St. Thomas Island Tour Excursion Reviews

Did't book cruise trip as was told there was lots of taxis doing tours as you get off boat. We had a great tour of the island with local taxi (Moses Taxi Tours $25 each) Try to get in cab with driver as you get better info during tour and Air Con. Stopped at a local beach just around from ship. Emerald Beach very quite with a lovely location with white sandy beach and shallow waters. Taxi driver will drop you off there but you will need to get a $4 per person taxi back, Very relaxing day. Ray visited beach waters while there much to the surprise of people in water.

Provider: Independent Operator

We went to Beacon Point, Mountain Top, and St. Peter the Great's House to see the views from the mountains. The views were gorgeous. My only complaint is the stops are very short (about 15-25 minutes), so it doesn't give you a lot of time to shop for souveniers.

Provider: Royal Caribbean International

Met expectations. Not much to see on St. Thomas except the views from the hilltops. Guide was excellent and made the trip fun. My granddaughter got to sit up front in the cab so was delighted.

Provider: Royal Caribbean International

We did the island tour again as we enjoyed it the last time..

Provider: Royal Caribbean International

Our misfortune of not finding a rental car for the day turned into great luck, as we found "Benjie" the friendly taxi driver who was more than happy to negotiate a day-long private tour and beach/snorkeling stop for our family of 4. A 28-year veteran of the St Thomas police force and former US Secret Service agent, we felt perfectly safe as he drove us around the island in his 15 passenger air-conditioned van. The experience was highly personal, Benjie was extremely polite, knowledgeable and accommodating, and I was more than happy to give him a nice tip to what I felt was a reasonable price of one hundred forty dollars.

Provider: Independent Operator

The tour cut short because ship arrived late. Because it was rushed, we haven't seen what we had wished.

Provider: Carnival Cruise Lines

Good tour of the island - provided by a taxi driver. Went to the Top of the Mountain - great view and reasonably priced clothing.

Provider: Independent Operator

We took an Island Tour booked independently through Godfrey Tours. He took us in a bus all around the island pointing out various islands and beaches, with places to stop to take photographs. St. Thomas is a very picturesque island with all of the remote islands within boat distance.

Provider: Independent Operator

Glad I got to see the island,

Provider: Independent Operator

Loved the tour

Provider: Independent Operator

We did a little shopping in probably the nicest shopping district in the Caribbean and then took a private tour of the island with an independent tour operator who we met in the town center. Wonderful tour and very reasonably priced at $25.

Provider: Independent Operator

much more peaceful than St Marteen

Provider: Norwegian Cruise Line

was a good view of the Islands and Megan's bay

Provider: Independent Operator

This tour gives you a nice tour of the island and mountain views are worth the ride. A little too long for shopping but guess that is better than not enough!

Provider: Carnival Cruise Lines

We drove through some beautiful sights and drove up to a place where they sold the best banana daiquiri in the world. Although it rained we still had a great time.

Provider: Independent Operator

A bus ride with no explanation of what we were seeing (the driver was the guide and he didn't speak English); we went to a Great House and were treated to shopping; to another place and treated to a view and shopping; and back to the ship. Very disappointing,

Provider: Princess Cruises

Open air mini-bus toured the island with stops for drinks and photos.

Provider: Independent Operator

Great tour around the island. Stopped at resort on east end and climbed the hills to islands highest point. You can see forever! Worth it.

Provider: Independent Operator

I wanted our friends to get a taste of St Thomas so we arranged for an Island Tour from Air Force One and Papa Bear. We did this last year and loved it and knew that they would too. It was just the 4 of us and 2 others who would be going to the beach later. Several nice photo stops and a trip to "Mountain Top" were included. We had the option of going back to the ship afterwards or being dropped downtown. We also saw several large Iguanas walking around.

Provider: Independent Operator

This tour was really nice. It was an open bus and made 6 stops where they told us about the history of the island. Several of the stops you had time to shop and take pictures.

Provider: Norwegian Cruise Line

St. Thomas is a wonderful place! I can't wait to return on my own and spend time exploring! However, the "Ultimate Island Tour" was HORRIBLE! the drivers of the buses are very scary. Fear for your life as they drive down the road. They take you to the top of the mountain for amazing views of the port. This would be better with out the man with the donkey threatening people if they don't pay him to take a picture with his donkey! The stop at Magens Bay for two hours was amazing! I wish we would have just done this because everything was bad. We then went to Blackbeard Pirate ship we were told by staff there that we actually had a whole extra hour! the person at the top of the mountain told us incorrectly! But at that point, who could hike back the two miles up to do the exploring. The pirate ship seemed great, but when we got to the dock next to the cruise ship there was another boat there that was taking on water and couldn't move to get us into the dock so we could get off and get on our cruise ship. We suggested that the captain take us back to the original dock and get us a shuttle (there were tons in the area and we had taken one at the start of our trip) back to the cruise ship as it was getting to be with in 15 minutes of us needing to be on board. Instead they tried to find different ways to park along the sea wall. It took them well over an hour to finally get us off of that boat and the cruise ship had to leave late because of this. We also missed our 6 o clock dinner time because we were still on the pirate ship trying to figure out how to dock. All this was brought to the attention of the cruise staff but they still have not offered any apologies!

Provider: Carnival Cruise Lines

A very memorable tour up to the top of the mountain to the home of the original banana daquiri and then back down to the shopping area. On the way up the mountain there was lots of road construction and we are riding in the back of what is basically a pickup truck with seats and a roof, we end up hitting some cement barrier and blow two tires. Our driver stops, looks at it, and then continues on with the whole tour driving on two flats. There were no issues resulting from this and it made the tour one to remember. Once we were dropped off in the shopping district we had a good lunch at Gladys' and walked the main street. Lots and lots of jewelry shops! Then you had to flag one of many shuttles (pickups) back to the port.

Provider: Holland America Line

In St Thomas, we paid $25 per person for the tour we took of the Island. The tour was ok. Next time, we will just walk to the shops and save some money.

Provider: Independent Operator

I did not enjoy St Thomas at all. It was not what I had expected and our tour was scary to say the least. We did the Island Tour and Beach at Magens Bay. Our driver was not friendly, the bus was dangerous and everywhere you went it was over crowded with people being herded like cattle. We were dropped at the beach and given 2 hours. Our driver was nearly an hour late getting us and when he did come back, he was not apologetic at all and then drove like a lunatic to get people into town for shopping. I was not feeling well at this stage so headed straight back to the ship. That evening I developed a migraine and was quite unwell. Mum went to dinner and afterwards complained at guest services for how bad the whole trip had been and they refunded half of my tour cost which was good of them.

Provider: Royal Caribbean International

We booked Sunny Liston Tours and picked an island tour. Our tour guide was Elvis and he provided a lot of information about the island. The tour ended at Magen Bay Beach.

Provider: Independent Operator

Took a ferry over to Water Island and went mountain biking, toured the island, had lunch and some beers and relaxed on Honey Moon Beach.

Provider: Independent Operator

This is our third trip to St Thomas so we know how to look for a cheap deal, and we did find a good one only 20.00 PP and we had a great little tour of Megan's Beach and Mountain Top our guide made stops along the way and never rushed us, or did we feel hurried in any way when we were done we did some shopping at the pier.

Provider: Independent Operator

Wonderful guide, comfortable vehicle and most interesting comentary. Would highly recommend this company. Especially good was the 2 hour sojourne we had at a beach, beside the Best Western Hotel.

Provider: Independent Operator

Our Taxi driver took us on a tour on our way back from Coki Beach.

Provider: Independent Operator

Great Tour, Henry is a fun and friendly guide full of information. the island is beautiful and snorkeling at Sapphire Beach was fantastic!!

Provider: Independent Operator

Typical drive around the Island nothing outstanding

Provider: Royal Caribbean International

Skip this tour. It's a crowed open sided truck/taxi that takes 30 people up a winding road to a tourist trap at the top where you can buy a banana daiquiri and pay to look through a telescope to the harbor below. Our guide was disinterested and bordered on rude. He didn't speak well for the US Virgin Islands that looks pretty run down in St. Thomas.

Provider: Royal Caribbean International

St. Thomas was fun. We did the Ultimate Island Experience. We had wanted to snorkel, but the available tours sold out quickly (book before you board for best selection). The tour took us to a couple of look out points where we had a great view of the ship! There were also locals there selling everything under the sun, including photos of a poor donkey dressed up in sunglasses and other clothes. Next we went to Megan's Bay. Megan's Bay is supposed to be one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world, but I have to tell you, I was not impressed. It was crowded, there is not much beach for so many people, and not much swimming area in the bay. You had to rent chairs, as there was no other area on the sand to spread out a towel. We had 2 hours on Megan's Bay, and were glad when it was time to board the bus again. Next we went to Blackbeard's Castle. This was the highlight of the excursion for the grownups, while the kids like the Bay best. Blackbeard's Castle has lots to see, including a Rum distillery where we were able to tour and sample some flavored rums. We are not fans of rum at all, but after sampling we brought back a couple of bottles. you cannot get it in the states, so I recommend bringing it home. It is very smooth! There are also a couple of historical houses, and an Amber museum on the premises as well as a swimming pool that we were able to use. The people were very very nice, and always there to direct us on our self-guided tour (you go at your own pace), but they were never overbearing. We spent several hours here, and then you have to get your own transportation back to the ship. We were easily able to get a taxi for $7 per person.

Provider: Carnival Cruise Lines

I had fun.

Provider: Independent Operator

We did RCL's excursion called something like a lovely beach tour. We spent a couple of hours in an open bus riding around and learning about the country. We stopped for some scenic views. We then went to Meagan's bay. Lovely beach. Busy, but you need to walk to the periphery for the crowd to thin out. Water was clear and calm. Kids had googles and saw fish. Very nice beach. We had a great day.

Provider: Royal Caribbean International

We took the island tour in an open air vehicle. We had a great tour guide and enjoyed the island!

Provider: Royal Caribbean International

Tour in an open vehicle included shopping, sightseeing, and beach time. It also included singing.

Provider: Independent Operator

St Thomas: Originally planned on taking son to Blackbeard's Castle and was informed via Trip Advisor to do Island Tour first and then be dropped off to save $$$. Glad that we did. Was assigned Denise by cab station and she was very personable and always had a smile on her face. She drove us to Blackbeard's Castle but we decided not to go there and ate lunch at a local eatery instead. Cost $25 USD per person.

Provider: Independent Operator

We like to take excursions that help us to get to know the area. I especially like learning about the history of a stop. For this excursion we boarded a bus that drove around a bit, taking us to the highest point on the island. We stopped where many locals had set up stalls to sell souvenirs. Getting back on the bus, we drove to a spot close by where we had an excellent vista of Magen's Bay. Then we drove down to Magen's Bay where we had a couple hours of beach time. This bay is said to be one of the top 10 beaches in the world. My wife loved it, but it was crowded and all of the lounge chairs were taken. Since we were gone over lunch time, we bought a greasy and expensive slice of pizza to get us by until we returned to the ship. When we left the bay, they took to Blackbeard's Castle. We were not impressed. We were turned loose with a map of the site and had to walk down a LOT of steps (99 to be exact) to get to where we had to hire a taxi to get back to the ship. What I had assumed was a tour of the island was simply the road to get over ridge to the bay. I'd suggest finding another way to get the Magen's Bay and not use the ship's excursion.

Provider: Carnival Cruise Lines

The St. John Island Tour was a brief narrated tour around the island with information on how to plan your NEXT vacation to St. John. The tour started with an boat ride to the island and then we boarded a TAXI with a driver that only spoke when he would stop the taxi. We had 3 stops, in which, he spoke about how to plan the next trip to St. John. He also discouraged the use of a cruise for the next visit.

Provider: Royal Caribbean International

The "SUV of the seas" was in St Thomas with us. We were at Havensight. They were in the other harbor. They looked like a sky scraper towering over the hill across from our cabin. The roads were very busy in Charlotte Amalie. It was hard to imagine the impact of four or five ships being in town... I would guess total deadlock. It might be good to book a real tour in USVi rather than relying on a cab tour. Our driver did not drive down to Megan's beach. We had hoped to see that at "Sea Level" rather than From "See Level". There was no need to take the Havensight sky ride as we were taken to better/higher viewpoints during morning light. For a photographer, the sky ride is a morning treat unless you want to catch the views away from town to the East. Again, the "SUV of the Seas " was in St Thomas and brought in 5,000 of our fellow travelers. I would recommend Sharkey in cab "rock and roll" for an island tour. He advised that he was a trained and certified driver and tour guide. Since I'm "certifiable", we got along well. I recommend a tip to Sharkey to go down to Megan's beach on the tour. He drives a cab/open air tour vehicle called "Rock & Roll". As we sit in the fabulous harbor of Charlotte Amalie, I'm left to wonder..Where do these people get the $$$$$$ for the floating toys??? Many of the yachts here would require a paid crew of five to twenty people. This looks like a place entrepreneurs go when they go to Heaven :-)..More so than St Maarten or Aruba / Cura�ao.

Provider: Independent Operator

Average shopping-could just do yourself via taxi.

Provider: Princess Cruises

Had a brief bus tour of island, stopping at a few lookout points, then went to Magen's Bay Beach for 2 hours. Lovely beach, clear water. Saw lots of BIG iguanas. At one point a large one decided to use my towel as a bed. After our stay at the beach our bus took us to downtown for shopping. We shopped for about an hour then caught the ferry back to our ship.

Provider: Princess Cruises

Beautiful! Great tour guide!

Provider: Royal Caribbean International

Magen's Bay was beautiful and if you go to the far right of the bay by the rocks, you can snorkel in very shallow water and see lots of fish. It was perfect for our kids. The water was very clear and shallow. We spent 2 hours at the beach and then our guide dropped us off downtown. Should have done my homework better because it was difficult to find a place for lunch, we didn't know where to go. By the time we found a place and had lunch, it was time to go back to the ship. Didn't have much time to shop or look around.

Provider: Carnival Cruise Lines

Through the tour I was able to get great pictures of the island from up above but the best part was that we stayed alive while driving down hill through a place where people drive like they have no sense. They don't seem to notice the steep cliff just inches away from their tires that would send them straight to their death bed.. but did I mention that we got nice pictures?

Provider: Independent Operator

We got off the boat not really knowing what we were going to do. There were several guides offering tours near the dock. So we decided to go on a 2 hour tour of the island with Joe. He was great. Very knowledgeable and personable. By doing this we saved a lot of money. We felt we got our money's worth. He dropped us downtown for shopping which was enjoyable, and we taxied back to the dock for a quick lunch and some more shopping. I could have spent more time downtown shopping, but was afraid we would be late getting back to the boat.

Provider: Independent Operator

We had places we wanted to see so we hired a guide to take us. The island is beautiful and for 2 hours they drove where we wanted to go. Then he dropped us off in town and we walked to the other sites we wanted to see. We did not get to see some things because everything closed between 2 and 4. Not sure why they close up so early. It was a Tuesday and the weather was beautiful. We wanted to eat an early dinner but could not find an open restaurant at 4:00.

Provider: Independent Operator

The actual tour part was awesome. We had booked with a group of friends, so the tour operator was flexible to the desires of the majority. We didn't get to spend any time downtown, which was unfortunate, but that was the group decision, not the tour guide. We took a great ride up to mountaintop, where I saw a bartender with the poorest people skills ever. To make a long story short, an elderly lady fell down and he yelled at her instead of trying to help. The world famous banana daquiri didn't touch my lips that day, neither did my money touch his cash register. We ventured on to Coki beach to satisfy the snorkelers in our group, which were the only part of the group satisfied at that nasty beach. I'm not sure if it was the overpriced city-dump beach chairs we rented, the empty drug baggie laying on the beach beside us, or the lack of food on our very expensive plates that turned me off. Whatever it was, I will not ever venture to Coki willingly for quite a while, if ever. I would book with Sunny Liston again, but will likely try an excursion to St. John next time.

Provider: Independent Operator

We were taken from the dock to downtown where we were dropped off for shopping for two hours but there were dozens of jewelry stores so if you weren't interested in buying jewelry there is not a lot to do. We did not find many bargains. We were then picked up and toured the island and went to the highest lookout which was amazing. We were dropped off at Sapphire beach but the hotel was old and it was disappointing. I would suggest going to Megan Bay beach instead. It was good day and the island was very nice.

Provider: Independent Operator

St. Thomas was a nice place to visit. We rented a scooter and tooled around the island for a few hours. Every place we visited was well-kept and clean and I never felt unsafe or threatened in any way. Once out of the main city, it wasn't over-crowded or hard to find your way around.

Provider: Independent Operator

Great tour guide and very pretty island. Would like to go back.

Provider: Independent Operator

Gave a great tour of the island was very prompt and informative. Very pretty island and friendly people.

Provider: Independent Operator

Docked at Crown Bay at 6:20 A.M. They let people off early, but who wanted to leave at that time. We left the ship at 8:00 A.M. and grabbed a cab to Red Hook Ferry to catch the 9:00 A.M. ferry to St. John. Upon arriving in St. Johns at 9:20 A.M., we negotiated a tour of the island and later to be dropped off at Trunk's Bay. We got a lovely little tour of the island, showing us all the highlights that lasted 1.5 hours. We then spent another 1.5 hours at Trunk's Bay enjoying the beach, and the beautiful blue water. We then took at cab back to the harbor area, had a drink, and picked up a few souvenirs before taking the 1:00 P.M. ferry back to St. Thomas. We then caught another cab back to the cruise dock. A lot of traveling, but well worth the time to see such a wonderful place. We were able to use our cell phone to place calls back to the U.S. for free. St. Thomas is considered within the U.S., for AT&T, so we caught up with our kids and friends before heading back onto the ship at 3:30 P.M.

Provider: Independent Operator

Paradise Point is the most amazing place to be the view from top of this mountain is amazing. This cruise we where in port later till 8pm and were able to see the sunset and whole town and the ships lit up, spectacular!!!!!! and don't forget to have your Bushwacker drink!!

Provider: Carnival Cruise Lines

Our favorite place in the world. The gondola ride to the top of Paradise Point is always thrilling. We were surprised to see the Ferris wheel up there. the views were magnificent. Sorry to see that many of the vendors were gone. They make the world's best Bushwacker there.

Provider: Royal Caribbean International

Wonderful guide! Took us to the island top for breath taking views. Many stops along the way too. Very accommodating brought everyone to where they wanted to be after the tour ended then picked us up when done and brought us to the ship for no extra charge.

Provider: Independent Operator

Stunning views of the island, scenic drive up from the harbour was fun, tasty Banana Daiquiri! Also, good shopping.

Provider: Princess Cruises

Beautiful lookout points. The tram ride up the mountain was fun, a little hot inside the cabin. The restaurant/bar at the top was very good. Awesome place to have a rum punch and take in the view.

Provider: Princess Cruises

It was awesome!! My 3rd time there..I will be back but on a different cruise line

Provider: Carnival Cruise Lines

It was nice and clean up on Paradise Point. The view of the bay and the cruiseships was beautiful.

Provider: Carnival Cruise Lines

Conrad a.k.a Papito got us to water taxi to St Johns .picks us up and gave tour of the island ,He was very friendly ,knowledgeable and honest 340 344-3207

Provider: Independent Operator

This is the third time I've been to this island. The tour offered everything I wanted. The only issue was haze, which made the view of the neighboring islands less than picture perfect. Nonetheless, the views of the harbor and Magens Bay were great. This is a good sightseeing tour for those who like to take pictures.

Provider: Royal Caribbean International

Same tour as above. We went to the top of the island and saw great views, not to mention the largest souvenir shop I've ever seen!

Provider: Independent Operator

St John Island tour ($59.75 ea through Celebrity) -- Water taxi to St John was way crowded (standing room only) and over rough water (several people got sea sick). The island taxi was a pickup truck with five rows of seats that each sat five across; again we were packed like sardines! Driver was isolated from tour participants, and narrated from cab (little interaction with driver). Our driver was arrogant and demanding. We reported this tour to the Celebrity Excursions Desk, and would not recommend it to anyone. Too bad, because St John has some of the prettiest beaches in the Caribbean.

Provider: Celebrity Cruises

Bad driving by tour guide. Good scenery

Provider: Carnival Cruise Lines

A great tour, the drivers are mad and drive to fast. The roads are bumpy but not to uncomfortable, the beach was nice but a little busy. A good tour with Sunny Liston Tours.

Provider: Independent Operator

Very good value. The boat for this excursion is located right next to the cruise ship, so it couldn't be more convenient and hassle-free. Highly recommended, and it gives the maximum time in St John without dealing with taxis and the public ferry.

Provider: Royal Caribbean International

We felt like the Island tour we took was a poor use of in port time. The operator had a different time from the boat and we waited for sometime to be picked up only to be dumped for 1 1/2 hour to shop which we really didn't want to do. I would never book this company again!

Provider: Independent Operator

Having been shopping in St. Thomas many times, we opted for a short boat ride to St. John. Our captain pointed out many homes owned by celebrities along the way and the forty minute ride went by quickly. Many small interesting shops on St. John and we discovered a group of children rehearsing on steel drums a short walk from downtown. A very pleasant day.

Provider: Celebrity Cruises

St. Thomas -- Had a little hiccup with our prearranged local tour. The company was on local time and we were on ships time, so we missed our pick up. Fortunately, we were able to join another group and get a similar tour for the same price. It was an island tour followed by a couple hours at Megan's Beach. We enjoyed this overall, but again, I think I would skip the island tour next time and just stick with the beach.

Provider: Independent Operator

Great Half day Excursion with plenty of time to shop afterwards would have liked a bit more time at the 2 main stops.

Provider: Princess Cruises

Island has picturesque views and people were friendly.

Provider: Independent Operator

We did the "Shopping & Sightseeing with Beach" Tour with Godfrey Tours (godfreytoursvi.com).We shopped only one hour then toured the island with some great overlooks for photos. At The Mountaintop you can see the whole island and enjoy a delicious banana daiquiri. We spent a few hours on Magen's Bay Beach, the most beautiful beach of the cruise. Free refreshments were provided. Price - $30 (+ $4 admission to beach) each. Renal Godfrey was a wonderful tour guide!

Provider: Independent Operator