Attractions
Sapphire Beach
Address: 6561 Estate Smith Bay, East End, St Thomas 00802 1357 .Sapphire beach is a spectacular beach and wind surfers paradise. This beach has beautiful fine white sand and amazing views of St. John, the British Virgin Islands and some deserted Cays. There are plenty of sea grape trees that offer shade but also lots of space for the sun worshipper to bask. There is a water sports booth that offers windsurfing, kayaks and snorkel gear rental, as well as chair rentals. At the nearby marina you can rent jet skis or go parasailing. If you are looking to snorkel a reef, there is a shallow rocky ledge and reefs on the right side of the beach. There are restaurants and bars offering food and drinks at this beach. There are also showers there if you need them. There is no entrance fee to this beach. Sapphire Beach is on the safari route so it would be possible to take the safari taxi there.
Sapphire Beach - St. Thomas Beaches - Virgin Islands (vinow.com)
Magens Bay
Address: Magens Bay .Magens Bay is said to be one of the most beautiful and breathtaking beaches in the Virgin Islands. Magens bay is a must see! Located on the North ( Atlantic) side of the island, Magens Bay features a well-protected white sand beach stretching for nearly three quarters of a mile. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island, as well as a gathering place for locals. The bay is north-west facing which means its waters are usually calm, although storms in the North Atlantic can occasionally create large waves in the winter months. With a sandy bottom this will not be the place to snorkel if you want to see coral but there are generally smaller fish and turtles that can be seen. This is one of few beaches that does charge an entrance fee because of the services provided. The services include lifeguards, parking, showers and bathrooms. There is a snack counter, bar and souvenir shop. Beach chairs, floats, lounge chairs, mask and snorkels, fins, towels, lockers, paddleboards, and kayaks can be rented. The entrance fee is $5.00 per-visitor over the age of 12, free for kids under 12. There is also a $2 parking fee if you drive your own vehicle. Magen Bay is not on the safari route so the best way there if you are not renting a vehicle is with a taxi.
https://magensbayauthority.org/
Mountain Top
Address: GPS Coordinates 18°21'20.9"N - 64°56'46.9"W .Mountain Top is located on the highest point of St. Thomas. Mountain Top offers visitors stunning panoramic views of Magens Bay, St. John and the British Virgin Islands from its expansive observation deck. Mountain Top is best known for its world famous banana daiquiri and wide array of duty-free shopping. Mountain Top is not on the safari route.
Welcome to the World Famous Mountain Top | St. Thomas | US Virgin Islands (mountaintopvi.com)
Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden
Address: Bishop Dr & RT-33, Northside, St Thomas 00802 .Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden is full of beautiful blooming orchids, bromeliads, lilies, palms, and more. It is an amazing place to go and relax in the calming serenity of nature as lizards scurry about and butterflies and birds fly throughout the garden. You can stop and rest in the Balinese gazebo or other serene seating areas. Visit the resident wildlife-parrots, tortoises, peacocks and chickens-and learn about the garden plants and inhabitants with interpretive signs. Usually people need around 45 minutes to and hour to see everything. Great for children and families. Cold water, tropical juices and snacks for sale. Blooming orchids and tillandsias (air plants) also for sale. Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden is not on the safari route so you would need to take a taxi there. The admission fee is $10.00 per person. Check the website for open hours because they vary.
Red Hook
Address: Red Hook .Red Hook is a favorite for all ages! It is an area on the East End of the island just about a 2 minute drive past Sapphire Beach. Red Hook offers a marina; fishing and boating excursions; ferries; island-style shops; and restaurants and bars. You will probably find some of the best pizza, bugers, and sushi here. You will have the option in Red Hook to have casual bar food experiences or nice higher end restaurants and everything in between. Redhook is bustling with energy especially when the sun goes down!!!! Red Hook is on the safari route.
Charlotte Amalie Historic District
Address: Charlotte Amalie .The Virgin Islands has so much history and culture to offer. The downtown area offers historic buildings, architecture, culture and stories. Some favorites are Fort Christian, Grand Hotel, Fredrick Lutheran Church, 99 Steps, Hotel 1829, Hamburg-American Steam Ship Headquarters, De Lugo Post Office Art, Camille Pissarro Building, and Creque Alley amongst other locations. Charlotte Amalie is also home to the second oldest synagogue in the United States. The building was constructed in 1833. There are many companies that offer walking and driving tour of this historic district.
Water Island
Address: Caribbean Sea .Water Island is the smallest of the four USVI islands at just 491 acres. It is also the youngest having been transferred to the local government in December 1996. It has a population of less than 200 people. Water Island offers relaxing days on the beach, kayaking, exploring military fortifications, hiking around the island, or exploring on golf carts. Having lunch and drinks at Honeymoon Bay or taking a bike tour are a must.
There is a ferry that leaves every hour on the hour from Crown Bay on St. Thomas. You will get on the ferry next to the restaurant called Tickles at Crown Bay. It is about a 15 minute ferry ride to Water Island. The cost of the ferry is $15.00 round trip per person. There is no reason not to get a round trip ticket unless you are staying on Water Island for the night. A one-way ticket is $10 per person. Once you get off the ferry there will be a safari taxi waiting for you that will take you to Honeymoon Beach. If you would like to rent your own golf cart to explore the island it is just a short walk from where the ferry lets you off.
It is important to remember the last ferry leaving Water Island for the day is at 6:15pm. You must be on that one or any of the ferries before the last one to get back to St. Thomas. The ferries leaving Water Island leave from the dock 15 minutes past every hour.
St. John
Address: St. John .St. John is arguably the most beautiful of the US Virgin Islands. One of the reasons for this is because 60% of St. John is protected as Virgin Islands National Park. The population of St. John is only about 5,000 people. This magical island is only a 25-35 minute ferry ride away from St. Thomas! The most popular way to get there is to take a ferry out of Red Hook to Cruz Bay on St. John. See the link below for details on the ferry times, locations, and prices.
St. John Ferry Schedule | St. John Island (stjohnisland.com)
The ferry will let you off in Cruz Bay which is a great area for shopping, eating, and drinking. There are also sarafi's there waiting to take you to beaches if you so desire.
Some of the more famous beaches on St. John are Honeymoon Beach, Trunk Bay, and Maho. If you are into hikes and exploring St. John is an excellent place for that as well.
