A Guide to Saint Thomas Virgin Islands
If you're looking for an island getaway, you should visit Saint Thomas, one of the U.S. Virgin Islands. The island's snorkeling spots and beaches are world-famous, but there's more to St. Thomas than just the water. Visit the capital city of Charlotte Amalie, which was founded by the Danish in the 1600s and now serves as a busy cruise ship port. While in the city, be sure to visit the historic Blackbeard's Castle, named for its pirate history, as well as Fort Christian, which is now a local history museum.
The US Virgin Islands are part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, which means you'll need a passport to enter the territory. However, U.S. citizens can continue to use other established forms of identification, such as a birth certificate or government-issued photo ID. Vaccinations are not required to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands, and you don't need to get immunizations to visit them. In 1954, the U.S. Virgin Islands Organic Act granted the islands territorial status, allowing the formation of a local senate. This senate was dominated by the American Democratic and Republican parties, and in 1970, full home rule was achieved.
After Columbus discovered the islands, the island's residents began to settle there. After the French occupied the Caribbean, the Danish established a post on Saint Thomas. In 1685, the Dutch took over the island, and Saint Thomas became a major sugar-producing port. By the end of the century, slave trade was introduced to the island and became an economic mainstay. In 1754, Saint Thomas was a free port for Danish merchants.
Visitors to St. Thomas should take note that Hurricane Irma left the island in ruins, but the Blackbeard Tower still stands tall. It was closed for extensive renovations, but the island's website indicates that it is expected to reopen soon. It's a great way to cool off on a hot day downtown. Admission includes a chilled Cruzan rum shot and a deluxe parka. You'll also need to wear gloves and leggings to protect yourself from the cold.
The Saint Thomas Virgin Islands are an ideal location for active travelers. There's plenty to do for active travelers, including a trip to World Amber Museum, zip-lining, and strolling through Charlotte Amalie. Tourists can also enjoy duty-free shopping and sightseeing. While on the island, don't forget to take in the island's rich history and culture. If you're planning to spend your honeymoon in the Caribbean, St. Thomas is definitely worth considering.
If you're a lover of the ocean, St. Thomas is a great place for snorkeling. There are over 500 species of fish and 40 types of coral, and hundreds of invertebrates to see. You can also watch turtles hatch if you're lucky. You may even be able to observe turtle hatching on the island. This is a rare opportunity and you should definitely make the most of your time in St. Thomas.
Charlotte Amalie, the capital city of St. Thomas, is an excellent place to shop in between sightseeing. It is also a major port of call for cruise ships in the Caribbean. This town is known as the "duty-free shopping capital" of the Virgin Islands. There are plenty of shops and restaurants to choose from. The climate on St. Thomas is near-perfect year-round, so if you're looking for a vacation destination that combines natural beauty and cosmopolitan culture, Charlotte Amalie is the ideal place for you.
The Caribbean island has a rich history, but St. Thomas is also home to some of the Caribbean's most beautiful beaches. Many tourists choose to visit St. Thomas for this reason, but if you're a history buff, you may also want to visit the island's historical buildings. Magens Bay is one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Aside from the beaches, St. Thomas also has world-class duty-free shopping.
If you have the time, you might want to drive up to Paradise Point and enjoy the views while enjoying a cocktail and a view. However, the cable car is only available when cruise ships are docked. If you don't want to wait, you can always walk up. The hike takes about two to three hours. If you'd rather take a more scenic route, you can rent a car and ride up.
If you're a golf enthusiast, St. Thomas has a world-renowned golf course designed by Tom and George Fazio. Magens Bay is the island's most popular beach and is home to sapphire blue waters and white sand. It's an excellent place to spend a day on the beach, but remember that it can be busy during the cruise ship season. So get there early if you want to save some time on the beach.