Planning Several Days Around Charlotte Amalie
Charlotte Amalie works as a base rather than a circuit, so a longer stay means linking single outings yourself. The pieces are all close together, and the only long journeys are boat crossings. Below are two ways to shape the time, followed by the logistics that matter on any version.
A three-night stay
First day, town. Spend the day on foot in the old town. Fort Christian costs US$10 and keeps weekday hours, and the synagogue on Crystal Gade opens Monday to Thursday from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm and Friday from 9:30 am to 2 pm.
Second day: St John. Catch the public ferry from Red Hook to Cruz Bay. The trip is about 20 minutes and costs US$8.15 each way for an adult. Trunk Bay snorkelling carries a US$5 fee for ages 16 and over.
Third day: north shore and harbour. Go to Magens Bay when it opens at 7 am, then head to Havensight for the Skyride in the afternoon. Adult tickets cost US$34.95 and child tickets cost US$24.95.
A five-night stay
Add two more days to the plan above. One can go to Water Island, where hourly boats leave Crown Bay Marina and the last return is at 6:15 pm. The other can be a British Virgin Islands crossing, which needs a passport, the online ED card and cash for the levy and departure fee. Coral World at Coki Point fits on any spare morning, with seven-day hours from October to April and in July.
A side trip to St Croix
St Croix is a separate island and the home of Estate Whim, Christiansted and Buck Island Reef National Monument. None of these is on St Thomas. Reaching St Croix means taking a flight, so treat it as an optional extra rather than a day trip.
Logistics for any version
Entry to the British Virgin Islands requires a valid passport, which you also need for the return to the US Virgin Islands. The ED card became compulsory on 1 January 2025 and can be filed up to 72 hours before travel. Expect a US$10 environmental and tourism levy on arrival and a US$20 per person ferry departure fee.
US citizens do not need a passport to reach St Thomas from the mainland, but carry photo ID.
Storm season in the Atlantic covers 1 June to 30 November, so keep dates flexible in those months and watch ferry and cruise notices. Cash is handy for open-air taxis and the Water Island boat.
For ideas to fill the free time, read more: Activities in Charlotte Amalie .
Look for lodging on Booking.com . Check the ferry fare page , the British Virgin Islands entry guide and the synagogue visitor page before booking.