Charlotte Amalie: beach and shopping in 6 hours

The classic St. Thomas day: Danish streets and duty-free shops, a cable-car viewpoint and Magens Bay before heading back to the ship.

ExploraGo Team

Duration: 6 hours
Budget: mid-range
Best for: couple
Style: relaxed
Season: Year-round

Stops

1
transport
Havensight Pier (WICO)
20 min · — · On arrival
St. Thomas has two piers: Havensight (WICO), next to Yacht Haven Grande, and Crown Bay, a little further west. Check your programme to see which one you use.
Tips
💡 From Havensight the centre is 10 min by taxi or 20–25 min on foot
💡 Shared safari taxis wait at the pier itself
⚠️ Take care
The midday sun is fierce: water and sunscreen
Taxi · 10 min · +1
2
shopping
Charlotte Amalie: Main Street and Emancipation Garden
75 min · Free · Mon–Sat 9:00–17:00★ 4.5
Pastel Danish-colonial streets, duty-free jewellery and perfume shops, Emancipation Garden and, nearby, the 99 Steps and Blackbeard's Castle.
Tips
💡 Compare prices across shops: the duty-free is real but not always the cheapest
💡 Many shops close on Sundays
⚠️ Take care
With several ships in port, Main Street fills up at midday
On foot · 10 min
3
activity
Skyride to Paradise Point
60 min · ~US$25 · 9:00–17:00★ 4.4
Cable car up to the lookout above the harbour, with views over Charlotte Amalie and the anchored cruise ships.
Tips
💡 The Bushwacker is the signature drink at the lookout
💡 It is about a 10-min walk from Havensight pier
Taxi · 20 min
4
nature
Magens Bay
120 min · US$5 entry; taxi ~US$12 per person · 8:00–17:00★ 4.8
One of the most sheltered bays in the Caribbean: white sand, calm water and palm shade. Entry is US$5 for non-residents and free for under-12s.
Best time: 8:00–11:00Avoid: After 11:00 on multi-ship days
Tips
💡 The taxi from the pier takes 15–20 min
💡 Rent a chair and umbrella right on the beach
💡 Arrive early for space and fewer crowds
⚠️ Take care
The road is narrow and winding
5
food
Lunch in Frenchtown
60 min · ~US$22 · 11:30–21:00★ 4.4
A fishing quarter with fresh-seafood restaurants, conch fritters and marina views; about 15 min on foot from the centre.
Tips
💡 Try the catch of the day off the grill
💡 If you dock at Crown Bay, there are options near that pier too
6
transport
Return to the pier
20 min · — · Before all aboard
Traffic towards the pier gets heavy at the end of the day, so head back with a margin.
Tips
💡 Be back 60 min before departure
💡 Confirm whether your departure pier is Havensight or Crown Bay
⚠️ Take care
The port road jams when several ships are in