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Planning a trip to St. Thomas? Well, you’re in for a glorious tropical adventure!
St. Thomas is one of the most stunning gems in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and we’ve been lucky enough to have spent plenty of time exploring this Caribbean Paradise. So now, we’ve put together our ultimate list of the top 10 things to do here!
From snorkeling and parasailing to sunset cruises and nighttime kayak tours, there is no shortage of adventures to be had in St. Thomas. This guide will take you through the best activities that the island has to offer, so keep on reading to find out how to make the most of your trip.
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we love the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one:
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in St. Thomas was this snorkeling tour to Little Buck Island! We saw so many animals in this marine reserve, including colorful fish, coral reef, and sea turtles. Plus, we got to relax on a luxury catamaran!
Check out the 1,600+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
- Don't Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- 10 Epic Things to do in St. Thomas
- 1. Try out parasailing
- 2. Go snorkeling at Little Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge
- 3. Get your adrenaline pumping on a zipline
- 4. Explore the Mangrove Lagoon on a kayaking, hiking, and snorkeling adventure
- 5. See St Thomas’ top sights with a local guide
- 6. Relax on a cocktail sunset cruise
- 7. Taste your way around St. Thomas
- 8. Go underwater with a helmet dive at Coral World Ocean Park
- 9. Experience a thrilling jet boat ride
- 10. See nocturnal marine life on a night kayak tour
- Where to Stay in St. Thomas
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
10 Epic Things to do in St. Thomas
1. Try out parasailing
- Price: $146 USD
- Duration: 1 hour
- Time: 9 am – 3 pm
- Highlights: parasailing on the pristine waters, coastal views of St. Thomas, suitable for all skill levels
- Inclusions: professional guide, National Park fees, all equipment
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 1,000+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
A trip to St. Thomas should be an unforgettable adventure, and this parasailing tour will certainly make that happen! We had an absolute blast, and would recommend this tour to absolutely anyone.
The friendly crew set the tone for the day as soon as we arrived at the marina. They gave us a very clear safety briefing and then we boarded the boat and cruised through the shimmering turquoise waters. We enjoyed taking in the views of the shore, even as the nerves began to mount a little!
The parasailing itself was epic. We got a 8-10 minute flight each, and the experience of being lifted into the air was exhilarating! The views were absolutely beautiful from up there. Seeing the coral reefs, sparkling water, and pristine coastline from up in the air was truly breathtaking.
The crew kept the vibes high with their great vibes, and they really looked after everyone onboard. Honestly, whether you’re sharing this adventure with your partner, friends, or family, you definitely won’t forget it in a hurry. There really is nowhere better to go parasailing than in the Caribbean, so book this tour before it sells out!
Check out the 900+ 5-star reviews and book this exciting tour here!
2. Go snorkeling at Little Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge
- Price: $109 USD
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 1 pm
- Highlights: snorkeling around Little Buck Island, seeing turtles and tropical fish, cruising through the Caribbean waters, open bar
- Inclusions: 3-hour boat cruise, snorkeling equipment, snacks, unlimited soft drinks, unlimited alcohol after snorkeling, local guide
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 1,800+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
If there’s one activity that you truly can’t miss in St. Thomas, it has to be this snorkeling adventure at Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge! It was hands down the highlight of our trip, and it’s our top pick for anyone traveling to St. Thomas.
The tour was the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and fun. It began at Frenchman’s Cove, where we met our lovely crew and boarded a spacious catamaran. Then, we set sail through St. Thomas’ turquoise waters, soaking in the views as we headed towards Little Buck Island.
Of course, the highlight of the tour was snorkeling. The visibility was amazing, and swimming around this wildlife refuge was like being in a real-life aquarium! We loved being able to explore Turtle Cove, too, as we saw more turtles than we could even count.
Then, after our amazing underwater adventure, we got to kick back on the catamaran with snacks and unlimited drinks from the open bar. We enjoyed fruit cocktails and cold beer as we sailed back to St. Thomas, which was the perfect way to round off this experience.
This tour has it all – stunning scenery, incredible marine life, a glamorous boat, and an incredible crew. It was the best thing that we did in St. Thomas, as it really captured the magic of this incredible island. So if you’re heading here anytime soon, do yourself a favor and book this tour!
Reserve this tour here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
3. Get your adrenaline pumping on a zipline
- Price: $155 USD
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Time: 10 am or 1:30 pm
- Highlights: ziplining through the Caribbean rainforest, speeds of up to 35 miles (56 kilometers) per hour, ocean views, hearing stories about the Virgin Islands from your guide, the extreme Yo-Yo zipline
- Inclusions: zipline course admission, safety equipment, sweeping island views
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 1,400+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: no
We loved this zipline tour because it delivered adventure with a side of jaw-dropping views! We loved whizzing through the rainforest, and would describe it as a total must-do in St. Thomas. In fact, it was one of the most exhilarating experiences of our trip.
We got a quick safety briefing before we headed up to our first platform, where our zipline course began. There were 8 different platforms in total, and zipping between them all definitely got our hearts racing – in a good way, of course! We flew through the trees at speeds of up to 35 mph (56 kmph), which was pretty crazy, but the best part of the course was definitely the Yo-Yo line!
The Yo-Yo line is the only one of its kind in the Caribbean. As the name suggests, it involves a lot of whizzing backwards and forwards, and we loved it.
But it wasn’t just the thrills that made this tour great. We loved being able to just soak in the gorgeous ocean views from the platform in between ziplines. Even if you’ve been ziplining a hundred times before, I doubt you’ve done it with views as beautiful as these!
Our guides, Alejandro and Dalanai, also really enriched our experience by sharing their knowledge of the island’s legends, culture, and wildlife with us.
This tour is about so much more than just adrenaline. So whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced zipliner, we highly recommend adding it to your itinerary!
Check availability and book this top-rated tour here, before it sells out.
4. Explore the Mangrove Lagoon on a kayaking, hiking, and snorkeling adventure
- Price: $99 USD
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 9:30 am or 1:30 pm
- Highlights: exploring the untouched island of Cas Kay, kayaking and snorkeling through St. Thomas’ Mangrove Lagoon, hiking on the kay
- Inclusions: snorkel equipment, kayaks and paddles, storage lockers, dressing room facilities, snacks, water
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 700+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
If you ask us, this tour of St. Thomas’ Mangrove Lagoon is a must do while you’re here! It was the perfect way to get up-close and personal with the island’s natural beauty. So if you’re into wildlife and/or adventurous experiences, then be sure to put this tour on your St. Thomas bucket list.
The tour began at Mangrove Lagoon Marina, where we got kitted out with all of the gear we would need for the day. Then, after a quick safety briefing, we set off in our kayaks, paddling through a maze of mangrove islands. It was really quite incredible to see and the tranquility of the lagoon is unmatched.
Then, we paddled around Cas Kay, an untouched island that really did feel like our own private paradise! We took a short hike on the island and loved seeing the tidal pools, volcanic cliffs, and, most of all, the island’s unique blowhole! Our guide, Elville, shared a lot of insights about the island’s ecosystem as we explored and then we got to go snorkeling, which was even better.
We got to swim in a coral-fringed mangrove nursery, alongside stingrays, tropical fish, and turtles! It was truly incredible, and the cherry on top of an incredible day.
This tour is so much more than a fun activity. It’s a magical journey through one of St. Thomas’ most unique landscapes.
Book this tour with over 600 5-star reviews here!
5. See St Thomas’ top sights with a local guide
- Price: $695 – $1,195 USD per group
- Duration: 6 hours
- Time: 8 am – 1 pm
- Highlights: private tour, Drake’s Seat, Skyline Drive, Mountain Top, Blackbeard’s Castle, St. Thomas Synagogue, free time to swim and relax at Magens Bay Beach, option for duty free shopping in Charlotte Amalie
- Inclusions: hotel or port pickup and drop-off, private transport, private guide, headsets
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 250+ reviews)
- Free cancellation: yes
If you’re short on time in St. Thomas, then you cannot miss this private sightseeing tour! We had an amazing day with our driver and guide, David, who showed us the island’s must-see highlights in just one day.
Honestly, as soon we met David, we knew we were in for a great day. He was friendly and professional, with tons of insider knowledge about St. Thomas’ history and hidden gems. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide!
Our first stop of the day was Drake’s Seat, where we enjoyed breathtaking views of Magen’s Bay and the British Virgin Islands. There were yet more photo ops along Skyline Drive and on Mountain Top, and David was happy to snap photos for us.
We also dived deep into the island’s history at places like Blackbeard’s Castle. It’s said that the infamous pirate used the building as a lookout during his escapades on the island! We also loved visiting the St. Thomas Synagogue and learning more about the island’s rich culture. The 99 Steps and Emancipation Garden were also picturesque and thought-provoking stops.
Finally, we visited Magens Bay Beach, which was a true slice of paradise. We had time to sunbathe on the pristine sands and swim in the crystal-clear waters, so it was a great note to end on. If you’re looking for a great introduction to St. Thomas, or don’t have long to spend here, then make sure that you book this tour.
Don’t miss out – book this private sightseeing tour here.
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
6. Relax on a cocktail sunset cruise
- Price: $115 USD
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: 4:30 pm or 5 pm
- Highlights: boat cruise around St. Thomas, watching the sunset over the coastline and outer keys, sipping cocktails and champagne
- Inclusions: boat ride, professional guide, welcome glass of champagne, unlimited drinks from the open bar, tea and coffee
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 650+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
Sunsets in St. Thomas are absolutely magical, and there’s really no better way to end a day on the island than with this sunset cruise.
We got to sip champagne and cocktails on the deck of a beautiful boat, while the sky turned bright pink, purple, and orange. It was spectacular!
Captain Dan and the crew really gave us the VIP treatment on this tour. Their energy was infectious, and they knew so much about the island and its surroundings, which added depth to the journey. We got a welcome glass of champagne, and then the cold beer and cocktails flowed as we cruised along the coastline, towards the outer keys.
Seeing the island bathed in the sunset glow was just glorious, and we even spotted some Billy goats wandering along the shore in the distance, which was so cute. There was a great vibe on board, too, with great music and plenty of space to kick back and relax.
This is our favorite way to spend an evening in St. Thomas. It was such a fun experience, and for couples, it can be really romantic, too.
Check availability and book this sunset cruise in advance here!
7. Taste your way around St. Thomas
- Price: $145 USD
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 11 am
- Highlights: trying classic Caribbean dishes, learning about colonial history, eating at popular spots in Charlotte Amalie, drinking rum cocktails, learning how to make Painkillers
- Inclusions: local guide, all tastings, small group tour
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 650+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
Food, history, and Caribbean flair – this food tour ticked all of our boxes, that’s for sure! We actually booked it on a whim, but it ended up being one of our favorite experiences on the island, so don’t miss out.
Over the course of three hours our amazing guide, Sabrina, led us through the charming streets of Charlotte Amalie. She did a great job of blending historical tidbits with visits to local foodie hotspots, so we got a real sense of the island’s flavor – pun fully intended.
As for the food itself, I don’t even know where to start! From curried chicken to Creole fungi and even zesty tacos, every bite was so delicious. Sabrina also taught us how the island’s colonial history has shaped these dishes, which further enriched the experience. The portions were super generous, too, so we left feeling stuffed!
And then came the cocktails! We learned how to make Painkillers. This rich, fruity, and strong cocktail is a true Caribbean classic, and trust me, they taste even better when you’ve made them yourselves.
By the end of the tour, we felt full and happy, and we were armed with some great photos of our experience. It was such an amazing way to get to know the island. As far as we’re concerned, booking this tour is a no-brainer!
Book this popular tour here and get FREE cancellation before you go!
8. Go underwater with a helmet dive at Coral World Ocean Park
- Price: $119 USD
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Time: 9 am – 3 pm
- Highlights: walking on the ocean floor, breathing underwater through a weighted helmet, observing fish and sea life
- Inclusions: local guide, admission to Coral World Ocean Park, underwater helmet
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 650+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
If you’d love the chance to explore the underwater world but haven’t done a scuba diving course, then you should definitely book this sea trek tour! It involves donning a weighted oxygen helmet that allows you to both breathe underwater and walk on the ocean floor. How cool is that?
The sea trek really couldn’t be easier, either. There was no complicated gear or training involved, just a quick safety briefing. Then, when we were under the water, we just had to follow a well-marked trail, which allowed us to see the Coral World Park’s amazing marine life. Schools of colorful fish swirled around us, and we even spotted a stingray gliding by, which was incredible!
This experience was positively dreamy and being close to all of these creatures felt surreal. Our guides were great and ensured that we felt safe and comfortable. This tour is also the perfect experience for the high maintenance among us because we didn’t even get our hair wet!
If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly way to explore the ocean, then we can’t recommend this experience enough. It was such a fun and unique thing to do, and it allows you to explore the depths of the ocean without having to take a whole PADI course.
This tour is popular – book your spot here before it sells out!
9. Experience a thrilling jet boat ride
- Price: $55 – $60 USD
- Duration: 40 minutes
- Time: 11:30 am or 3:30 pm
- Highlights: adrenaline-fueled jet boat ride, amazing views of the St. Thomas Harbor, interesting commentary on local history, 180-degree spins
- Inclusions: local guide and captain, boat ride, onboard commentary, lifejacket
- Rating: 5 stars (check 350+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
This jet boat ride in St. Thomas is a must for anyone who likes beautiful scenery and heart-pounding adventure – and that’s definitely us! It was one of the most thrilling experiences of our entire trip, and we would recommend it to anyone. Kids as young as 4 are welcome to join in the fun, so this could be fun for the whole family.
From the moment we stepped on board our bright red, turbo-charged boat, we knew we were in for an adrenaline rush. We had been jet boating before, but this was a real standout experience for us because nothing beats doing fishtails and 180-degree spins on the turquoise Caribbean waters. Nothing!
Our captain was fantastic, and his onboard commentary made us laugh almost as much as the boat’s twists and turns did. We also loved hearing about some of the local landmarks that we passed, such as Hassel and Water Islands. But it was when we hit open waters that the real fun began.
Our boat was called the Screamin’ Eagle, and this 750 horsepower boat definitely lived up to its name. We were screaming, laughing, and holding on tight as we zoomed around. You definitely will get wet on this boat ride, but that’s just part of the fun.
Check availability and book this thrilling boat tour here!
10. See nocturnal marine life on a night kayak tour
- Price: $69 USD
- Duration: 1 hour
- Time: 6:30 pm – 9 pm
- Highlights: painting yourself with glow paint, gliding across the water in clear kayaks with LED nights, seeing nocturnal marine life
- Inclusions: local guide, kayak and safety equipment, glow paint
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 400+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
This night kayak tour is perhaps the most unique thing that we did in St. Thomas. So if you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind adventure, be sure to book this tour before it sells out.
We loved this tour because it felt like stepping into another world. We started out by getting our glow on with glow-in-the-dark face paint to set the tone for the evening. Then, we climbed into our clear kayaks, which had LED lights on the bottom. This not only looked super cool, it was really helpful in terms of spotting marine life.
Watching rays, tarpons, turtles and tropical fish gliding beneath us was just incredible. We loved seeing them illuminated by the glow of our kayak – it was a bit like snorkeling, just without getting wet. Kayaking at night was a great experience, too, as it’s cooler after dark and there’s no risk of sunburn.
Our guide, Jackson, was also fantastic. He shared lots of facts about St. Thomas’ marine life and helped us to spot lots of tarpons and rays. He was also just so fun and friendly, so he kept the vibe high!
We would honestly recommend this activity to anyone, from couples and solo travelers to families and groups of friends. You don’t want to miss out on this magical adventure!
This tour is likely to sell out – book it in advance here!
Where to Stay in St. Thomas
We loved staying on St. Thomas because it truly gave us that slice of paradise that we were looking for! We did learn that most accommodations aren’t cheap, so be prepared to spend a chunk of your travel budget on accommodations. However, you can find some really nice options whether you’re looking for a luxury, mid-range, or budget stay!
Luxury – $$$
Secret Harbour Beach Resort is one of the nicest places you can stay on the island and all of the rooms are high-end apartments. The resort sits on a private beach, so you can enjoy uninterrupted sea views, as well as the pool, tennis court, restaurant, and spa. This is a great option if you’re traveling with family or friends, as they have studio, one bedroom, or two bedroom apartments.
Prices start around $550 USD per night and can be booked on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
The Mafolie Hotel gives incredible views of the Caribbean Sea from a hilltop, and is a comfortable, moderately priced hotel. The rooms are comfortable, ranging from a tiny full room up to a panoramic villa. You can also enjoy the outdoor pool and onsite restaurant, or you’re close to Magens Bay Beach.
Rooms are about $200 to $300 USD per night and can be reserved on Booking.com.
Budget – $
Galleon House Hotel is a historic B&B with great views, a freshwater pool, and is a quick walk to the market. The rooms here are quaint and cozy, but provide everything you need for a comfortable stay at an affordable rate. Prices range from $85 to $150 USD and rooms range from economy doubles to full queen rooms.
Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
If you’re looking for an island paradise for your next vacation, St. Thomas is definitely the spot to be! These top 10 things to do just scratch the surface of how amazing this place is, but they were all so much fun I hope you can check a few off your bucket list!
Thanks fore reading our blog! If you found this guide helpful, be sure to check out our other travel guides. We’ve been all over the world and love sharing our favorite places and experiences. Here are a few other blogs that might be helpful as you plan your next getaway!
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