St. Thomas
Fun In the Sun
The black notebook in your villa labeled “The Best of the Best-St. Thomas” contains information on various activities and water sports, which we are ready to book for you during your stay. Here are a few recommendations for some great times, so you can get into the swim of things and enjoy our beautiful islands, sights and waters:
● ATLANTIS SUBMARINE : Take an underwater excursion to nearby Buck Island . See fish and marine wildlife in the open ocean as your submarine crew navigates along a live coral reef 90 feet below, and a diver feeds the denizens of the deep!
● BICYCLING : Rent a bike with Water Island Adventures and explore the new 4 th Virgin Island ! Water Island sits just south of our harbor and was home to the site of the hotel believed to have inspired Herman Wouk’s Don’t Stop the Carnival.
● BOATING : Rent a powerboat on the East End . You’ll find a wide variety of powerboats, from small 22’ Makos to large, luxurious and fast Scarabs, fully equipped with bimini tops, VHF radios, charts, ice chest and more. You can captain your boat yourself, or you can hire an experienced captain for the day. Explore nearby islands, tan, swim and snorkel.
● CORAL WORLD : Visit this unique marine park with an underwater observatory, huge shark tank, saltwater pools, “touch pools” for children, 21 beautiful aquariums, shops and snack bars.
● DAY TRIPS : Take a trip to St. John or to the British Virgin Islands via public ferry. Or take a Seaborne Seaplane or the Fast Ferry to St. Croix for the day. Please refer to St. Thomas-St. John This Week for fares and departure times, or call us for schedules.
● DIVING : PADI 5-star facilities has varied excursions for reef, wreck and night Scuba dives available.
● ECOTOURS : Learn about local ecology and get a little exercise on an excursion with Virgin Islands Ecotours. Guided kayak tours wind through lagoons and mangroves to a private beach on the East End . Take an inflatable boat trip to a deserted island for a nature hike, or hike through an historic sugar mill estate above Magen’s Bay and finish with a cool swim at the beach.
● FISHING TRIPS : Head out to seaon a small or large captained boat for some bottom fishing or deep-sea fishing - compete with the locals for record marlin! Experienced guides know all the good spots, and will provide everything you need.
● GOLFING : Play a round at the challenging Fazio-designed Mahogany Run Golf Course. Test your skills at the “Devil’s Triangle” and take in the many breathtaking views of the ocean and islands beyond. Call the Pro Shop for info and reservations: 777-6006, ext. 1.
● HELICOPTER TOURS : For a spectacular bird’s eye perspective, tour the area’s islands and cays by helicopter. A truly incredible viewing experience of unforgettable natural beauty.
● JET SKIING : Instruction, rentals and tours are available at several beaches here, or ask us to call Ramon, our private jet-ski instructor and expert, for rentals and private ocean tours – what a great way to see the islands!
● PARADISE POINT TRAMWAY : To “ride the view,” take the tramway in Havensite up 700 feet to the top. The round-trip, 15-minute ride provides amazing views for miles, and at the top are shops, a bird show, and a bar on the observation deck.
● PARASAILING : For the heart-stopping experience of sightseeing and hang-gliding all at once, try the once-in-a-lifetime thrill of floating high above the ocean and seeing miles and miles into the blue distance.
● SAIL AWAY FOR THE DAY : Let us book a day sail with drinks and lunch for your group - small intimate group sails and larger, party-type cruises available (half-day, full-day, sunset and dinner cruises offered). Or take an adventurous and exciting day trip through the U.S. and British Virgin Islands waters to the world-famous Baths in Virgin Gorda with the fun crews on New Horizons, Pirate’s Penny or Stormy Petrel – a must see. (Be sure to bring your passport!)
● SNORKELING : We like the east side of Sapphire Beach , Secret Harbour Beach , and Coki Point. Many beach concessions and dive shops rent snorkel gear by the day or the week. Homer Calloway offers a fantastic night snorkel tour with photo CDs to take home. Snorkel gear may be rented for $12 per day, per set, at Chris Sawyer Dive Center - or bring your own.
● SWIM WITH DOLPHINS : Visit the Dolphin Discovery at Prospect Reef in Tortola , and experience an interactive dolphin program that brings you close to these intelligent and amazing creatures! (Bring your passport – a must!)
● TENNIS ANYONE ?: St. Thomas has several tennis facilities, with some lighted for night play. Please refer to “Some Helpful Hints for You” colored sheet in your arrival packet or call us for information.
● WINDSURFING & KITEBOARDING : Take advantage of our brisk trade winds and explore on a windsurfer for an up-close look at our beautiful azure waters and sea life. Take windsurfing or kitesurfing lessons from an expert right on the beach, and rent gear by the hour or by the day.
AND FOR SOME FUN OUT OF THE SUN…
● MASSAGE : Pamper yourself with a relaxing, private poolside massage for you and your significant other. Licensed professional men and women are available with your advance reservation. Need we say more? This is truly the ultimate vacation luxury.
● MUSEUMS AND WALKING TOURS : Explore history - walking tours on Blackbeard’s Hill and Government Hill up to 1-1/2 hours long are so fascinating. And brick-red Fort Christian, next to the big downtown parking lot, has a museum with relics and cannon. For an exciting and educational experience for children, try the newly opened Butterfly Farm in Havensight Mall, where the cruise ships dock.
● SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP : St. Thomas is one of the most celebrated duty-free ports in this hemisphere – shop for watches, gems and jewelry, liquor, cigars, perfume, tablecloths, designer wear and an array of gifts and collectibles. Be sure to spend some time in downtown Charlotte Amalie and at the new Yacht Haven Grande in Havensight. To avoid crowds and be more relaxed, be sure to check the daily cruise ship schedule (or ask us), and go downtown ONLY on the day when there are the fewest cruise ships in port!
 | Pre-stock your villa with groceries before your arrival through Grocery Goddesses shopping service. |
