Ports of Call – Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

St. Thomas is known as an idyllic holiday spot today, but its history is not so peaceful. In the 18th century, the island was at the centre of a bustling pirate culture, as swashbuckling pirates such as Blackbeard and Drake traded stolen wares in the port of Charlotte Amalie.

The One Thing You Don’t Want to Miss

While the beaches and ocean are beautiful, there is one thing that really sets St. Thomas apart ? shopping. Browse through the shop-lined streets of Charlotte Amalie and find out why St. Thomas is called the ‘duty-free shopping capital of the world’. Shop for duty-free trinkets and bargains on everything from alcohol to imported china and crystal.

Other Fun Things to Do

• Take a trip along Skyline Drive and enjoy a breathtaking view of St. Thomas Harbour. Then travel to Mountain Top, the highest point on St. Thomas, and see spectacular views of Magens Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
• Visit Coral World Marine Park, where you can touch sea stars at the touch pool or explore the mystery of life in a mangrove lagoon off the Coastal Trail.
• Sit back and enjoy a relaxing half-day sail to Buck Island aboard a large sailing yacht, then snorkel in Turtle Cove.
• Travel 213 m (700 ft) above the sea via skyride to Paradise Point and see the most fantastic vistas in the Caribbean.

Shopping for Bargains

St. Thomas is the bargain shopping bazaar of the Caribbean. There are over 400 shops along the Main Street area in Charlotte Amalie and some 50 more in Havensight Mall. Great bargains can be found on precious gemstones and on fine jewellery and watches from designers like C2K, Caribbean Hook, Chopard, Honora, House of Tanzanite, John Atencio, John Hardy, Kabana, La Nouvelle Bague, Roberto Coin, Starnight, White Diamonds, Alfex, Concord, Gucci, Maurice Lacroix, Michele, Movado, Wenger and more. St. Thomas also features excellent buys on luxury items like perfume, leather, imported linens, china and crystal. Cameras, electronic goods and designer clothing are also available, as are a selection of island rums along with great bargains on your favourite spirits.

Local Currency

The US dollar (USD) is the official currency. Traveller’s cheques and credit cards are also widely accepted.

Weather in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas

Month: April