35 Unique Things to Do in St Thomas in 2026
Looking for the most unique things to do in St Thomas this year? You’re in the right place. I’ve spent lots of time St Thomas and have explored the city, beaches, and off-the-beaten-path hikes around the island.
Being the second largest island in the US Virgin Islands, and the home of their capitol, Charlotte Amalie, there are so many amazing attractions in St Thomas that you won’t be able to do on a normal beach vacation!
So, whatever you love, I’m here to help you with all the best things to do in St Thomas this year. Let’s get started!!
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!)
1. Snorkeling in St Thomas
Coki Beach, Buck Island, and Secret Harbor are some of my favorite snorkeling spots on the island. The Virgin Islands boast some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world, and many are easily accessible from the coast.
You’ll find vibrant marine life on almost every beach on the island. Not keen on snorkeling alone? No worries—there are plenty of snorkel tours available to guide you through the underwater wonders.
⭐ Book the best snorkel tour in St Thomas
2. Go Parasailing
For a bird’s-eye view of these near transparent waters, parasailing is a perfect choice on a clear day. On those clear days, you’ll catch breathtaking views of the surrounding islands.
It’s an experience that offers a unique perspective you can’t get anywhere else (except maybe an airplane, but this is way more fun!).
I went parasailing on a trip between St John and St Thomas by accident – we ran into a crew on the beach that had some extra time and offered to take us up (this was a long time ago, but it was an experience I’ll NEVER forget!!).
🤩View pricing and availiablity with Parasail Virgin Islands
3. Kayak Around Cas Cay
A little exercise, a little adventure, and a lot of great views. Kayak through lagoons and make your way to Cas Cay island to hike around the deserted island and check out Red Point Blow Hole, a unique geological formation, while you’re there!
Some Cas Cay tours also include hiking and snorkeling, where you’ll find mangroves and schools of fish on your journey around the island.
⭐ Check pricing and availability for a kayak around Cas Cay
4. Enjoy a Sunset Cruise around the Island
One of my favorite things to do in any Caribbean Island: take a sunset cruise and enjoy the incredible orange-colored skies from the waters surrounding the island.
Make it a perfect evening to celebrate a special occasion or have a memorable date night with your person.
⭐ Book a sunset cruise in St Thomas
5. Scuba Dive Through the Reefs
St. Thomas offers well-protected coral reefs and shipwrecks, perfect for all you scuba divers out there! Whether you're into shark dives, lobster dives, or reef dives, there's something for every diver. Not certified?
No problem—diving certifications and open water dives are available.
7. Bordeaux Farmers' Market
Twice a month, local farmers gather to exchange fruits, vegetables, and delicious local cuisine.
It's a perfect opportunity to engage with the community, taste local snacks, and purchase unique souvenirs.
8. Illuminated Night Kayaking
After a sun-filled day, try something different - an illuminated night kayaking tour! There are a few companies that leave from Marriott Frenchman Cove for after-dark kayaking trips.
Their kayaks feature illuminated bottoms so you can get a glimpse of the marine life after dark. This isn't the bioluminescence that you'll find in St Croix, this is simply a little flashlight to see beneath the water at night!
If you love snorkeling in the day time, this is a unqiue way to enjoy the sealife when the sun sets.
⭐ Check pricing and availability for an illuminated Night Kayaking tour
6. Hike the Magens Bay Trail
Start your day hiking St Thomas on the 1.8-mile Magens Bay Trail. Enjoy great views and morning exercise.
Midway through, you'll reach Magens Bay Beach—a perfect spot to cool off. This hike is one of my favorite ways to see some of the most spectacular views of the island.
9. John Brewer’s Rock Scenic Hike
For another hiking adventure, try the trail to John Brewer’s Rock. The views are more than worth the trek! John Brewer's is a great option for beginner or intermediate hikers.
10. Black Point Cape
Black Point is a small peninsula located off Brewers Bay Beach. To get to it, you'll need to take a short walk on the beach and a little bit of rock scrambling, but once you get there, you'll have an empty little oasis for relaxing and checking out the marine life.
The rock scramble is not for beginner hikers or flip flops, so if you choose this option, make sure you're prepared.
11. Brewers Bay Beach
Brewers Bay is a white sand beach located near the University of St Thomas. Being close to the university, it's a popular beach best for relaxing for the day.
You won't find coral reefs around here near the shore, so it's not your normal snorkel spot, but it is known for having sea turtles and stingrays off shore.
PROTIP: Sunscreen that isn't considered reef safe is illegal in the Virgin Islands. Be sure to stock up on sunscreen free of toxins like Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, and Octocrylene.
12. Shop and Explore Downtown Charlotte Amalie!
For the shopping lovers, Charlotte Amalie is St Thomas' downtown. It's also the capital of the US Virgin Islands! You'll find some incredible shops, boutiques, and restaurants here.
You'll also find
- Vendor Plaza is a great spot to haggle for your souvenirs
- Havensight Mall
- Yacht Haven Grande for upscale shopping
Pro Tip: USVI has a $1600 duty-free limit for US citizens, making it a great shop-till-you-drop vacation!
14. Yacht Haven Grande
Along with the upscale shops in Yacht Haven Grande, you can post up and watch the ravish yachts coming in and out of the marina. This newer, waterfront development offers spectacular views. It may be a bit pricey, but you can still enjoy an afternoon checking it out.
15. Secret Harbor Beach Snorkeling
Secret Harbor is another fantastic beach in St Thomas to spend the day especially if you love snorkeling. This beach is known for its double reef, unsurpringsly one of the best spots for snorkeling on the island.
The calm waters are great for swimming, and nearby restaurants make it easy to spend the whole day there.
PROTIP: Hang around until sunset - the restaurants around here have A++ sunset viewing!
16. Coral World Ocean Park
Experience the wildlife in the USVI at Coral World Ocean Park. The park offers a range of experiences like dolphin kayaking, sea lion swims, and getting up close and personal with sharks.
Coral World focuses on maintaining the island's ecosystems and educating on ocean literacy with its exhibits and interactive opportunities for attendees.
General Admission to Coral World for the whole family -
⭐ Get your Coral World Ocean Park tickets!
Get close and personal with the coral reefs and marine life (GA to Coral World included!)
⭐Book a SNUBA Excursion at Coral World!
17. St. Thomas Botanical Gardens
These gorgeous gardens bloom all year long in St. Thomas's warm weather conditions.
They focus on maintaining and educating about tropical plants. Where else can you get a whole botanical garden of tropical plants?!
St Thomas Botanical Gardens also offer educational events and group rates throughout the year.
18. Zipline over the Virgin Islands!
Adrenaline junkies, there's something for you here too!! Zipline over St. Thomas with Tree Limin' Extreme.
Enjoy sky-high views of Magen’s Bay and the British Virgin Islands—a thrilling way to see the island from above.
19. Spend the Day at Buck Island
Buck Island is federally protected land known as Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge. The reefs and marine life are actually located right off the coast of St Thomas, the second largest island of the USVI.
This protected land is a must-do when you visit USVI. Because the land is protected, only a few tours are available, so be sure to plan as soon as you can!
⭐Head to Little Buck Island on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure with The VI Catamaran
20. Take a Ferry to St. John
While you might be vacationing in St Thomas, the USVI has even more to offer!
St John's is the smallest of the three islands, and without a doubt, my favorite.
The best part? Getting from St Thomas to St John is an affordable 30-minute ferry ride and there's no question it's worth visiting.
On the other side of your ferry ride, you'll find white sandy beaches, pristinely clear water, and friendly locals. If you get lucky, you might find some of St. John's famous donkey residents approaching your car window.
PS: Please don't feed the donkeys - it spreads sickness between the animals and the few vets on the islands don't have the resources to take care of all of them. You can learn about the island's wildlife here.
21. Charter a Yacht
Charter a Yacht for you and your friends to feel like royalty for the day! Head to some of the most pristine beaches on the island, enjoy a day of drinking in the sun, snorkeling, and maybe stopping at the Floating Taco Boat, "LIME OUT!"
⭐view pricing and availability for St Thomas and St John charters
22. Skyride to Paradise Point
One of the most unique things to do in St. Thomas is riding the tram! The Sky Ride is the perfect way to see the island from a whole new perspective.
This unique experience allows you to soar through the air on a tram, enjoying stunning views of the Caribbean Sea as you go.
The Skyride to Paradise Point takes you 700 feet up and provides you with the best views of St. Thomas and Charlotte Amalie Harbor.
Tip: The best time to go is around sunset when you can also see the city of Charlotte Amalie lit up.
The Sky Ride is located near some of the island's most popular attractions, making it the perfect activity for both locals and visitors alike.
Attractions nearby include St. Peter Greathouse and Botanical Gardens, Yacht Haven Grande Shops, and West India Company Dock with restaurants and shopping.
Coral World Ocean Park is right across from the tram and is a popular place to see sharks and other sea life.
Whether you're looking for an adrenaline-pumping thrill or simply want to take in the scenery, Sky Ride in St. Thomas is sure to be a memorable experience.
Submission by Wayne
Always On The Shore
23. Take a Fishing Charter Out for a Day
There are two famous fishing areas off the shore of St Thomas. The North Drop and The South Drop are both known for their big game.
Off Shore Adventures offers half and full-day charters all around USVI. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, there's a fishing charter for you on the island.
24. Lunch at the Floating Taco Boat, "Lime Out!"
Talk about a bucket list item!!
Since 2019, Lime Out has been serving tacos and cocktails outside its floating restaurant on pontoons in the middle of the salty sea!
If you're a foodie, not only is this a unique dining experience, but the chef, Chef Amaro Rivera, has worked in several renowned Puerto Rican restaurants as well. I'm not sure how often they change their menu, but the short rib taco was my favorite.
**Lime Out is accessible by boat only. Grab your own charter or hop on one of the awesome tours to one of the coolest restaurants in the Caribbean.
🤩Check pricing and availability for trips to Lime Out
25. Head to the British Virgin Islands for a Day
Ready to check another country off your list? The ferry from St. Thomas to Tortola runs every day of the week. $60 + port fees will get you on the 1-hour trip.
If you're a hiker, the tallest mountain in the US and the British Virgin Islands is located on Tortola. Sage Mountain National Park has tons of trails and awesome views. You'll also want to check out The Baths and Smugglers Cove.
PROTIP: Don't forget your passport, BVI is not a US territory!
26. Taste Your Way through St Thomas
St. Thomas is a paradise for food lovers, offering a variety of tours that let you savor the island's best dishes and drinks. Trust me, these locals know how to whip up a great Caribbean meal.
Dive into a foodie adventure where you can explore the island, learn to craft cocktails, and taste authentic Caribbean cuisine.
Whether you choose a tour focused on drinks, culture, or food, you're in for a treat. You'll quickly learn why St. Thomas is a culinary hotspot in the Caribbean.
🤩Taste your way through St Thomas on a Walking Food Tour
27. St Thomas Synagogue
The St Thomas Synagogue is the second oldest Synagogue in the western hemisphere. Uniquely, the historic synagogue still functions as a place of worship for the Jewish Community on the island and is complete with sand floors!
Much of the original construction has been preserved since the early 1800s. Add this to the free things to do here, as the synagogue offers free tours lasting 15 minutes to an hour so you can enjoy this beautiful, historic synagogue and the history of the Jewish community in St Thomas.
28. Pirates Treasure Museum
Located in the Buccaneer Mall on St Thomas, the Pirates Treasure Museum offers hands-on exhibits and stories of the deep sea! There's a surprising amount of pirate history in USVI.
The staff at the Pirates Treasure Museum is knowledgeable about the shipwrecks and treasures the museum carries. They also have a shop where you can pick up your own pirate artifacts!
29. Climb the 99 Steps
These historic steps were made from ported ship's ballast bricks to help locals navigate up the steep Charlotte Amalie terrain.
There are actually 103 steps, surrounded by flower beds. The stairs lead to another historic site.. Blackbeard's Castle! Read on for more.
30. Blackbeard's Castle
No need to fear, Blackbeard isn't here. Whether Blackbeard ever visited this castle is up for debate! Blackbeard's Castle is one of the most historic on the island with manors and land dating back to the 1600s.
Choose from a self-paced walking tour or a guided tour around the 5-acre landmark.
8/1/2024 Update: Unfortunately, the inside of the castle is 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!
31. Frederick Lutheran Church
The church was built in 1793. Frederick Lutheran Church's unique architecture attracts visitors from all over. It has been rebuilt from fires and hurricanes over the years, functioned as a church and school, and currently hosts Sunday service each week.
32. Fort Christian
Historic forts named after the Danish King and built in 1676. Fort Christian is easy accessbily as its located right in Charlotte Amalie! There's no excuse to not stop by!
You can view the museum's exhibits and forts Monday-Friday. Enjoy collections from the Stone Age and beyond from furniture to history to art and more.
33. Take a ferry to Water Island
Looking for a unique day trip? Hop on the Water Island ferry, a charming little boat that shuttles back and forth to this tiny island off the coast of St. Thomas.
Water Island is home to less than 200 residents live in St Thomas's Water Island, making it a real "off-the-beaten-path" adventure.
Pro tip: rent a golf cart from Rachael's Rentals to explore the island and enjoy a relaxing day on its beautiful beaches. It’s the perfect way to add a bit of adventure to your St. Thomas itinerary!
34. Market Square
This busy historic street brings vendors from all over the island to come and sell produce, fish, and survivors. The best time to visit Market Square is Saturday mornings!
The square's main landmark is a cast iron bungalow, that was built in the early 20th century. Market Square was previously the busiest slave-trading market in the indies.
35. Have a Picnic on the Beach!
What better way to soak up the sun and enjoy the scenery of St. Thomas than with a picnic on the beach? Some of my favorite beaches in St Thomas are Coki Beach, Lindquist Beach, Sapphire Beach, and Lindbergh Bay.
Each offers gorgeous views and the perfect backdrop for a picnic in the sand. Pack a basket with local snacks and drinks and unwind. It’s a simple way to experience the island's charm!
Getting Around St Thomas
St Thomas has plenty of options for getting around whether you're looking to off-road or travel the main road destinations.
Rent a Car
Renting a car is your best option for getting around St Thomas.
A car will typically cost between $100-$150 per day, while an SUV will cost closer to $200 per day.
A sedan will get you around the island. The benefits to an SUV? Some roads are not well maintained or have been damaged in past hurricanes. The island is also incredibly hilly and some of the terrain can be steep and difficult to get a small car up.
Because of the difficult terrain, unless you plan to stay in the flat city areas, it's not suggested to rent a scooter to get around.
⭐My Local USVI Partners
– Key N Go Car Rental (Use CaribbeanUncovered to let them know I sent you!
Pro Tip: It's a small island with minimal rentals, so reserve your car ASAP!
Take a Taxi
You won't have any trouble finding taxis, especially in busier areas like Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook. Note that there is no Uber service here.
From most hotels to beaches or popular attractions, taxis will cost between $8-$15 per person. Note that you'll pay per person for any taxi rides you take! Because of this, if you have a larger crew, it's definitely worth renting a car!
Keep a list of taxi services on hand in case you end up in a less popular area. Many taxi services run 24/7 and you can schedule a pickup wherever you are.
Open-Air Safari Busses
Safari buses are the best and most convenient option for public transportation. Though the VITRAN (USVI's bus system) runs throughout the island, they have few stops and don't run very often.
Safari busses travel through the main roads of the island and are known for being nicknamed "Dollar Safari Busses". Most rides will cost $1-$2 max. There are a few different types of Safari Busses, so make sure you're jumping on a dollar safari bus before you get on.
The safari buses stay on the main roads. They'll drop you off as close as they can to your destination, but ask the driver how far your walk will be!
Where to Stay in St Thomas
You'll find plenty of hotels in Charlotte Amalie or resorts on the beach, depending on your preference and budget.
- Book The Green Iguana Hotel for island views downtown in Charlotte Amalie
- Book the Ritz-Carlton in Red Hook for a luxury island vacation
- Any of the awesome luxury villas in St Thomas
Summary: Best Things to Do in St Thomas US Virgin Islands
Now that you have a full guide to St Thomas attractions and all the unique things to do during your vacation, it's time to start planning your trip!
Whether you're looking for a solo trip, romantic getaway, family fun, or a friend's trip, there's something for everyone here in St Thomas USVI.
