and is located 40 miles east of Puerto Rico. St. Thomas offers every imaginable sport: snorkeling, golfing, hiking and sailing. Just a few miles away lies St. John and the Virgin Islands National Park. Stunning mountain scenery, crystalline waters and whie sand beaches with palms swaying in the breeze, the US Virgin Islands are truly a slice of paradise. English is the official language and the currency is the US dollar.
There are two Visitor Centers in Charlotte Amalie. One is across from Emancipation Square, the other is in Havensight Mall. Ships dock at Crown Bay which is in downtown, or at the West Indian Dock which is 1.5 miles from downtown Charlotte Amalie. From the West Indian Dock, a $4 per person cab ride each way will get you downtown. Another popular way to get around is the Pirate Harbour Tours. You can sign up in advance on your cruise ship. These pirate-themed catamarans sail through St. Thomas harbour to the 3 main shopping areas (Charlotte Amalie, Havensight Maill and Crown Bay,) every 15 minutes. You can hop on and off as often as you’d like. The price is $29 pp
St. Thomas is the bargain shopping bazaar of the Caribbean. There are over 400 shops along the Main Street area in Charlotte Amalie and some 50 more in Havensight Mall. You’ll find excellent buys on luxury items such as find jewelry, perfume, leather, china and crystal.
St. Thomas Fun Fact: St. Thomas is home to one of the oldest standing structures in the Virgin Islands, Fort Christian. Built in 1672 and now a U.S. national landmark and museum, this brick fortress protected the island from pirates and European armadas.
St. John’s Fun Fact: Two-thirds of St. John is comprised of the Virgin Islands National Park. It features nature trails, secluded coves, plantation ruins, dazzling white beaches and petrographs etched into rocky outcrops.
We’d love to hear about your favorite things to do while visiting St. Thomas.
