Sun-kissed holiday on St. Thomas, Virgin Islands
St. Thomas is an island brimming with natural beauty and numerous opportunities for recreation and relaxation. Charlotte Amalie is the capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands on St. Thomas. Named for a Danish queen, it sits in a beautiful harbor on St. Thomas. It is the most visited port in the Caribbean, a popular stop for cruise ships. Here you can take advantage of the great shops and duty-free shopping.
Climate and scenery
The Virgin Islands enjoy a pleasant climate all year round. The temperature of the air and water stay warm and the islands are cooled by the trade winds. Averaging in the high 70s and 80s, the islands do not have extreme seasonal changes. The water stays warm with just a little drop in the winter. Rainfall is fairly even throughout the year with the wettest months being May, and August to October.
This is a mountainous island with fantastic views of the Caribbean from 1,500 feet. Drake's Seat is a famous viewpoint overlooking Drake's Passage. It is said Sir Francis Drake used to sit up there and count his ships in the water below. St. Thomas offers dazzling scenes from almost every direction. Beautiful heart-shaped Magens Bay is one of the most outstanding beaches on the island and offers a stunning panoramic view.
Activities and recreation
St. Thomas is packed with outdoor and water recreation as well as historical sites and cultural activities. Several festivals and competitions are held throughout the year. Yachting regattas and sport fishing tournaments are held regularly. You can rent a yacht and crew it yourself or ride with a full crew and chef to fit your desires.
Golf is very popular on St. Thomas, with the famous Mahogany Run Golf Course, a world-renowned favorite. The Celebrity Golf Tournament and the St. Thomas Open are held at this championship course. The most outstanding feature of the course is between the 13th through 15th holes, a strip of Caribbean Sea cuts through between the tee and the green.
Tennis is a favorite activity with courts found in both public and private facilities. Horse and pony tours are available on the east end of the island.
Guided snorkeling and kayaking tours are provided by Virgin Islands Ecotours. Tour the St. Thomas Marine Sanctuary and Mangrove Lagoon to learn about the ecosystem of the lagoon. See a variety of marine life such as jellyfish, spotted eagle rays, mangrove crabs, breeding nurse sharks, great barracudas, dwarf herrings, snowy egrets, and many more.
Excellent snorkeling is also found at Magens Bay, Coki Point and Water Island. Go scuba diving and visit the wreck of the W.I. T. Shoal, Tunnels of Thatch, and Cow and Calf. On the north side of Magens Bay, you can see humpback whales breeding from January to April.
Another water sport you can enjoy on St. Thomas is snuba, which combines the technique of scuba and snorkeling. This is easier to do without the heavy gear of scuba and the intense training required. Windsurfing is a fun sport, and you can rent equipment on the beaches. Glass-bottomed boats and submarines allow guests to view the underwater life of the islands without getting wet.
Culture & history
In Charlotte Amalie you will find many interesting historical sites. A U.S. national landmark, Ft. Christian, has guarded the harbor since 1672. It was used to protect the town from pirates and foreign armadas. After serving as a church and community center, it is now a museum. There you can trace the island's history through maps and memorabilia.
On the northeast shore of the island at Coki Point, you can visit the Coral World Aquarium and Observatory. There you can see a coral reef, a marine gardens aquarium, and a tropical nature trail in a huge 80,000-gallon tank. There are also a children's touch pool and an open-air shark pool.
The 17th century Blackbeard's Castle is the oldest structure on the island and is used now as a popular restaurant and hotel. Bluebeard's Castle is locally believed to have been this pirate's home in the 19th century. It is now furnished with honeymoon suites in a major hotel.
Places to visit
The Market Square is the largest market in the islands. It was once used as a thriving slave market. Saturday is the big day when all the vendors come early to sell fresh fruit and vegetables. The Seven Arches Museum is a fully-restored and furnished 18th century house. It features a separate Danish kitchen and slave quarters. Enjoy the view of Charlotte Amalie from the walled garden.
The Estate St. Peter Greathouse & Botanical Gardens features art exhibits from local artists. There are more than 500 species of plants and trees on three tiers. From this vantage point you can also see about 20 other islands. Government House and the Legislative Building form the seat of government and can be visited by tourists.
There are several ways to see the island besides from the water. Walking is the best way to see it first-hand. You will get good exercise with a lot of uphill walking. You can rent a car to see things yourself, or take a tour on a safari bus or taxi. Another way to see the island's extraordinary scenery is from the air in an airplane or helicopter.
Resorts, villas & condos
There are many choices when choosing where to stay on St. Thomas. Everything from world-class resorts to villas and condos are available to suit your tastes. Magen's Point Resort overlooks the bay and is close to the Mahogany Run Golf Course. L'Hotel Boynes is an elegant bed and breakfast attractively decorated in antiques and period furniture.
Eastwood Condominiums are on the more secluded eastern tip of St. Thomas. This is a good choice for value and privacy. Pavilions and Pools has 25 private villas and 25 private pools. Sapphire Beach Resort & Marina is very lovely sitting on a beautiful half-mile beach.
St. Thomas is an excellent place to visit for a relaxing, adventurous, and sunny vacation. Enjoy all the activities you like for a memorable holiday. Outdoor sports, fine dining, exciting nightlife, and duty-free shopping will give you plenty to do during your stay.