About St. Thomas

St. Thomas is often referred to as the “Caribbean's gem” for vacationers who love the sea, shopping, history or photography. Located only 80 miles east of Puerto Rico, the US Virgins are near the "top" of the Caribbean chain, and some of the shortest air flights from Miami or other stateside departure points.

Language
The principle language of the islands is English, with some Spanish and Creole.

Currency
U.S. Dollars. Credit cards and traveler's checks are generally accepted.

Eastern Standard Time +1 hour. Greenwich Mean Time -4 hours.
No daylight savings time. Generally, sunrise is between 5:30am and 6:30am and sunset 6:30pm-7:00pm, all year around.

Climate
The Virgin Island climate is tropical with wonderful average winter daytime temperatures of 78 degrees F. and summer daytime temperatures of about 82 degrees F. It cools off slightly in the evenings. Continuous gentle tradewinds make St Thomas always comfortable.

Getting Around St. Thomas
Rental cars are easily arranged on line if you want to travel to the resort from the airport, and advance reservations are recommended. If you just want to rent a car for a day or two for an excursion or sightseeing, you will be able to do so directly at the resort. Note: St. Thomas is English style - you drive on the left side of the road.
Traditional taxis are available and are always waiting in line at the resort to accommodate guests to anywhere on the island. Or you may opt for Caribbean taxis, which are available everywhere. These charming vehicles are a cross between bus and private car: multiple passengers share rides, and enjoy an expert's (the driver) rendition of a mini tour of whatever part of the island the ride covers. Drivers are available for hire by the hour or day for a more extensive private guided excursion.
Island Ferries: Passenger ferries to St. Croix and St. John are available from the town of Red Hook . You can check with the concierge in the lobby for daily schedules.

Shopping on St. Thomas
Small shops, street vendors, and world famous stores tantalize shoppers with variety and charm.  Custom allows $1200 worth of goods per person duty-free. And there's no sales tax!
Local Virgin island produced items available include Cruzan Rum, arts and crafts, basketwork, jewelry, and clothing. Especially good buys include distinctive name brand china, linen, perfume, gemstones, fine jewelry, and watches.

Dining on St. Thomas
St. Thomas restaurants boast a wide variety of cuisine from native Caribbean fare to Continental, Danish, French, Italian and Chinese. You will find something for every taste and budget, ranging from first class gourmet restaurants to casual cafes.
Limin', as the locals call it, is the art of hangin' out. Piano bars, jazz clubs, discos, rock and country music abound. Or, check out the local Quadrille dancers or Steel Band Show. It's all part of limin'.
There isn't room here to list all our favorite spots, but for starters, on St. Thomas, try:

  • The Agave Terrace at Point Pleasant Resort on the east end of the island will delight you. The hillside gardens welcome you and are picture perfect after sunset. Super service enhances the well-rounded menu including local lobster, fresh fish, and steaks. An extensive wine list is offered or you can choose refreshing tropical drinks. Their great food is recommended by the New York Times, and Conde Nast Traveler and it is a six time gold medal winner. Check on the children's menu, and look for the Steel pan band several nights during the week.
  • Old Stone Farmhouse is at Mahogany Run Golf course in a 200 year old converted sugar estate. You'll enjoy international cuisine and consider it a fine dining experience.
  • Tavern on the Waterfront is downtown near Royal Dane Mall. Let your eyes feast on harbor views as you delight in fresh seafood and continental dishes. Tap your toes to the live music.
  • Romano’s Resturant is one of our favorite spots on St Thomas and one we never miss when we are “on island.” Located nearby on the East End, Romano’s is chef owned serving fine northern Italian fare since 1988. The owner, Tony, is a former NJ native and along with his fine food, you will enjoy his artwork hanging throughout the dining room. He’s always on site and happy to say hello.
  • Caribbean Saloon - A typical “American style saloon”  this sports bar and lively gathering spot is always a fun spot to eat. Enjoy music and dancing, music videos on the giant screens and great moderately priced food. This sports bar is the perfect place to catch that game at home that you just can’t miss. Located at American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook, just minutes from Sapphire Beach.
  • East End Café offers traditional authentic Italian cuisine at very fair prices. The menu changes seasonally to make the most of current harvests. You will find that this restaurant consistently serves delicious pasta dishes, meat and seafood…..their menu is a tribute to the food of Italy .

Many restaurants are open for lunch, close for a time, and reopen for early dinner. Check with your choice for serving hours and reservations.


Virgin Island Sightseeing
Some of the most notable favorites among St. Thomas sightseers are:


Skyride to Paradise Point
The St. Thomas Skyride to Paradise Point, a modern aerial cable car, is your ride to the best sightseeing in the Virgin Islands . The trip is 7 minutes one-way and takes you 700 feet above sea level. Stay at the top for as long as you want and enjoy unique shops, a neat Bird Show (10:30am, 1:30pm & 3:30pm), a fun bar featuring the famous Bushwacker, a grill for a nice lunch and fabulous panoramic views of cruise ships, Charlotte Amalie harbor and neighboring islands. Open 9am - 5pm; Tuesdays 9am-7pm and Wednesdays 9am-9pm. Roundtrip: Adults are $19. Children 6-12 are $9. 5 and under are free!


Atlantis Submarine
Our unique tour enables guests to view the exciting underwater world from our state of the art submarine, Atlantis XV. Designed with safety and comfort in mind, the submarine provides an intimate view of abundant varieties of sea life through large view ports. You will see small colorful reef fish darting in and out of coral and larger predator fish; perhaps even a glimpse of a shark! Other possible sightings include turtles, lobster and stingrays. An informative and experienced co-pilot will accompany you with an informative narration of the ecosystem. Don’t miss this adventure!


Virgin Islands Ecotours
Virgin Islands Ecotours offers the only half and full day guided kayak & snorkel tours of St. Thomas Mangrove Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary & Marine Preserve. Explore the Mangroves on two person easy to paddle sit-on-top kayaks. Explore crystal clear lagoons and a deserted tropical island with hermit crabs races and the famous Red Point Blow hole. Snorkel in an underwater paradise. No experience is necessary. If you only do one snorkel tour, this is it! “It’s fun. It’s beautiful. And from the Professional guides that lead the tours, it’s also educational. It’s ecotourism at its best.” Fun for the entire family! Morning and afternoon tours daily. Reservations required.


Coral World Ocean Park
Spend the day at Coral World Ocean Park , one of St. Thomas' Greatest Attractions. Get up close and personal with the beauty and magic of Caribbean marine life in a stunning setting. View life on a coral reef from the unique Undersea Observatory. Pet a shark, hand feed a stingray or a rainbow lorikeet! There are several gift shops, cafes and shower facilities. Additional activities include brand new Sea Lion Splash, Sea Trek Helmet Dive, Shark and Turtle Encounters, Nautilus Semi-Sub, Parasailing and Snuba. Located next to Coki Beach . Open 9-5 daily, November - May. Summer schedule may vary.


Mountain Top
Mountain Top is a great place to visit, shop, grab a burger or salad, and enjoy the sunset over the harbor at Charlotte Amalie . As the sun sets, the lights of the city and cruise ships below start to twinkle and make for a breathtaking view. Don’t miss visiting the highest point on St Thomas.
Don't miss:
Take the water taxi from St. Thomas to St. John , and spend a day in the U.S. Virgin Island National Park. It is truly a beautiful park with many bays and beaches. There is a new snorkelers delight around Trunk Island ( Trunk Bay ) where you can take a few minutes and see underwater life identified by sea bottom markers and swim among colorful schools of tropical fish. Experienced snorkelers will find a wealth of places for adventure and interest.