A
few steps back from the waterfront, down alleyways lined with old Danish
warehouse buildings, are world-famous
shopping centers. The town's
architecture reflects the island's culturally diverse past. You'll pass
much brickwork, Dutch doors, Danish red-tile roofs, French iron grillwork, and Spanish-style
patios.
Take a taxi and view the vistas from 1,500 feet above sea level! Look down from Mountain Top and view the spiral of winding streets and the indescribably beautiful Magens Bay and Drake's Seat's vistas. Or take in the quiet French countryside-feeling on the far side of the island. No matter where you look--there are photo opportunities.
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. But most large ships dock at the Havensight Mall (West Indian Company Dock in Havensight), at the eastern end of the crescent-shape bay. The distance from Havensight to town is about a mile, or so-- also, which can be walked in less than half an hour, or a taxi ride will cost about $5 per person, $8 per 2 people--return fare the same.
Crown Bay Marina is a few miles west of town and about a half-hour walk from the dock. Crown Bay cruise pier to Charlotte Amalie: about $5 per person one way, $8 per 2 people. Return fare is the same. -- HAL and Princess Lines dock mostly at Crown Bay.--ask if they provide a free shuttle to town). If your ship drops anchor in the harbor, you are tendered directly to Charlotte Amalie's waterfront duty-free shops.
Tourist information offices are at the Havensight Mall for docking passengers and downtown near Fort Christian for those coming ashore by tender. Both offices distribute free maps.
Generally, for all, the geography of the island does not allow for a lot of walking to the attractions other than to town. The topography is very hilly and most of the attractions and beaches are not within walking distances from each other. We usually walk to downtown Charlotte Amalie from Havensight (about 1.5 miles or 30 minutes) to get our exercise for the day--and return by cab or safari truck. Pedestrians - before crossing the street look to your right - that is where the traffic is coming from. If you are walking from the Crown Bay, it is about 1.7 miles but an easy walk on flat terrain.
SHOPPING
The US Virgin Islands are outside the U.S. Custom Zone. A $1,600 duty-free exemption is allowed for each person traveling to this U.S. Territory. Family members traveling together may combine total purchases. A flat rate of six percent duty is charged on purchases over your $1,600 allowance.
Liquor: Several stores offer large and
varied selections of foreign and domestic liquors at excellent prices, e.g.,
(downtown) A.H. Riise or Dynasty for selection/price; near Havensight the
K-Mart (has the best prices!) Also, Pueblo and Al Cohen's Warehouse. Each adult U.S. citizen
is allowed to return to the U.S. with as many as five liters (or sixth
fifths) of liquor if they purchase most in the USVI and at least one liter
is made or bottled there, e.g., Cruzan rum. Customs officials may not charge
for 1-2 liters over the limit because the duty payable is so small --unless
you are paying duty for other purchases. Note: Most "foreign" liquor comes
in one liter bottles, some US-produced liquors may be full liter or .75
liter (or "fifths") bottles, and liqueurs may be in still other sizes. Take
care about numbers of bottles versus total liters purchased.
Some liquor stores may box your purchases and deliver
to your ship, hotel or airport at no charge if you ask and make your
purchase early enough--early afternoon for late afternoon or early evening
delivery. That way, you don't have to carry them with you the rest of the
day.
Within a 4-block radius in Charlotte Amalie there are numerous narrow alleys and alcoves lined with more stores than one can imagine. These narrow streets can become very congested when a number of ships are in port, and it is easy to become overwhelmed by the shopping frenzy. Many times you are actually blocked from walking the sidewalks by gawkers, or you must step into the street to get around the throngs of people. If crowds are something you like to avoid, the Havensight Mall is located directly at the Havensight Pier and offers retail outlets of many of the same stores you will find downtown.
Havensight Mall
Havensight Mall is next to the cruise-ship dock. It may not be as charming as downtown Charlotte Amalie, but it does have more than 60 shops to choose from. It has an excellent bookstore, a bank, a pharmacy, a gourmet grocery, and smaller branches of many downtown stores. The shops at Port of Sale, which adjoins the Havensight Mall, sell discount goods. The Skyride tram ticket booth is in the same location.
GETTING AROUND
WHEELCHAIR and
SCOOTER USERS:
Havensight - Every shop and restaurant is handicap accessible.
Handicap accessible restrooms are located across from the Welcome Center.
Mountain Top - has a handicap accessible restroom along with a
platform lift that will allow you to reach the observation deck. A number of
the shops there are accessible for wheelchair patrons.
Tour Companies for the mobility restricted:
Accessible Adventures caters to those restricted in mobility including wheelchair patrons. Their services: Vehicle Lift - vehicles are equipped with lifting devices and four (4) point tie down systems. Each vehicle has flip up seats accommodating up to three (3) wheelchairs.
Gumbs Taxi & Tours Because of the demand for wheelchair
accessible vehicles, Mr. Gumbs purchased a vehicle which caters to people
with disabilities. Persons in need of wheelchair assistance should contact
Gumbs Taxi and Tours ahead of time so that proper accommodations could be
made to suit your needs.
Gumbs Taxi and Tours is equipped to transport individuals anywhere on the
island. Because you have a lot to worry about, our concierge services can
arrange and plan your trip. Click on the video page link to watch our
exclusive
Public Transportation around St. Thomas
There are two types of city buses that go along regular routes. One is the white Vitran bus and the fare is $1. Although they are air-conditioned and handicapped accessible the service is unreliable. The bus stops are marked with a VITRAN sign across the busy road from Havensight Pier.
The other is an open-air safari truck called "dollar rides" which also charges around $1-2 depending on how far you travel. The dollar rides do not have signs identifying them as such but they stop at the same bus stop as the Vitran buses.
(1) To get to the bus stop from the pier in Havensight, exit the compound gate to the main street (10-15 minute walk) and look right across the road (Rumer Dr) for the K-Mart in the Lockhart Gardens Shopping Center. The bus stop is across the street from K-Mart. It will take you to any of the beaches if you are going East (Red Hook,Wyndham, Sapphire,Lindquist, Sugar Bay and Coki). The bus will drop you by a side road leading to Coki and Coral World (about 1/2 mile walk from main road in an area which is a little seedy!)
To go West turn left (towards town) as you come out of the Havensight pier to Wendy's where there is a bus stop to Lindberg (Emerald Beach).
If you are at Crown Bay pier catch the dollar bus from the road opposite the Nisky Centre going towards town or take a taxi (about $5 per person).
Be aware that there are no buses going to Magen's Bay. You must rent a car or take a taxi.
Taxis
Taxis are
plentiful and easy to spot in downtown Charlotte Amalie or at your port.
Hiring a driver is a great way to see everything in air-conditioned comfort.
However, you would be wise to book one before you get to St.
Thomas. There are many excellent taxi and tour companies available. If you have a particular itinerary in mind, that’s fine. If not, leave
everything to your driver. Lots of taxi tours on St. Thomas usually go for
around $25-$30 per person for 2-3 hours... it will cost a bit more if you want a
private or longer tour. The taxis are unmetered so bargain with
your driver before you get in the cab. Also, try to find a driver that has a
smaller van, if the driver has a safari that can hold 20-24 people they try
to fill the safari before leaving--which means a lot of waiting. Also,
as he stops to let people off to take pictures at different points,
you wait again! Licensed taxi vehicles are
labeled with a taxi placard or dome light on the roof, license plates that
indicate Taxi status, On Duty/Off Duty sign in the window of the vehicle and
a sign, usually on the fender, indicating passenger capacity. The drivers
personal identification/taxi license should be on the vehicles dash board.
There are drivers that run "gypsy taxis" in their
personal vehicles. They do not adhere to the rules of the taxi commission
and you use at your own risk. They often hustle outside bars and grocery
stores.
Safari Bus:
While in town, you are bound to see numerous drivers at Emancipation Park and along Main Street offering island tours with safari buses. These are caravan-like vehicles that are open on the sides. The usual average fee for around the island in a safari bus for 2 1/2 hours is $20-30 per person.
Island & Mountain Top Tour ($24). This very basic sightseeing tour, in an open air safari taxi, stops at just about every roadside tourist stand were you are offered the same trinkets available down in town, for only two to three times the price!
Rental Car: A rental car is probably the best deal if you are staying for a few days on the island as you can avoid taxi fares which can eat up your budget. Also if you are visiting via cruise ship, you can judge return trip time back to the pier better. A variety of automobiles are for rent, from sporty four-wheel drives to air-conditioned sedans. Mileage is unlimited; you pay for the gas. U.S. driving licenses are recognized, as are most foreign licenses. A seat-belt law is strictly enforced as is the 35mph speed limit. The biggest difficulty for American drivers on St. Thomas is getting used to driving on the left side of the road in an American or Japanese car, which has the steering wheel on the left side. With this arrangement, it's more difficult to gauge your vehicle's distance from the lane to your right. Driving on narrow, steep unfamiliar roads with hairpin turns through scenic areas can be exhilarating, but it is also challenging. If your goal is sightseeing, your best bet is to take a taxi. Parking in town is a challenge during business hours but there is usually room at the big municipal parking lot east of the Fort. They charge $1 for the first hour, 75 cents for each additional hour, $5 maximum for all day, 6 am to 6 pm. Off-hour and weekend parking is free.
WHAT TO SEE FIRST
If this is your first visit to St. Thomas, it's recommended that you take an island tour by taxi instead of the shore excursion through the ship to save money. Take a short walk to town--or a cab ride--do a little shopping-- and then pick up a taxi from town for your island excursion.
View of Magens Bay from the Mountain Top.
and The famous Banana Daiquiris and the shops.
NOTE: Mountain Top completely burned down May 18 2009. However, a new and better Mountain Top is under construction and should have been finished December 2010.
Drake's Seat. One of the island's best view points, Drake's Seat affords a panoramic picture of Magens Bay and the United States and British Virgin Islands strung out to the east. A popular stop on round-the-island taxi tours, this place can get crowded. Legend has it that 16th-century explorer Sir Francis Drake kept watch on his fleet from this vantage point, marked by a seat across the road from the parking area. There is no admission charge.
Everyone who has never visited the Caribbean should make the trip to the top of the island called Mountain Top, shop at their store, and enjoy the famous Great Banana Daiquiri’s ($7.50), and see gorgeous heart-shaped Megan's Bay far below. The view is breathtaking! Along the way you will stop and see the view from Drake's Seat and a stop at a scenic overlook over the harbor, a perfect spot to take a picture of the cruise ship. At this point, if you choose, you can have the driver take you to either Megan's Bay or Coki Beach. Coki Beach is a lovely beach with spectacular snorkeling opportunities. You can buy “fish food” (dog biscuits) on the beach and the fish eat it right out of your hand. Another stop could be St Peter’s Great House, which used to be privately owned. It was absolutely beautiful-- then back to town--or to your ship. Again, tell your driver before you get into the cab what you would like to see and what he would charge you for the day trip.
ST. PETER GREAT HOUSE AND BOTANICAL GARDENS
Perched a thousand feet above Magens Bay, this 11-acre estate offers visitors a self-guided stroll past its 200 plus varieties of trees and plants, an orchid garden, waterfalls, bird sanctuary, and fish ponds. An observation deck provides views of Magens Bay, Peter Island, Jost Van Dyke, Hans Lollik, and a number of smaller islands. In addition to the huge Greathouse, there is a mini-museum of antiques and furnishings as well as local art. Built in the 1800s, the attraction was originally part of the 150-acre Estate St. Peter.
The Great House property comprises a total of 20,000 square feet under beautiful pastel tiled roofs offering a variety of special areas to accommodate large and small weddings, events and special occasions. The air-conditioned banquet halls can seat up to 500 guests!
.An observation deck, 1,000 feet above sea level, offers panoramic views of more than 20 Virgin Islands and provides picturesque photo opportunities. Survey the neighboring islands of Tortola, St. John, Hans Lollick, Jost Van Dyke, Tobago. and more than 15 other Virgin Islands and Cays!
Today, the Great House
boasts classic West Indian architecture with lush
Botanical Gardens and a Nature Trail,
streaming waterfalls, tropical bird aviaries, fish ponds, more than 20
varieties of orchids and 150 species of Caribbean plants and fruits.
The house itself is worth a visit. Open Daily 8 am-4pm. Visit
time 30 minutes to 2 hours.
St. Peter Greathouse Estate & Gardens,
6A St. Peter Mountain Road, Route 40,
St. Thomas, VI 00801
