St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands is one of the most popular cruise destinations in the Caribbean, and it’s not hard to see why. From pristine beaches that are great for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing, to historic sites left over from the colonial age, there is no shortage of excursions to embark on during a cruise day at this iconic port island. If you have an upcoming cruise stop here, you’ll want to plan ahead to make the most of your trip. To help you choose which of the many excursions you want to explore, read on as we break down our picks for the best things to do during a cruise day in St. Thomas.
Beaches
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Any trip to the Caribbean warrants some time on the beach, and St. Thomas has beautiful beaches to spare. If you want to see one of the most popular beaches in the world, you’ll want to check out Magen's Bay Beach about 10 minutes from the port, which is the supposed birthplace of the banana daiquiri. If you want to get a little further from the cruise crowds, try Coki Beach, where you’ll find crystal-clear waters that make for great snorkeling. Sapphire Beach on the other side of the island is another great spot with clear waters and beautiful views. Whether you want to sunbathe on the sand, partake in watersports like windsurfing or kayaking, or dip into the water for some snorkeling, you can’t go wrong with any of these amazing beaches!
Coral World Ocean Park
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If you want to get up close and personal with the marine life of the Caribbean, then Coral World is the spot for you. Here they offer a number of guided activities that will allow you to swim and play with dolphins, sea lions, and an assortment of tropical fish. Sign up for the Dolphin Splash and Swim to get in the water with friendly dolphins. Or try the Sea Lion Swim to meet a massive and majestic sea lion face to face. To see what’s happening beneath the surface, try the Sea Trek where you will be outfitted with a breathing apparatus that lets you walk along the bottom among tropical fish and colorful corals without having to be scuba certified. This is an amazing place for tourists of all ages, but an absolutely unmissable experience if you are traveling with your kids! Spots fill up, so book before you go to lock in your spot.
Skyride to Paradise Point
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The Skyride is one of the most stunning attractions and your chance to get the best possible view of St. Thomas. This is a suspended tram that climbs 700 feet to an observation deck that offers panoramic views of the beach, the city, the jungle, and the surrounding ocean. The starting point is right at the cruise port, making this the perfect quick excursion for any cruises. Tram cars hold up to 8 people and take less than 10 minutes to climb to the top. Once there, you will find a souvenir shop, a bistro restaurant, and multiple viewing platforms. On a clear day, you can even see all the way out to Puerto Rico and St. Croix!
Ziplining
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A few miles North of the cruise port, deep in the lush forest at the center of the island, you will find Tree Limin’ Extreme. Considered to be one of the top 10 island/ocean views in the world by National Geographic, this zipline tour of St. Peter Mountain takes approximately 2 to 2.5 hours and is suitable for anyone who is 70 and 275 pounds, no taller than 6 feet 6 inches tall, and who is able to climb stairs without assistance. You will be strapped in for the whole course and will get to zip around dense rainforest with stunning views of the surrounding beaches in the background. Reservations and payment are required ahead of time, so plan ahead if this is something you want to try!
Charlotte Amalie Historic District
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Finally, for a bit of history and culture, you could spend an afternoon in Charlotte Amalie Historic District, which is about 2 miles from the port. This district is home to centuries-old colonial architecture, charming cobblestone streets, and a plethora of historic buildings dating back as far as the 1600s. In addition to seeing the many historic sites and getting a sense of what colonial St. Thomas was like, this is also a good place to get some souvenirs to take home at one of the boutique shops. Climb the so-called 99 Steps to get a scenic view of the city and get the perfect opportunity for an iconic selfie to remember your trip with!
