Things to Do in Charlotte Amalie
Charlotte Amalie is the capital and main port of the US Virgin Islands, on the south coast of St Thomas. Large ships dock at Havensight (WICO) to the east and Crown Bay to the west, and the airport lies west of town. Most of the island’s headline activities are a short taxi ride from either dock. The currency is the US dollar.
Skyride to Paradise Point
The Skyride climbs from Havensight to Paradise Point for a panoramic view over the harbour. The round trip costs US$34.95 for adults and US$24.95 for children, and locals pay US$15. It runs mainly on cruise-ship days, usually from 9 am, and closes one hour after the last tram. It operates rain or shine but can pause for high wind or lightning. The operator posts a dated schedule with closed days, so look at it before you plan around the ride. A combined ticket with the Pirate’s Treasure museum is advertised at about US$49.95 for adults, so ask at the ticket window.
Magens Bay
Magens Bay is a long, sheltered beach on the north shore, run by the Magens Bay Authority. It is open daily from 7 am to 5:30 pm. Non-resident adults pay US$7, children under 12 are free, and parking is US$2. Chairs, umbrellas and cabanas can be rented. Do not rely on a lifeguard being on duty, and keep children within reach in the water.
Coral World Ocean Park
Coral World sits at Coki Point on the north-east side of the island. Start with the Undersea Observatory, then plan your day around the scheduled presentations: sea lions at 11:00 and 2:00, a shark feeding at 1:00 and a turtle talk. The touch tanks suit small hands. Paid encounter programmes are offered as extras, and whether to book one is a personal call. Admission is US$29 for adults and US$17 for children aged 3 to 12.
Water Island and Honeymoon Beach
A small boat leaves Crown Bay Marina hourly for Phillips Landing, about 10 minutes away. The last boat back is at 6:15 pm, and you buy your ticket from the captain in cash. Honeymoon Beach is a short walk or golf-cart ride from the landing. Dinghy’s Beach Bar rents chairs, umbrellas, paddleboards, kayaks and snorkel gear.
Snorkelling at Trunk Bay
Trunk Bay is on St John, not in Charlotte Amalie. The Red Hook ferry takes about 20 minutes. Virgin Islands National Park has no entrance fee, but Trunk Bay charges a US$5 amenity fee for visitors aged 16 and over, paid by card or mobile. Read more: Day trips from Charlotte Amalie .
Practical notes
Cash helps for open-air taxis and the Water Island boat. Traffic drives on the left in left-hand-drive cars, and the hills are steep, so take taxis rather than renting a car for a single day. Use mineral sunscreen: the territory bans the retail sale of sunscreens with oxybenzone, octinoxate or octocrylene to protect the reef. Hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November, so check forecasts and ferry or cruise changes before you travel.
Book through the operators: the Skyride , Coral World and the Magens Bay Authority post current prices. Compare island tours on GetYourGuide .