Key takeaways

Beach time and snorkeling are the top priorities for most cruise guests, with calm water and short travel times making both easy to fit into a port day.

Time in Charlotte Amalie makes it easy to mix shopping with a quick look at the island’s history.

Scenic lookouts above the harbor are a simple way to see the island without giving up time ashore.

When was the last time you could snorkel in clear water, walk past centuries-old forts, and ride a sky-high tram all before heading back to the ship? That range is what makes St. Thomas stand out as a cruise stop and why so many guests look forward to their day ashore here.

If you’re sailing with Princess, we can help you figure out what to do in St. Thomas on a cruise — that’s our specialty! St. Thomas has all kinds of ways to spend your day ashore, especially when you focus on the experiences the island is best known for.

Why St. Thomas is a popular Caribbean cruise stop

St. Thomas continues to draw cruise guests because the water around the island is unusually clear and easy to access. Many snorkeling spots sit close to shore, where coral, reef fish and sea turtles are often visible without long boat rides. That makes time in the water realistic even on a shorter port call.

On land, the island is compact and well-connected. Downtown Charlotte Amalie begins near the pier, while elevated lookouts like Paradise Point are reached quickly by road or tram. This combination is a big reason St. Thomas remains a frequent stop on Princess Caribbean cruises.

10 best things to do in St. Thomas during a cruise stop

With your day in port, the best St. Thomas experiences are the ones that fit comfortably into a cruise day. The options below focus on activities that stay close to the port and are easy to time without overcommitting.

1. Relax at Magens Bay Beach

Magens Bay is one of the most popular beach stops in St. Thomas for cruise guests and it’s easy to see why. The wide curve of the bay keeps the water calm, which makes swimming comfortable and snorkeling possible close to shore. Soft sand, shallow entry, and onsite facilities like chairs, shade, restrooms and food stands make it simple to settle in without much setup.

Many Princess guests visit through the Magens Bay Beach & historic downtown exploration, an excursion that pairs beach time with a short stop in Charlotte Amalie and fits well into a cruise day.

Curved shoreline of Magens Bay in St. Thomas with pale sand, clear turquoise water, rocky outcrops, palm trees and hillside homes beneath a partly cloudy sky.
Unwind on the soft sands and calm turquoise waters of Magens Bay in St. Thomas.

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2. Take a scenic cruise to St. John

A trip to nearby St John offers a quieter contrast to St. Thomas and highlights some of the clearest water in the US Virgin Islands. Much of the island is protected parkland, with calm beaches and well-kept trails that feel removed from the busier harbor.

The St. John scenic cruise, eco-hike & beach excursion combines a boat ride, light hiking and beach time, for guests who want a change of pace without giving up their entire day ashore.

Panoramic view from Paradise Point overlooking Charlotte Amalie Harbor in St. Thomas, featuring a cruise ship docked below, sailboats scattered across blue water, and green hills glowing beneath a pink sunset sky.
Take a beautiful cruise to St. John.

3. Take the Skyride to Paradise Point for island views

The Skyride to Paradise Point is one of the quickest ways to see St. Thomas from above. The aerial tram climbs high above the harbor, opening up wide views of Charlotte Amalie, anchored ships and neighboring islands. At the top, viewing platforms and a casual café make it easy to linger without committing too much time.

Many cruise guests experience this stop through the Paradise Point aerial ride & mountain top excursion, which pairs the Skyride with another scenic overlook and works well within a port day window.

Cable cars ascending Paradise Point in St. Thomas with turquoise harbor waters, a docked cruise ship, sailboats and hillside buildings under a bright blue sky.
Ride high above the harbor for sweeping views of St. Thomas from Paradise Point.

4. Visit Mountain Top for rum cocktails and scenery

Mountain Top sits at one of the highest points on the island and is known for sweeping views over Magens Bay. Cruise guests often stop here for photos, island-made rum cocktails and duty-free shopping in a relaxed open-air setting.

The best of St. Thomas: mountain top, Magens Bay Beach & vistas excursion combines this scenic stop with beach time and other viewpoints. It’s a popular choice for guests who want to see several highlights without feeling rushed.

Chilled banana daiquiri in a stemmed glass garnished with a banana slice, set on a stone surface with fresh bananas, citrus pieces, a jigger and a rum bottle in the background.
Sip a creamy banana daiquiri inspired by island flavors in St. Thomas.

5. Snorkel with turtles or visit coral gardens

Snorkeling is one of the main reasons cruise guests look forward to St. Thomas. Calm water and good visibility make it easy to spot reef fish, coral formations and sea turtles without advanced experience. Popular sites like Turtle Cove and Shipwreck Cove are well-paced for beginners and families.

The Shipwreck and Turtle Coves two site snorkel excursion focuses on these nearshore locations and fits comfortably into a half-day port window, leaving time to relax or explore after your time in the water.

Sea turtle swimming above a coral reef in turquoise Caribbean water, with sunlight filtering through the surface and small tropical fish nearby.
Glide alongside sea turtles while snorkeling in the clear waters of St. Thomas.

6. Explore Coral World Ocean Park

Coral World Ocean Park offers a close look at marine life without leaving St. Thomas. The park features touch pools, coastal walkways and exhibits focused on sea turtles, reef fish and other local species. Elevated platforms provide views out over the water, which adds to the experience without taking up much time.

The Coral World Ocean Park & Beach excursion works well for cruise guests who want a family-friendly stop that stays close to the port and fits easily into a half-day ashore.

Three dolphins jumping in unison from a bright blue pool, splashing water as they rise above the surface during a dolphin experience in St. Thomas.
Watch dolphins leap and play during an unforgettable encounter in St. Thomas.

7. Walk historic Charlotte Amalie for shopping and culture

When you cruise to St. Thomas, Charlotte Amalie is easy to explore on foot and sits right next to the cruise pier. Strolling the waterfront streets gives cruise guests a chance to browse duty-free shops, see Danish colonial architecture and take in harbor views without committing a full day ashore.

This area works especially well as a standalone stop or as a short add-on before heading back to the ship, so it’s a time-conscious choice for a St. Thomas port day.

Panoramic view of Charlotte Amalie harbor in St. Thomas, with turquoise water, anchored boats, hillside homes and bright pink flowers in the foreground under a sunny blue sky.
Take in sweeping harbor views from above vibrant Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas.

8. Visit the Pirate Treasure Museum

Pirates are part of St. Thomas lore, and this stop leans into that history in a hands-on way. The Pirate Treasure Museum focuses on real shipwreck discoveries, recovered artifacts and the trade routes that once moved through Caribbean waters. Interactive displays make it engaging without feeling like a long museum visit, so kids won’t ever get bored.

Many cruise guests visit as part of the best of St. Thomas for families: historical adventure & Pirate Treasure Museum excursion, which pairs history with activities that stay close to the port.

Collection of ancient clay pottery and jugs displayed inside the St. Thomas Pirate Museum, showcasing weathered textures and traditional vessel shapes under warm museum lighting.
Step into seafaring history at the St. Thomas Pirate Museum.

9. Try a guided eco experience

A guided eco experience is a good fit for cruise guests who want to stay active while learning more about St. Thomas beyond the beaches. These outings often combine kayaking, light hiking and snorkeling, with guides pointing out native plants, coastal habitats and marine life along the way.

The local connections: wildlife sanctuary, kayak, hike & snorkel with marine biologist excursion offers a hands-on way to explore the island’s natural side while keeping the pace comfortable for a port day.

Traveler hiking along a moss-covered trail surrounded by dense tropical rainforest in St. Thomas, with towering trees, thick green foliage and filtered sunlight along the path.
Wander beneath a lush rainforest canopy on a tropical island hike.

10. Learn scuba basics in Caribbean water

You don’t need to be a certified diver to see what’s below the surface in St. Thomas. Beginner scuba experiences here are designed for first-timers, with calm water and shallow sites that make learning feel approachable. It’s a rare chance to try scuba in clear Caribbean water without committing to a full course.

The Discover scuba diving excursion fits neatly into a cruise day and includes instruction and guided time underwater.

Scuba diver swimming alongside a sea turtle above a colorful coral reef in St. Thomas, with bright blue water, sponges and tropical fish visible in the background.
Dive into crystal-clear Caribbean water for an up-close reef encounter.

How to plan your cruise day in St. Thomas

A St. Thomas port day goes fast, and the easiest way to enjoy it is to let someone else handle the details. Princess shore excursions are designed around cruise schedules, local conditions and realistic timing, so you spend less time figuring things out and more time actually experiencing the island.

Princess excursions in St. Thomas take the guesswork out of getting around and getting back on time. Browse St. Thomas shore excursions and choose an experience that fits how you want to spend your day ashore.

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