US Virgin Islands

St Thomas

The island of St Thomas (US Virgin Islands) is a bit more developed than many of the other neighboring islands. The locals are more ready for the arrival of many cruise ships, and they get up to 5 at a time. As a result of the mass of cruise passengers, there are large buses lined up to take tourists to the nearby beaches (or into town for shopping, especially for diamonds). Why diamonds, Im not sure. I asked around, and most people seemed to think that it was because St Thomas has no sales taxes, but that seems to mean that stores could just mark up their goods and make a better profit. Anyways, the locals are a bit more pushy, and less interested in talking with the tourists. The taxis are actually converted pickup trucks with rows of bench seating. The prices are "fixed" at $8 per person by the government, or so the taxi drivers keep saying.

Magens Bay Beach

But then, leaving the town, you realize the island of St Thomas is indeed very beautiful. If you hire a taxi to drive you to the top of the island, you will soon realize why so many people are attracted to this place. It's stunningly gorgeous. Once the road leaves the town, you get the feeling that all urbanization has stopped, and just natural beauty exists. The winding curved road to top has spectacular views! Then, you drive down the other side toward Magens Bay Beach, and the view is unbelievable. There are nice houses, perfect roads, and stunning scenery. There is thick forest, and you dont get the feeling that there is either too much development, nor too much construction. Along the road to Magens Bay Beach, you don't see the big resort hotels that you see in other islands. But, then you get to the bottom of the hill, and find a line of buses trying to enter the park to the beach at Magens Bay Beach. The entrance fee is $3 per person to enter the park. Once inside, it will be tough to find a picnic bench or spot on the beach because of all of the other cruise ship tourists. That said, once you do find a spot on the beach, if you go for a walk and a swim, you will quickly realize why that spot is so popular. It's really beautiful. The white beach is a mile long, and curves like a horse-shoe. The water is calm and blue. There is a simple restaurant and bar, and there are heinekin girls running up and down the beach delivering drinks.

One of the most popular day trips seems to be the "sky ride" that takes tourists up to the top of the mountain over St Thomas by cable car.