Explore St. Thomas, USVI
At just 32 square miles, St. Thomas manages to fit in world-class beaches, vibrant history, incredible marine life, and the kind of panoramic views that leave you speechless. It’s no wonder it keeps landing on every Caribbean “best of” list.
And because it’s a U.S. territory, American travelers don’t need a passport, just a government-issued ID. English is spoken everywhere, and US currency is accepted.
Whether you’re visiting on a cruise stop or staying for a week, here are the best things to do in St. Thomas, USVI.
Start High: Zipline Above Magens Bay
There’s no better way to experience St. Thomas than from above. Tree Limin’ Extreme zipline sits on St. Peter Mountain, high above the famous Magens Bay, offering the islands only zipline tour: six lines, two sky bridges, and eight aerial treetop platforms with views stretching out to St. John, the British Virgin Islands, and beyond.
The grande finale, the Yo-Yo Zipline, sends you flying forward and backward, something you genuinely won’t find anywhere else in the Caribbean. Two expert guides lead every tour, which runs about 2-2.5 hours and is open to kids as young as five. It’s consistently one of the top-rated attractions in the entire USVI on TripAdvisor.
Hit the Beach: Magens Bay & Beyond
Right below the zipline sits Magens Bay, consistently ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world. A calm, mile-long coast of white sand, it’s the kind of place you plan to visit for two hours and end up staying all afternoon. Pairing a morning zipline tour with an afternoon at Magens Bay is one of the smartest moves you can make.
For snorkeling, check out Secret Harbour Beach on the east end, calm water, diverse marine life, and a fraction of the crowds. And if you want to see how St. Thomas residents actually spend their days, head to Hull Bay: a laid-back fishing village beach.
Get in the Water
The Caribbean around St. Thomas is extraordinarily biodiverse, and getting out on it should be on every itinerary.
A catamaran snorkel tour is the classic choice, most trips hit two or three stops including Turtle Cove, where sea turtle encounters are practically a given, with gear, lunch, and an open bar included. For something more active, Virgin Islands Ecotours runs guided kayak expeditions through the USVI’s largest mangrove lagoon, finishing with a snorkel at Cas Cay.
If you’ve never scuba dived, Coki Beach offers a “Discover Scuba” experience that requires zero certification. Worth every minute.
Explore Charlotte Amalie
St. Thomas has been a major Caribbean trading port since the 1600s, and the capital, Charlotte Amalie, wears that history well. The waterfront district is full of 18th and 19th century Danish colonial buildings, now home to duty-free shops, local artists, and restaurants.
Don’t skip the 99 Steps! Built from Danish ballast brick in the 1700s, they climb to Blackbeard’s Castle, a watchtower dating to 1679 with sweeping views over the harbor.
For the complete breakdown of all our insider tips and tricks on the best things to do in St. Thomas, check out our comprehensive guide here.
