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Just off Main Street, visit the St. Thomas Synagogue and Frederick Lutheran Church, each the second oldest of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. Stop by Blackbeard’s Castle, built in 1679, and see the world’s largest collection of life-sized pirate statues. Or climb the legendary 99 Steps built by 18th century Danes, using bricks that once served as ship ballast.
St. Thomas Cruise Port Waiting Area and Seating
If you’re only in St. Thomas for a day, it might be hard to choose what to do. The tender pier is located right on the Waterfront - officially named Veterans Drive - and right across the street is the heart of Charlotte Amalie. If the cruise ship passenger is booked on a ship excursion there will be staff guiding you to tour buses parked close by. The capital city of Charlotte Amalie is a popular attraction in and of itself. For those history buffs, you have several places you'd like to see, as this historic district has over 500 ancient buildings.
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With its crystal-clear turquoise waters and abundant marine life, Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas Cruise Port is a paradise for water enthusiasts. From snorkeling to kayaking, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained and make the most of your time in the Caribbean. For a taste of the island’s pirate past, head to Blackbeard’s Castle, a historic tower that offers stunning views of the harbor. Explore the surrounding grounds and imagine the tales of swashbuckling adventures that once took place here. If you're a fan of arts and culture, Charlotte Amalie is an absolute treasure trove. This vibrant city is home to a range of museums and galleries that will capture your imagination.
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Don’t forget to explore the local artisan shops, where you can find handcrafted items and one-of-a-kind treasures. If shopping is your true calling, Charlotte Amalie is a shopper's paradise that will exceed your wildest expectations. Indulge your passion for retail therapy as you leisurely stroll along Main Street, lined with exquisite boutique stores, dazzling jewelers and charming souvenir shops. Whether you seek high-end luxury brands or authentic local handicrafts, this bustling city has an array of treasures for every discerning shopper. A sightseeing tour of the island will take you to the Mountain Top, Drakes Seat or the Paradise Point where you will enjoy astonishing sceneries.
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The latter is easy to explore on your own if docked at Havensight Cruise Ship Dock. For those that prefer to explore off-the-beaten-track sites or that have been in St. Thomas before, an excursion to the pristine beauty and quaint charm of St. John should be in your plans. But visitors who want to do more than shopping such as visiting Fort Christian or other attractions can do it all in the city. Charlotte Amalie also has much to offer when it comes to taking in a bit of history. One can visit the old Danish Fort Christian, built in 1666 and currently housing a history museum and panoramic views from the roof. The legislature building and Grand Hotel are notable landmarks from the 19th century.
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This large zipline course soars through St. Thomas’ Caribbean rainforest and offers breathtaking views of the island and it’s famous beaches. Without a doubt, Magens Bay is the most famous as well as most popular beach in St. Thomas for cruise passengers. For many years, it was on several top ten lists of most beautiful beaches in the world. You may even want to head up to the top deck of your cruise ship and take some amazing photos before heading ashore.
They’re small, open-air shuttle vehicles called safari trucks equipped with a few rows of seats. Flag one down heading in the direction you want to go and tell the driver where you want to be dropped off. You may make extra stops before yours, depending on the other passengers’ desired routes. To explore the island under your own steam, rent a car from the outlets at the cruise pier—but remember that driving is on the left.
Although 99 Steps is the most famous and most photographed, there are many of these “step” streets which cut through the hills in St. Thomas. Inside the Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas, you’ll get a brief history of the synagogue, the Jewish history of the island, and the significance of it’s sand floor. In Charlotte Amalie, you’ll find hundreds of brand name and local shops along Main Street and the cross streets. You’ll also find a local straw or flea market with some handmade jewelry, t-shirts and other souvenirs. Both the West Indian Company Dock (Havensight Pier) and Crown Bay Dock at the St. Thomas cruise port are highly wheelchair accessible.
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Only a 5-minute drive from St John’s capital Cruz Bay, this picturesque piece of heaven offers a perfect retreat from the bustling St Thomas. Here, you can unwind and soak up the Caribbean sun with a glass of cocktail in your hand, or go for activities such as hiking, snorkeling, paddle boarding, or kayaking. Magens Bay is located in the north of St Thomas, approximately 6 km/3.7 miles from Charlotte Amalie and the cruise ports. To get to Charlotte Amalie downtown, you can walk which I wouldn’t recommend, as it’s too long and not very scenic (30-40 minutes walking distance).
Mountain Top is another great spot for hiking, which is a bit more grueling as it's 1,500 feet above sea level. When it comes to dining and food options, the Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas Cruise Port offers a wide array of choices to cater to every palate. From local cuisine and restaurants to street food and snacks, you will be spoilt for choice. Whether you are looking for a dining experience with a view or vegetarian and vegan options, this vibrant port has something for everyone.
The St. Thomas Historical Trust Museum is a must-visit, showcasing a fascinating collection of artifacts and exhibits that bring the island's history and cultural heritage to life. And don't miss the Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts, where you'll be treated to an inspiring display of contemporary artwork by talented local and international artists. It's a truly immersive experience that offers a fresh and dynamic perspective on Caribbean art. The on-board guide will be offering all sorts of bargains, coupons, deals, and promotions. However, besides the stores promoted by the on-board shopping guide, there are many other shops that the cruise traveler should look into.
Instead, areas steps away from the piers have Wi-Fi, especially in eateries and cafes. Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the Virgin Islands, welcomes visitors to its shores. Cruise ships call on St. Thomas at the West Indian Company Dock in Havensight, at anchorage in the Charlotte Amalie harbor and at the Crown Bay dock in Subbase. Currency exchange services are available at the cruise port and in the downtown area. It is advisable to exchange a small amount of cash to have local currency on hand for convenience. In addition to the restaurants, there are also health food stores and cafes in the port that offer a range of vegetarian and vegan snacks and beverages.
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. If you seek a more secluded beach, Solomon Beach located next to Honeymoon Beach might be just a perfect pick for you! It is accessible via hiking trails, has no amenities, and offers amazing swimming and snorkeling.
Wander through the lanes and alleys of historic Charlotte Amalie with a local expert to discover more about the island’s cuisine and local history. The tour also weaves in the city’s top sights, from the 99 steps to Fort Christian and Blackbeard’s Castle. Regularly voted one of the best beaches in the world, Magens Bay is a sweep of soft white sand, iridescent aquamarine water, and a lush backdrop of sea grapes, mahogany trees, and coconut palms. The shallow water and calm conditions make this the perfect spot for kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, looking out for stingrays and sea turtles. Back on the beach, there’s a bar and café, as well as a 1.5-mile nature trail through the coconut grove. The capital city is an interesting, lively place where you can find numerous historic landmarks such as Blackbeard’s Castle, the 17th-century watchtower, and a castle located on a hill overlooking the harbor.
Look for official taxis, which have a dome light and the letters "TP" on their license plates. The taxi rank is located in the ground transportation area outside the arrivals hall. The local Taxi Association drivers offer a basic two-hour island tour for $25 per person for two or more people. One important aspect of the local customs is the concept of “island time.” The pace of life in the Caribbean is generally slower and more relaxed compared to urban areas.
It also supports a much larger population of tourists and temporary workers. Charlotte Amalie is a major destination for Caribbean cruises because of its location close to major embarkation ports in Florida and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Just make sure you book your excursions through your cruise line, as these excursion providers have been vetted and will be aware of arrival and departure times for your ship. There are also plenty of restaurants within a short walk of the pier, including some port-of-call classics, like Senor Frogs and Hooters. You’ll also find some island exclusives, like Mojo’s, Barefoot Buddha, and the iconic Shipwreck Tavern. With both ports located such a convenient distance from a major airport, you shouldn’t have difficulty finding your way to your ship if you fly into St. Thomas.
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