17 Free Things To Do in St Thomas on a Budget
Looking for the best free things to do in St. Thomas while sticking to a budget? You’re in the right place! Having visited St. Thomas countless times, I’ve learned how to enjoy everything the island has to offer without emptying my wallet.
St. Thomas is a trove of history and fascinating sites, countless lookout spots for the perfect picnic, breathtaking sunset views, and more. It’s my top pick among the Virgin Islands for sightseeing, especially when I’m trying to save a little cash.
If you want to enjoy the island without breaking the bank, here are some of the best free activities you can enjoy! Plus, I’ll share a few tips on saving money on accommodations, transportation, and more.
Booking travel soon? Here are my favorite reputable USVI resources
– Book your villas a vrbo.com
– Find tours at viator.com
– Search for hotels from booking.com
My Local USVI Partners
– Key N Go Car Rental (Use CaribbeanUncovered to let them know I sent you!)
Best Free Things to Do in St Thomas
Caribbean travel can be expensive. But, there will always be outdoor activities and historic sights to explore on a budget! From hiking in St Thomas to self-guided tours of some of the Caribbean’s oldest sites, you’ll find something for everyone on this list. Here’s what to do in St Thomas:
1. Hike the Magens Bay Trail
The Magens Bay Trail is only 1.8 miles and you’ll quickly find yourself on Magens Bay Beach to cool off! Hang out for a bit and watch the sailboats and yachts come in and out of the bay all day.
By taking the trail, you avoid the parking fees to get to the beach. Keep in mind there’s a strict no-dog policy on this bay! Hiking is a great free thing to do in St Thomas. Most of the hikes are moderate and accessible whether you’re an advanced or beginner hiker.
The Magens Bay Trail is perfect for a sunrise view to start your day. At the top, you might even be able to spot views of the British Virgin Islands on a clear day.
📍 6200 Magen’s Bay Rd, St Thomas 00802, U.S. Virgin Islands
2. Yacht Haven Grande
Window shop and yacht watch along Yacht Haven Grande. This waterfront community offers incredible views with high-end boutiques to window shop and walk around all afternoon! This is a big commerce area and where the cruise ships will port in St Thomas. So, if you see a cruise ship, the port might be busier than normal.
This is a great place to search for souvenirs. Don’t forget, US citizens can bring back $1,800 worth of duty free items from USVI.
Boating from the harbors in St Thomas is an incredibly popular activity. You can find public and private tours in St Thomas for snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, scuba, swimming, or enjoying a leisurely ride through the calm, shades of blue, Caribbean waters.
📍 5304 Yacht Haven Grande, Suite 100, St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands 00802, U.S. Virgin Islands
3. Relax at Coki Beach
It’s no surprise Coki Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the island. The crystal blue water and coral reefs make it perfect for snorkeling and floating. Hang out on this beach all day for a relaxing day with the entire family.
Coki Beach is close to plenty of local hangouts along with shops and restaurants when you need a break from the sun. If you’re looking for activities around Coki Point, the dive shop on the beach offers snorkel and scuba rentals, and Coral World Ocean Park, St Thomas’s wildlife aquarium.
*Parking is $5 if you are driving yourself to Coki Beach
📍 Coki Point, St Thomas 00802, U.S. Virgin Islands
4. Mountain Top St Thomas USVI Lookout
Head to Mountain Top for the “World Famous Banana Daiquiri” and the best viewpoints in St Thomas. The famous bar is a great place to pick up souvenirs from your trip or just stroll around the lookout and enjoy the view. P.S. The US Virgin Islands drinking age is 18.
📍 9343+5FQ Mountain Top, Saint Peter, St Thomas 00802, U.S. Virgin Islands
5. Sapphire Beach
Sapphire Beach is an awesome beach pick for snorkeling, but wear water shoes around here and in the water – the black sea urchins and rocky ocean floor can ruin your perfect beach day!
Entry to Sapphire Beach is free. There are a few beaches in St Thomas that require a small cover or parking fee. Regardless, it’s still one of my favorite places on the island for a long beach day.
It’s not a very crowded area, so you’ll have plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the blue waters and white sand. Thankfully, Sapphire Beach did not incur much damage during the hurricane that USVI is still recovering from. So, you’ll find that it’s a clean, beautiful spot to spend a day.
📍 Smith Bay, St Thomas 00801, U.S. Virgin Islands
6. Snorkel in St Thomas
If you’re looking for a free or low-cost activity while in St Thomas, then snorkeling is the perfect choice! Get up close and personal with some of the most beautiful coral reefs I’ve ever seen (seriously!).
Bring your own snorkel gear to make this really free! If you don’t own snorkel gear, it’s affordable to rent at most shops around the island. With its crystal clear waters, there’s no better way to experience the beauty of the island.
Save even more by bringing your own snorkel set! This one is my favorite.
Free Things to Do in Charlotte Amalie
Charlotte Amalie is the capital of St Thomas, US Virgin Islands. It’s known as the heart of St Thomas.
You’ll find boutiques, nightlife, restaurants, history, and more things to do in Charlotte Amalie St Thomas. The best part – there are so many free things to do here! Head to the walkable city and you’ll find no shortage of interesting views and sights to explore.
7. Charlotte Amalie Overlook
Catch the stunning views and colorful sunsets from the Charlotte Amalie Overlook. Charlotte Amalie is the downtown area of St Thomas. It’s packed with restaurants, vendors, shopping, national historic landmarks, tours, and more.
While you’re there, head to the top to appreciate the views from the Charlotte Amalie Overlook. This is one of the best places to catch the sunset or sunrise. On a clear day, be on the lookout for the other Virgin Islands in the distance!
📍 932G+48F, Hospital Ground, St Thomas 00802, U.S. Virgin Islands
Historic Things to Do
Charlotte Amalie is packed with historic sites. And, many of them offer free tours and entry! Checking out the historic sites is one of my favorite free things to do in USVI as it’s packed with a history dating back to the 1600s. You won’t run out of learning experiences if you’re a history buff.
8. Tour the St Thomas Synagogue
Located in downtown Charlotte Amalie, you’ll find a historic synagogue, originally built in 1803. They are a fully functioning synagogue with services, holidays, and events. You can even live stream service from your home! It’s uniquely one of the oldest-running synagogues in the western hemisphere.
There are tours free of charge, so anyone can experience the history of St Thomas Synagogue! If you get the chance, visit the shop and bring home one of the beautiful souvenirs from the gift shop on-site.
📍 St Thomas, 2116 Krystal St, Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas 00802, U.S. Virgin Islands
9. Walk the Historic 99 Steps in St Thomas
Historically, the steep Charlotte Amalie terrain made it difficult for locals to get around. 99 Steps were built from ballast bricks from ported ships to help locals navigate the difficult trips up and down the hills.
There are actually more than 99 steps to the top, but you’ll enjoy the journey. The steps are surrounded by flowers and wildlife. Don’t forget to take in the view behind you on your way up!
When you make it to the top, you’ll find an amazing overlook of St Thomas, the Pirates Gallery, and Blackbeard’s Castle.
📍 99 Steps, Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas 00801, USVI
10. Walk around Market Square
Market Square produce in Charlotte Amalie dates back to 1904. Today, you can find vendors selling produce, local food, and souvenirs. It’s open on the 2nd and last Sundays of every month. Experience all the vendors and crowds that come to shop around the historic market.
📍 83R8+G4R St. Thomas, Strand Gade, Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas 00801, U.S. Virgin Islands
11. Blackbeard’s Castle
Blackbeard’s Castle is one of the most historic St Thomas things to do, with manors and land dating back to the 1600s.
Unfortunately, the inside of the castle is currently under construction while they redo damage from Hurricane Irma. It’s still a great place to visit to walk around and enjoy the views from the top of the hill!
📍 Blackbeard Castle, Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas 00802, USVI
12. Frederick Lutheran Church
The church was built in 1793. Its unique architecture attracts visitors from all over. It has been rebuilt from fires and hurricanes over the years, and functioned as a church and school.
Frederick Lutheran Church currently hosts Sunday service every week. If you don’t get a chance to walk around, you can find their live stream on Facebook every week.
📍 St Thomas, Norre Gade, Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas 00802, U.S. Virgin Islands
13. Little Magens Beach
Magens Beach is a popular beach on the island, but it requires an entrance fee. It is free for children under 12.
There’s a secret to getting here for free, however. Little Magens is alllllll the way at the end of Magens Bay and is accessible by driving to the top of the mountain and taking a staircase down!
You won’t find many people making the trek to get here, which is why it’s my favorite secret tip! So if you’re looking for a romantic day out or just some time alone, this is the perfect option.
📍 8168 Crown Bay Marina, Suite 505, Charlotte Amalie, 00802, U.S. Virgin Islands
14. Drake’s Seat St Thomas
One of my favorite free things to do in St Thomas is enjoy the overlooks around the island.
Drake’s Seat is arguably the most popular viewing point in St Thomas. Legend says this was where Sir Francis Drake kept watch over his fleet and watched for enemies crossing into his territory. So it’s no surprise that the views from Drake’s Seat go far and wide!
Drake’s Seat overlooks Magens Bay. On a clear day, you’ll get a great view of the other islands from here.
📍 933F+44Q, Rte 37, St. Thomas, St Thomas 00802, U.S. Virgin Islands
Low-cost things to do in St Thomas
As you can see, you have plenty of options if you want to save money in St Thomas. However, there are also plenty of lower-cost activities. Here are a few – these lost cost activities are just a few of the top things to do in St. Thomas.
15. Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden
Are you looking for a unique and educational way to explore the beauty of St Thomas?
Head over to Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden, located in central St Thomas, south of Magen’s Bay. This incredible botanical garden is full of colorful displays and exhibits that will leave you in awe!
There are also classes and workshops available so you can learn more about the plants blooming all year round. Reservations aren’t required, so you can make your way to this botantic garden during your free time.
The gardens are open Tuesday-Sunday, 9am-4pm. Visitors can explore the blooming tropic garden plants and flowers for just $10/person. Children are $5, and children under the age of 5 are free!
16. Coral World Ocean Park
If you’re planning a family trip to St Thomas on a budget, look no further than Coral World Ocean Park! It’s full of fun, free things to do for the kids.
This 5-acre park is full of amazing aquatic life, interactive experiences, and educational opportunities. With plenty of free activities available, it’s an ideal destination for families looking to explore the Virgin Islands’ unique marine ecosystem.
Adult tickets are $23.50 and entry for children is $13. If you have a large family, this may not be in the budget. But, for an aquarium offering as much as Coral World does, the price is great, in my opinion!
17. Take a ferry to St John or the British Virgin Islands
If you think “island hopping” has to be expensive, guess again! The ferry from Red Hook, St Thomas to Cruz Bay, St John is just $8.50 for adults and $1 for children!
Not only is this ferry ride spectacular with its Caribbean views, but it’s also a unique way to spend a day in USVI. Once you arrive in Cruz Bay, you can shop around the harbor or explore of the beautiful beaches in Cruz Bay.
The beaches in St John are my personal favorites. I’d argue that they’re some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. For a low-cost activity, making your way to St John should be at the top of your list!
The British Virgin Islands will be a bit more expensive, but visiting The Baths will be more than worth it!
What is the cheapest month to go to St. Thomas?
September is the cheapest month to go to St. Thomas, but it’s certainly not the best time to go! Prices drop in September because of hurricane season. This is one of the wettest times in USVI.
If there is no hurricane warning, it is safe to go to USVI, but you might run into daily showers. It’s a risk you have to be willing to take! Purchase travel insurance if you plan to visit USVI during hurricane season.
FAQ St Thomas on a Budget
A few more tips to help you plan your trip on a budget.
Are there free beaches in St. Thomas?
Most of the beaches in St. Thomas are free! There are a few that require a small entry fee or a fee for parking. These fees are generally no more than $5.
Do you have to pay to go to Magens Bay?
Magen’s Bay is one of the few beaches in St Thomas that require an entry fee. But, at only $5/person, plus free admission for children under 12, it’s still an affordable way to spend your day.
Tip: parking is $2/car, but you can avoid this by taking the trail or a taxi to the beach!
Is Coki Beach St. Thomas free?
Entrance to Coki Beach is free. There is a small parking lot, $5 per car, if you drive to Coki. There are plenty of taxis that go to and from Coki Beach if you want to avoid parking.
Are things cheaper in St Thomas?
Depends. Compared to its sister islands – St John and St Croix, and other Caribbean islands such as Turks and Caicos, yes, things are cheaper in St Thomas!
However, if you’re comparing prices to the mainland, then no. St Thomas’s items all have to be imported, raising the price of food, drinks, and necessities. Additionally, peak tourist season can raise the price of hotel rooms and tours.
Should I bring cash to St. Thomas?
Yes, you should bring some cash to St Thomas. ATMs are available on the island if you need more, however. Cash is good to have on hand for tips, renting beach chairs, taxis, and entry fees to some locations.
Is shopping in St. Thomas tax free?
Items like jewelry and art come tax free in St Thomas. US citizens can bring purchase $1,800 worth of duty-free items in St Thomas.
How to Get Around St Thomas on a Budget
The best way to get around St Thomas on a budget is to use the Open Air “Dollar Safari Busses”. Dollar Safari buses will cost $1 to get to most spots on the island and $2 if you’re going far.
These open-air buses will pick up and drop off around the main roads in St Thomas, so be prepared to walk a short distance to your destination.
Check with the driver before you get on to make sure:
- The Safari bus you’re getting on is actually a dollar bus, some open-air safari busses will operate as regular taxis and will cost regular taxi fare.
- Let them know where you’re going so you know how close they can get you to your destination.
Cost of Renting a Car in St Thomas
If you’re looking to splurge on one thing in St Thomas, let it be a rental car! A rental car gives you the ability to truly see everything the island has to offer.
If you book far in advance, depending on how long you’re staying, you can get a rental car between $80-$90.
For reference, general taxis fares can cost between $8-$15 per person. If you have a long list of sightseeing in one day, or you’re traveling with multiple people, a taxi may end up costing more than your rental car.
Renting a car in St Croix is cheaper, but will take you longer to get there.
⭐ I recommend Key N Go Car Rental
Use code: CaribbeanUncovered when you request your quote!
Where to Stay in St Thomas on a Budget
If you want to stay in an area that doesn’t require you to drive around much, but still allows you to enjoy the many attractions in St Thomas, check out these high-rated, budget-friendly hotels and rentals!
If you prefer splurging on your accommodations, St Thomas offers plenty of luxury villas as well.
Before you choose your accommodations, decide whether you want to stay in St Thomas or St Croix, or St Thomas or St John. Every island offers different options, but St Thomas is the best place to stay in USVI on a budget!
– Olga’s Fancy Hotel
Starting at just $119 a night, Olga’s Fancy is centrally located in Charlotte Amalie. You can walk to restaurants nearby or bask in the sun at the outdoor pool. This is one of the highest rated hotels on the island. You don’t have to sacrifice quality for cost at this budget stay.
View pricing and availability at Olga’s Fancy Hotel ►
– Annasville Comfort Studio
Annasville Comfort Studio is located between Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook. They offer an airport shuttle for easy transportation, great city views, and a hot tub for cool island nights!
Coki Beach is 1.7 miles away, and at less than $100 per night, this budget stay is a great option.
✔️ Save by booking Annasville Comfort Studio
– The Hidden Gem in Paradise
This stay is just what it sounds like! A Hidden Gem in Paradise. The apartment is located near two beaches – Magen’s Bay and Morning Star Beach.
They also offer transportation to and from the airport and are even pet friendly! It’s in a secluded area on the island, so you’ll enjoy privacy and quiet in this hidden gem.
✔️ Save by booking The Hidden Gem in Paradise
Free Things to Do in St Thomas in Summary
There you have it – just some of the awesome, free things to do in St Thomas US Virgin Islands on a budget!
Explore the many beaches and sites around the island. Learn about the ecosystems and rich history the Caribbean has to offer. Grab some snacks and snorkels to make every day feel like a luxurious beach picnic!
St Thomas is an incredible island for all occasions. Come with your family, your best friend, your significant other, or a little island staycation on your own. Whether your looking to spend your last dime or pinch every penny, there will be no shortage of activities in St Thomas during your stay.
