Saint Thomas Archives - Caribbean Articles

Part one: St. Thomas

Beach and green hills — Magens Bay Beach

Summer is finally here. And we can all agree the last few years have been tough on everyone. So it’s time to take a little break and relax from the stressful and chaotic everyday life. The only problem is deciding where to go. Picking a destination can be overwhelming. And to add to that, you also need to plan some fun activities while you are there. Well, look no further. The US Virgin Islands are one of the most popular vacation spots in the world. Every year more and more tourists choose it as their destination. In this article, you will find out why people like it so much and what are some of the best things to do in the US Virgin Islands.

About the islands

The US Virgin Islands are a group of islands located in the Caribbean. They are an organized, unincorporated United States territory. Their territory consists of three major islands (St. John, St. Croix, and St. Thomas) and 50 smaller islands and cays. English is their official language. The weather tends to be fantastic and warm throughout the whole year. Beaches are beautiful, sandy and white with crystal blue waters. The islands are infused with rich history and culture that attracts people from all over the world. A convenient thing for American tourists is that they don’t need passports to travel to these islands. They are a perfect place for a family trip, romantic getaway, or even going on your own and taking a break from everyone. And according to experts at Best Movers NYC, in recent years, more and more people have chosen to relocate there, permanently.

Planning activities beforehand is key

Now that you have chosen a destination, you have another equally important task – planning fun activities to do while there. Planning these types of things can be a little tricky, depending on who you are going with. Not everyone is going to be into the same things. You are going to do one type of thing on vacation with friends and another on vacation with your family or friends. The best thing to do is to prepare and make a list so that you are ready when you get to your destination. We are going to help you with that by making a list of the best things to do in the US Virgin Islands.

This article is part one of a trilogy and focuses on Saint Thomas, US Virgin Islands. Part two is on Saint Croix, and part three on St. John, US Virgin Islands.

PART ONE:
St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands

Coral World Ocean Park
Jeep tours
Flyboarding at Lindbergh Bay
Boating to neighboring islands
Catamaran sail & snorkel – swim with turtles
Jetski tours
Scuba with family
Tree Limin’ extreme zipline
Food fair

Coral World Ocean Park

For all lovers of sea life, there is no better place to visit than Coral World Ocean Park. It offers incredible experiences such as: Sea lion swimming, dolphin trek, shark encounter, SNUBA and a dolphin moment.

Jeep Tours

If you want to see the best of the island in one day the best suggestion is a private guided jeep tour. You can visit both islands, St. Thomas and St. John (by taking your jeep on a ferry to St. John), in one day, and get to see the best of two completely different Caribbean islands. And if you want to see selective sites, beaches or attractions, your tours could be customized on the same day as the trip to fit your vacation dreams.

People sitting on roof of jeep Wrangler in US Virgin Islands. — Jeep Tours

Flyboarding at Lindbergh Bay

This is an activity not only for adrenaline junkies, but anyone who wants to experience what it’s like to be Iron Man – for thirty minutes or more. This is a very exciting water sport and if you like going on a Jetski you’d very much love this activity too. We all want to fly! And this is as close we get to living out that fantasy. The beach close to the airport offers many water sports, but flyboarding at Lindbergh Bay is the most exciting of them all.

A man flyboarding high up in the air — Flyboarding is offered at Lindbergh Bay

Boating to neighboring islands

Saint Thomas is a boating mecca in the Caribbean with so many types of boats and tours to choose from. A fun option is to charter a boat with captain and go island hopping between the US Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands, and snorkel at the most secluded Caribbean coves. Remember to respect our marine life and not to touch the coral nor the star fish. A very popular island to request on your tour is Jost van Dyke where you’ll meet loads of like-minded island explores. Don’t forget your shades, hat and reef-friendly sun screen.

Catamaran Sail & Snorkel – swim with turtles

If swimming with turtles is on your bucket list then we have a surprise for you. St. Thomas offers catamaran sail & snorkel tours where you’ll definitely swim with turtles. Imagine boarding a top of the range catamaran with family and friends and sail to the appropriately named Turtle Cove. It is part of the uninhabited Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge and you can swim and snorkel among friendly fish and turtles. Well, this is not a crazy dream, but a possibility, if you visit Saint Thomas, US Virgin Islands.

Two snorkelers and a sea turtle — Swimming with turtles at Buck Island in St. Thomas

Jetski tours

If you respect this fast, personal water craft and ride far from swimmers and other boaters you can have the most memorable fun ever. Lindbergh beach is a swimming beach, but only a few hundred yards deeper you have the open Caribbean Sea where you can freestyle as much as you desire. Jetskis can be rented at Lindbergh Bay or you can book a tour to explore historic Charlotte Amalie Bay. Explore historic Charlotte Amalie Bay and cruise around Water Island and stop over at the stunning Honey Moon Beach. These jetski tours are very family-friendly and safe.

A girl on a Jetski in Lindbergh Bay — Jetski Tours

Scuba dive with family

St. Thomas is surrounded by world famous dive sites, and scuba diving is a fun filled family-friendly activity. Everyone can learn this underwater breathing skill, and experience what’s invisible above the water surface. The underwater world is mesmerizingly different, filled with funny looking sea plant structures and fish as inquisitive as the diver. Don’t miss out on this explorative water sport, all you need is a little determination and a good scuba diving instructor.

Tree Limin’ Extreme Zipline

St. Thomas offers much more than water-sports. The island sports hiking trails and exciting activities not for the faint of heart, like zip-lining. If you do not get easily scared and enjoy seeing the beautiful island nature from up high, this is the thing for you. Zipping above the trees gives one a breathtaking view of St. Thomas Island and even a glimpse of the British Virgin Islands in the distance.

Man ziplining through the forest — This zipline is not for the faint of heart

Food Fair

Caribbean cuisine is world-famous, and there is no better way to experience it than visiting the Caribbean food fair. Depending on where you are staying, you can see food fairs on all three US Virgin Islands. In recent years many people have chosen to move to the islands in search of a new exciting life. But it can be a bit of a culture shock. So if you plan to leave New York, for example, moving abroad to the islands, this beautiful event, full of incredible local food, drinks, and arts and crafts, is the best way to start and bridge that culture gap.

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CHARLOTTE AMALIE, SAINT THOMAS, USVI. It’s been just about a year since two witches smashed their way through the Virgin Islands. You know their names – hurricanes Maria and Irma. As you know, the thrashing was particularly bad this time with various houses, businesses and lives completely destroyed.

When you think of St. Thomas, you might have a nice resort, beach and lounge chair reserved for yourself in your head. Yes, resorts (and jewelry) have been the main business here of late. In terms of resorts, whichever type you may like, they had it pre-hurricanes. Post-hurricanes – as you can imagine – the well-known ones are not the same anymore. But the blessing is, there are some new and old ones with new facelifts:

The Ritz Carlton took a helluva knock. After one year there are still renovations in place, although, some rooms are available. The beach and wonderful pool are still there, if that’s all you’re after – by all means book in.

Bolongo Beach Resort (you might know Iggy’s as a party spot at this resort) is almost in full operation, and all the rooms that are operational are fully booked! That’s a good sign if you take that as an indication of popularity.

Frenchman’s Cove, a timeshare location, seems to be back in full swing. Seems, because the various buildings on the property don’t show any sign of injury. The pool is fabulous, the shop, bar and restaurant in working order and they have many guest activities and live music to liven up your visit to the island. What’s more, one can take a sunset cruise from here with The VI Cat (thevicat.com) and enjoy a dinner and cocktails on the luxury catamaran. Day cruises are also available.

The VI Cat daily sailing & snorkeling excursions at Frenchman's Cove — The VI Cat daily sailing & snorkeling excursions at Frenchman’s Cove

Things are on the up and up too at the brand new Margaritaville Resort on the other side of the island. It looks nearly as good as new, post-hurricanes.

The Marriott Hotel at the Frenchman’s Reef is completely closed as it suffered severe damage.

Lindbergh Bay Hotel and Villas are operational again too with restaurant Oceanside Bistro in full swing. They host theme parties there, this month it’s the Halloween Costume Party on 27 October 2018, sure to be fun! Their pool is being fixed as I type this blog. This is a very convenient location for tourists, as it is walking distance from the St. Thomas airport.

Oceanside Bistro at Lindbergh Bay walking distance from St. Thomas airport.

Emerald Beach Resort is great as it’s right on the beach. This is one of our favorite swimming spots and the ocean truly has an emerald color here (especially through some good Polaroid sunglasses!) Great views from every room and many resort activities (like karaoke) at the beach bar and water sports: including jet ski’s, kayaking and SUP-ing with Jetskivi.com. This beach is also very suitable for sunset wedding ceremonies with beach goers respecting the space. Chances are high that these blissful unions have been organized by Heart And Soul Unions.

Heart And Soul Unions Wedding Planners in St. Thomas USVI

Sometimes a big natural disaster also brings new life to a town. Although, many people have suffered severe loss emotionally, financially, morally and physically, other people’s lives are now better than it was before that fateful September of 2017:

Downtown St. Thomas has seen a few businesses closed down, but there is a new high-end supermarket called Moe’s (also one in Red Hook) next to FirstBank in Charlotte Amalie.

Café Amalia is still where it has been for many years in Palm Passage. Food is still lovely, the people friendly and a nice cool breeze sweeps through the plants and other businesses located in the well-designed, old Danish building that has stood the test of hurricanes for hundreds of years. This is a good restaurant to stop by if you’re shopping downtown, sometimes the heat can be a drain on your energy, especially in summer time in the Caribbean. www.amaliacafe.com

Amalia Cafe Spanish Restaurant in Palm Passage, Charlotte Amalie

Barefoot Buddha, at Havensight Mall, is a cool oasis to visit for great healthy food (real fruit smoothies, love their veggie wraps and organic cuppa Joe) and to try on the latest fashion at their boutique. Lots of yoga mama’s hang here because right next door, at Breathe, there are now yoga classes offered for free – donations welcome. barefootbuddhavi.com

Coffee Shop, Deli and Fashion Boutique in Havensight, St. Thomas USVI

Tap & Still – discovered this bar and grille at two locations on the island. One is located at Havensight Mall and the other in Red Hook. It’s a burger and beer joint with a modern flair and you can watch the latest sports events on big screens all around the bar. Love the open plan design and fresh breezes cooling the place through no windows, in true old Caribbean style.

Tap and Still Bar Restaurant Havensight, St. Thomas, USVI

As you can see, a lot of good times are still to be had on this island, so don’t wait too long to book your next vacation here. There are so many resorts and restaurants to choose from, not to mention beaches, scuba, snorkeling and sailing trips to explore.

Tag: Saint Thomas

Best Things to Do in the US Virgin Islands