SHORE EXCURSIONS

OVERVIEW

Explore neighboring St. John, the most naturally preserved of the U.S. Virgin Islands, at your own pace and however you wish. During the private ferry ride to the village of Cruz Bay, enlightening commentary will describe the attractions of St. John, which will help you decide how to spend your time there. Of course, you are free to do whatever you like. Be assured there are abundant choices. If you prefer to simply stay in Cruz Bay, it’s a delightful setting for one-of-a-kind shopping and dining, especially along the waterfront. If you’re looking for something more unusual, drop by the visitor center for a recommendation. Outdoor activities are particularly inviting because two-thirds of St. John is protected national parkland. You won’t have to go far to find a beach, as many of them overlook the bay. As an alternative, you could just walk around the village and visit the place you find most attractive.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take a private ferry to the village of Cruz Bay on the neighboring island of St. John.
• Spend your time on St. John doing whatever you please at your own pace.
• Explore Cruz Bay or the surrounding countryside, if you find that more intriguing.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit and a towel if you wish to swim.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Board your sleek Turbo Power Cat, with it's yacht-like features, and cruise to the Virgin Islands' most picturesque island destinations. With burled wood features, flat screen, open lounge-style seating and special water toys, enjoy a stunning cruise along St. Thomas' spectacular coast line, and then anchor in the pristine waters of Island Cove.

Here, you'll have approximately 1 hour to relax, snorkel and swim while listening to great music. Enjoy one of the world's most spectacular down island views. If you like you can hang out and relax on the "noodle line". Afterwards, continue on a picturesque cruise along to a quaint picturesque beach, where you'll have another 45 minutes of beach time on powdery white sands. During your return cruise back to the ship, enjoy complementary water, sodas and rum punch.

OVERVIEW

Paddle a kayak through a mangrove-lined lagoon as the sun begins to set, a time known as the golden hour because the radiant natural light exudes a warm glow. After a briefing to ensure that you maximize the experience, you will ease into a kayak and follow the guide into the sanctuary lagoon that rims the southern shore of St. Thomas. The mangroves provide an ideal habitat for wildlife, especially birds that roost each evening in these environmentally important trees. Kayaks make little noise in the water so the birds won’t be disturbed even if you paddle closely to them. You may see snowy egrets and little blue herons wading in the shallows, endangered brown pelicans taking shelter and yellow warblers singing their sweet whistled songs as they dart in and out of the mangroves’ branches and aerial roots. The guide will help identify the birds and describe the lagoon ecosystem.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Glide through the sheltered waters of a mangrove-lined lagoon in a kayak around sunset.
• Observe the wildlife, especially birds as they roost in the mangroves late in the afternoon.
• Enjoy the magical setting of the lagoon as the sky takes on a warm glow.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Join us on a comfortable boat, Island Girl for a narrated journey to ST John. Our crew will provide interesting narration on the journey to ST John. ST John is roughly 2/3 National Park and the National Park service has worked to open Trunk Bay for your enjoyment!

Upon arrival in the charming town of Cruz Bay you will board your open airs safari vehicle for a scenic drive to Trunk Bay

Be sure to bring your camera, as you'll make three photo stops along the way. Arrive at Trunk Bay to enjoy the crystalline blue-green waters!

After a short orientation, you'll set out on the famous underwater snorkel trail for over an hour, following markers that describe the many species of fish and corals that make Trunk Bay their home.

Experience a ride on a St. Thomas Cycleboat — a truly unique adult experience. It’s a boat, a bike and a bar, all in one! Join the fun as we drink, pedal and party to the picturesque Honeymoon Beach on Water Island. This excursion encourages you to let loose and enjoy the vacation you deserve. The Cycleboat holds only 16 guests, so escape the crowds and receive personalized service.

The fun begins as soon as you set sail! Start with a tropical rum punch served out of your new souvenir cup and let the music take you away as your favorite party tunes play in the background. Grab one of our 10 cycle stations around our central bar for a social experience that you’ll never forget. You can also relax as you're seated around, at the front of the boat and enjoy the exquisite coastal views. The bars seats are equipped with interactive cycle stations that help paddle the boat along the calm, protected waters. But don’t worry, we have a motor on board and other guests to take turns and assist you, and even completely take over when the dancing or limbo contest breaks out! Once the tour arrives at beautiful Honeymoon beach, you will have time to walk along the white sand beach, swim in the crystal-clear waters or purchase lunch at the beachside restaurants. You can also choose to find a shady palm tree and relax to the fullest. On your way back, the fun continues as you party along the route to the Havensight Pier with more drinks and dancing.

Zip through the turquoise seas off Charlotte Amalie in a powerful catamaran that will take you to one of the island’s premier spots for snorkeling. The one-level Powercat offers plenty of cushioned seats in the shade and sun so you can easily find a spot to your liking. Either way, the views will be wonderfully picturesque on the way to Buck Island. A different sort of tropical scenery awaits you beneath the water’s surface, as you will discover while snorkeling the island’s Turtle Cove. You might spot French angelfish, brilliantly colored damselfish and bright-blue tangs. Hawksbills and green turtles are prevalent and watching them gracefully swim by is a showstopper. Next it is off to Honeymoon Beach, on Water Island another idyllic setting that is great for swimming and beachcombing with its easy access.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Snorkel along the reefs of an island that is teeming with marine life.
• Observe an abundance of tropical fish and maybe even sea turtles.
• Enjoy the tropical views as you zip from island to island in a Powercat.

Everything you’d want to, and should, experience in St. Thomas all conveniently packed into one complete tour – a cornucopia of beaches, spectacular down island views, historical locations and ultimate shopping experiences encompassing all the best highlights of the U.S. Virgin Islands’ most popular island. This tour provides all the elements for a perfect day in paradise. Begin with a scenic ride along Skyline Drive up to St. Thomas' highest peak, Mountain Top, where it offers breathtaking views of Charlotte Amalie Harbour, the Caribbean Sea, the British Virgin Islands and Magen’s Bay, rated by many travel magazines as one of the top ten beaches in the world. Next, it's on to the crystalline waters of Magens Bay for 2 hours of sun and fun. Continue on to historic downtown. located in the heart of the Kongens Quarter, and step back into the age of seafaring trade at the Danish West Indian port town of Charlotte Amalie. Envision the island’s past global traders, Caribbean pirates, the impacts of slavery, and life in a vibrant West Indian port city as you walk amongst historic landmark properties dating back to the late 1600’s. Indulge your passion for the great recommended shopping in St. Thomas. When you're finished with your free time of shopping, head back to the ship via your pre-arranged return transportation.