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St. Thomas: The Hub of the US Virgin Islands!

St. Thomas, located in the US Virgin Islands (USVI), is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the Caribbean. The area is the top draw in the world for cruise lines, which stop at St. Thomas more than any other destination. No wonder. The island is a paradise for people seeking time in the Caribbean sun. Shoppers flock here in droves seeking duty-free purchases. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the diving, swimming, snorkeling, parasailing, wind surfing, cycling, sun bathing, beachcombing, and other active pursuits the island offers.

Charlotte Amalie (a-MALL-ya), located mid-island on the south shore, is the heartbeat of St. Thomas. This port city sits nestled around St. Thomas Harbor and accepts more than 900 cruise ships a year. People flock here for the myriad of shopping opportunities, but become entranced by the wonderful architecture that is reflective of the island's Danish heritage. Fort Christian, recognizable by its blood-red bricks, is the oldest colonial building in the Virgin Islands. The museum inside is one of the best places to gain a visual idea of the history of the USVI. Nearby Emancipation Garden is a great place to relax with a cold beverage and do some people watching. The park is the center of Charlotte Amalie, and is named in honor of the emancipation of the slaves in 1848. A worthwhile walk up Government Hill leads visitors to Blackbeard's Castle. In the 18th century, the pirate Edward Teach, aka Blackbeard, allegedly used this site as a lookout post from which the pirate ambushed unsuspecting merchant ships. It is worth the walk just to see the spectacular view of St. Thomas Harbor and all the red-roof houses of Charlotte Amalie.

But the most famous draw of Charlotte Amalie is the shopping. As a duty-free port with a long tradition of importing items from all over the world, the town is a bargain hunter's paradise. Retail shops and street vendors sell jewelry, crystal, fabrics, cosmetics, fashions, electronics, and other items, all at substantial savings. Venture to Vendor's Plaza for local crafts and a bazaar of costume jewelry kiosks. The area around Main Street, Back Street, and the warehouses that stretch to the waterfront has been turned into an open-air mall. Here, elegant boutiques are tucked among the streets and alleys scented with spices, with the soft wail of jazz or calypso wafting around as a backdrop.

When you aren't shopping, or taking in the local scenery, you will be remiss if you don't spend some time on one of St. Thomas' gorgeous beaches. The more than 40 beaches range from remote strands of unvisited sand to full-blown hotel beaches with water sport rentals. All of them, even the ones close to the many resorts, are open to the public. Water Island, located by ferry at the extreme end of St. Thomas harbor, is the location for beautiful Honeymoon Bay. This kid-friendly, shallow, undeveloped beach is relatively un-crowded, and is a great spot for the entire family. Water Island is also a neat spot for cycling. Tours are available to take cyclists on a 3 ½ hour trail ride that visits island ruins, old forts, and an abandoned sugar plantation. Bolongo Bay, located in front of the hotel with the same name, is a wide, crescent shaped beach that is one of the most picturesque on the island. Wind surfing, kayaking, snorkeling, and parasailing excursions can be booked at the hotel.

On the east end of the island, near Red Hook, Coki Bay offers great snorkeling and is right beside the Coral World Marine Park & Underwater Observatory. The 4 ½-acre marine park is the most popular tourist attraction on St. Thomas. The underwater observatory takes you 15 feet below the surface to view the coral reef. Topside, you can visit a shark tank, turtle pool, mangrove lagoon, and see a marine garden that cares for the native flora and fauna. Sapphire Beach, also on the east side of the island, is known for great sand, volleyball games, and the weekend parties thrown by the islanders. There is also a great view of Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, and St. John from the shore.

Magens Bay, located on the north end of the island approximately 3 miles from Charlotte Amalie, is possibly the most photographed beach on the island. Numerous publications have ranked it as one of the best beaches in the entire world. The seas are calm, protected by surrounding outcroppings of the island. The beach offers dramatic views of the surrounding green hills.

The old sea dogs at both American Yacht Harbor and Sapphire Beach Marina can point anglers in the right direction. From June to October, the favorite catch is blue marlin. Three world-record-setting fish have been caught off the area of North Drop. Dolphin fishing is the highlight of the spring.

Scuba diving is extremely popular in the waters off of St. Thomas. Less than 100 yards from the shore of Coki Beach, a reef is waiting that will challenge all skill levels. The depth is only 50 feet, but that gives plenty of time to check out what is actually two sets of reef separated by a sand flat. One of the favorite dives in the area takes visitors to the remains of the freighter Witshoal, which lies in 90-feet of water just west of Saba Island. The hull of the ship has formed an artificial reef teeming with coral, sponges, yellowtail snappers, brown chromis, and dozens of other species of reef fish.

St. Thomas is the most populated of the USVI. It hums with activity, be it shopping or playing volleyball on one of the beaches. One can appreciate the Danish influence on a stroll through town. Adventurous seafarers journey out in the Caribbean looking for a lost ship or coral bed. Expatriates throw beach parties on the weekends. The island is a vibrant mix of cultures, food, and musical styles. Visitors are always welcome. Bring your smile and your sun screen, and you will fit right in!

  1. Villa Sunshine Oceanview
    Villa Sunshine is a waterfront vacation rental, private location, with Pool — Property 175204

    Vacation Townhome rental in St. Thomas area
    • Townhome
    • 2 bedrooms , sleeps 5
    • 3 bathrooms
    • waterfront
    • pool
    Try Thanksgiving in the Caribbean ...
    S P E C I A L    O F F E R
    Rates (shown in USD)
    $1750 - $2450 per property per week
  2. Waterfront Luxury- Walk to Beach, Sunset Pool — Property 252885

    Vacation Villa rental in St. Thomas area
    • Villa
    • 3 bedrooms , sleeps 8
    • 3 bathrooms
    • 1 half bathroom
    • beach
    • pool
    $500 off if you book now!
    S P E C I A L    O F F E R
    Rates (shown in USD)
    $5600 per property per week
  3. Casa Azure
    Casa Azure, Oceanfront, pool, Hot Tub, Down island views, 30% DISCOUNT — Property 219684

    Vacation Villa rental in St. Thomas area
    • Villa
    • 3 bedrooms , sleeps 8
    • 3 bathrooms
    • beach, waterfront
    • pool
    30% DISCOUNT
    S P E C I A L    O F F E R
    Rates (shown in USD)
    $2750 - $4800 per property per week
  4. Moonlight Villa Private Luxury Villa with Spectacular Ocean Views — Property 161347

    Vacation Villa rental in St. Thomas area
    • Villa
    • 3 bedrooms , sleeps 7
    • 3 bathrooms
    • 1 half bathroom
    • waterfront
    • pool
    Special 35% off NOW THRU April 30,2010
    S P E C I A L    O F F E R
    Rates (shown in USD)
    $3500 - $5900 per property per week
  5. Villa Sea Star
    Villa Sea Star, Luxury,On the Beach, next to The Ritz Carlton Hotel, 30%OFF — Property 217215

    Vacation Villa rental in St. Thomas area
    • Villa
    • 5 bedrooms , sleeps 18
    • 5 bathrooms
    • 1 half bathroom
    • beach, waterfront
    • pool
    30% OFF
    S P E C I A L    O F F E R
    Rates (shown in USD)
    $4900 - $7000 per property per week
  6. Sand Dollar Estate - only luxury property with 2 private beaches — Property 120358

    Vacation Estate rental in St. Thomas area
    • Estate
    • 8 bedrooms , sleeps 22
    • 8 bathrooms
    • beach, waterfront
    • jacuzzi
    30% off any avail. now thru 1.31.2010
    S P E C I A L    O F F E R
    Rates (shown in USD)
    $13750 - $25000 per property per week
  7. Hurry Christmas/New Years Open
    Paradise Perfectly Priced Let Is Snow Your Off To The Beach! ******* — Property 138339

    Vacation Condo rental in St. Thomas area
    • Condo
    • 1 bedroom , sleeps 5
    • 1 bathroom
    • beach, waterfront
    • tennis court
    December In St Thomas Hurry To The Beach
    S P E C I A L    O F F E R
    Rates (shown in USD)
    $990 - $1790 per property per week
  8. The Caribbean Jewel
    Charming Condo in Paradise — Property 176423

    Vacation Condo rental in St. Thomas area
    • Condo
    • 1 bedroom , sleeps 4
    • 1 bathroom
    • beach, waterfront
    • tennis court
    HOLIDAY SPECIAL $165.00/night
    S P E C I A L    O F F E R
    Rates (shown in USD)
    $1000 - $2200 per property per week
  9. Point Pleasant Preferred Ocean View Condo — Property 175389

    Vacation Condo rental in St. Thomas area
    • Condo
    • 1 bedroom , sleeps 5
    • resort, waterfront
    • tennis court
    Fall Special for Thanksgiving
    S P E C I A L    O F F E R
    Rates (shown in USD)
    $1225 - $1715 per property per week
  10. A Hammock in Heaven (Most Guest Comments) — Property 322359

    Vacation Condo rental in St. Thomas area
    • Condo
    • 1 bedroom , sleeps 4
    • 1 bathroom
    • beach, waterfront
    • tennis court
    Cancellation Sale at 'Hammock in Heaven'
    S P E C I A L    O F F E R
    Rates (shown in USD)
    $1050 - $2660 per property per week

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