A Girls' Trip Getaway Guide to St. Thomas

Beaches

Disclaimer: We only had time to visit Magens Bay, which was a 10 out of 10 experience. That said, I've included other beach options to offer a variety for your trip planning. Be sure to research when cruises may be docking, as this could disrupt views and create crowds you may want to avoid.

• Magens Bay: A must-visit with calm turquoise waters and pristine white sand, perfect for relaxation and sunbathing. You can rent luxury waterfront lounge chairs for a small price. It was not crowded at all during our visit, with unobstructed views and an impressive, reasonably priced bar and restaurant. Their Bushwackers were the best I've ever had.

• Secret Harbour Beach Resort: A hidden gem known for its tranquil atmosphere and excellent snorkeling opportunities. Perfect for a quieter beach experience with stunning marine life.

• Sapphire Beach: Known for its stunning views and vibrant underwater world. A great spot for snorkeling with coral reefs and a beach bar for refreshments.

Activities & excursions

• Snorkeling excursion: Explore vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life around St. Thomas with guided snorkeling tours. Some tours visit Turtle Cove for a chance to swim with sea turtles.

• Catamaran cruises: Sail around the beautiful waters of the Virgin Islands on a luxury Catamaran. Includes stops for snorkeling, swimming and onboard meals. Consider a sunset sail for a magical experience.

Sightseeing, shopping & entertainment

• Mountain Top: Offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Virgin Islands and is famous for its banana daiquiri and the largest duty-free shopping center in the Carribean. A perfect spot for shopping, a refreshing drink and stunning scenery.

• Charlotte Amalie Shopping & Historical Sites: Explore downtown's duty-free shopping, historic buildings and local markets in the charming capital city. Make sure to visit landmarks like Blackbeard's Castle and the 99 Steps.

Nightlife

• Short ferry ride to St. John: Take a short ferry ride for an evening of dining and nightlife in St. John. Cruz Bay offers excellent restaurants, bars and live music. Reservations are recommended for popular spots.

• Beach bar hopping in Cruz Bay: Experience the vibrant nightlife of Cruz Bay with a beach bar hopping adventure. Stop by popular spots like Woody's Seafood Saloon and Joe's Rum Hut, then make your way to the beach bar for live music and dancing. Insider tip: Plan your evening around the last ferry back to St. Thomas, which typically departs around 10 pm, to ensure you don't miss your ride back.

Day trips

Jost Van Dyke

A day trip to Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands is an unforgettable Caribbean experience. The island is famous for its white sandy beaches and iconic beach bars. The Soggy Dollar Bar is not just a bar; it's set on a beautiful beach where we spent the entire day relaxing in the sun and swimming in the turquoise waters. Known for inventing the famous Painkiller cocktail, it's a laid-back spot to enjoy drinks and delicious food. Afterward, head to Foxy's Bar, another legendary spot with great food, music and a lively atmosphere.

• Ferry details: The ferry ride from St. Thomas to Jost Van Dyke typically takes about 45 minutes and costs around $60-$80 per person for a round trip.

• How to get there & explore: Upon arriving at the ferry port on Jost Van Dyke, you can take a taxi to White Bay, which is a short drive away.

• Excursion options: For a more exclusive and stress-free experience, consider booking an excursion, which offers more flexibility and privacy. You can explore options like this Jost Van Dyke Funday tour, which includes transportation, drinks and guided visits to the island's hotspots.

• Insider tip: Remember to bring your passport, as Jost Van Dyke is part of the British Virgin Islands. Also, bring cash, as credit card facilities can be limited.

Virgin Gorda

Disclaimer: We didn't have time to visit, but this is a reputable recommendation.

The Baths on Virgin Gorda are a natural wonder featuring giant granite boulders that form picturesque grottos and pools. This unique landscape offers a fantastic spot for swimming, snorkeling and exploring the winding paths through the rocks. The stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters make it a popular day trip destination.

• Ferry details: The ferry ride from St. Thomas to Virgin Gorda takes about 90 minutes to two hours, costing approximately $100-$130 per person round trip.

• How to get there & explore: Upon arriving at the ferry port on Virgin Gorda, you can take a taxi to The Baths, which is about a 15-minute drive away.

• Excursion options: For a more personalized and stress-free trip, consider booking an excursion that includes transportation, guided tours and sometimes additional amenities like meals or snorkel gear. You can explore options like this full-day adventure to The Baths, which often include convenient pick-up and drop-off services. Insider tip: Remember to bring your passport, as Jost Van Dyke is part of the British Virgin Islands. Also, bring cash, as credit card facilities can be limited.

St. John, Trunk Bay & Cinnamon Bay

Disclaimer: We didn't have time to visit, but this is a reputable recommendation.

St. John, just a short ferry ride from St. Thomas, offers some of the most stunning beaches in the Caribbean. Trunk Bay is renowned for its underwater snorkeling trails, crystal-clear waters and pristine sand. Nearby, Cinnamon Bay offers a similarly beautiful beach experience with a bit more seclusion. Both beaches are part of the Virgin Islands National Park, making them ideal for nature lovers.

• Ferry details: The ferry ride from St. Thomas to St. John takes about 20 minutes, costing approximately $12-$16 per person for a round trip.

• How to get there & snorkel on your own: Once you arrive in Cruz Bay, St. John, you can take a taxi or rent a car to reach Trunk Bay and Cinnamon Bay. The drive is approximately 10 minutes from the ferry terminal. At Trunk Bay, you can rent snorkeling equipment if you don't have your own. The underwater snorkeling trail is marked with signs and is an easy, self-guided experience. Cinnamon Bay also offers snorkeling opportunities, and while it doesn't have a marked trail, the clear waters and abundant marine life make it a great spot for independent exploration.

• Excursion Option: For a more exclusive and stress-free experience, consider booking an excursion, which offers more flexibility and privacy. You can check out options like this snorkel tour, which includes transportation, snorkeling gear and guided snorkeling at multiple spots.

Lunch & dinner

• The Fish Bar: Located in Red Hook, The Fish Bar is renowned for its fresh seafood and relaxed atmosphere. The menu features a variety of fish tacos, ceviche and other seafood delights. Insider tip: Try their famous lionfish dishes, which are not only delicious but also help control the invasive species.

• Oceana Restaurant & Bistro: Offering fine dining with a stunning waterfront view, Oceana is perfect for a romantic dinner or special occasion. The menu features a mix of Caribbean and international dishes, focusing on fresh, local ingredients. Insider tip: Reserve a table for sunset to enjoy breathtaking views while dining.

• Side Street Pub: A cozy spot tucked away in Charlotte Amalie, Side Street Pub is known for its flavorful Caribbean cuisine and creative cocktails. The relaxed vibe and friendly staff make it a great place for a casual meal. Insider tip: The conch fritters and rum punch are must-tries.

Drinks

• Duffy's Love Shack: A legendary spot in Red Hook, Duffy's Love Shack is known for its vibrant atmosphere and creative cocktails served in quirky containers. It's the perfect place for a fun night out with friends. Insider tip: Go during happy hour for great deals on drinks.

• Iggies Beach Bar & Grill: Located on the beach, Iggies offers a laid-back atmosphere with live music and a wide selection of tropical drinks. It's a great spot to enjoy a casual meal and a few cocktails with your toes in the sand.

Unique experiences

• Flavors of St. Thomas Walking Food Tour: This guided food tour takes you through the historic streets of Charlotte Amalie, offering a chance to sample a variety of local dishes and drinks. It's a fantastic way to explore the island's culinary scene, learn about its history, and taste everything from fresh seafood to delicious desserts. Insider tip: Come hungry and ready to walk, as the tour covers a lot of ground and offers plenty of tastings.