Private St. Thomas Tour: Mountain Top Views, Magens Bay Beach & Charlotte Amalie Shopping
A compact, private half‑day that combines high-elevation panoramas at Mountain Top with two hours of beach time at Magens Bay and an afternoon of duty‑free shopping in Charlotte Amalie. Ideal for cruise passengers and hotel guests who want curated island highlights in one easy loop.
The Experience
Before You Go
Bring reef‑safe sunscreen
Apply liberally before beach time to protect coral and avoid reapplying in the water; sunscreen is essential for midday sun.
Carry small bills
Magens Bay has an entrance fee and some downtown stalls prefer cash for quick purchases and tips.
Wear shoes you can remove easily
Expect sand, boardwalks, and cobbled streets—sandals that secure well are best when hopping between beach and lookout.
Cruise passengers: confirm ship details
Provide ship name and reboarding time at booking and double‑check pickup instructions 72 hours prior to departure.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •99 Steps (historic stone stairway in Charlotte Amalie) for quick, photogenic views and local vendors
- •Small rum shops off Main Street for free tastings and locally bottled rums
Wildlife
- •Brown pelicans gliding the harbor
- •Green iguanas sunning on rocky slopes
Conservation Note
Magens Bay is managed to protect its beach and reef—visitors are asked to use reef‑safe products, avoid touching coral, and carry out trash.
Charlotte Amalie developed under Danish colonial rule and retains 18th‑century streets; Synagogue Hill reflects one of the oldest continuous Jewish communities in the Americas.
Photographer's Notes
- • Mountain Top observation deck
- • Drake’s Seat overlook
- • Magens Bay shoreline facing west
What to Bring
Reef‑safe sunscreenEssential
Protects skin while minimizing damage to coral and marine life.
Reusable water bottleEssential
Staying hydrated is crucial in tropical heat, especially during beach time.
Comfortable walking sandals or sneakersEssential
Good traction for lookout stairs, cobblestones, and sandy paths.
Light rain shell or poncho
Short tropical showers can appear suddenly; a light shell keeps you comfortable.
Common Questions
Is the Magens Bay entrance fee included?
No—entrance to Magens Bay is not included; bring cash or card to pay at the gate.
Can cruise passengers join this tour?
Yes, but cruise passengers must provide ship name, docking and reboarding times at booking and confirm pickup 72 hours in advance.
How much time is spent at the beach?
The standard itinerary allows about two hours at Magens Bay, enough for a swim and relaxing on the sand.
Is food or drink included?
No—snacks and drinks are not included. There are beach concession stands and shops in Charlotte Amalie.
Are guides multilingual?
Guides may be multi‑lingual; request language needs when booking to help match you with the right guide.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Portions of the tour (lookouts and some streets) involve steps and uneven surfaces; confirm accessibility needs with the operator before booking.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
4 hours
Location
Charlotte Amalie, U.S. Virgin Islands
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Moderate: must be able to manage short walks, stairs, and getting in/out of vehicles; not strenuous.
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