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. Crown Bay Marina is a few miles west of town and about a half-hour walk from the dock ($4 per person cab ride, $7 for 2 people). (HAL and Princess Lines dock mostly at Crown Bay.) If your ship drops anchor in the harbor, you are tendered directly to Charlotte Amalie's waterfront duty-free shops.
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 $5 per person, $8 per 2 people).
Check this site to see where your cruise ship will dock (scroll to cruise ship visitors/ schedule): www.vinow.com
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.
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)
K-Mart, Pueblo and Al Cohen's Warehouse for price. 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. Tip: If you are heading to St Maarten,
you may wish to wait to purchase your liquor there as it usually less
expensive.
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
The geography of the islands does not allow for a lot of walking to the attractions. The topography is very hilly and most of the attractions and beaches are not within walking distances from each other.
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.
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.
*On Your Own: Taxi Tour Mountain Top, Drake's Seat and more: Approximately $25-$30 Per Person for 2-3 hours
*Ship Excursion: Mountain Top, Drake's Seat and more, Adult $64, Child $46, 2.5 hrs.
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: 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 potentially hazardous. If your goal is sightseeing, your best bet is to take a taxi.
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.
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 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.
*On Your Own: Adult Admission, $8-12, Children under 12, $4-6, (combined with Mountain Top Tour, approx $25-$35)
*Ship Excursion:
Adult Admission $39, Child, $26, combined with Mountain Top Tour
St. Peter Greathouse Estate & Gardens
6A St. Peter Mountain Road, Route 40
St. Thomas, VI 00801
Explore our beloved island with our informative
Island Tour!
*Beaches * Shopping *Touring *Groups It
would be a privilege to have you as our guest.
