Plan your St. Thomas trip with our 2025 guide—best time to visit, flights & ferries, beaches, where to stay, excursions, safety, and day trips to St. John & Water Island.
Quick Take
- Vibe: Easy beaches, scenic viewpoints, shopping, day trips.
- Best for: First-timers, cruise arrivals, quick island getaways.
- Pair with: St. John (beaches/hikes) + Water Island (laid-back beach day).
Best Time to Visit
- December–April: Peak season, best weather, higher prices.
- May–June: Shoulder season sweet spot (good weather + better rates).
- July–November: Hot/humid; hurricane season risk—great deals if flexible.
Pro tip: Book car rentals and in-demand tours 2–4 weeks ahead in peak.
How to Get There (Flights + Ferries)
- Fly into: Cyril E. King Airport (STT) — major US hubs have nonstop/1-stop options.
- From STT to St. John:
- Ferry: Red Hook ↔ Cruz Bay (short, frequent); Charlotte Amalie ↔ Cruz Bay (less frequent).
- From STT to Water Island:
- Ferry: Crown Bay ↔ Water Island (short hop, several daily).
Tip for cruisers: book beach/tour near your port timing; traffic can bottleneck on peak days.
Where to Stay (3 Tiers)
$ Budget: Guesthouses & apartments in Charlotte Amalie / Frenchtown / mid-island.
$$ Mid-range: Small resorts/condo-resorts near Magens Bay, Lindquist, Secret Harbour (good snorkeling).
$$$ Luxury: Boutique/luxury stays with sea views in East End / Northside; villa rentals for groups.
Booking tips: Prioritize parking if renting a car and confirm beach access vs “ocean view only.”
What to Do (By Area)
Charlotte Amalie & Frenchtown
- Historic Walking Loop: Fort Christian, 99 Steps, Emancipation Garden.
- Shopping & Cafés: Waterfront + alleyways.
- Sunset Cruise: Harbor views / drink-included catamarans. (Viator)
Northside & Magens Bay
- Magens Bay Beach: Calm, family-friendly; rent SUP/kayaks.
- Mountain Top Lookout: Famous banana daiquiri + panoramic photos.
- Hull Bay: Local vibe; surfable in winter swells.
East End (Red Hook, Secret Harbour)
- Secret Harbour & Sapphire: Snorkeling, beginner-friendly reefs.
- Parasailing / Jet-ski / Sailing day trips: Loads of operators. (Viator)
- Ferry to St. John: Easy island-hop for Trunk/Francis beaches.
Smith Bay & Lindquist (Coki area)
- Lindquist (Smith Bay Park): Clear water, photo-ready.
- Coki Beach: Snorkel with fish near the reef; vibrant scene.
- Coral World Ocean Park: Good with kids; semi-submarine add-on.
Water Island (Day Trip)
- Honeymoon Beach: Chill bars, chair rentals, turtles sometimes offshore.
- Golf cart loop: DIY mini-exploration.
Local Food & Drinks
- Must-try: Pates, johnny cakes, kallaloo, roti, fresh fish plates.
- Bakeries & food trucks: Great budget options for lunch.
- Drinks: Bushwacker, rum punch; try local rums.
Day Trips & Combinations
- St. John: World-class beaches (Trunk, Maho), Easy day hike in Virgin Islands National Park. (Ferry via Red Hook)
- Water Island: Low-effort beach day, back by sunset.
- Snorkel/Sail Charters: Half-day to full-day; some include St. John coves. (Viator)
Getting Around & Safety
- Driving: Left side of the road; US licenses accepted. Go slow on hills/curves.
- Taxis: Set rates by zone; confirm fare before boarding.
- Parking: Limited at popular beaches—arrive early or late afternoon.
- Safety: Standard precautions; don’t leave valuables in vehicles; watch for slippery steps after rain; reef-safe sunscreen only.
Sample 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Charlotte Amalie historic walk → sunset sail.
Day 2: Morning at Magens Bay → Northside viewpoints → dinner in Frenchtown.
Day 3: East End snorkel (Secret Harbour/Sapphire) → afternoon St. John hop or Water Island.
Packing Essentials
Reef-safe sunscreen, rashguard, water shoes, dry bag, compact snorkel set, small bills for taxis, portable charger.
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