101 Things to Do in St. Thomas and St. John in 2024
A guide to everything imaginable to see and do in St. Thomas and St. John, Virgin Islands.
There are a few alternatives to lying on a beach with a frozen drink. So, in no particular order here they are…
1. Go Scuba Diving
The Virgin Islands have a variety of sites for all levels of divers and is a great place to get certified. The Virgin Islands waters are full of wrecks, reefs and sea life. Shark, eel, ray and every fish imaginable are found in Virgin Island waters.
St. Thomas
Red Hook Dive Shop
Coki Dive Center
St. Thomas Diving Club
St. John
Low Key Water Sports
2. Charter a boat
There might not be a better way to see and enjoy all the islands have to offer. If you bring your passport you can travel to the British Virgin Islands.
Seas The Day Charters
CrewZen VI Charters
Nate’s Custom Charters
Cruz Bay Watersports
Sonic Charters
Local Legend
3. Take Sailing Lessons
There might not be a better way to see and enjoy all the islands have to offer. If you are an experienced sailor or yachtsman, a bare boat is an option. Or hire a captain and crew and leave the driving/sailing to someone else. If you bring your passport you can travel to the British Virgin Islands.
Learn a skill that will last you a lifetime.
4. Experience an Island Safari by 4-Wheel Drive Jeep
See all the beauty of the interior of St. Thomas or St. John and go to places and beaches that tourists seldom see.
Island Buddy
St. Thomas Adventures
5. Rock Climbing
Going along with my fear of non-alcoholic frozen drinks, I also have a fear of heights. So I will never be able to offer first-hand experience of this activity.
But if you are into this sort of thing, should be fun!
6. Surfing
St. Thomas has some seasonal surfing that will satiate your need to get up on your board (the British Virgin Islands is the better island for finding some excellent waves). Check out Hull Bay or take a boat to Botany Bay. The best time for good surf are the winter months.
St. John also has some spots with smaller waves for the beginner.
7. Go Horseback Riding
There are two facilities available in Virgin Islands, one on St. Thomas and one on St. John. Ride beautiful horses and see beautiful trails.
St. Thomas
Golden Age Ranch
St. John
The Carolina Corral
8. Take a Helicopter Sightseeing Tour or Helicopter Flying Lesson
Go for a flight-seeing tour or take an introductory flying lesson in a helicopter. I’ve been fortunate enough to fly a few times with Caribbean Buzz. It is spectacular!
9. Go Fly Fishing for the elusive Bone Fish
While most anglers come to the Virgin Islands for world-class deep sea fishing, fly fishing for bonefish in the flats in St. John is a fisherman’s dream.
10. Food & Rum Walking Tour (St. Thomas and St. John)
Go back in time 300 years to the times of pirates, privateers and explorers on this delicious and entertaining walking tour in historic Charlotte Amalie.
11. Deep-Sea Fishing
Deep-sea fishing on the North and South Drop is a very popular recreational activity for visitors to the Virgin Islands. Game fish include marlin, yellowfin tuna, sailfish, swordfish, mahi mahi and barracuda.
12. Snorkel with the Turtles
Enjoy snorkeling in crystal clear waters and dive down below the ocean’s surface and swim with the turtles.
13. Take a Kayak Tour
Take a guided group tour or rent a kayak and explore on your own.
14. Try Spear Fishing
Where fishing meets hunting. All gear provided.
15. Kite Surfing
Unchrtd (their spelling) is just flat out cool. I’ve seen them flying through the waves and get it in my head that I’m going to try it someday. Someday soon come.
16. Hike the Trails of The National Forest in St. John
No guide necessary for these trails. Grab a map from a park ranger’s office and hike one of dozens of trails to see old ruins, petro glyphs and breathtaking views.
17. Visit The Pirates Museum
Pirates Treasure a Shipwreck Museum
18. Visit Annaberg Plantation on St. John
The Virgin Islands National Park Service has prepared a self-guided tour of the historic Annaberg Sugar Mill Ruins. The walk through this partially restored old sugar factory provides a great deal of insight into the history and culture of St. John during the plantation and post-emancipation eras.
National Park Service web site
www.nps.gov
19. Discover the Stars of the Caribbean
Not regularly opened to the public, The Etelman Observatory is on Crown Mountain in St. Thomas. It doesn’t host regular hours, but they hold events throughout the years.
20. Visit One of the Oldest Jewish Synagogues in America
Everything in the historic St. Thomas Synagogue building is original, dating back to 1833. This beautiful synagogue is an architectural and historical gem in the middle of the Caribbean. They offer open visitor hours.
21. Go to an Island Winery
Zinfandel. Syrah. Pinot Grigio. Cabernet. Lame.
Go taste something new and adventurous and amazing. Tropical fruits make some of the best wines in the world. Sorry Bordeaux – you’re old, overpriced and overrated.
Go get a proper buzz at this incredible winery.
22. Discover Botanical Gardens
Villa Botanica (aka Plantation Crown and Hawk)
23. Self-Guided Historic Tour of Charlotte Amalie
Grab one of the definitive historical reference guides for identifying old Charlotte Amalie. Then, start walking the streets of downtown – where pirates, dignitaries, slaves, and saucy ladies once roamed.
I like this one below so you can see all the old buildings during the glory days. (I don’t get commissions on links so buy away!)
“The Danish West Indies in Black and White”
24. A Day Trip to Tortola (Passport Required)
Climb aboard a ferry for a pleasurable 30-40 minute ride and arrive in Tortola (cost is about $60 roundtrip). Enjoy incredible beaches, amazing dive sites, swimming with dolphins (see #28), big waves, hiking, museums and more…all with a British twist.
25. Swim with the Dolphins
26. Skydiving
Imagine the views high above the islands. Imagine staring down at them while aboard a small plane, right before jumping out of the plane! For beginners or experienced divers, check it out! (As of 2024 they aren’t in business anymore. I’m still holding out hope they will be back!)
Skydive St. Thomas
26 a. Visit a Rum Ball Factory
Tucked behind Main Street is a fun and funky spot where they make rum-soaked treats. Maybe not the most incredible thing you’ve ever seen but they taste dang good! And the little factory has a cafe and bar.
27. Gawk at the Megayachts and Go Shopping at Yacht Haven Grande
Head to Yacht Haven Grande for lunch or dinner and be within spitting distance of yachts that are worth more than the economies of small countries.
28. Market Square Farmer’s Market
A small farming community here on island brings their best to market early on Saturday morning. There’s usually fresh produce, juices, vegetables, sugar cane, honey and handmade crafts and hot foodstuffs. Get there early.
Located in downtown Charlotte Amalie on Main Street.
29. Explore the West End of St. Thomas
Get on Veteran’s Drive (Waterfront) and head west, and don’t worry it’s nearly impossible to get lost. The west end is sparsely populated and has little in the way of attractions or accommodations but it does have views of Puerto Rico, Culebra and Vieques. If you have 4WD don’t be shy about exploring some of the back roads. You may happen upon a secret beach or rarely-discovered, breathtaking views.
30. Bushwacker Tour
This is not an official tour. I made this up. It’s more of a quest. The Bushwacker is the unofficial drink of the Virgin Islands. Spend a day barhopping and beachhopping tasting bushwackers to see who makes the best. Your body will love/hate you for it. But I definitely need to hear from you on which bar had your favorite.
Here are some suggested spots:
-the beach bar at Magens Bay (St. Thomas)
-Paradise Point (St. Thomas)
-Sapphire Beach bar (St. Thomas)
-Sunset Grille (St. Thomas)
-Maho Crossroads (St. John)
-Skinny Legs (St. John)
This is about the adventure and the 7,000 calories you’ll imbibe.
31. Find a Secret Beach or two
Everyone knows about Magens, Lindquist, Lindbergh, Hull, Vessup and Secret Harbor. But there are at least a dozen beaches that you will be hard pressed to find in a guide book. Pristine beaches where you might not see another soul all day. The only way to find them is ask a local or start exploring!
Some of the beaches are only accessible by the water via kayak, paddleboard or boat.
32. The Baths of Virgin Gorda (Passport Required)
The British Virgin Island of Virgin Gorda has possibly one of the most beautiful and memorable sites in the Caribbean. The Baths. You can grab one of the ferry’s mentioned in #27 or you can take a charter to see the Baths and the Caves at Norman Island.
33. Visit Drake’s Seat
A lookout point where you will see beautiful panoramic views of the Ocean and British Virgin Islands. Pack a few drinks, go to the top of Mafolie Hill and then turn left and go about 1,000 feet.
This is a great spot for sunrise and late afternoon. Or, if you want to neck in the backseat of a car at night this a the perfect spot. Enjoy.
34. Get an Island Tattoo
Think old sailor tattoo or find your inspiration in a Jimmy Buffett song. But go with something nautical and escapist. Leave island with a permanent reminder of your time in paradise. (That hangover will eventually go away.)
35. Taste an Island Mango
The island is full of mango trees. The mango season is a bit scattered as different breeds fruit at different times. If you see a tree hanging into the street, don’t be shy about grabbing a couple. It may take a few days to ripen (place it in a brown paper bag) but peel the skin and grab a paper towel because our mangos are juicy!
36. Enjoy “Roti” Cooked Virgin Islands Style
A true local dish, potatoes, curry, with a filling of your choosing-shrimp, conch, chicken, vegetables, etc.
Our favorite? Ideal Roti in town. Or just ask a local where to get their favorite.
37. Go Hunting For Caribbean Lobster (or just go buy some) (St. Thomas)
Many will argue that the Caribbean Lobster is more flavorful and delicious than Maine lobster. There are a few ways to get your hands on some: 1.) pick up some live lobster at Food Center (near Red Hook), 2.) if you scuba dive, see if your dive boat will take you lobster hunting, or 3.) book a lobster hunting tour with Swashbucklin Tours.
(See the top of this post for a list of dive shops.)
38. Go on a Sunset Sail (St. Thomas and St. John)
Caribbean sunsets are best seen while on the deck of a boat floating in the Caribbean Sea. Most of the cruises have dinner and/or hor d’oeuvres.
Fury Charters
Morningstar Charters
39. Take a Day Trip to Jost Van Dyke (Passport Required)
One of the most picture perfect beaches and bars await you at White Bay at Jost Van Dyke. The Soggy Dollar serves up excellent local food (read fried, greasy and delicious) and the infamous Pain Killer cocktail. The water and sand is pristine and perfect for a day of indulgent beach bumming.
Dolphin Water Taxi
Stormy Pirates
40. Smoke Some Marijuana (St. Thomas and St. John) (COMING SOON!)
To legally smoke marijuana in The Virgin Islands you’ll have to get your medical card. You can bring yours from home and they’ll recognize it here. You have to pay a fee of course.
Find a dispensary here along with all the things you need to get blazin!
Island Time Marijuana Dispensary
(COMING SOON!)
41. Bar Hopping in Red Hook (St. Thomas)
If you want to sing karaoke, go dancing or just enjoy dinner and/or a drink you have a dozen options in a 500 foot stretch of road. A few are listed below.
One Pub
XO
Caribbean Saloon
ITP
Duffy’s
Tap and Still
Bernie’s
42. Bar Hopping in Havensight (St. Thomas)
Not quite as lively, Havensight is still another nightlife Mecca in St. Thomas.
Doghouse Pub
Smoking Rooster
Rum Hut
Tap & Still
43. Bar Hopping in Cruz Bay (St. John)
Not to be outdone, Cruz Bay on Sst. John boasts many stumble worthy drinking holes.
High Tide
The Beach Bar
St. John Brewers
Woody’s
Longboards
Cruz Bay Landing
44. Take an Island Tour on a Safari Taxi (our local public transportation) (St. Thomas and St. John)
If you want the true local experience, take an island ride on a safari. A safari is an open air converted truck bed with benches-you will see them constantly. They travel the main roads and have no set schedule but do not run after dark. When you see one coming just stick your arm out. The safaris run a loop from town towards the east end of the island. Cost? $2 per person for most trips.
Bring a small cooler and enjoy a beer or hard seltzer while touring the island.
45. Island Hop to St. Croix
The deranged sister island to St. Thomas and St. John is St. Croix. About 40 some miles south of St. Thomas, jump on a sea plane from the harbor and spend the day on this under appreciated island.
A couple unique activities to the island:
-Golfing
-Rum distillery tour
Seaborne Airlines
Fly the Whale
46. Swim with Sea Lions, Sharks or Turtles (St. Thomas)
Coral World Ocean Park on St. Thomas is a pleasant little aquarium and nature park. An underwater observatory and interactive exhibits make this a family favorite. Make sure you take advantage of the change to swim with the sharks or turtles.
47. Hike to Mermaid’s Chair (St. Thomas)
The Preserve at Botany Bay is a sparsely-populated, gated community. You can park at the entrance and walk on paved roads down to an amazing little secluded beach. Sandy Bay is also nearby and worth a look.
48. Taste Cruzan Rum with the Flavors of Virgin Islands (St. Thomas and St. John)
Not difficult to do, but try all the flavors while you’re here. One of the easiest ways is to order a Cruzan Confusion drink which has many of the flavors. Mango, Pineapple, Strawberry, Banana, Coconut…yum!
And quite frankly, seeing as Cruzan is born here in the Virgin Islands, ordering any rum other than Cruzan is a crime.
49. Escape to Water Island
Possibly the least well-known of the inhabited Virgin Islands, Water Island floats just off the shores of St. Thomas.
The main attraction is Honeymoon Beach. There’s a bar right on the beach – Dinghy’s.
There is a small ferry boat that runs from the dock next to Tickles Restaurant to Water Island. When you land on Water Island follow the road as it turns to the right and runs into the beach. $10 round trip for adults and $5 for kids.
50. Taste Some Local Cuisine
Conch and rice with a side of fried plantains is about as good as it gets. For authentic local food, get away from the resorts and find a local spot. Try these:
Brooks Bar (St. Thomas)
Petite Pump Room (St. Thomas)
Victor’s Hide Out (St. Thomas)
Miss Lucy’s (St. John)
Or, ask a taxi driver to take you to his or her favorite food truck.
51. Get Engaged, Married or Renew your Vows (St. Thomas and St. John)
For couples wishing to renew their vows, get married or planning the perfect engagement – your ceremony can be as romantic as you desire. A quiet morning wedding on a beach, a sunset cruise or a picturesque luxury villa. For all the possibilities click below.
Blue Sky Ceremony
St Thomas Wedding Officiant.com
52. Take a Walk on the Waterfront at Dusk (St. Thomas)
Park at Yacht Haven Grande and walk along the waterfront in downtown Charlotte Amalie. Turn around when you get to the sea plane. The water and lights are beautiful and picturesque. Stop for a drink along the way at Greenhouse.
53. Tour a Brewery and Drink Virgin Islands Beer (St. John)
St. John’s own brewery brews up several delicious beers that capture the flavors of the islands. Grab a 12-pack and find a shady spot. They also have a bar in downtown Charlotte Amalie and a massive canning facility. These guys are serious beer bros.
54. Night Fishing
Grab a fishing rod, tackle and bait from Neptune Fishing Supply on St. Thomas. Do some shore fishing at Sapphire Beach or along the waterfront in Charlotte Amalie.
On St. John you’ll need to get a permit with the National Park – Permit Information Link.
55. Go Bird Watching (St. Thomas and St. John)
While hiking in St. John or sitting on a beach, bring a guidebook and keep track of all the unique Caribbean birds.
A Guide to the Birds of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands
56. Fish and Coral Watching (St. Thomas and St. John)
While Snorkeling or Scuba Diving bring a guide so you can identify all of the tropical fish and coral heads.
57. Go Running or Walking at Magens (St. Thomas)
Run/walk the beach, the road or the trail at Magens Beach. Get your exercise all while enjoying the beauty of one of the world’s most desired beaches. If you run on the beach one length is approximately .8 miles. If you run on the beach road adjacent to the beach, one length is approximately .60 miles.
There are very few flat, safe stretches on island to run. Magens is flat, beautiful and safe.
The Nature Trail will take you up a decent incline with some rocky elements. It can be a bit challenging after a rain.
57a. Run 8 Tuff Miles (St. John)
St. John is a tough place to run – hilly and tight running conditions on dangerous roads. But once a year St. John hosts a phenomenal event called “8 Tuff Miles”. The race happens towards the end of February. This is more than a race, it’s a bucket list event for many runners.
58. Ride the Zipline (St. Thomas)
Cruise through the treetops from some of the highest points on the island for views above Magen’s Bay and down to the British Virgin Islands. Enjoy approximately 2 hours of this exhilarating tour.
59. Beach BBQ (St. Thomas and St. John)
If you are coming with a group, plan a beach BBQ at Magens or Lindquist Beach on St. Thomas. You can bring your own food and grill yourself. Or, do what I recommend, call Smoking Rooster and have them bring the food.
For St. John, reach out to Passion Fruit Chefs for a pig roast or BBQ.
Spend the day getting sunburned and hammered while someone else does the cooking.
60. Go Night Kayaking or Paddleboarding (St. Thomas)
A clear bottom boat with LED lights illuminates the night waters revealing fish, rays and turtles. An enjoyable and leisurely tour. Tour begins at the The Westin at Frenchman’s Reef Hotel.
61. A Night Snorkeling Tour (St. Thomas)
A powerful underwater flashlight pierces the dark waters and all manner of fish and sea life reveals itself. There is nothing as exhilarating as a night snorkel tour.
62. Charter a Fully Provisioned and Crewed Luxury Sail or Power Yacht
Daily boat charters are a dime a dozen.
Instead, spend days or weeks cruising the Caribbean in a fully stocked and crewed boat as the ultimate Caribbean experience! And it is far more affordable than would think considering that everything is included! Pick from a yacht or catamaran.
63. Skinny dip anyone? (St. Thomas and St. John)
Ok, let’s be clear, nudity is forbidden on all beaches in the Virgin Islands.
That being said, I’ve heard rumors of a few beaches that draw free spirits to their shores.
Option #1 Go to the far right side of Magens Bay Beach. Enter the water and stay along the shore line the water stays about shoulder high. First you will happen upon Little Magens (clothing optional!) and if you continue you will find another tiny stretch of idealic sand called Platform Beach. There is a house that overlooks the beach now so be discreet.
Option #2 Salomon Beach in St. John
Again, it is technically prohibited to be naked in public and all beaches in the VI are public.
But let’s be real, if you find yourself alone on an empty beach, any beach, tell me you aren’t going to strip down and cannon ball!
64. Take a Jet Ski Tour (St. Thomas)
Cruise on a guided Jet Ski tour through Charlotte Amalie Harbor and around Hassel and Water Islands. Whether there are only 2 of you or a group of six see parts of St. Thomas few get to see.
Coastal Water Sports
Tropical Adventures
65. Go Parasailing (St. Thomas and St. John)
You will experience a mixture of beautiful scenery, crystal clear waters, warm sea spray and exhilarating flight on this ride high above St. Thomas. Ride one at a time or in tandem.
66. Rent a Kayak or Paddleboard (St. Thomas and St. John)
Explore the many bays and harbors on a rented kayak or paddleboard. Rent for the day or for a few days to really explore all the islands have to offer
St. Thomas
St. John
Also find hourly/daily rentals at:
Sapphire Beach (St. Thomas)
Magens Bay (St. Thomas)
Maho Bay (St. John)
Honeymoon Beach (St. John)
67. Discover Hassel Island
Rent a kayak, pack a picnic and lots of water, head to Frenchtown and disembark from shore. Cross a short stretch of water and arrive in the sparsely populated Hassel Island. Old ruins, beautiful hiking trails and incredible views. There are no accommodations or facilities of any kind on Hassel Island so be sure to come prepared.
68. Get a Massage/Spa Treatment (St. Thomas and St. John)
Admittedly I’ve never had a professional massage before. Although, my physical therapist massaged my leg once, not sure if that qualifies.
Prana Spa (St. Thomas)
69. Visit Mountaintop (St. Thomas)
A tourist trap to be sure, but it is worth the trip. High above Magens Bay is Mountaintop. A large and fun-filled souvenir shop along with a bar serving up Banana Daiquiris compliment the never ending views of St. Thomas, St. John and the British Virgin Islands. Mountaintop is relatively easy to find with a tourist map or directions from just about any local.
70. Go Back in Time at Blackbeard’s Castle (St. Thomas)
In their own words, “With pirate hideouts, historic manor houses, botanical gardens, archaeological sites, sparkling pools, waterfalls, museums, bars, shops and much more, this national historic landmark is the Caribbean’s premier historical site.”
71. Scenic Overlooks
There are a few well mapped and travelled lookouts. The most famous are Drake’s Seat on St. Thomas and Trunk Bay overlook on St. John. The views are spectacular. But there are other lookouts that you won’t find on a tour map. And others aren’t even official lookouts. So as you tour St. Thomas or St. John keep an eye out for spots along the road that offer new and wonderful views of this paradise.
72. Paradise Point and Skyride (St. Thomas)
A ski lift but thankfully no snow. Catch the Skyride up to Paradise Point for the best vantage point to look at the harbor and cruise ship docks. Paradise Point has a bar, live music and great souvenir shopping.
Skyride
73. Guided Hike and Boat Ride on Reef Bay Trail (St. John)
Walk a rocky, but mostly downhill trail, to sugar mill ruins and a secluded bay. Book through the National Park and get transportation (taxi) to and from (boat ride) the trail.
Also, there are petroglyphs from Native Island Indians dating back hundreds of years.
74. Underwater Photo Session (St. Thomas or St. John)
Ok, probably not your first thought. In fact, if my wife suggested this to me I would protest strongly…that is until I got to be a part of one. It’s probably the coolest photo shoot you’ll ever be on.
So surprise your wife, girlfriend or significant other. This is a once in a life time excursion and sure to be something you’ll never forget.
75. Walk Among the Ruins of Annaberg (St. John)
Well preserved ruins dating back hundreds of years to the good old days…if you were a white land owner.
But really cool ruins and incredible views of the British Virgin Islands.
76. Take a Tour of Fort Christian (St. Thomas)
The oldest building on the island is a massive old fort. Hard to miss right on the waterfront in downtown Charlotte Amalie.
Hours are not regular so call ahead before showing up. They charge $10 admission.
77. 99 Steps (St. Thomas)
More of an exercise than a site. I’ve burned my buns many times climbing these. I’ve never counted but somewhere I’ve read there are actually just over 100 steps.
I would do this along with a visit to Fort Christian which is a 2-3 minute walk away.
78. Virgin Islands Children’s Museum (St. Thomas)
Whenever my wife and I travel we always find a children’s museum. It’s just our thing.
So if that’s your thing, you can check out ours. It’s not earth shattering but it will keep your young kids entertained. They have a really cool cruise ship/water/dam activity.
It’s right down from the Pirate’s Museum, so kinda convenient.
79. Lagoon Tour or Explore on your Own (St. Thomas)
Vi Ecotours offers kayak and snorkeling tours of the lagoon. Calm, serene, and protected, teeming with fish, birds and fauna.
No need to go with the tour if you prefer to bring a kayak and go solo – there is a small “boat launch”.
80. Pizza Pi (St. Thomas and St. John)
C’mon. Seriously. This has to be a dream.
You are floating on a boat or inner tube in the Caribbean Sea when a dinghy rides up to you and serves you hot, fresh pizza. Good pizza. And shots. I don’t know if there are many things more surreal and special. An experience to remember.
81. Lime Out (St. John)
Ok, fine, pizza on a boat is pretty fantastic. What could be more fantastic?
How about sitting in the water at a floating restaurant while eating tacos.
Yup. Your taco fantasies have come true.
82. Shopping at Mongoose Junction (St. John)
A few restaurants and deli are within this compound a short walk from downtown Cruz Bay. Before or after you eat, wander the beautiful stone paths and stairs.
Eclectic, unique and fun shops with everything from jewelry, dolls, clothes to paintings. Hard not to walk out of here with some goods.
83. Go to Church
St. Thomas and St. John are filled with places of worship. Moravians, Lutherans, 7th-Day Adventists, and just about every denomination is well represented.
Too many folks come on vacation and skip their usual Saturday or Sunday worship. But no need to!
If you are in St. Thomas and Catholic check out – St. Peter and Paul
Welcoming to visitors on St. Thomas – St. Thomas Reformed Church
Freshwater Water Church on St. John is also welcoming to visitors and holds services on a beach! – Freshwater Church
84. Ram Head Trail (St. John)
The prettiest trail on St. John. Can’t think of better views on the island. I would classify it as an easy hike. But because of its location, you won’t encounter a lot of people.
The trail begins at a perfect beach and stops on top of the world.
85. Feed the Tarpon (St. Thomas)
I am a fisherman. And while most folks come down to the islands to go for deep sea fishing, shore fishing for tarpon is my favorite.
Get to see these monsters up close while making them fatter and bigger for my fishing line! (These are not table fare, but great for sport.)
Ocean Surfari
86. Visit a Rum Ball Factory (St. Thomas)
Not everything has to be about rum and beaches.
87. Carnival Night (St. Thomas and St. John)
While you’re on island you should check all of the resorts to find out what night they are having a Carnival night. Basically it is a night of island music, dancing and performers.
Several resorts host a Carnival Night on different nights. Try Bolongo, The Westin and The Ritz.
88. Carnival – St. Thomas
This is the real deal. Once a year, for a few weeks, the islands party just a bit harder.
Parades, live concerts, food, rides…a true taste of island culture.
The festivities typically begin in the first week or two of April and culminate in a week of insanity of the end off April and sometimes into early May. Each year they publish a detailed calendar of events.
St. Thomas Carnival
89. Carnival – St. John
Ditto for St. John.
Maybe not as big, but no less fun, St. John holds its Carnival in June and ends on or around July 4th.
St. John Carnival
90. Visit Amber’s Secret Gardens
This is a bit of a mystery. If you like mysteries. There is a hidden garden in downtown Charlotte Amalie. Almost no one knows where it is. But I do. I can give you directions and the password. Once inside you can enjoy a quiet moment in a lush garden. No crowds. No taxis. No shopkeepers harassing you. Just a small taste of the Caribbean the way it used to be.
91. Drink Coffee (St. Thomas)
Might not sound earth shattering. But we have our own coffee roaster here on island. And they have a coffee shop.
Next door to Chicken ‘n Bowling is Virgin Island Coffee Roasters. Grab some joe for the morning after a rum-drenched night.
92. Peace Hill & Denis Bay (St. John)
Hike a couple hundred feet up a trail. Take the trail straight and head up to some sugar mill ruins and views of Hawksnest and Gibney Beach along with the British Virgin Islands. The hike takes all of 2 minutes. The views and ruins are unforgettable.
Or, if you start at the same trail head, about 100 feet up there is a little trail spur on the right. Blink and you’ll miss it. Take the trail to the for about 7-8 minutes and end up at a often deserted beach – Denis Bay. Not a lot of shade but lovely sand and having it to yourself is worth the trek.
93. Frenchtown Brewing Company
Some serious craft brewing is going on in St. Thomas. You can go on a tour and also drink beer. Check them out in Frenchtown next to downtown Charlotte Amalie.
94. Go Shopping on Main Street
You know, if you want jewelry or watches, this is the place. Pretty much 90% of the stores sell shiny stuff. I guess browsing can be fun. And after being exhausted ‘negotiating’ with the store staff, find a bar or cafe to get hammered.
Try:
Sidestreet Pub
Greengos
Green House
Virgilio’s
Gladys’
95. Cooking Classes (St. Thomas and Water Island)
I have it on good authority this is a ton of fun. And why not learn to cook some local cuisine while in the islands.
96. Go Camping
St. Thomas – The Lost Mango Campgrounds sit at almost 1,000 feet of elevation with views for miles. And it is less than 5 minutes to downtown Charlotte Amalie and less than 10 minutes from a brilliant tropical beach with amazing snorkeling and plentiful turtles.
St. John – Cinnamon Bay allows camping. Pitch your tent just steps from one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. I hear Kenny Chesney camps in the area…in his multi-million dollar, island tent.
97. Become a Mermaid (St. Thomas)
My daughters still talk about the time real life mermaids appeared at one of their friend’s birthday party at Magens Bay.
An unforgettable experience for the little ones, boys and girls alike.
98. Snuba Tours (St. Thomas and St. John)
I’ve never done this. But for folks that are new to underwater activities, this is a fantastic introduction.
99. Private Island Tour (St. Thomas and St. John)
The big safari taxis that transport groups of up to 25 people can be hired out for private island tours. This is different than take a local safari which is more like public transportation.
100. Hang with Island Mike
I am always out and about around island. If you see me, you are required to get a picture with me and if we are within reach of a bar, a drink. This could be the best part of your visit.
101. My Favorite Thing to Do in the World
String a hammock between 2 palm trees or grab a beach chair . Grab a book, load up a cooler with beer and ice. Head to a beach (you might see me at Magens, please don’t disturb if I’m napping) and find your perfect spot.
And love every second of this island life.
Bonus:
Coming Soon – A Little Juicy Fruit Winery – like an honest to goodness winery. Here in St. Thomas. Amazing.