U.S. Virgin Islands: The Ultimate St. Thomas & St. John Island Guide

St. Thomas has two primary cruise ship docks: Havensight (West Indian Company Dock), which is walkable to shops and the Skyride, and Crown Bay, situated slightly west. Familiarize yourself with your specific terminal gate before heading out.

Take the cable car up to Paradise Point for an iconic 700-foot-high vantage point overlooking Charlotte Amalie harbor. It is an easy walk from Havensight and a prime spot for photos and a signature Bailey's Bushwacker drink.

Stroll the cobblestone alleys (alleyways) of downtown Charlotte Amalie for duty-free jewelry, Caribbean rum, local crafts, and historic Danish colonial architecture along Main Street.

For thrill-seekers, fly above the rainforest canopy with sweeping vistas of St. Thomas, the British Virgin Islands, and Magens Bay on a guided zipline course.

Relax at St. Thomas's most famous and calm beach, sheltered between green hills. Magens Bay features a one-mile stretch of white sand, gentle waves ideal for swimming and paddleboarding, chair rentals, and beachside concessions.

Coki Point Beach is renowned for having crystal-clear water with schools of tame yellowtail snapper and vibrant coral right near the shore. Grab a beach chair, rent snorkel gear, or enjoy fresh food and drinks served right to your towel.

Located immediately next to Coki Beach, Coral World Ocean Park is an engaging marine attraction featuring an undersea observatory tower, touch pools, sea turtle encounters, and tropical bird aviaries, making it ideal for families.

Sapphire Beach boasts postcard views across Pillsbury Sound toward St. John, shady seagrape trees, and a shallow coral reef on the right side of the bay where iguanas bask and stingrays glide through seagrass beds.

Board a luxury catamaran excursion departing the harbor or East End to snorkel among green sea turtles in sheltered bays and relax on tranquil sands like Honeymoon Beach with refreshments and snacks.

The primary eastern transport hub on St. Thomas. This is where passenger ferries depart hourly across Pillsbury Sound to Cruz Bay, St. John, and where open-air safari taxis line up continuously.

Take the smooth 20-minute passenger ferry ride from Red Hook to Cruz Bay. The creator recommends going up to the top open deck for panoramic breeze and views of Little St. James, Great St. James, and approaching St. John.

Catch an open-air safari taxi directly at Cruz Bay dock along North Shore Road to Trunk Bay. The scenic 10-minute mountain road offers striking views over Hawksnest Bay and Caneel Bay.

Pay the modest National Park entrance fee to access Trunk Bay's pristine white sand and azure water. Watch the video to see the protected cove framed by lush National Park hillsides.

Swim out to the self-guided Trunk Bay Underwater Snorkeling Trail around Trunk Cay. Submerged plaques describe marine life, coral formations, and tropical reef fish inhabiting the clear shallows.

Take advantage of Trunk Bay's full amenities, including fresh-water outdoor showers, changing restrooms, foot-wash stations, and a beachside grill bar for burgers, cold beverages, and snacks.

Plan your departure from Trunk Bay at least 2.5 hours prior to your ship's all-aboard time. Taxis wait continuously in the Trunk Bay parking lot to return you to Cruz Bay for the ferry back to Red Hook.