St. Thomas knocked my socks off from the moment I stepped onto its sun-soaked shores. No Instagram filter could do justice to those ridiculous shades of blue in Magens Bay, and watching the sunset from Mountain Top with a banana daiquiri in hand was exactly the Caribbean moment I’d been dreaming of. This island seriously knows how to show visitors a good time.
If you’re wondering about things to do in St. Thomas in 2026 & 2027, get ready for the perfect mix of beach life and island adventure. From snorkeling with sea turtles at Coki Beach to wandering the colorful streets of Charlotte Amalie (those duty-free shops got me in trouble), every day here felt like living in a postcard. Let me share my favorite spots that made me fall head over heels for this slice of paradise.
- 👉 My #1 Tip: If you do just one thing on the island, make it this sunset dinner cruise. It’s hands-down the most magical experience I had in St. Thomas. You’ll board a dreamy catamaran, sip unlimited drinks from the open bar, and enjoy a full BBQ dinner as you sail past glowing harbor lights and pastel Caribbean skies. The crew is hilarious, the food hits the spot, and the views are immaculate.
Coolest things to do in St. Thomas at a glance
I’ve been to St. Thomas a few times now, and there’s a lot packed into this small island. These 15 activities are the ones I’d recommend to anyone visiting for the first time or coming back for another trip. Here are my five favorites if you want a shortlist!
- Snorkel with Sea Turtles at Little Buck Island: A 3-hour catamaran trip to a protected wildlife refuge where you’ll swim over seagrass beds with green sea turtles
- Zipline Over the Rainforest at Tree Limin’ Extreme: Six ziplines and two sky bridges above the rainforest canopy, with views over Magens Bay and the British Virgin Islands
- Spend a Day at Magens Bay Beach: A mile-long crescent of white sand with calm water, paddleboard rentals, and a hidden nature trail through the mangroves
- Snorkel at Coki Point Beach: The best shore snorkeling on the island, with reef fish and coral right off the sand, plus Coral World Ocean Park next door
- Explore Charlotte Amalie: Duty-free shopping, Caribbean food tours, colonial history, and the famous 99 Steps all in one walkable area
I’ve mapped out every activity below with pins for the beaches, attractions, and tour departure points I mention in each section. Save it to your phone before your trip and you can see how close everything is to each other. Trust me…it makes planning your days a lot easier!
1. Snorkel with Sea Turtles at Little Buck Island
Little Buck Island is a protected National Wildlife Refuge off the south coast of St. Thomas. Hands down, it’s the best place on the island to snorkel with green sea turtles. The main tour is a 3-hour trip on a 54-foot catamaran operated by The VI Cat, departing from the Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove dock, and it includes all snorkel gear, snacks, and unlimited drinks. I’d recommend this as the top activity on St. Thomas for first-time visitors.
The snorkeling at Turtle Cove is beginner-friendly, with calm, shallow water over seagrass beds where green sea turtles feed regularly. Sightings are common but not guaranteed since the turtles are wild, though I saw several on my trip along with tropical fish and healthy coral. The crew gives a quick snorkel lesson if you need one. Non-swimmers can hang out on the deck or in the shaded cabin area.
Tickets are around $119 per adult, with free cancellation on bookings through Viator. Book the 1pm departure well ahead of time, especially during winter high season, and ask about morning slots if you’re visiting over the holidays. Arrive 30 minutes before departure to check in, and use the free gravel parking lot just past the security booth at the Marriott.
2. Kayak, Hike, and Snorkel at Cas Cay
If you’re looking for something more active than a beach day, this Cas Cay kayak, hike, and snorkel tour is a fantastic option. You’ll paddle two-person kayaks through mangrove channels on St. Thomas’ south side, hop out on an uninhabited island, hike to volcanic cliffs with a natural blowhole, and then snorkel a shallow lagoon on the way back. It’s three activities in one morning and the variety is what makes it fun.
The kayaking is easy and the water is calm, even for beginners. On the hike across Cas Cay, you’ll walk through a forest full of hermit crabs and end up at dramatic red cliffs with tidal pools and views out toward Buck Island. The snorkeling is in a protected mangrove lagoon where the water is shallow and clear. I spotted stingrays and plenty of juvenile reef fish feeding in the seagrass.
The tour is run by Virgin Islands Ecotours and departs from Mangrove Lagoon Marina, with morning and afternoon slots available. Tickets start at $99 per adult and gear is included. I recommend taking the morning departure for better visibility and calmer conditions. Bring water shoes and reef-safe sunscreen. Make sure to book early…it fills up quickly on days when Caribbean cruise ships are in port.
- Book my favorite kayaking tour in USVI: Cas Cay kayak and snorkel adventure in St. Thomas
3. Visit the Pirates Treasure Museum
The Pirates Treasure Museum sits right next to the Skyride at Paradise Point, a short walk from the Havensight cruise ship docks. It’s a two-story space filled with authentic shipwreck artifacts recovered by Odyssey Marine Exploration, and there are nine interactive exhibits covering pirate history across the Virgin Islands. I’d allow about an hour, though two goes fast once you start exploring.
The hands-on elements are great. You can pilot a replica deep-sea ROV to pick up coins from a simulated ocean floor, try a VR shipwreck dive, and check out pirate weapons up close. There’s a hurricane simulator too, and an interactive map of the dozens of shipwrecks surrounding the USVI. Families with younger kids will get a lot out of this, especially on a hot afternoon when everyone needs a break from the beach.
Keep in mind the museum only opens on days when cruise ships are in port. I’d call ahead to confirm hours before heading over. Admission is about $20 for adults and $15 for children. The Skyride is literally next door, and I’d combine the two into one trip if you can.
4. Explore Charlotte Amalie
Charlotte Amalie is the capital of St. Thomas and the place to go for duty-free shopping, Caribbean food, and colonial history all in one walkable area. The cobblestone streets are lined with colorful Danish-era buildings. You’ll find everything from high-end jewelry shops to local spots serving fresh pate and fungi. I’d plan at least a half day here, more if you’re into food and history.
For food, I highly recommend the Flavors of St. Thomas walking food tour. This takes you through 4-5 locally owned restaurants and bars over about 3 hours. You’ll try Caribbean classics like curried chicken, fried plantain, and rum cocktails, and the guides share a ton of local history along the way. Tickets are around $145 per adult. For newer dining, check out The Tuck Shop Downtown on Back Street for stewed oxtail and conch fritters in a 300-year-old building.
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👉 Send me cheap 2026 flightsDon’t skip the 99 Steps while you’re here. The climb takes you up to some of the best panoramic views of the harbor, and the surrounding step streets are currently being restored through a National Park Service-funded preservation project. If you’re planning a trip in 2027, expect to see ongoing waterfront improvements around the harbor area as part of a major dredging and infrastructure project that’s set to wrap up by mid-2027.
5. Zipline Over the Rainforest at Tree Limin’ Extreme
Tree Limin’ Extreme Zipline is easily the best zipline experience on St. Thomas. It’s set high up on St. Peter Mountain with views out over Magens Bay, St. John, and the British Virgin Islands. The course has six ziplines and two sky bridges, and you’ll hit speeds up to 35 mph as you fly above the rainforest canopy. The experience takes about 2.5 hours, and the guides are fantastic. They’re funny, know a lot about local wildlife and culture, and they make nervous first-timers feel comfortable.
The final zipline is called the “Yo-Yo,” and it’s the only one like it in the Caribbean. You glide out and then back again, which is a rush even if you’ve done ziplines before. Kids as young as 5 can join in, and anyone under 70 lbs can ride tandem with an adult. There is a weight limit of 275 lbs and a height range of 44 inches to 6’6″.
Tickets are $155 per adult and include a helmet and harness. I’d book a mid-morning slot and then head down to Magens Bay Beach afterward since it’s only a short drive away. Arrive 30 minutes early for check-in and wear mineral sunscreen or a hat. There’s not much shade between the platforms.
6. Spend a Day at Magens Bay Beach
Magens Bay is widely considered the best beach on St. Thomas and one of the top beaches in the Caribbean. It’s a mile-long crescent of white sand on the north side of the island, and the water is calm and shallow thanks to the bay’s natural sheltered shape. I’d spend a full day here if you can. It’s easily the best spot on the island for swimming, and it’s great for families with young kids.
You can rent chairs, umbrellas, paddleboards, kayaks, and snorkeling gear right on the beach. There are lifeguards, restrooms, showers, and a bar and cafe on site too. If you want to stretch your legs, the nature trail at the eastern end of the beach winds through mangroves on boardwalks, and the Elliott Mac Fitness Trail has outdoor exercise stations tucked into the trees. Both are free.
Entrance is $7 per person for visitors (free for kids under 12) and parking is available right at the beach. I’d advise arriving early, especially during the winter high season or on days when cruise ships are in port. If you’re heading up to the Tree Limin’ Extreme zipline, Magens Bay is a natural stop afterward since it’s only a few minutes’ drive down the mountain.
7. Watch the Sunset from Drake’s Seat
Drake’s Seat is a hilltop viewpoint on Route 37, roughly 1,500 feet above sea level, with panoramic views over Magens Bay and out toward the British Virgin Islands. It’s named after Sir Francis Drake, who legend says used this spot to watch for Spanish ships passing through the channel below. You don’t need to hike to get here. It’s a simple pull-off from the road with a small stone seating area, and you can take it all in within 10 or 15 minutes.
I recommend stopping here on the way to or from Magens Bay Beach, since it’s right along the same route (and completely free). On a clear day the view is incredible, and it’s one of the best photo spots on the island. There are usually a couple of local vendors selling drinks and crafts at the pull-off.
The Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden is also nearby, and I’d pair the two together if you have the time. Of all the things to do in St. Thomas, Drake’s Seat is a quick stop rather than a full activity, but the views make somewhere you’d regret skipping. Go in the morning or late afternoon for the best light.
8. Go Parasailing from Sapphire Beach Marina
Parasailing in St. Thomas is something you have to try at least once, and the views from up there are unbelievable. The tour departs from Sapphire Beach Marina on the east end of the island, and you’ll fly for about 8-10 minutes above the Caribbean with aerial views of St. Thomas, St. John, and the British Virgin Islands all at once. I was nervous before going up, but the crew made the whole experience feel safe and easygoing.
The total trip takes about an hour from check-in to finish, including a speedboat ride out and back. Kids as young as 6 can fly, and there’s an observer option if someone in your group wants to ride along on the boat without going up. The crew handles all the safety briefing and gear. You don’t even get wet (unless you want to dip your feet on the way down!).
Tickets start at around $120 per person, with observer spots at about $74. I’d recommend an afternoon slot when the light over the water is at its best. Arrive 15-20 minutes early at slip N-28, and use “Sapphire Beach Marina” in your GPS rather than the street address. If you’re looking for things to do in St. Thomas that give you a serious adrenaline hit, this is up there with the zipline!
- Book my favorite tour: Parasail above St. Thomas with this St. Thomas parasailing experience.
9. Browse the Shops at Yacht Haven Grande
Yacht Haven Grande is a waterfront marina and shopping complex in Charlotte Amalie harbor, within easy walking distance of the cruise ship docks. It’s home to 120,000 square feet of duty-free retail, from high-end brands like Louis Vuitton and Bulgari to local jewelry shops and island boutiques. Even if luxury shopping isn’t your thing, it’s a great spot to eat lunch at one of the open-air waterfront restaurants and watch megayachts come and go.
The complex has a relaxed feel compared to the busier Main Street shopping area in Charlotte Amalie. You can browse at your own pace, and there’s a pool, tennis courts, and a beach volleyball court if you’re staying nearby. I’d head here after exploring downtown Charlotte Amalie, especially if you want somewhere with good food and a bit more breathing room.
If you’re visiting in November 2026, the USVI Charter Yacht Show takes place here from November 14-17 and brings some incredible vessels into the harbor. For visitors planning trips into 2027, keep in mind that harbor dredging work near the Havensight area is expected to continue through mid-2027. This may affect traffic and access around the docks.
10. Check Out the Art at Tillett Gardens
Tillett Gardens is a three-acre arts complex on an old Danish cattle farm in Anna’s Retreat, and it’s been running since 1959. It’s an indoor/outdoor space with art galleries, working studios, a drum museum, and Pistarckle Theater, which is the only professional theater on St. Thomas. If you’re into local art and want something completely different from a beach day, this is a fun place to spend a couple of hours.
You can wander between studios and watch artists working on ceramics, screen printing, candle-making, and painting. The Tillett Art Gallery features Caribbean art in oil, watercolor, and acrylic, and the screen printing studio sells the famous Tillett maps and fabrics. There are a few places to eat and drink on site too, including Rock City Tacos and Down Island Que, plus live music on the garden stage several nights a week.
The Arts Alive Foundation hosts arts and crafts festivals here throughout the year, usually in spring and again around the holidays, with live music, food, and hands-on activities for kids. Admission to the festivals is free. There’s also a small guest house and hostel on the grounds if you want to stay right in the middle of it all. Check their schedule before your trip to see if anything lines up with your dates, and combine it with a morning at nearby Coki Point Beach.
11. Snorkel at Coki Point Beach
Coki Point Beach is the best shore snorkeling spot on St. Thomas, and it’s one of my favorite beaches on the island. The reef is right offshore, and you can see sergeant majors, tropical fish, and colorful coral within a few kicks of the sand. You don’t need a boat trip to get great underwater views here.
The beach itself is small but has a lively Caribbean atmosphere with beachside bars, food vendors, and music. You can rent snorkel gear, chairs, and umbrellas right on the sand. Coral World Ocean Park is next door if you want to extend your visit with aquariums, nature trails, or a SNUBA dive. I highly recommend eating lunch at Catch of the Day for fresh lobster, crab, and tostones right on the water!
Get here early if you can. The beach fills up fast on cruise ship days and parking gets tight, but a morning arrival gives you a couple of peaceful hours before things pick up. I’d pair Coki Point with a visit to Tillett Gardens or Coral World to make a full day on the east side of the island.
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12. Tour Blackbeard’s Castle
Blackbeard’s Castle is a 17th-century Danish watchtower perched on Government Hill above Charlotte Amalie, and it reopened in late 2025 after a full renovation. The tower was built in 1679 as a coastal defense lookout, and while it’s named after the pirate Edward Teach, historians still debate whether he ever set foot on St. Thomas. Either way, the views from the top of the 40-foot circular staircase are spectacular.
Your ticket gets you access to the tower, several restored colonial buildings including Villa Notman and Britannia House, tropical gardens, and the swimming pools. You can explore on a self-guided tour or join a guided one that covers the history of the property and the surrounding King’s Quarter. After your tour, the Jolly Rogers Pool Bar is a fun place to cool off with a drink and enjoy the harbor views.
Plan your visit carefully. Blackbeard’s Castle lists daily opening for the tower and grounds from 9am to 5pm; check for any special-event changes before you go. It’s accessed via the famous 99 Steps from downtown Charlotte Amalie, and I’d combine it with a morning exploring the historic district.
13. Visit Phantasea Botanical Garden
Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden is a two-acre garden on the north side of St. Thomas with over 1,000 orchids growing naturally throughout the landscape. It opened in 2015 and was created by a local resident named Patsy, who built the whole place from scratch. It’s a peaceful spot, and a nice change of pace if you’ve been doing beaches and boat tours all week.
The self-guided tour takes about 45 minutes to an hour. You’ll walk through tropical plants, flowering trees, and orchids growing on branches and rocks the way they do in the wild. I was surprised to see orchids in their natural habitat rather than in pots, which is part of what makes this place so interesting. The garden is always being expanded and updated with new plantings and features.
Admission is around $16 per adult, and the garden is open Tuesday through Sunday, 9am to 4pm. During the slow season (roughly September to mid-November), hours are reduced to Thursday through Sunday. I’d pair this with a stop at Drake’s Seat, which is nearby, or visit on the same morning as the Tree Limin’ zipline since they’re all on the same side of the island.
14. Book a Fishing Charter with Double Header
If deep-sea fishing is on your list, Double Header Sportfishing is one of the top-rated charter operations on St. Thomas. They run two boats (a 37-footer and a 40-footer) out of American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook, and the reviews are outstanding. Captain Nate gets mentioned constantly, and nearly every reviewer says they caught fish.
You can book a half day (4 hours), 3/4 day (6 hours), or full day (8 hours) trip. Common catches include wahoo, mahi-mahi, king mackerel, blackfin tuna, and barracuda, with the occasional marlin if you’re lucky. The crew handles all the gear and tackle, and they’ll take you to wherever the fish are biting that day. It’s a good idea to bring a small cooler with drinks and snacks, since those aren’t included.
Half day trips start at $850 for the whole boat (up to 6 people) as of 2026, and 3/4 day trips are $1,200. I’d book the morning departure for the best conditions. If you’ve never done deep-sea fishing before, this is a great place to try it. The crew is patient and experienced with beginners and kids. Book well in advance during the winter high season because their calendar fills up fast.
15. Ride the Skyride to Paradise Point
The Skyride to Paradise Point is an aerial tramway that takes you 700 feet above Charlotte Amalie harbor in about eight minutes. It departs from Havensight, right across from the cruise ship dock, and the views from the top are some of the best on the island. You can see the harbor, the surrounding hillsides, and out toward the neighboring islands from the observation deck.
At the top, there’s a bar serving the famous Bushwacker cocktail, the Taste at Paradise Point restaurant, and a handful of souvenir shops. It’s a relaxed place to hang out for a while, and I defintely recommend having a drink and enjoying the views before heading back down. The tram holds about six people per car and the ride itself is smooth and easy.
The Skyride’s adult round-trip fare is $34.95; check the operator’s current fare before visiting. The Skyride primarily operates on days when cruise ships are docked at Havensight, and the hours vary, but it typically opens in the morning and closes mid-afternoon. The last tram down leaves an hour after closing. Since the Pirates Treasure Museum is right next door at the base, I’d do both in the same visit if the timing works out.
Global Viewpoint is a personal blog. All content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional financial, medical, or legal advice.
