St Thomas is home to the capital of the USVI, Charlotte Amalie. The mountainous St Thomas Virgin Islands offer spectacular views in nearly every direction. Charlotte Amalie, founded in 1666 as Taphus (meaning “beer house” or “beer hall”) was renamed after Charlotte Amalie of Hesse-Kassel, queen consort to King Christian V of Denmark-Norway.
The weather in St Thomas is warm to hot year-round with the coolest temperatures in January. Since rain showers may pop up at any time, it’s wise to bring a small umbrella when going ashore. However, it’s best to take advantage of the sunny weather in summer which is from June to August.
Coral World Marine Park and Observatory, offers an underwater observatory tower, a tropical nature trail, a marine gardens aquarium, and an 80,000-gallon coral reef tank.
Magens Bay. In addition to a gorgeous beach, Magens Bay also has a nature trail, food and beverage concessions, changing rooms, and lifeguards.
Drake’s Seat. Although St Thomas has many excellent views, Drake’s Seat offers one of the island’s best lookouts. It offers a panoramic view of Magens Bay as well as the U.S. and the British Virgin Islands to the east. The site is named for Sir Francis Drake.
99 Steps. The 99 steps, originally named Store Taarne Gade (which means Greater Tower Street) are actually 103 steps. The steps are the ballast bricks of the tall ships that came from the old world. After unloading the bricks, the ships would then return to Europe loaded with products from the islands.
Kayak through the St Thomas Marine Sanctuary and Mangrove Lagoon and along Magens Bay.
Dine. The Easterly offers waterfront dining, craft cocktails as well as wood-fired cuisine representative of the rustic Caribbean. French Quarter Bistro has upscale Cajun cuisine. For lunch, try the Side Street Pub. In addition to the regular fare, they offer vegan, vegetarian, as well as gluten-free options.
Hike. Discovery Nature Trail at Magens Beach is a somewhat challenging trail that takes you through several ecosystems. Keep a lookout for native and migratory birds such as the peregrine falcon and the stilt sandpiper.
Shop. In Charlotte Amalie, you can find a variety of shops ranging from high-end jewelry stores to touristy t-shirt shacks. In addition, find many duty-free items such as perfume, liquor, and gems.
Zipline. Tree Limin’ Extreme Zipline Tour is an adrenaline-charged, ultimate zip trip.
Fish. Since the Virgin Islands are perched at the edge of the six-mile-deep Puerto Rico Trench, the area has some of the hardiest game fish in the world such as Wahoo, Tuna, and Mahi-Mahi. Closer to shore you can land Kingfish, Bonito, Jacks, or Yellowtail snapper.
Go to the beach. St Thomas Virgin Islands has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. In fact, Lindquist Beach is one of the many protected areas on the island. It’s an ideal location to have some quiet time while enjoying the shallow pristine waters if you feel like swimming. You can simply snooze under the shade of the coconut grove.
“You make the memories, we’ll make the arrangements.”
Planning a sailing trip can feel overwhelming. At BVISAIL, we make it easy, personal, and memorable. You’re not just booking a boat, but you’re joining a crew that knows the U.S. Virgin Islands inside out and loves sharing its hidden gems.
From your first inquiry to your final sunset, we guide you every step of the way. We tailor your trip to fit your dream vacation, whether it’s adventure, relaxation, or both. With a focus on transparency, safety, and care, we handle the details so you can focus on making memories.
FAQ – Sailing and Exploring St. Thomas, USVI
Is St. Thomas good for first-time visitors to the Virgin Islands?
Yes! St. Thomas has it all—history, beaches, food, and fun for both relaxers and thrill-seekers.
What’s the best time to visit St. Thomas?
The island is warm year-round. January is the coolest month, while June to August offer sunny skies perfect for beach days and sailing.
What should I pack for a sailing trip in St. Thomas?
Bring light clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a small umbrella for surprise showers. Soft-sided bags are best for storage onboard.
Can I explore multiple islands from St. Thomas?
You can easily island-hop to nearby gems like St. John, Tortola, and Virgin Gorda.
Are there family-friendly activities in St. Thomas?
Definitely. Families love Coral World Marine Park, Magens Bay, kayaking in the mangroves, and spotting wildlife on nature trails.
Can I fish during my trip?
Yes! St. Thomas offers world-class fishing near the Puerto Rico Trench, with species like Wahoo, Tuna, and Mahi-Mahi.
