Exploring the US Virgin Islands: St. Thomas & St. John

Your full first day in St. Thomas is a perfect chance to check out what makes St. Thomas so stunning — it's incredible beaches. A rental car is the best way to get around the island, so after a nourishing breakfast at your hotel, it's time to start exploring.

Magens Bay & Drakes Seat

Drive to Drakes Seat. It's a famous overlook and it will be very clear on any GPS device. Take a moment to get out of the car and witness one of the best views in the Caribbean. You will be looking down on Magens Bay and the mile long white sand beach that contrasts with the lush trees. Next, it's time to experience the view a little closer. Drive down to Magens Bay Beach and spend a few hours swimming in the crystal clear water, lying under a palm tree and checking out the local iguanas that frequent the beach. Grab a hearty burger right on the beach at Magens Point Bar and Grill.

Lindquist Beach & dinner

After a few hours exploring Magens Bay, hop back in the car for a quick 20-minute drive to Lindquist Beach. This stunning stretch of white sand and blue water doesn't feel as busy as Magens Bay, and you have a beautiful view of St. John and other islands in the background. After a couple of hours, you'll be ready for a beautiful dinner to end your first full day on St. Thomas. Drive one-minute from Lindquist Beach — or take the easy five- to seven-minute walk to Pangea Terra Table for a delicious and scenic dinner. You can enjoy fresh seafood and healthy entrees in a natural and unique atmosphere.

St. John ferry

After breakfast, head to the town of Red Hook. From here, you'll find ferry services that will take you on a day trip to St John to explore on your own with ferries departing at a variety of hours. Most car rentals even allow you to take your rental car to St. John on a car ferry. Book a few days ahead for a guaranteed spot. You'll end up in Cruz Bay, St. John, ready to begin a beautiful day.

Visit St. John's highlights

About 2/3's of St. John is a national park, and the untouched beauty is truly stunning. Make your way to Trunk Bay, the most scenic beach on the island, in my opinion. This is a great spot to snorkel and swim with postcard worthy overlooks on the way. Maho Bay Beach is another gorgeous stop where sea turtles are a fun sighting. For a bit of history, visit the Cinnamon Bay Plantation Ruins to see one of the earliest sugar mill plantations. Stop at the Windmill Bar for lunch at one of the best overlooks in the Virgin Islands.

After an unforgettable day on St. John, take the ferry back to Red Hook to catch the sunset and have dinner at Agave.

Tour Charlotte Amalie

This morning, explore the town and port of Charlotte Amalie. You’ll find fun shops and restaurants and farmers market type stalls set up when cruise ships are in port. Visit the Pirates Treasure Museum to see some fun exhibits and history. Bluebirds Castle Museum is another fun stop to learn more about St. Thomas. For a unique activity, ride the tram to the Skyride at Paradise Point for amazing views of the town, the harbor and Water Island. Have lunch at the restaurant at the top and take in the picturesque views while you eat.

Rent a jet ski

For some afternoon adventure after your morning in town, head to the Sapphire Beach Marina. Here you’ll find Coastal Watersports, the only freestyle jet ski rental in St. Thomas. This means that within your rental time, you have free range of where you jet ski, whether it’s down the coast or all the way to Magens Bay. It is my favorite jet ski experience I’ve ever had.

After a fun afternoon, walk around the marina and check out Sapphire Beach right next to the marina. Have dinner right on the beach at Sapphire Beach Bar and watch the sunset over the water.

Water Island is considered the 4th Virgin Island, even though it’s far less known despite only being a few minutes boat ride from St. Thomas. It’s a small, beautiful island to explore and has a lot to offer.

Ferry to Water Island

After breakfast, make your way to the Crown Bay Marina. On the dock right besides Tickles Dockside Pub you’ll see small, red ferry boats with an hourly schedule to Water Island. It’s $15 per person round trip and you pay at the dock. The boat ride is scenic and only takes about 10 minutes to reach Water Island.

Honeymoon beach

Once you step off the dock at Water Island, you will only be a couple minute's walk from a beautiful cove and Honeymoon Beach. You can also rent a golf cart through Rachaels Rentals since there are almost no cars on the island. At Honeymoon Beach, you can rent paddle boards, snorkel equipment, and other items. My favorite part of Honeymoon Beach are the huge sea turtles that you can snorkel and swim with here. Within the first five minutes of snorkeling, I had spotted three massive green sea turtles. Spend the day at the beach or exploring the island and have lunch at Dinghy’s Beach Bar and Grill.

Head back to the Marina and have dinner at Oceana Restaurant & Bistro for some great seafood with an ocean view for your last night on St. Thomas.