Single best St Thomas recommendation for 50 year olds

[Spencer71]

What do you think is the absolute can't miss thing to do while we're in St Thomas? We have never been before. We are two couples, about 50 years old and we like a variety of things, both unique and traditional, and we don't all have the same interests. If you've been before, let me know which tour operator you used. Thanks so much!

[Ms411]

Most of the island tours involve stops at scenic lookouts and narration. They are offered at both cruise docks, last for about 2 hours, and the price is posted at the dock.

 

There are some tours that offer similar stops at scenic lookouts but also include beach time. Many cruisers have used Godfrey's Tours, and his tours are available online so you can see the schedule and description. You can opt for a public or private tour with prices higher for private tours.

 

If you want a more active experience you can take a taxi to Magens Bay Beach and hike the steep nature trail. Most other active excursions require reservations.

 

It would be great if you could take a guided historical walking tour with St Thomas Historical Trust that you can book on their website, AND do the scenic lookout tour. You'll learn a lot and be busy all day!😊

[blue_water]

I agree with MS411 on an island tour. Our first cruise visit to STT we hired a private driver to see the various areas and enjoy a beach for lunch. We’ve done the same on other islands like Antigua, Barbados, etc, A private guide is just sooo much nicer than a shared tour. Would suggest the historical area, Skyline Drive overlook, Drake’s Seat, Paradise Point, and other less-touristy areas the driver recommends. 
 

For lunch, our choice would be Sapphire, mainly to see a gorgeous beach with nice island views. For a nicer restaurant near a beach, perhaps Sunset Grille at the Secret Harbour Resort (fish tacos, mahi sandwich, jerk chicken, yum!), or Sangria’s at the Elysian Beach Resort in Cowpet Bay (mango mahi tacos, shrimp po’ boy!)

 

I’ve suggested a more active day for your Tortola stop, so an island tour of STT sounds like a good first experience. If you want something more unique, what is your ship and date in port? STT is a very busy cruise port…

[Spencer71]

Thanks for your excellent suggestions! How to find a private guide that is reasonably priced and provides great value?  We'll be in St Thomas on April 6, 8am to 5pm. 

[blue_water]

We have no driver recommendation today, I would ask that question in a separate post here, and also in the TA STT forum -

https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g147404-i172-St_Thomas_U_S_Virgin_Islands.html
 

[blue_water]

Another nice day is an island tour of St John. A very easy self-excursion with a taxi to the Red Hook ferry, and either take the short shared taxi tour of STJ, or hire one of the private outfits. Either way see Cruz Bay, then stop at Paradise Point on your return to STT.

PP is also a unique spot with panoramic views of the harbors…

[Spencer71]

On 2/15/2024 at 7:19 AM, blue_water said:

what is your ship and date in port? STT is a very busy cruise port…

April 6 on NCL Viva. We'll be the only ship in that day.

[blue_water]

VI Now is showing another smaller ship but no worries, especially if you are with a private tour or off-island…

[philv]

On 2/14/2024 at 11:23 AM, Spencer71 said:

What do you think is the absolute can't miss thing to do while we're in St Thomas? 

If you have never been to St Thomas before you have to go to Magens Bay. Rated one of the 10 best beaches in the world. Easy to get to by taxi. Don’t need a tour. Just grab one of the many open air taxis at cruise port. There are lots of great places to go and things to do in St Thomas but Magens Bay is a must to cross off your list. 🏖

[vjo1230]

Is it not a problem to get a reliable taxi driver on the island?  I’ve always just done the cruise sponsored excursions because I’m so afraid of not getting back to the ship in time! 😅 Even though I know there so much more available if I ventured out. There are drivers available at the beach you recommended so we can return on time?  Any other pointers you have for touring this way is helpful. 

[philv]

57 minutes ago, vjo1230 said:

Is it not a problem to get a reliable taxi driver on the island?  I’ve always just done the cruise sponsored excursions because I’m so afraid of not getting back to the ship in time! 😅 Even though I know there so much more available if I ventured out. There are drivers available at the beach you recommended so we can return on time?  Any other pointers you have for touring this way is helpful. 

Never had any problem getting a taxi to or from Magens Bay. They line up for cruise ship arrival and Magens Bay is probably most desired destination. Taxis to Magens Bay are most typically the open air variety, pickup truck with seating in back 12 to 15 people. At Megan’s Bay they line up waiting for a load going back to port. Drivers are well aware of passengers need to get back on time and make it happen. Never had any problems over the years. Fun ride along all the twisty windy roads. Flat rate fare per person, not expensive. Also small fee to enter Magens Bay. All the stuff you need is there, bathrooms, food and drink, chairs, water toys, etc. If you have never been, it’s a must for anybody visiting island. 🏖

Edited March 9 by philv

[Ms411]

Thank you, philv, for your great Magens Report!

 

I have seen recent YouTube videos that don't recommend Magens, and I think those videos miss what makes Magens special. Depending on when you arrive at the beach, you may not be able to enjoy Magens as it is designed to be enjoyed.

 

1. Natural shade from trees along the shore saves early visitors the expense of an umbrella. 

2. There are free picnic tables along the beach that are often under shade trees, but the shade may move as the sun moves.

3. There's a great nature trail that goes straight up the hill behind the beach, and is very popular with those who want to do more than relax on the beach. There are youtube videos of the trail, but imo the ones I've seen don't do it justice.

4. There's also an area with signs suggesting things to do with your children at the beach. Now that cruisecritic makes it easy to share pictures, I'll take pictures soon and post rather than try to find my old ones. 

5. You can bring your own food and drink. Many cruisers buy delicious sandwiches at Gourmet Gallery at Havensight, snacks and beverages at Gourmet Gallery and other stores in Havensight or Crown Bay. Some cruisers bring collapsible coolers to transport their refreshments so they can stay cold.

6. If you walk down the beach to the left as you face the water, it should be less crowded.

7. Groups can also rent sheds with shade, tables, and electricity if they want to have amenities for private parties.

 

Magens is a sandy bottom beach, so not great for snorkeling. There are, however, some fish in the water that you can see just by being in the water. If you want to snorkel, there are beaches that have better snorkeling experience.

 

It is a challenge to keep Magens clean throughout the day, especially if people don't clean up after themselves. But, areas away from the snack bar are usually cleaner.

 

Will post pictures in another post.

 

 

 

[philv]

Hi folks, I just returned from cruise including visit to Magens Bay. Had a wonderful day. Stepped off Caribbean Princess at Havensight and left in open air taxi from taxi area 10 minutes later. $24 for two one way. Wonderful ride over twisting winding roads. $7 pp entry fee to Magens Bay. We arrived at 9:00 am. Not crowded then and we walked down beach and found picnic table in shade where we set up. Two ships in port that day. Crowded around restaurant area but not where we were. The pizza was good and the water beautiful. No trouble getting taxi back around 2:00 in afternoon. The Magens Bay experience has changed over the years but it’s still a terrific location and not to be missed. I’ll try and post some photos.

[Spencer71]

We were on NCL Viva last week. In St Thomas, we booked a 6-hr tour through Viator with Godfrey's. He showed up ~5 min late, first thing in the morning, but that was the only issue of the day. Did about 2 hours shopping, 2 hours tour, then 2 hours at Coki beach (he gave us the choice between Megans, Sapphire, and Coki). He had cold beverages throughout the day. Godfrey was a total professional, very straightforward tour, and only cost $40/pp. What a fun day!

[Ms411]

Thanks for letting us know how your day went! Glad you enjoyed your day.