Cruise Port Guide to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Written By Shanna Shaff

Nestled in the Caribbean Sea, St. Thomas is a vibrant jewel of the U.S. Virgin Islands. It’s a top cruise destination known for turquoise waters, lush hills, colonial history, and a lively shopping and dining scene. Whether you're stepping off the ship for just a few hours or enjoying a full day, there's no shortage of things to do near the cruise ports—and much of it can be enjoyed for free or on a budget.

Cruise Ports: Where You’ll Arrive

There are two main cruise ports in St. Thomas:

Havensight Cruise Port

  • Located just 1.5 miles from downtown Charlotte Amalie

  • Home to Havensight Mall – over 60 duty-free stores

  • Near attractions like the Paradise Point Tramway

Crown Bay Cruise Port

  • Located near the airport and west of Charlotte Amalie

  • Smaller but growing, with its own selection of shops and eateries

  • Close to Frenchtown, known for dining and nightlife

Shopping in St. Thomas

St. Thomas is a duty-free haven, especially for jewelry, electronics, liquor, perfume, and designer goods. Some top shopping areas include:

Havensight Mall

  • Right by the cruise ship dock (Havensight)

  • Brands: Cardow Jewelers, Little Switzerland, A.H. Riise, Effy Jewelry

Charlotte Amalie

  • Historic downtown with cobblestone streets and charming alleyways

  • Great for local crafts, spices, cigars, and high-end jewelry

  • Don't miss Main Street (Dronningens Gade) – a shopper’s paradise

Yacht Haven Grande

  • Upscale waterfront shopping near Havensight

  • High-end boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants

Vendor’s Plaza

  • Outdoor market near Emancipation Park

  • Great for souvenirs, sarongs, t-shirts, and handmade jewelry

Best Beaches Near the Cruise Port

Whether you want to relax, swim, or snorkel, St. Thomas delivers:

Magens Bay Beach

  • Most famous beach on the island (small entrance fee)

  • Calm waters, bar, restrooms, chair/kayak rentals

Sapphire Beach

  • Gorgeous views of St. John, excellent snorkeling

  • Free entry, bar and food available

Coki Point Beach

  • Popular and lively, with easy-access snorkeling

  • Vendors offer food, drinks, and gear rentals

Secret Harbour Beach

  • Secluded and peaceful, perfect for families

  • Has a bar/restaurant and restrooms

Lindquist Beach (Smith Bay Park)

  • Quiet, pristine, and picturesque

  • Small entrance fee; less crowded than others

Brewers Bay (near airport)

  • A favorite with locals, quiet with free parking

  • Sea turtles often spotted here while snorkeling

Where to Eat: Restaurants Near the Ports

From casual beach shacks to fine dining with a view:

Casual & Beachside

  • Hook’d at Red Hook – beachfront seafood & drinks

  • Sunset Grille at Secret Harbour – oceanfront dining

  • Mim’s Seaside Bistro – romantic seafood spot at Watergate

Local Favorites

  • Greengos Caribbean Cantina – creative tacos and margaritas

  • Gladys’ Café – famous for Caribbean cuisine and homemade hot sauce

  • Petite Pump Room – great for local dishes, near the ferry terminal

Upscale Dining

  • Prime at Paradise Point – upscale steakhouse with incredible views

  • The Twisted Cork Café in Frenchtown – fine dining with a wine bar vibe

  • Blue Eleven – modern Caribbean fusion, upscale atmosphere

Bars & Nightlife Hotspots

Near the Ports

  • Fat Turtle – fun waterfront bar at Yacht Haven Grande

  • Side Street Pub – cozy downtown spot with great cocktails

  • The Greenhouse – tourist-friendly bar and grill on the waterfront

Scenic & Beach Bars

  • Iggie’s Oasis – fun beach bar at Bolongo Bay

  • Duffy’s Love Shack – a quirky tiki bar in a parking lot in Red Hook

  • Island Time Pub – relaxed vibe with harbor views

Things to See & Do (Including Free Activities!)

Scenic & Historic Spots

  • Paradise Point Tramway: Ride the tram for panoramic views

  • 99 Steps: Free to climb, leads to historic views

  • Blackbeard’s Castle (check if open): Historical tower with pirate lore

  • Fort Christian: Oldest structure in the Virgin Islands

  • Emancipation Garden: Free and informative spot to relax

Free or Low-Cost Activities

  • Window Shopping in downtown Charlotte Amalie

  • Beach hopping using public transport or shared taxis

  • Snorkeling at Brewers Bay or Coki Point (bring your own gear)

  • Island tour via taxi (about $25–$40 for a few hours)

  • Walk Frenchtown for a quieter look at island life

  • Explore local churches and step streets

Excursions & Day Trips

  • Coral World Ocean Park (near Coki Beach): Sea life exhibits and encounters

  • Day trip to St. John: Ferry from Red Hook to pristine beaches like Trunk Bay

  • Sail & snorkel tours: Half-day or full-day catamaran tours

  • Kayak mangrove tours: Explore local ecology by paddle

  • Scuba diving: Great dive sites near the coast and shipwrecks

Final Tips

  • Cash & Cards: USD is used. Most places accept cards, but some vendors prefer cash.

  • Getting Around: Taxis are everywhere—confirm prices before riding.

  • Time Management: Cruise ships stick to ship time, not always local time—plan accordingly.

  • Sunscreen: Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life.

In Summary

Whether you're after a relaxing beach day, historical exploration, local cuisine, or a shopping spree, St. Thomas delivers a well-rounded Caribbean experience. With easy access from the cruise ports and a variety of free or budget-friendly options, it’s no wonder this port is a repeat favorite.

Don’t forget your camera, snorkel gear, and appetite—St. Thomas is ready for you.

Shanna Shaff
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