The Best Things to Do in St. Thomas

Consistently ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world, Magens Bay features a pristine, mile-long stretch of white sand. Because it sits inside a protected bay, the water here stays calm and peaceful. The shore is lined with tropical sea grape trees, and the park is fully equipped with amenities like restrooms, beach chair rentals, and a beachside bar. Note that there is a $7 entrance fee for non-locals. Best of all, Magens Bay sits directly below Tree Limin’ Extreme, making it incredibly easy to combine a morning zip with an afternoon relaxing on the sand.

The snorkeler’s beach on St. Thomas. Right off the sand you’ll spot parrotfish, pufferfish, and sea turtles. Adjacent is Coral World Ocean Park making this a full-day destination for families traveling with young children.

Reliably less crowded than the main spots, Secret Harbour features calm waters, incredible snorkeling right off the beach, and a great onsite restaurant, Sunset Grille. It’s the perfect choice for a slow afternoon beach day, especially if you want to avoid the cruise crowds.

Located on the north side of the west end, Hull Bay is the go-to spot for resident surfers during winter swells. The beach offers a raw and unpolished experience, capturing an authentic fishing village vibe with a relaxed beach bar that sets it apart from resort-facing destinations. Come here to see how St. Thomas locals actually spend a day.

As a classic St. Thomas excursion, guided catamaran snorkel tours typically make two or three stops, often visiting Turtle Cove, where sea turtle encounters are nearly guaranteed. Most trips include lunch, an open bar, and all your equipment, making this the most efficient way to see the best reefs if you are on a tight schedule.

Virgin Islands Ecotours offers guided kayak expeditions through the largest mangrove lagoon in the USVI, finishing with a snorkel at Cas Cay. Paddling through the lagoon you’ll spot herons, rays, and fish. Great for families who want nature over adrenaline.

St. Thomas sits right next to deep ocean drop-offs, making it one of the best spots for deep-sea fishing. Charter boats head out daily to chase everything from mahi-mahi to tuna and marlin. Whether you are an experienced angler or just looking for a fun day on the water, you can easily book half-day or full-day fishing trips with Neptune or Double Header.

Coki Beach Dive Center offers a “Discover Scuba” experience for non-certified divers, an instructor takes you through the basics on the surface, then accompanies you on a guided shallow dive. No certification required, and the reef is diverse enough that a single 40-minute dive is absolutely worth it.

Paddle through the calm waters off Frenchman’s Reef in a clear-bottom kayak illuminated by LED lights. Watch for sea turtles, stingrays, tropical fish, and other marine life beneath you while enjoying a peaceful evening on the water under the stars. Perfect for families and first-time kayakers.

Two of the island’s most popular overlooks sit on the ridge above Magens Bay. Drake’s Seat looks out over Magens Bay and the Atlantic side of the island. Mountain Top at 1,547 feet is the highest road-accessible point on St. Thomas, with views of neighboring islands.

Guided UTV tours are a great non-water experience on island. Adventure through mountainous roads, past scenic overlooks, and beaches that are difficult to reach by car. A good option for groups who want an active exploration without committing to a full day on the water.

Take a short ferry ride from Red Hook Ferry Terminal to St. John, where over two-thirds of the island is protected as Virgin Islands National Park. Spend the day exploring pristine beaches and scenic trails, including snorkeling the underwater trail at Trunk Bay or hiking the lush Reef Bay Trail. Ferry service is available for both passengers and vehicles.