Sapphire Beach, St. Thomas, USVI

St. Thomas, USVI Information
Contributed by
Nancy Norris
Nancy@SinglesCruiseCenter.com
http://www.SinglesCruiseCenter.com

Language and Currency
What is St. Thomas Like?
What is the Weather Like?
Where Does the Ship Dock?
Where is the Shopping?
What is There to Buy?
What is There To Do?
Is There Anything of a “Don’t Miss Quality?
Are There Any Great Restaurants or Bars?

St. Thomas, USVI Port Reviews
St. Thomas Shore Excursions

Language and Currency

English is spoken in St. Thomas and the currency is the US Dollar.

What is St. Thomas like?

St. Thomas, the shopping hub of the Caribbean, is the capital and major port of the US Virgin Islands.  This picturesque island, measuring 13 miles in length and less than 3 miles at its widest point, is 75 miles east of Puerto Rico. Part of the lesser Antilles chain of the West Indies, the hills of St. Thomas are alive with color. The red hibiscus, purple bougainvillea, orange tree blossoms and red roof tops contrast with the lush green hillside to create a vibrant panorama.  The island architecture is an eclectic mix of Spanish patios, French iron gates and grillwork, Dutch doors, and Danish rooftops.  Crystalline white sand and calm turquoise waters provide a backdrop for some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Granted the narrow streets have become overdeveloped, but it remains one of the most popular islands in the Caribbean.   

What is the weather like?

St. Thomas enjoys pleasant weather all year. The temperature is fairly constant with an average year round temperature of 78 -88°F. Temperatures range from a low of 65 to high of 95°. Fall is the rainy season, but even then, occasional showers not an all day rain, is the norm.

Where does the ship dock?

Most cruise ships will dock at the Havensight Pier about a 5-10 minute taxi ride outside of downtown Charlotte Amalie.  However, some cruise ships tender in the Charlotte Amalie harbor, and if it is a very busy day in port, the overflow must dock a bit further out at Crown Point Marina, west of Charlotte Amalie.  Taxis are plentiful at the Havensight Pier and a ride into downtown will cost about $3.  Be advised that this port can get very crowded and traffic can get exceedingly congested.  If a number of ships are in port and you are downtown, allow plenty of time to return to the pier.

Where is the shopping?

St. Thomas is a shopping Mecca.  Shopping in this duty-free zone could easily consume your entire time in port. The main shopping area is along the harbor and Main Street in Charlotte Amalie.  Within this 4 block radius there are numerous narrow alleys and alcoves lined with more stores than one can imagine.  These narrow streets can become very congested when a number of ships are in port, and it is easy to become overwhelmed by the shopping frenzy. If crowds are something you like to avoid, the Havensight Mall is located directly at the Havensight Pier and offers retail outlets of many of the same stores you will find downtown.

What is there to buy?

Jewelry, perfume, watches, jewelry, china, crystal, linens, jewelry, liquor and tobacco are all offered at significant savings.  Oh yes, did I mention jewelry!  The advantageous custom allowance allowed for purchases made in St. Thomas make this a shoppers paradise.  To accommodate transporting, liquor stores will even box and deliver your purchases directly to the ship.

What is there to do?

Shopping and beaches are the main attractions in St. Thomas. I have already expounded on the shopping, so let me spend some time sharing your beach options. 

Magen's Bay, St. Thomas, USVI

Magen’s Bay is located on the north coast of the island, about a 25 minute cab ride from the pier.  At one time this was given the distinction of being one of the 10 ten most beautiful beaches in the world. Personally, although still quite nice, I believe it has lost some of its luster.  Coki Beach is about 15 minutes away from the port and provides good snorkeling. Its location next to the Coral World Marine Park at Coki Point, with its underwater observation chambers and 80,000 gallon reef tank, make it a popular beach on the cruise circuit.  However, on the island, my favorite beach, hands-down, is Sapphire Beach. Located about 15 minutes away from port, not far from Red Hook, it is a perfect Caribbean Beach.  Snorkeling is excellent and it is a favorite of windsurfers. Non-motorized water sport rental is available, as is an open-air restaurant/bar with awesome views of St. John.  You can also venture off island and enjoy a sail and snorkel (or scuba) trip to Turtle Cove on Buck Island. Your beach opportunities do not end there, however.  A 20 minute ferry ride from Red Hook will deliver you to Cruz Bay in St. John.  If you decide to venture to St. John, Trunk Bay has an excellent underwater snorkeling trail (snorkel equipment can be rented at this national park).  Another St. John alternative is Honeymoon Beach.  Here is a tip: Trunk Bay tends to be very crowded in the morning, as that is when most cruise ships schedule their excursions.  If your port schedule allows, catch one of the early afternoon ferries and it will be much less crowded and obviously much more pleasurable.  If you don’t want to spend the day shopping, lounging at a beach or snorkeling, the Atlantis Submarine is a nice way to enjoy the undersea marine life.  A short cable car ride on the Paradise Point Tramway, across the street from the Havensight Pier, provides a great view of the harbor, 700 ft. below. Finally, you can always visit St Thomas’ oldest structure, the Danish Fort Christian. It houses the Virgin Islands Museum in one of the dungeons. 

Is there anything of “Don’t Miss” quality?

It is hard for me to pick just one “don’t miss” in St. Thomas.  It is probably why I have chosen to return to this island frequently, not only as a port of call on a cruise ship, but to spend extended time lounging on Sapphire Beach, snorkeling at Trunk Bay, and eating (and drinking) at two of my favorite Caribbean stops (see the next section), not to mention the requisite jewelry purchase (s) every time I visit.

Are there any great restaurants or bars?

One of my favorite dining experiences is Hervé Restaurant and Wine Bar on Government Hill, next to Hotel 1829 in the heart of town.  You can choose to dine in the large open air terrace or the more intimate wine room. The menu is extensive and quite eclectic.  Although the main courses are outstanding, save room for dessert (the cheesecake is “to die for”).  At the complete opposite end of the spectrum, is my favorite bar in St. Thomas, Duffy’s Love Shack in Red Hook Plaza, near the Red Hook ferry terminal. Full of local color, Duffy’s is definitely “party central”.  Although food is served at this open air restaurant and bar, the emphasis is on the bar.  Beware of some of the potent rum concoctions; they have been known to have people dancing on the tables.

St. Thomas, USVI Port Reviews
(Click on the Review you are Interested in Reading)

Calgon; A Day Around Town
David Ayars; A Tour with EcoTours
Cathy Cole; A Day at Trunk Bay
Diane; Sapphire Beach
Shannon; Informational Tour
efschlenk, December; Ferry to St. John 
Cindy, November; Shopping and St. John Snorkel Tour 
Philip M. Haggerty; Day Sail on the Winifred 
Judy and Roger Best; Sevret Harbor and Shopping Downtown
L.D.; St. John Ships Tour
Lori; Shopping and the St. John Beach Tour
Anthony Jones; A Trip to Megan's Bay
Keith & Diane Ballweg; Open Air Pickup Tour of Island
Kenny Dobosz; Mini boats and Hidden Beaches Tour
Franklin Bennett; Amazing Benefits of a Time Share Presentation
Bob & Wendy Evans; Havensight Shopping and Internet Cafe'
Jill; On Your Own Adventure
Lesley Putnam; Omni Jewelers, Buyer Beware 
Joanne and John Bowers; Half Day Sail and Snorkel and Shopping
Mark; SCUBA Diving and Shopping 
Cathy Cole; Megan's Bay and Shopping
Janet J. Imp; Water Island Bike Tour
Jan Buker; Cinnamon Bay on St. John
Heather; Bus Tour and Shopping
George Ziegler; Sapphire Beach and Car Rental Advice 
Krista Beach; Snorkel Tour to St. James on the Leeland Sneed
Valerie Berry; Indpendent Island Tour and Sapphire Beach 
Fred; Ferry to St John for the Day 
Nancy Upton; Shopping
Buddy Gilmore; Golf at Mahogany Run
Jeff R. Clow; Electronics & Jewelry Shopping
Steve; Coki Beach
Roger and Judy Best; Great Views and Trunk Bay
Dave Fay; Private taxi tour and BOB (Breathable underwater Observation Bubble)
Danny; Snorkel Trunk Bay St. John
Rebecca; Jester Sailing Snorkel Trip
Philip Dacey; Tour on Your Own by Taxi
Mary Kay; Island Tour with Godfrey
Christine Woerner; Leylon Sneed Snorkeling Trip to St. John
Heidi Dugan; Island Tour and Coki Beach
Jessie; Private Tour and Shopping
Megan; Downtown Hassles & Atlantis Submarine
Brent Jones; Emerald Resort at Lindberg Bay
Erin; Best of St. Thomas Island Tour
Stewart Cohen; Capt. Nautica's Power Boat Snorkeling
Rania Hammond; Megans Bay
Jonathon Elston; Paradise Pt. and Sailing to Buck Island
Scott Smetana: Exploring St. John on Your Own 
Helen Kolln; St. John Jeep Tour via Red Hook Ferry
Robert MacDonald; Shopping
Barb; St. Johns Island Tour
Ted K. Wade; Taxi tour and Leylon Sneed Excursion
Paula; Trunk Bay via Red Hook ferry & Paradise Pt
Sam; Hire a Cab for Shopping and Sightseeing
Jennifer Croat; Sapphire Beach by Cab
Dick Ellis & Shirley Croy; Details of Special Snorkeling Adventure at Trunk Bay

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