Saint Thomas US Virgin IslandsCruise Port Guide
Getting Around from the Port
From Havensight (West India Company Dock):
- Walking: Downtown Charlotte Amalie is approximately a 15 to 20-minute walk from the Havensight pier.
- Taxis: Plenty of taxis are usually available at the dock.
- Safari Dollar Buses: For longer distances, look for these open-air buses at designated stops. Pay the driver when you exit: $1 for short distances, $2 for longer routes.
From Crown Bay:
- Walking: Walking to downtown Charlotte Amalie from Crown Bay is quite difficult and takes about 40 minutes.
- Taxis: Taxis are readily available in a designated area at the port. These are often shared rides and cost approximately $5 per person.
- Safari Dollar Buses: These are also an option for getting around the island, with fares of $1-$2 depending on distance.
General Transportation Tips:
- Taxi and bus rates are regulated. Taxis charge per person, one-way, and can be expensive.
- To reach the Red Hook Ferry dock (for trips to St. John), a taxi is the recommended option.
- To reach Water Island from Crown Bay, walk over to the Crown Bay Marina, right beside the cruise ship dock, and take the ferry.
Attractions and Activities
With 8-10 hours in port, you have several excellent options:
- Explore Charlotte Amalie (2-3 hours): The historic capital is easily walkable. While known for shopping, take time to appreciate the historic buildings, forts, and warehouses. Wear comfortable shoes.
- Skyride to Paradise Point & Mountain Top (2-3 hours): Take the Skyride for breathtaking views of St. Thomas Harbor from Paradise Point. Continue to Mountain Top, the island's highest point, for spectacular vistas of Magens Bay.
- Coral World Marine Park (3-4 hours): Interact with marine life at the touch pool or explore a mangrove lagoon along the Coastal Trail.
- Half-Day Sail & Snorkel (4-5 hours): Enjoy a relaxing half-day sailing trip to Buck Island aboard a large yacht, then snorkel in Turtle Cove.
- Water Island & Honeymoon Beach (3-4 hours): From Crown Bay Marina, take a short 5-10 minute ferry ride to Water Island. Honeymoon Beach, a short walk from the ferry dock, offers a beautiful, uncrowded alternative to more popular beaches.
- Day Trip to St. John (5-7 hours): For a more extensive beach experience, take a taxi to the Red Hook Ferry dock. Ferries to Cruz Bay, St. John, depart hourly on the hour and take about 25-30 minutes. Upon arrival, taxis are waiting to take you to beaches like Trunk Bay (around $8 per person, including scenic overlooks). To ensure you return to your ship on time, plan to take a ferry from Cruz Bay no later than 3 hours prior to your ship's departure. Taxis will be waiting at Red Hook to take you back to your ship.
- Magens Bay (2-3 hours): This popular destination features a nearly three-quarter-mile stretch of well-protected white sand beach. Access via taxi.
Dining & Shopping
Saint Thomas is renowned as a duty-free shopping paradise. You'll find over 400 shops along Main Street in Charlotte Amalie and an additional 50-plus at Havensight Mall. Popular items include precious gemstones, fine jewelry, watches, cameras, electronics, designer clothing, and a wide selection of island rums and liquors. The US Customs allowance for duty-free goods is $1200 per person, with no sales tax.
Near the Cruise Terminal:
- Havensight Dock: Essentially a mini-downtown, it features over 50 shops, many of which are outposts of well-known Charlotte Amalie boutiques. Here you'll also find Dockside Books, Gourmet Gallery (offering a great selection of wine and Caribbean beer), and a post office.
- Across from Havensight: Conveniently located across the main road are convenience stores, coffee shops, and cafes that often provide free WiFi for customers.
- Yacht Haven Grande Marina: A short walk to the left from the Havensight pier, this newer, upscale shopping and dining area offers a refined experience.
- K-Mart: For some of the best bargains on duty-free liquor, K-Mart is within walking distance beyond the immediate Havensight facility.
Shopping Hours: Shops are generally open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Some larger stores will open on Sundays when cruise ships are in port.
Weather
Saint Thomas has a warm tropical climate with temperatures between 75°F and 85°F (24°C to 29°C) tempered by trade winds year-round. The cruise season peaks October through April, when lower humidity and abundant sunshine create ideal conditions for shopping and beach visits. Pack lightweight clothing, sunscreen, and a compact rain jacket for brief afternoon showers.