St Thomas, Peter Island Travel Guide

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Discover St. Thomas: History, beaches, and duty-free shopping in the US Virgin Islands. A vibrant Caribbean escape awaits!

St. Thomas, a vibrant island in the US Virgin Islands, blends rich history with stunning natural beauty. From its bustling capital, Charlotte Amalie, to its world-renowned beaches, St. Thomas offers a diverse Caribbean experience. Explore historic sites, indulge in duty-free shopping, and soak up the sun on pristine shores.

A brief summary to St Thomas

St Thomas, VI

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring St Thomas.

Remember to drive on the left side of the road, a remnant of the island's Danish heritage.
Take advantage of duty-free shopping in Charlotte Amalie, but be aware of your allowance.
Explore beyond the main tourist areas to discover local eateries and hidden beaches.
The island enjoys warm, sunny weather year-round, but the summer months can be hot and humid.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

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Explore St Thomas on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near St Thomas, mapped for you.

Getting There

Taxi

Taxis are readily available at the Cyril E. King Airport (STT), cruise ship docks, and popular tourist areas. Licensed taxis have a dome light and 'TP' on their license plate. Taxi rates are standardized and based on destination, not mileage, with extra fees for luggage. A shared taxi from the airport to Charlotte Amalie costs approximately $15-$20 per person. For complaints, contact the VI Taxi Cab Commission.
Public Transportation

VITRAN, the public bus system, operates throughout St. Thomas. Buses are generally blue and white with 'VITRAN' displayed. The bus fare is $1 per ride, with discounted fares for seniors and students. 'Dollar rides' are also available, operating as a pseudo-public transportation system run by taxis in safari buses. These pick up passengers near bus stops, but remember that regular taxi rates do not apply.
Ferry

Ferries connect St. Thomas to St. John, Water Island, and other destinations. Ferries to St. John depart from Red Hook and Charlotte Amalie. The Red Hook ferry is more frequent, leaving every hour, and the trip takes about 20 minutes. A one-way ticket from Red Hook to Cruz Bay, St. John, costs around $8. Ferries to Water Island depart from Crown Bay Marina, a 5-minute taxi ride from the airport, and cost $10 each way.
Car Rental

Car rentals are available at the airport and other locations. Renting a car offers flexibility in exploring the island. Remember that traffic flows on the left side of the road. Parking in Charlotte Amalie can be challenging, especially when cruise ships are in port. Consider parking at Havensight Mall and taking a taxi to town. Parking at the Cyril E. King Airport costs $4 for 16 minutes to 1 hour, up to a maximum of $20 per day.

Discover more about St Thomas

St. Thomas, a captivating island in the US Virgin Islands, beckons travelers with its blend of historical intrigue and breathtaking scenery. As part of the Greater Antilles, St. Thomas shares geological roots with Puerto Rico and the British Virgin Islands. The island's landscape features rolling hills and stunning coastlines, reaching its highest point at Crown Mountain.Originally inhabited by Ciboney, Arawak, and Carib tribes, St. Thomas was sighted by Christopher Columbus in 1493. Colonization began with the Dutch in 1657, followed by the Danish in 1666. For centuries, St. Thomas thrived as a hub for sugar production and trade, heavily reliant on enslaved Africans. Charlotte Amalie, named after the wife of King Christian V, emerged as a bustling port, attracting merchants and even pirates. The island's strategic location made it a key player during the Napoleonic Wars. In 1917, the United States purchased St. Thomas and two other islands from Denmark for $25 million, recognizing their strategic importance as a naval base.Today, St. Thomas is a sought-after destination, offering a diverse range of experiences. Charlotte Amalie, the capital, is a shopper's paradise, boasting duty-free bargains on jewelry, liquor, and more. Explore historic landmarks like Fort Christian, one of the oldest structures in the Virgin Islands, and the second-oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere. Relax on world-famous beaches like Magens Bay and Lindquist Beach, known for their crystal-clear waters and picturesque scenery. St. Thomas also boasts a lively nightlife scene, with numerous bars and restaurants offering local cuisine and entertainment.