Virgin
Islands Vacation and Tourism - About St. Thomas
St. Thomas, with some of the Caribbean's best beaches, hotels, and resorts is the Caribbean's gem for vacationers who love the sea, shopping, history or photography.
St. Thomas has been a shopping Mecca since the late 1600s and, for a period in the early 1700s, the island was a a pirate refuge for notorious buccaneers and, by 1800, Charlotte Amalie was one of the busiest ports and
trading centers in the Caribbean. Today, Charlotte Amalie, St. 
Thomas is a choice port of call among the cruise lines and a popular Virgin Island vacation destination. It is the United State's Caribbean's major cruise port and king of all duty-free shopping destinations. Bargain
hunters are spurred on by the sheer variety of merchandise. In addition to the colorful street vendors and the dockside Havensight Mall in renovated old West Indian Company buildings, there are charming shops in the lanes between the waterfront and Maine Street.
The island is steeped in history: In the 1700's this was a pirate refuge as the remaining
Blackbeard's Tower proclaims. Since then merchants from many nations have tendered their wares on the streets of the harbor-side capital, Charlotte Amalie.
Dozens of luxury resorts, hotels and fine restaurants, some with Danish influence encircle the island. Steep hillsides thick with flowers and bright red rooftops make Charlotte Amalie a favorite of travel photographers.
You'll want to see the view from the top of St. Peter Mountain (where great banana daiquiris are an added reward) or visit Drake's Seat with a panorama of 100 islands. Another St. Thomas must see is the exciting underwater population at Coral World.
Some of the beaches you won't want to miss include Bluebeard's Beach, Coki Beach, Hull Bay, Limetree Beach, Magens Bay, Morningstar Beach, Sapphire Beach and Vessup Bay.
Imposing Fort Christian, housing the museum with a collection of Indian artifacts, dates back to the 17th century. And the St. Thomas Synagogue, built by Sephardic Jews in 1833, is stately and solemn. Walking tours are available of historic buildings in St. Thomas.
Climate
The Virgin Island climate is tropical with wonderful average winter daytime temperatures of 78 degrees F. and summer daytime temperatures of about 82 degrees F.
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Getting There - To St. Thomas
St. Thomas is served by major airlines from US and European departure cities. Daily service from principal US cities is available on American, United, and US AIR. In the U.S.
Miami and San Juan offer transfer connections for departures that do not have direct flights to St. Thomas. You can take your favorite airline to San Juan. Among others, Gulfstream and Cape Air offer service from San Juan to St. Croix and St. Thomas as well as providing service between the US Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.
Antilles Resorts on St. Thomas, are located 1 mile from the town of Red Hook and about 20 minutes from the airport.
Commuter and Virgin Island inter-island air travel is available on Airborne Express St. Thomas, Air St. Thomas, American Eagle, Bohlke International Airways, LIAT, Seaborne Aviation, Windward Islands Airways,Caribbean Sun and Cape Air.
Inter-island air carriers provide connections for travelers coming from or going to other parts of the Caribbean.
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St Thomas Airport:
Cyril E. King International is 2½ miles from the capital Charlotte Amalie, and is served by these airlines:
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Fares are fixed. They should be displayed in the taxi. St. Thomas Airport to Charlotte Amalie $4.50 (15 mins). Southside hotels $8.50 (20-30 mins). East End, St. John Ferry $12.00 (30-40 mins). Fares are subject to change.
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Entry Requirements:
US Citizens Alternatives
No passports are required for US Virgin islands travel until Dec. 31, 2007.
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative requiring passports by December 31, 2006 will not affect travel between the United States and its territories. U.S. citizens traveling between the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin islands will continue to be able to use established forms of identification, such as birth certificates and government-issued photo ID, to board flights
and for entry. Vaccinations are not required.
The following are usually accepted as Proofs of U.S. Citizenship:
- a valid U.S. passport -or-
- Certified copy of birth certificate plus government issued photo ID -or-
- Official U.S. government document verifying citizenship
- Certificate of citizenship
- Certificate of naturalization
- Consular report of birth abroad of a U.S. Citizen
- Valid photo I.D. (Photo I.D.'s are not applicable for minors up to 16 years of age.)
Entry requirements for all others are the same as for entering the United States from any foreign destination.
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Getting Around St. Thomas
Rental cars are easily arranged through your Antilles Resorts representative at Hertz Car Rental. Advance reservation is recommended. Note: Be prepared for driving on St. Thomas! It's English style - you drive on the left side of the road.
Traditional taxis are available, As an alternative, Caribbean taxis are available everywhere. These charming vehicles are a cross between bus and private car: multiple
passengers share rides, and enjoy an expert's (the driver) rendition of a mini tour of whatever part of the island the ride covers. Drivers are available for hire -by the hour or day- for a more extensive private guided excursion.
Island Ferries
Passenger ferries to St. Croix and St. John are available. Check with your Antilles Resorts representative for the schedule.
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Travel Information.
Virgin Island Sightseeing
Some of the most notable favorites among St. Thomas sightseers are:
- Atlantis Submarine
- Paradise Point Tramway
- Estate St. Peter Greathouse
- "World Famous" Mountain Top
- V.I. Kayak ECO Tours
- Fort Christian
- Blackbeard's Castle
- The hilltops overlooking Charlotte Amalie harbor
Take the water taxi from St. Thomas to St. John, and spend a day in the U.S. Virgin Island National Park. It is truly a beautiful park with many bays and beaches. There is a new snorkelers delight around Trunk Island (Trunk Bay) where you can take a few minutes and see underwater life identified by sea bottom markers and swim among colorful schools of tropical fish. Experienced snorkelers will find a wealth of places for adventure and interest.
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Shopping on St. Thomas
Small shops, street vendors, and world famous stores tantalize shoppers with variety
and charm.Custom allows $1200 worth of goods per person duty-free. And there's no sales tax!
Local Virgin island produced items available include Cruzan Rum, Arts and Crafts, perfumes and bath scents, jewelry, and clothing. Especially good buys include distinctive name brand china, linen, and watches.
Look for local custom-designed jewelry, leather goods, ceramics, Caribbean fabric designs, basket work, and West Indian mahogany wood sculpture.
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Dining on St. Thomas
St. Thomas restaurants boast a wide variety of cuisine from native Caribbean fare to Continental, Danish, French, Italian and Chinese. If you absolutely can't
live without your fix of fast food, we have 'em. Or just stop by one of the many delis or cafes.
Limin', as we call it, is the art of hangin' out. Piano bars, jazz clubs, discos, rock and country music abound. Or, check out the local Quadrille dancers or Steel Band Show. It's all part of limin'.
There isn't room here to list all our favorite spots, but for starters, on St. Thomas, try:
- The Agave Terrace at Point Pleasant Resort on the
east end of the island will delight you.
The hillside
gardens welcome you and are picture perfect after sunset. Super service enhances the well-rounded menu including local lobster, fresh fish, and steaks. An extensive wine list is offered or you can choose refreshing tropical drinks. Their great food is recommended by the New York Times, and Conde Nast Traveler and it is a six time gold medal winner. Check on the children's
menu, and look for the Steel pan band several nights during the week. - Hard Rock Cafe is a favorite of world travelers who compare and contrast the similarities and differences worldwide. Great American food, music, and unique memorabilia combine into a legendary atmosphere.
- Jerry's Beachfront is in the Anchorage (an Antilles Resort) on the beach. Enjoy Italian fare, or the nightly local seafood specials. Their great variety starts with Calamari, mussels marinara, pasta fazoul, blackened mahi mahi, Jerry's burgers, filet mignon, Caesar salad, to a meatball submarine sandwich. Choose from eleven sauces for your pasta!If you're looking for a banana split, you can find it here along with cappuccino and espresso. It's the quintessential "beach bar".
- Old Stone Farmhouse is at Mahogany Run Golf course in a 200 year old converted sugar estate. You'll enjoy international cuisine and consider it a fine dining experience.
- Tavern on the Waterfront is downtown near Royal Dane Mall. Let your eyes feast on harbor views as you delight in fresh seafood and continental dishes. Tap your toes to the live music.
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Antilles Resorts' St. Thomas Resorts: The Anchorage, Sapphire Beach Resort, Point Pleasant Resort, Crystal Cove Resort & Sapphire Village Resort
© 2007 Antilles Resort Management, Inc. St. Thomas US Virgin Islands and Dibbern & Dibbern. All contents of this site are copyright protected. Any reproduction of these images, art and contents is prohibited without specific permission.
St. Thomas Information 