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From its convenient location and excellent accessibility to its state-of-the-art facilities and exciting shore excursions, there is something for everyone to enjoy here. Usually, this ten-day cruise would stop at Princess Cays, but the weather would not cooperate on this particular trip. After spending two VERY long days at sea with very gusty 50-knot winds, the feeling of seeing land and getting off the ship was indeed a sight for sore eyes! It was truly paradise at dawn as we arrived at the cruise port of St. Thomas. This is a chance to explore the island beyond the typical tourist spots and have a lot of fun! We’ve added this to the list of the best things to do in St Thomas from a cruise ship as it’s one of the more unique ways to explore the island’s landscapes when you’re short on time.
Beaches
Coral World Ocean Park is an eco park on the East End of the island that allows guests to view tons of marline life without getting wet, such as sharks, stingrays, turtles and more. If you are docked at the Havensight pier, you will be within walking of the Pirates Treasure Museum. Since it is a national park, you will also have to pay $5 per person for admission in cash. Once inside, you can rent chairs and umbrellas, kayaks, snorkeling equipment, and paddle boards. There is even a full service restaurant and bar that serves up pizzas, salads, burgers, and even local favorites, such as Caribbean jerk chicken. Located on the east side of the island, Sapphire beach is a beautiful escape from the busier hubs of the island.
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Although it is on the other side of the island, it’s only about nine miles from the two ports, so a 20 to 30-minute taxi ride would get you there. Both cruise ports are located on the southern side of St. Thomas near the capital and largest city in the US Virgin Islands, Charlotte Amalie. The reason for this is simply due to the immense popularity of the city as a port of call and departure point for cruise ships. We are going to take an in-depth look at the two main cruise ports in St. Thomas so you can enjoy a stress-free experience when you visit. After we have discussed the ports and their facilities, we’ll also explore some of the nearby attractions and various excursion opportunities St. Thomas offers visitors.
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For those planning to rent a vehicle while they visit St. Thomas, plenty of parking spots are available near the two ports. It is particularly easy to find parking at Havensight Pier, as the Havensight Mall has a large parking area that is free to use. Car rental facilities are also located a short walk from each cruise port, so vehicle pickup and drop-off couldn’t be easier. Long before cruise ships dotted the harbor of Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas was known as the playground of many well-known pirates.
Pop by the watersports booth to rent a kayak or snorkeling gear. Sapphire beach is also the best spot on the island to do a parasailing experience. Your cruise ship will of course offer their “guaranteed” shopping guide. Whether you want to buy liquor or jewelry or simple souvenirs, you’ll find everything you need in the shops along these narrow alleyways.
LEGISLATURE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
For many years, it was on several top ten lists of most beautiful beaches in the world. You can swim, relax, snorkel, or walk along the rustic lagoon and admire the ecological preservation of marine life and birds. There is natural shade but umbrellas, chairs, and other amenities are available for rental. Another popular snorkeling and scuba diving location is a wartime-era shipwreck, lying at a depth of around 40 ft (12 meters).
A word of caution, cruise ships will not wait for late passengers unless you’re on a ship sponsored excursion. It was the first time that I’ve visited St. Thomas where no other cruise ships were docked besides ours. Normally, I recall St. Thomas being quite busy with passengers from multiple cruise ships roaming around. Perhaps less cruise ships are visiting St. Thomas after the hurricane of 2017. It’s important to be aware that Magens Bay is probably the most popular beach in St Thomas and so if there are several cruise ships in port, it may get quite busy.
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If you simply want to buy a souvenir or a small duty-free item before boarding the ship, the Havensight Mall, located right by the Havensight cruise pier, is a good option. There are plenty of shops to choose from, and prices are comparable to those you would find in the downtown area. No list of things to do in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands is complete without snorkeling in its gorgeous turquoise waters. You’ll find something interesting to see close to the shore anywhere you go, including sea turtles, corals and sea urchins.
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This helps the fish to thrive, and for the many corals and sponges to grow naturally. This small 100 yard beach is a slice of pure paradise and you will usually just have to share it with just a handful of others. Just a short walk away you will find the famous 99 Steps, built in the 18th century by the Danes. Set within a 12-acre protected park, Lindquist Beach is for those seeking some peace and quiet.
This is a super fun way to add some excitement to your cruise as you’ll be soaring through the air at speeds up to 35 mph! As you zip across six lines and two sky bridges, you’re rewarded with unparalleled views of the beautiful Caribbean landscape and the turquoise waters of Magens Bay. As you step off the cruise ship, safari-style taxis will be waiting to take passengers on an island tour. For something a little more affordable than the luxury private yacht charter above, consider a half-day swimming with turtles and beach catamaran cruise around St Thomas. Another way to fill out your day when stopping at the St. Thomas cruise port is to check out local events and celebrations that may be taking place while you are in port.
If you are a US citizen, you do not need a passport to visit St. Thomas or any of the United States Virgin Islands. I have read online that sometimes you need to show a birth certificate as proof of residence when departing the US Virgin Islands. When we did this in 2022, our US driver’s license was sufficient for both the arrival and departure flight from St. Thomas. Aqua Marine Dive Center offers scuba diving lessons as well as snorkeling and scuba tours to dive sites around St. Thomas. When you pick up your golf cart, you will be given a map of the island and suggestions on where to go.
While we originally thought a beach day would be fun in St. Thomas, we ultimately decided that we’d simply wander around and explore the St Thomas cruise port and downtown Charlotte Amalie. There are plenty of beaches you can visit on Caribbean cruises and so wherever your cruise ship docks, you are never very far from a beach. Coral World Ocean Park offers tourists the opportunity to get up close to local marine life. You can pay for general admission to the park or choose to book special experiences, including private tour guides and animal encounters. Whether you decide to book one of the cruise ship shore excursions or explore independently, there is plenty of options to choose from.
You’ll also find a local straw or flea market with some handmade jewelry, t-shirts and other souvenirs. If you’re wondering about the pros and cons of booking shore excursions with the cruise line versus on your own, I’ll leave a link to a helpful article at the end of this post. That said, both Havensight and Crown Bay have shopping close by, restaurants and bars, and transportation to the best attractions in St. Thomas. The umbrellas and chairs are available for rental, as well as food and drinks that you can purchase on the beach. The prices are not the cheapest ones, but the place itself is beautiful and well worth the trip. The capital Cruz Bay offers visitors a wide range of restaurants, bars, and locally handmade items, so you can take a break at one of the charming cafes overlooking the picturesque harbour.
