If you’re a cruise ship passenger docking at St Thomas, the largest island in the US Virgin Islands, you’ll be wondering what to do in St Thomas on a cruise day. Well, you’re in for a variety of incredible choices, even though you’re short on time. We’ve carefully selected the 14 best activities and excursions that showcase the best of the island.
Whether you’re up for a parasail above the island, keen to explore the cobbled streets of Charlotte Amalie, or just want to unwind on some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, you’ll be sure to make some amazing memories on this beautiful island.
Keep reading to discover what to do in St Thomas on a cruise that will make your visit unforgettable.
Where is St Thomas USVI?
St Thomas is one of the main islands that comprise the United States Virgin Islands (USVI), situated in the northeastern Caribbean just east of Puerto Rico. It’s home to the busiest cruise port in the Caribbean, attracting visitors from around the world who arrive to explore its beautiful waters, history, culture, and enjoy the pristine sandy beaches.
The US Virgin Islands are an unincorporated territory of the United States, making St Thomas an accessible and inviting tropical destination for American travellers.
What to Do in St Thomas on a Cruise
1. Enjoy a Walking Food Tour
When you’re in St Thomas, a walking food tour is a great way to experience the delicious local cuisine. For instance, the Rum and Food Tour offers a unique combination of different local food and the opportunity to experience Caribbean rum-making. You’ll get to taste popular dishes like curried chicken and Creole fungi, alongside a couple of cocktails using locally-produced rum, all while learning about the history of the island and its culture.
🎒 Book the St Thomas Rum and Food Tour (places are limited so book in advance to secure a spot since thousands of cruise ship passengers arrive in St Thomas every day)
2. Relax on Magens Bay Beach
Magens Bay Beach is among the world’s most beautiful beaches, and for good reason. This heart-shaped bay is enclosed by lush hills, creating a beautifully protected beach. The calm, clear waters are perfect for swimming and kayaking, and the soft, white sand is incredibly inviting if you want to sunbathe, relax under the sun or take a nap.
Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available directly on the beach if you fancy it. There are also amenities here, like restrooms, a beach shop, and a restaurant. So, if you’re looking to have a beach day, you’ll have everything you need here.
Magens Bay Beach is a must-visit in St Thomas and another answer to the frequently asked question of what to do in St Thomas on a cruise. It’s perfect for everyone – families, couples, solo travellers and especially those short on time.
🎒 On this shop, see & splash island tour, you get to spend 2 hours at Magens Bay (or any beach of your choice), as well as visiting several other hotspots and viewpoints across the island. Pick up and drop off at the cruise ship is included, as well as snacks and drinks.
3. Shop in Charlotte Amalie
Charlotte Amalie, the capital, is the place to go for shopping in St Thomas. This historic town is filled with charming alleys and bustling streets lined with shops offering everything from high-end jewellery to local artisan crafts. The duty-free status of St Thomas means you can find great deals on luxury items here.
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For a more local experience, visit the markets and stalls where vendors sell handmade crafts and souvenirs. This is also a great opportunity to chat with incredibly friendly local people, who are always happy to share their stories and an insight into life on St Thomas.
Top Tip: The best time to shop in Charlotte Amalie is during the day when the town is lively and all shops are open.
4. Parasail Above St Thomas
Parasailing over Sapphire Beach is a popular activity for those wondering what to do in St Thomas on a cruise. It offers an incredibly unique experience and the parasailing lasts only 1 hour, so it can easily fit into a day’s excursion schedule.
From 400 feet above the sea, the bird’s eye view of Sapphire Beach, the island and the surrounding Caribbean waters is breathtaking. This vantage point allows you to see the island’s beauty from a perspective that isn’t possible from the ground, offering a chance to capture stunning photos from your time on St Thomas (don’t forget your GoPro, you’ll need it!).
For many, parasailing is a highlight of their visit to this beautiful island and it’s why it’s made it to our list of what to do in St Thomas on a cruise day.
🪂 Book the 5-star parasailing tour that takes you over the most beautiful shoreline in St Thomas, Sapphire Beach.
5. Sail on a Catamaran to Little Buck Island
If you’re curious about what to do in St Thomas on a cruise, consider a catamaran day trip to Little Buck Island, part of the serene Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge. Not only is Little Buck Island itself incredibly beautiful, but the journey is just as good. Sailing across the clear blue waters and witnessing the stunning landscape views of St Thomas from the catamaran is an experience like no other.
At Little Buck Island, you can snorkel in the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea and get up close to some of the island’s marine life and coral species. The snorkelling here is suitable for all experience levels – don’t forget your GoPro, you’re going to need it!
After snorkelling, enjoy some time relaxing on the catamaran, sipping a tropical drink, and basking in the sun!
🎒 This sail adventure to Little Buck Island comes highly recommended and includes unlimited drinks, snacks, a guide and snorkelling gear.
Top Tip: Remember to bring sunscreen with you off the cruise ship and a camera or GoPro – you’ll want to capture the beauty of this little island.
6. Take a Luxury Private Charter around the USVI
A luxury beach and snorkel tour on a private catamaran charter stands out as an exclusive cruise excursion in St Thomas.
You can opt for a half-day or full-day charter, depending on how much time you have off your cruise ship. Whichever option you choose, each one offers a unique view of the best snorkelling spots and beaches around St Thomas, which are filled with beautiful marine life and coral.
⛵️ This all inclusive, 50′ luxury catamaran yacht caters to groups of up to 12, providing a personalised adventure around St Thomas, St John, and nearby islands and cays. The tour includes meals, drinks and snorkelling gear.
Heading out on a private charter is a chance to experience the islands’ beauty in a secluded, luxurious setting and is the perfect fit for what to do in St Thomas on a cruise if you’re looking for opulence.
7. Swim with Turtles and Visit Honeymoon Beach
For something a little more affordable than the luxury private yacht charter above, consider a half-day swimming with turtles and beach catamaran cruise around St Thomas. This is the perfect excursion when you’re short on time as it allows you, within just a few hours, to tick off several bucket list things to do in St Thomas – swimming and snorkelling with turtles and visiting Water Island.
After snorkelling with turtles, the tour takes you to Honeymoon Beach on Water Island, which ranks among the best beaches in St Thomas.
We personally think this tour is great value for money as it allows you to visit Water Island without the hassle of arranging separate ferry and shuttle transport from St Thomas. Trust us, we’ve been there and done that!
🎒 Here, you can book the swimming with turtles and beach catamaran cruise. This is a small group tour, making it a less crowded and more intimate experience than larger boat tours.
8. Find Hidden Gem Beaches: Lindquist Beach and Hull Bay
Now for a couple of hidden gems! If you’re looking to escape the crowds of your cruise ship and on the island, head to Lindquist Beach or Hull Bay. These hidden beaches are much less crowded than the likes of Magens Bay, but equally as beautiful and unique.
Lindquist Beach is part of a protected natural area, boasting unspoiled beauty with its clear blue waters and powdery white sand. It’s an ideal spot for a quiet day of sunbathing and swimming.
Hull Bay, on the other hand, offers a more rugged landscape, popular with local surfers and those looking for a more authentic island experience. There’s also an amazing beach bar on Hull Bay, which we consider the best place to eat in St Thomas.
Both Lindquist Beach and Hull Bay provide a tranquil escape from the more tourist-heavy areas and are the perfect answer to what to do in St Thomas on a cruise if you want to experience quiet island life.
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9. Go on an Island Tour of St Thomas
One of the best things to do in St Thomas for cruise ship passengers is going on an island tour. These tours offer a comprehensive overview of the island’s key spots and are a convenient way for cruise ship passengers to see the best of St Thomas in a limited time.
As you step off the cruise ship, safari-style taxis will be waiting to take passengers on an island tour.
The tours typically cover historical sites, offering great photo opportunities, and often include stops at popular locations like Magens Bay or Charlotte Amalie for shopping and beach time. They provide a mix of beautiful locations, cultural spots, and history, perfect if you’re visiting St Thomas for the first time, or just looking to get a well-rounded experience of St Thomas.
🎒 On this shop, see & splash island tour, you get to spend 2 hours at Magens Bay (or any beach of your choice), as well as visiting several other hotspots and viewpoints across the island. Pick up and drop off at the cruise ship is included, as well as snacks and drinks.
10. Explore Red Hook
Red Hook, on the east end of St Thomas, is a vibrant area that’s a great addition to your list of what to do in St Thomas on a cruise. Known for its dining, shopping, and nightlife, Red Hook is becoming increasingly popular with tourists. The area is home to several hotels, drawing visitors to explore this part of the island.
As a cruise ship passenger, Red Hook offers you a chance to experience local life with a more laid-back and authentic vibe compared to the more tourist-centric areas like Charlotte Amalie.
It’s an ideal place to grab a cocktail at Duffy’s Love Shack, where you can take one of their funky cups as a souvenir, or relax and enjoy a meal at Secret Harbor beach.
Additionally, Red Hook serves as a gateway to the nearby island of St John. There are regular ferries, so you can easily explore some of this unspoiled island, even if you’re short on time.
🫱 How to Get to Red Hook from St Thomas Cruise Port
Getting from the St Thomas cruise port to Red Hook is straightforward. Once you disembark from your cruise ship, taxis will be available to take you.
The fare for the taxi ride to Red Hook is fixed and displayed at the port, so you won’t get any surprises.
If you’re planning to catch a ferry from Red Hook, allocate enough time for the taxi ride and any potential waits. For instance, if your ship docks at 8 AM, consider the 10 AM ferry as a safer bet to avoid rushing.
11. Visit Water Island
Exploring Water Island is a wonderful cruise excursion in St Thomas, perfect if you’re seeking a more authentic island vibe. This smaller, less developed island is easily accessible, with a ferry from Tickles Dockside Pub that only takes about 10 minutes.
The highlight of Water Island is Honeymoon Beach, where you’ll find calm, clear waters that are ideal for swimming or simply lounging on the sand. The beach’s atmosphere is laid-back, with everyone there looking to enjoy a casual beach day. If you want to grab lunch, Dinghy’s Beach Bar & Grill is a popular choice with locals and tourists. The island also offers amenities like a volleyball court, water sports, and snorkelling.
We highly recommend a visit to Water Island if you’re looking for what to do in St Thomas on a cruise day, especially if you need a peaceful beach day.
🎒 On this swimming with turtles and beach catamaran cruise, you swim and snorkel with turtles at the best spot in St Thomas, before skipping the ferry and heading to Honeymoon Beach on Water Island by luxury catamaran. This is a small group tour, making it a less crowded and more intimate experience than larger boat tours.
12. Zipline at Tree Limin’ Extreme
For an adventurous twist on what to do in St Thomas on a cruise, the Tree Limin’ Extreme Zipline is the perfect island adventure – and it’s the first and only zipline tour in St Thomas!
This is a super fun way to add some excitement to your cruise as you’ll be soaring through the air at speeds up to 35 mph! As you zip across six lines and two sky bridges, you’re rewarded with unparalleled views of the beautiful Caribbean landscape and the turquoise waters of Magens Bay.
If you’re seeking out what to do in St Thomas on a cruise with kids, Tree Limin’ is an ideal activity that’ll have everyone smiling.
🎒 Get your tickets for Tree Limin’ Extreme Zipline here.
13. Go on an ATV Adventure
For something different during your visit to St Thomas, how about an off-road ATV adventure?! Get off the beaten path, experience the island’s terrain and witness parts of the island most never see.
This is a chance to explore the island beyond the typical tourist spots and have a lot of fun! We’ve added this to the list of the best things to do in St Thomas from a cruise ship as it’s one of the more unique ways to explore the island’s landscapes when you’re short on time.
🎒 Book your off-road ATV adventure here.
14. Take the Skyride to Paradise Point
Last but not least, taking the Skyride to Paradise Point is a must-do cruise excursion in St Thomas if you’d like to experience panoramic views of the island and beyond.
The Skyride to Paradise Point is a gondola ride that takes you 700 ft. up to an observation area with beautiful views of Charlotte Amalie, other islands in US Virgin Islands and the Caribbean Sea. There’s a restaurant and bar here too, as well as local sellers, so you can easily spend some time relaxing at the top. We recommend grabbing a Bushwacker cocktail, while enjoying the views.
💭 Did you know? The Bushwacker cocktail was invented in St Thomas! It is similar to a creamy, chocolate piña colada and is absolutely delicious!
🛍️ Shop our Drone
We’d personally rate this one of the best things to do in St Thomas from a cruise ship as it doesn’t take much time and it offers the most breathtaking view of the island.
Top Tip: The best time to go is either in the morning or late afternoon for the best views and photo opportunities.
Final Thoughts on What to Do in St Thomas on a Cruise
As you can see, there are numerous choices for what to do in St Thomas on a cruise, catering to all interests and ages. The island is full of activities and adventures, and our list includes a variety of cruise excursions in St Thomas to explore the island in unique ways and ensure that every moment of your visit is filled with memorable experiences.
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