Short
Description St. Thomas is perfect for those who seek excitement, shopping, and nightlife. It is also known for beautiful beaches, breathtaking mountain views, and bustling ports.
Destination
Highlights Duty Free Shopping
Nightlife/Activities
Beautiful Beaches and Mountain Views
Excursions to St. John and British Virgin Islands
Local
Weather Average yearly temperature is 82° F. From September thru January expect some brief rainfall with an average annual rainfall of 44 inches.
Other
Destinations
Description The second largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Thomas spans 32 square miles of tropical paradise and lies off the coast of Puerto Rico. The island embraces the Atlantic Ocean on the North side and the Caribbean Sea on the South. It is located in the northwest corner of the US Virgin Islands. Its mountainous peaks rise to 1,550 feet above sea level, providing breathtaking views from almost every direction. Drake's Seat is particularly famous for its vistas. The capital of the Virgin Islands is Charlotte Amalie, a charming and gracious town named in 1692 for the Queen of Denmark. A natural deepwater port, it has one of the most stunning harbors in the world. It is also known as a mecca for duty-free shopping in the Caribbean Islands. Green hills dotted with homes rise above it, and to the North, away from town, spans a lush tropical terrain graced by the picturesque beauty of Magens Bay Beach, named "one of the three most beautiful beaches in the world" by National Geographic. Its waters are brilliant blue and its beaches are beautiful, but few are secluded or tranquil. Rather than a quiet retreat, St. Thomas is a destination for visitors who enjoy the bustle of duty-free Shopping, fine dining, and exciting nightlife.
Sports and activities are abundant on St. Thomas. Golf enthusiasts will enjoy the George and Tom Fazio-designed Mahogany Run course. St. Thomas is also well known for its world-class yachting and sportfishing. A number of dive shops serve the island and provide a safe, comfortable scuba experience for beginners or experienced divers. Advanced certification courses are available here, as well as complete instruction for beginners.
Local Information The local currency is the US Dollar, so there is no need for conversion.
The official language of St. Thomas is English.
Electricity is normally 110 volts AC. American appliances are fully compatible.
St. Thomas is a big island, so if you want to see it you will need a vehicle. Car rentals are about $50 a day. Driving is on the left and a US drivers license is required to rent a car. Taxis are widely available and rates are set by the government. Drivers should have a rate card available. If your destination is not on the chart, make sure you negotiate the fare upfront. Ferries to St. John depart from Red Hook, on the East end of the island, or Charlotte Amalie. From Red Hook the ride takes about 20 minutes. From Charlotte Amalie the ride takes about 45 minutes.
Eastern Standard Time is used within St. Thomas. April to October is Eastern Daylight Time, in conjunction with US summer hours.
Airport
Information To get to St. Thomas you would fly into Cyril E. King Airport (STT). The airport is located located just west of Charlotte Amalie, on the south coast of St. Thomas. Major carriers sevicing the island include Air Anguilla, Air St. Thomas, American Airlines, American Eagle, Cape Air, Carib Air, Continental, LIAT, US Airways , WINAIR and various air charter companies.
Entry
Requirements We recommend all U.S. Citizens travelling abroad should carry a passport due to heightened security at airport check-in and immigration. If you do not have a passport or are not an American citizen, please contact your airline or your local consulate or embassy in regards to travel documentation necessary for your vacation.
