St. Thomas Attractions
St. Thomas Island is the busiest cruise ship harbor located in West Indies. However, it is not the largest of the Virgin Island and this merit is held by St. Croix. Bustling town of Charlotte Amalie, located at the heart of St. Thomas is the capital town of Virgin Islands. It is one of the most popular shopping hubs of the Caribbean.
St. Thomas has a plethora of beautiful beaches and some of the famous ones are:
- Magens Bay: This is the most popular beach and was donated by Arthur Fairchild. In this stunning one mile stretch the water is calm. You can get chairs and floats on rent and snacks are readily available at the snack bar.
- Coki Beach: This beach is located on the Coki Point. Its crystal clear water invites you for snorkeling and diving. Beachside shops provide snacks and equipment related to diving. The beach is located near Coral World Ocean Park.
- Hull Bay: This is a favorite beach amongst local fishermen and surfers. During the north swell, this beach offers great surfing experience.
Families can go to various places like:
- Atlantis Submarines: This submarine will take you 90 feet under the water. Down below the ocean floor you can see corals and vivacious sea gardens.
- St. Peter Mountain Greathouse and Botanical Gardens: These botanical gardens are nestled in the volcanic peak of St. Thomas. You can see streaming waterfalls, bird aviaries, and fish ponds. Apart from that you can even take a look at numerous Caribbean plants and fruits and orchids.
- The Butterfly Farm: It is located at WICO cruise ship dock. The farm has numerous colorful species of butterflies from all over the world.
- St. Thomas Skyride: This skyride carries 24 passengers to an almost 700 feet height over the town of Charlotte Amalie and offers some of the most spectacular views of the Caribbean.
- Mahogany Run Golf Course: This is a world famous 18 hole golf course. It is known for its 'Devil's Triangle' - its signature hole on the Atlantic Ocean.
Historical sites and museums are part of St. Thomas which cannot be missed:
- Afro Caribbean Drum Center and Museum: Here one can find drums from Africa and the Caribbean. One can even take lessons in playing drums.
- Blackbeard's Castle: The castle was built in 1679 and according to a legend, Edward Teach (pirate), used this castle to observe if any ships entered the harbor.
- Bluebeard's Castle: This was built in 1689. According to the legend, the pirate Bluebeard made this castle to lock away his beautiful wife.
- Fort Christian and Museum: This fort was built in 1680 to defend Danish settlement. Now this place serves as a museum.
- French Heritage Museum: This is a relatively small museum and it reminds of the influence of French in Caribbean.
Ranging from the world's loveliest beaches to discovering history at museums and forts, St. Thomas provides attractions to those who seek adventure and to those who are looking for a peaceful vacation.