Caribbean St Martin St Maarten
Welcome to St. Martin / St. Maarten
Experience the unique blend of two island colonies within the same 37 square miles. St. Martin's offers a vibrant mix of Caribbean , French, and Dutch cultures, mirrored by its landscape diversity. The island is both urban and untamed, with rainforest-like landscapes, stunning white beaches, and fascinating caves and wildlife. Travelers enjoy this destination for it's combination of duty-free shopping sprees, beach relaxations, and energetic partying. The north side, St. Martin, is controlled by the French government, and it’s where you’ll find the biggest party beaches. A territory of the Netherlands, St. Maarten is home to the liveliest casinos and nightlife. Since traveling between the two colonies is pretty easy, you basically get to enjoy two vacations for the price of one.
Top Attractions
One of the most famous attractions is Magens Bay, often cited as one of the world's most beautiful beaches, located about a 20-minute taxi ride from the port. For breathtaking panoramic views of the harbor and your cruise ship, take the Skyride to Paradise Point, an aerial tramway located just a short walk from the Havensight dock. Another popular excursion is a visit to Coral World Ocean Park, where you can experience marine life up close in an undersea observatory, about a 30-minute drive from the port. For history buffs, the historic district of Charlotte Amalie offers sites like Blackbeard's Castle and the 99 Steps, which are a short taxi ride away.
Nearby Cities & Attractions
A popular day trip is to the neighboring island of St. John, renowned for its pristine nature and the protected Virgin Islands National Park. To get there, you'll need to take a taxi to Red Hook on the east end of St. Thomas (about a 30-40 minute drive), followed by a 20-minute ferry ride to Cruz Bay. Another option is the much smaller and quieter Water Island, located just off the coast of Charlotte Amalie. A quick ferry from the Crown Bay Marina takes less than 10 minutes, offering access to the secluded and beautiful Honeymoon Beach.
Port Locations
Cruise ships dock at one of two main facilities in St. Thomas: the West Indian Company Dock (WICO) in Havensight or the Austin "Babe" Monsanto Marine Terminal in Crown Bay. Both piers are located approximately 1.5 to 2 miles from the main downtown shopping district of Charlotte Amalie. While it is technically walkable, most passengers opt for the convenience of a short taxi or open-air shuttle ride, especially in the tropical heat. Both port areas are well-equipped with their own large shopping centers, restaurants, and bars, so you can find amenities right as you disembark. Tendering is not typically required in St. Thomas.
Local Currency
The official currency in St. Thomas is the U.S. Dollar (USD), as it is a U.S. territory. There is no need for currency exchange for travelers from the United States. ATMs are widely available at the cruise ports, in downtown Charlotte Amalie, and at major tourist hubs. Major credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted at almost all shops, restaurants, and tour operators. Other currencies like the Euro are not commonly accepted.
Safety Considerations
St. Thomas is generally considered safe for tourists, especially in popular areas like the cruise ports, downtown Charlotte Amalie, and major beaches. However, it is always wise to practice common-sense precautions. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and do not carry large sums of cash. It is recommended to stick to well-trafficked areas, especially after dark. Exploring the main tourist sites independently is common and safe, but booking a reputable guided tour is a great option for seeing more of the island with added security and convenience.
Weather & Climate
St. Thomas enjoys a warm, tropical climate year-round, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the high 80s Fahrenheit (24-31°C). The main cruise season from December to May is typically drier and sunnier. Brief, intense rain showers can occur at any time but usually pass quickly. The official Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th, with the highest risk of storms from August through October. Visitors should pack lightweight clothing, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, along with a light rain jacket just in case.
Getting Around
The most common mode of transportation for cruise passengers is the taxi. Taxis are abundant at both cruise piers and are typically multi-passenger, open-air safari-style trucks or vans. Fares are not metered but are regulated by the government and charged per person based on the destination; always confirm the rate before you depart. These same safari trucks also operate as a form of public transportation along major routes for a very low cost. While ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft exist, they are not as prevalent as taxis. Many visitors opt for an island tour with a local taxi driver for a comprehensive and personalized sightseeing experience.
Shopping Activities
St. Thomas is famous for its duty-free shopping, making it a paradise for bargain hunters. The primary shopping areas are Main Street (Dronningens Gade) in downtown Charlotte Amalie, the Havensight Mall near the WICO dock, and the shops at Crown Bay. Popular items include jewelry (especially diamonds), watches, designer fragrances, electronics, and liquor, particularly Caribbean rum. U.S. citizens enjoy a generous duty-free allowance of $1,600 per person, which is double the allowance from most other Caribbean islands. While prices are generally fixed in larger stores, some negotiation may be possible at smaller souvenir stalls.
Shore Excursions & Tours
For breathtaking views of the harbor, take the Skyride to Paradise Point, where you can see your cruise ship and the surrounding islands from a stunning vantage point. Afterwards, explore the historic downtown of Charlotte Amalie for world-class duty-free shopping set among charming Danish colonial architecture. A visit to the world-renowned Magens Bay offers a relaxing day on a stunning, heart-shaped beach with famously calm turquoise waters. It is the perfect spot for swimming and sunbathing, with amenities like chair rentals, a restaurant, and bar available.Many excursions feature a catamaran sail to prime snorkeling spots like Turtle Cove at Buck Island, a protected marine sanctuary. Guests can swim with sea turtles and vibrant tropical fish in the crystal-clear waters, often with refreshments and music provided on board.A popular option is a short ferry ride or private charter to the neighboring island of St. John, which is primarily a protected national park. Here you can explore pristine, world-famous beaches like Trunk Bay and enjoy its renowned underwater snorkeling trail.St. Thomas offers all the action of a lively city and the allure of a secluded island getaway. Stroll through the colorful markets of Charlotte Amalie, or unwind on the sugary sand beach at Magen’s Bay. Whether you’re looking to turn up or tune out, you’ll feel a world away in this unique slice of paradise.