St. Thomas: A Caribbean Gem

4.6 (1074)

Discover St. Thomas: Stunning beaches, rich history, duty-free shopping, and vibrant culture in the heart of the US Virgin Islands.

St. Thomas, a vibrant island in the US Virgin Islands, blends stunning beaches, rich history, and duty-free shopping. From its colonial architecture in Charlotte Amalie to its breathtaking viewpoints and lively nightlife, St. Thomas offers a diverse Caribbean experience.

A brief summary to St Thomas

St Thomas, VI

Local tips

Remember that driving is on the left side of the road.
Taxis are readily available, but confirm rates beforehand.
Consider a day trip to nearby St. John via ferry.
Explore the duty-free shops in Charlotte Amalie for unique finds.
Sample local cuisine like fish and fungi, kallaloo stew, and pate.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Skyride to Paradise Point

Skyride to Paradise Point: A Bird's-Eye View of St. Thomas

Pirates Treasure Museum

Pirates Treasure Museum: A Voyage into Caribbean History

The Virgin Islands Children's Museum

Discover the Wonders of The Virgin Islands Children's Museum

Getting There

Walking

In Charlotte Amalie, many attractions are within walking distance. From the waterfront, walk inland to explore Main Street's shops and historic sites like Fort Christian. Be aware of pedestrian traffic and varying sidewalk conditions.
Public Transport

VITRAN buses serve main commercial areas, with a fare of $1. Look for blue and white buses with destination indicators. Note that a short walk from the bus stop may be required to reach specific destinations.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available at the airport, cruise docks, and popular beaches. Taxi rates are standardized and based on destination, not mileage. A taxi from Cyril E. King Airport to Charlotte Amalie costs approximately $15 per person. Be sure to confirm the rate with the driver before starting your trip.
Ferry

To reach St. John from St. Thomas, take a ferry from either Charlotte Amalie or Red Hook. The Red Hook ferry is more frequent, with departures every hour. The fare is approximately $8.15 each way, and the journey takes about 20 minutes. From Crown Bay, a ferry to Water Island costs $5 for adults.
Driving

If arriving at Cyril E. King Airport (STT) and renting a car, be prepared to drive on the left. Car rentals are available at the airport. Parking at the airport costs $4 for the first hour, with a maximum of $20 per day. Parking in Charlotte Amalie can be challenging, especially when cruise ships are in port. Consider parking at Fort Christian Parking Lot, but arrive early.

Discover more about St Thomas

St. Thomas, part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, is a captivating blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Originally inhabited by Ciboney, Arawak, and Carib people, the island was sighted by Christopher Columbus in 1493. However, it wasn't until the 17th century that European powers began to colonize the island, with the Dutch and then the Danish establishing settlements. The Danish West India Company officially took control in 1672, transforming St. Thomas into a hub for sugar production and trade. Enslaved Africans were brought to the island to work on plantations, shaping the island's demographics and culture. Charlotte Amalie, the capital, flourished as a free port, attracting merchants from across the globe. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, St. Thomas experienced periods of British occupation before being restored to Denmark. In 1917, the United States purchased St. Thomas, along with St. John and St. Croix, for $25 million, recognizing its strategic importance. Today, St. Thomas is a popular tourist destination, renowned for its white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and duty-free shopping. Visitors can explore historic sites like Fort Christian, discover stunning viewpoints such as Drake's Seat and Mountain Top, and immerse themselves in the island's vibrant culture. From water sports and nightlife to historical landmarks and local cuisine, St. Thomas offers a diverse array of experiences for every traveler. The island is approximately 32 square miles, offering a variety of landscapes from beaches to mountainous interiors. English is the official language, though some French and Spanish are also spoken. The population is predominantly Christian, with both Protestant and Roman Catholic influences.