A Tropical Retreat: Relax at Magen’s Bay Beach in St. Thomas

Greetings, fellow adventurers! Imagine this: a tropical escape where the sun illuminates palm-fringed beaches and crystal-clear blue waters. It's a place where historic landmarks meet contemporary wonders as if they were old companions.

We’re, of course, referring to St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Think of this blog as your reliable companion for exploring St. Thomas. Join us as we guide you through must-see attractions and exciting activities in this pirate haven turned Caribbean paradise. Adventure is on the horizon!

Departure Ports: Where to Book Your Journey

Discover the stunning landscapes of St. Thomas from various departure points. Whether you’re in sunny Florida, lively New York, quaint South Carolina, coastal Alabama, dynamic Texas, or historic Maryland, there’s a port ready to launch you towards your paradise. Select your departure location and embark on an unforgettable adventure to St. Thomas, regardless of where you start in the USA.

Discover St. Thomas

Imagine this: you’ve just disembarked your ship onto the stunning shores of St. Thomas. The island’s picturesque port is only a short stroll from the lively downtown Charlotte Amalie, the capital of St. Thomas. Choosing the best St. Thomas excursion can be a challenge. Our top recommendations include riding an underwater motor scooter on the BOSS Underwater Adventure, enjoying a half-day sailing trip to another island with the St. John Champagne Catamaran Sailaway, being whisked away to hidden islands on the Fast Cat Turtle Bay Snorkel & Honeymoon Beach cruise, or capturing breathtaking moments during the Magen’s Bay Beach and Skyride to Paradise Point.

If you're not up for an excursion, there are still numerous ways to discover the area! Take a stroll or catch a taxi from the port to admire Charlotte Amalie’s Danish colonial architecture, visit Blackbeard’s Castle, and explore the 1600s watchtower. A special perk for our shopping enthusiasts: no other city in the Caribbean boasts a shopping scene quite like this, featuring locally crafted souvenirs, art galleries, and luxurious high-end goods.

A Stunning Viewpoint: Drake’s Seat

Let’s dive into paradise, specifically Paradise Point. The Magen’s Bay Beach and Skyride To Paradise Point excursion takes you on an adventure to the island’s peak, known as Drake’s Seat on the North Side of the island.

This journey includes breathtaking views for miles: you’ll travel in an open-air safari bus, allowing you to enjoy the scenery and capture every incredible moment you can imagine.

A trip down memory lane in St. Thomas: legend has it that during the 1500s, Sir Francis Drake used this lookout to direct his fleet and keep an eye out for the Queen of England against unsuspecting Spanish vessels approaching St. Thomas. Whether or not you remembered to pack your spyglass (and if you did, we totally understand!), Drake’s Seat provides breathtaking panoramic views that are simply unmatched. Did someone mention a perfect photo opportunity?

Making Waves Together at Magen’s Bay

If paradise exists on earth, it surely resides at Magen’s Bay. This horseshoe-shaped stretch of pristine sand, sun, and surf is just 5 miles from the St. Thomas port. Is there space for activities? Absolutely! As one of the longest beaches on the island, you can carve out your own personal paradise here.

This public beach park, a little slice of heaven, was gifted to the residents of the Virgin Islands in 1946. The waters at Magen’s Bay are incredibly tranquil, making it ideal for leisurely walks along the sandy shoreline, a bit of exploration in the Magen’s Bay arboretum, or a refreshing swim. For those seeking some excitement, rentals for paddleboards, kayaks, beach chairs, and floaties are all available. With so much to offer, it’s nearly impossible not to fall head over heels for this heart-shaped beach.

Getting to Magen’s Bay from Your Cruise Port

Reaching Magen’s Bay offers a few convenient options; the fastest and simplest way to bask in beachside bliss is to hop into a taxi at the port and enjoy a relaxing 20-minute ride. If you prefer a more independent adventure exploring the island, renting a car is your best bet. Many rental companies operate right at the cruise port, but keep in mind that driving here means you’ll need to navigate the left side of the road!

Elevating Your Experience: St. Thomas Skyride to Paradise Point

Thought the excitement ended there? Think again! After a few delightful hours at Magen’s Bay, you might want a little more thrill. You and your fellow adventurers can head to the nearby St. Thomas SkyRide at Paradise Point. Soaring 700 feet above sea level, this ride offers stunning views of the island that would leave even Sir Francis Drake in awe.

Capture some envy-inducing photos to make your social media followers jealous, indulge in a tropical cocktail (or two), and take in the breathtaking scenery before descending on the 7-minute ride back down. Now that’s what we call a ticket to paradise!

Now that you’re well-versed in all things St. Thomas, why not check out our sailings? Don't let the excitement pass you by!