Kayak, snorkel, “snuba” and more with the family on the beautiful beaches of St.Thomas. It’s one of the most popular of the U.S. Virgin Islands because there’s so much going for it. No passport is required, English is spoken, the U.S. dollar is the currency and it’s easy to fly into. In addition, a St. Thomas family vacation is probably the most affordable of the USVI.
Beauty is impossible to ignore on St. Thomas. Cleaner and somewhat more chic than many Caribbean capitals, Charlotte Amalie does have its share of tacky shops. However, look beyond to the unique archways, hidden walkways and small alleys that are colorful and often quite lovely.
It’s a safe and pleasant town to explore by foot, with some rather good frosty tropical drink stands. Charlotte Amalie is also known for its West Indian food (more later) and good burgers. The flavor is decidedly Caribbean even though the streets still bear Danish names like Norre Gade (the main street) since Charlotte Amalie was Denmark’s Caribbean capital until 1917.
A good place to start walking the town is Emancipation Park, the site of slavery’s end. It’s an important landmark for locals and for Black families who visit the island.
St. Thomas: Beautiful Caribbean Beaches & Beyond
There’s no doubt that most families, and certainly the kids, will be drawn to the spacious beaches and that dream-like water. Some beaches have outstanding snorkeling such as Secret Harbor, Coki Beach and Sapphire Beach, but all are spectacular. Views of the surrounding islands dot the sea, some near, some far, all lush and beckoning.
The Magic of Coral World Ocean Park
As part of its attempt to attract families, St. Thomas has a first-rate outdoor aquarium, Coral World Ocean Park. Coral World, located adjacent to Coki Beach, offers three unique activities that you won’t want to miss. The first, Sea Trek, is a space age helmeted trek along an underwater trail. All divers are given a brief but effective training, must be at least 80 pounds to participate, and wear a 70 lb helmet. Once you’re trained and ready to go, you’ll sink down 15 to 20 feet and walk along the ocean floor through the dazzling coral reef.
Coral World’s second featured attraction is a semi-submerged submarine ride. Little ones will feel like they are diving below the surface because the bottom of the vessel takes a magnificent ride through the coral reef. Similarly, the Undersea Observatory Tower is located 100 feet offshore, offering panoramic views of the sea and the island. From December to March, you may even see humpback whales swimming by during their annual migration! Then, reverse direction and head downstairs, to 15 feet below the water’s surface. No need to get wet to see a coral reef and undersea life up close. Both the “submarine” and the observatory are accessible to those with mobility issues.
Up Close Animal Encounters at Coral World
The third uber-cool activity is swimming with the sea lions. You and your kids can jump into a tank with these cuddliest of sea creatures and swim and frolic away! While swimming, give these guys a hug, grab hold of their back fins and go for a ride, play basketball, and be the lucky recipient of a tickle-whisker sea lion kiss. Much fun!
My favorite attraction, and easily that of many of the kids, was the Sea Horse exhibit. One of the staff curators surprised all of us with her tales of how male and female sea horses mate for life. She emphasized that they greet each other every morning with a ritualized dance that apparently strengthens the bond between them. I wonder if she was making a point for the adults.
This is the kind of stuff you learn and see at Coral World. Oh, you can send a letter home from the underwater observatory and it’ll be postmarked, “Underwater Mail” by the post office.
Water Sports with Virgin Island Ecotours
An adventure in kayaking unlike most others is offered by Virgin Island Ecotours and several other eco-friendly Virgin Island tour operators. Knowledgeable and well-trained naturalists take small groups out in two person “sit on top” kayaks and combine an introduction to the history and life of a Mangrove lagoon with some very rewarding snorkeling.
In water never deeper than four feet, a guide glides with you through the deep silence of a mangrove lagoon, combining fascinating information with serene scenery. Did you know, for example, that the extensive root system of the mangrove filters the water making it safe and healthy for fish? Or that during a hurricane, boats tie up in a mangrove lagoon because the trees rise and fall with the water never creating tension on the ties?
After about an hour of easy kayaking and absorbing the information, the group pulls into a deserted coral reef where guests enter the water carefully so as not to disturb the coral. The snorkeling is the best, with stained-glass fish making fearless passes before your eyes. It’s a pure delight to be in shallow, warm water surrounded by silence and vivid flashes of color.
Most of these companies operate from bases on each of the islands. Additionally, expect top-quality snorkeling and safety gear, bottled water, waterproof gear bag and instructions. At the end of the trip, there’s a real treat: a sun-warmed water bag for a welcomed shower.
High Above St. Thomas Family Adventures
Don’t miss the Paradise Point Skyride. This tropical “ski lift” takes visitors right to the top of the highest point in glass-enclosed gondolas which kids love.
The open-air restaurant and bar at the end of the seven-minute journey are very attractive, with potted plants, bright, noisy parrots and happy flowers. The bar serves the best Bailey’s Bushwackers (for Mom and Dad) and kid drinks. Sit and drink in the panoramic view.
Hotel Ideas for a St. Thomas Getaway
Properties on the three islands make an all-out effort to appeal to families not only with various attractions, but with attractive on-site programs. We couldn’t visit them all, of course, but here are our best bets.
Keep it Simple at 2 St. Thomas Family Resorts with Bells n’ Whistles
The Sapphire Beach Resort & Marina, very popular with families, is one of the best on the east end of St. Thomas. The wide crescent of a beach boasts calm, clear water and wonderful views of a half dozen islands. Picture the twinkling lights (at night) of Tortolla and St. John. No need to mention that the water’s so blue and clear as to appear transparent.
Just 8 miles from the airport, kids 11 and under stay free in well furnished, if old-fashioned, suites with ocean views. Many units have full kitchens too, very handy for parents. Non-motorized water sports are included in the package, and the snorkeling right off the beach is very good. Some nights there’s a steel drum concert by a local artist whose name escapes me. It’s in the outdoor, palm-roofed bar and is wonderful.
Multigenerational groups like to spread out in the villas at Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove, another of St. Thomas’ family-friendly, full service resorts. It’s well located near beautiful Magens Bay beach yet close to Charlotte Amalie, so all ages have attractions nearby. Additionally, the Red Hook Car Ferry makes it easy to sail over to St. John’s for the day. Visiting all three U.S. Virgin Islands makes this a really memorable trip. Check their website to inquire about seasonal all-inclusive deals which may become available.
Serve Yourself: High and Low End for Accommodations on St. Thomas
There are dozens of other choices in all price ranges among the top St. Thomas beach resorts. As a rule of thumb, families on a budget should search for the many furnished condos and beach homes. You’ll find two and three-bedroom places for under a few hundred dollars per night.
On the flip side of the budget spectrum, check out the places celebrities take their kids. In 1998, President Clinton, his wife, daughter Chelsea, and puppy Buddy famously returned to St. Thomas. They reinforced their message to vacation in the United States by renting a private villa, the Sand Dollar Estate. The press at the time reported that “the President indicated that Chelsea was very influential in the family returning to St. Thomas for their New Year’s vacation.”
And the Sand Dollar Estate is still in business.
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