Official Name: St. Thomas Capital: Flag: Population: 51,181 Language: English Currency: US Dollar (USD) Government Website: ltg.gov.vi Chamber of Commerce: www.usvichamber.com Emergency Info:

About St. Thomas Island

St. Thomas is the New York City of the Islands. It’s strong economy and tourist industry attract people from all over the Islands for work; and it’s beaches, beautiful harbor, vibrant nightlife, and true Caribbean soul attract tourists from all over the world. The mountainous island of St. Thomas is the largest of the three US Virgin Islands, and provides magnificent views of from as high as 1,500 feet above sea level. For all its own gems, and for being the perfectly located Island to travel easily to smaller nearby Islands for day trips, St. Thomas is the ideal Caribbean getaway.

The capital of the US Virgin Islands is St. Thomas’s Charlotte Amalie. For shopping, dining and lively nightlife, Charlotte Amalie is the place to go. The city is where the cruise ships dock and at certain times of the day you will find the city will become suddenly filled with people, and other times remains much less populated. There are lots of restaurant choices in the city, whether its authentic Caribbean cuisine or familiar favorites, you’ll find it in Charlotte Amalie. The city is also filled with attractions including the Seven Arches Museum, Crownhouse and Blackbeards Castle.

Named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world by magazines including National Geographic, Magens Bay is one of the most popular beaches on St. Thomas. There are plenty of water sports equipment available for rent on the beach.

For a smaller and less populated beach excursion, but no less beautiful, Coki Point located on the northeast shore of the Island is a quaint, hidden beach with some of the best snorkeling on the Island. Because Coki Point is a ways away from the Cruise ship port in Charlotte Amalie, this beach doesn’t get populated with day visitors from the ships. There are a few local artist vendors just before the beach who sell jewelry and authentic Caribbean wraps. A beach side shack also serves lunch and drinks. The rocky point which stretches out to the left of the beach is the perfect snorkeling spot because although not far from the shore, the water gets fairly deep and the fish are extremely abundant. On the shore you can usually find a local handing out bundles of dog bones for a dollar or two, which can be used by crumbling in the water while you’re snorkeling to attract an enormous swarm of fish.

Also located at Coki Point is Coral World Marine Park & Observatory. This 80,000 gallon coral reef tank give the experience for visitors to see the underwater world of the Caribbean waters without even getting in the water. There is also a shark pool and a “touch pool” for kids.

For a historical treat, visit Fort Christian, the oldest standing structure in the entire Virgin Islands. Located over Charlotte Amalie harbor, Fort Christian has been adding to the beauty in St. Thomas since 1672. In its prime the brick fortress served as the town’s protection from pirates, and since has housed other community uses including St. Thomas’s first Government House. Fort Christian now appropriately serves as the Virgin Islands Museum.

You’ll never be able to put down your camera when you visit St. Thomas. Everywhere you go you’ll swear you’ve found the best view on the Island, but that might just be impossible as the whole Island of St. Thomas is essentially one big magnificent view. There are, however, views you definitely don’t want to miss. The Paradise Point Tramway runs between Havensight and Paradise Point, holding up to 10 people per car, brings travelers up a nearly 700 foot peak overlooking Charlotte Amalie. The dramatic view from the top is spectacular; you can see the whole town and a great distance of the Caribbean.

For a view with a tasty treat, the MountainTop serves famously delicious banana daiquiris made with local rum (and has been since the 1960’s!). After you’ve enjoyed your daiquiri, check out the Estate St. Peter Greathouse and Botanical Gardens which has over 200 kinds of West Indian trees and plants, as well as a display of local art.

St. Thomas Island Map