Are you visiting St. Thomas on a cruise and want to explore the island without booking an excursion? During our last visit, we decided to explore St. Thomas on our own, combining a stop at the Pirates Treasure Museum with a ride on the Skyride to Paradise Point.
Since our ship docked at Havensight, we were able to walk easily to both attractions and enjoy a different kind of day without having to go to the beach. I recommend checking which cruise port you’ll be arriving at so you can plan your day accordingly. Havensight is practically right across the street from these attractions, while Crown Bay is farther away. From there, you would need to arrange transportation or walk for about an hour.
Just to clarify… this was our 3rd time in St. Thomas, we had already explored some of the beautiful beaches. Cuz… yeah! They are gorgeous and they need to be visited 🙂 However, since the weather was a little cloudy this time, we decided to do something different. So, if you feel like skipping the beaches for a change, this is a great option!
Here you can find other posts I’ve written about St. Thomas.
It rained a little that day, on and off drizzling. In general I think the weather ended up being quite pleasant. We enjoyed a different kind of outing, with history, panoramic views, and time to walk around without rushing. We heard other people from the cruise that they went to beaches like Magens Bay Beach, for example, and no rain at all.
Visiting the Pirates Treasure Museum
The rain started to join us as we arrived in the area where the museum and the Skyride are located. Both attractions are right next to each other. Since it was raining, we decided to start with the Pirates Treasure Museum.
This interactive museum is dedicated to the history of pirates of the Caribbean (yes, but not Jack Sparrow, we actually learned, the one he is based on, wasn’t from that area) and the treasures recovered from shipwrecks in the waters around the U.S. Virgin Islands. Yes, we’re talking about the real pirates of the Caribbean!
During the visit, you can see objects recovered from the ocean floor, coins, cargo, and other items connected to historic shipwrecks. You’ll also learn stories about famous pirates and discover some of the techniques used to locate and recover underwater treasures. I thought it was really cool.
One of the things I liked most is that it’s not just about looking at things behind glass. There are interactive areas and different spots where you can take fun pictures, making it an entertaining visit for families, too.
I thought it was a great way to learn something new about Caribbean history while escaping the rain and heat for a little while.
We were also accompanied by a guide at the beginning of our visit. She was wonderful and would occasionally come by to see if we had any questions.
You can find more details about your visit on the official Pirates Treasure Museum website.
And, of course, at the end of the visit, you’ll find a small gift shop with souvenirs to take home. For example, I love buying local handmade earrings or bracelets from the cities I visit, and I found some beautiful ones here!
Skyride to Paradise Point: Spectacular Views of St. Thomas
I won’t say the sun came out, but at least the rain stopped for a few minutes! Our next stop was the Skyride to Paradise Point. An aerial tramway that takes you up to an observation area with incredible views of the harbor and Charlotte Amalie.
The ride takes approximately 7 minutes and gives you a chance to see the cruise ships, green hills, harbor, and Caribbean waters from above. Even though it wasn’t a very sunny day, the views were still beautiful. I would definitely recommend doing this.
Once you reach the top, you can walk around the observation areas, take pictures, and enjoy the scenery at your own pace. There’s also a restaurant, a bar, and small shops where you can buy souvenirs from the U.S. Virgin Islands.
It’s a great place to sit for a while, grab a drink, and simply enjoy the views before heading back to the port. Or to another adventure!
One interesting detail is that the Skyride reaches about 700 feet above sea level, which is approximately 213 meters. The trip it’s not that long, but I think it was worth it to go up and see St. Thomas from a different point of view.
You can check the current hours and rates on the official Skyride to Paradise Point website.
We spent a good amount of time at the top. We waited a few minutes for the rain to stop again, enjoying the views, and even having a refreshing drink.
Getting There from the Cruise Port
This is one of the most important details when planning your day on your own. St. Thomas has two main cruise terminals, Havensight (West Indian Company, WICO) and Crown Bay.
On this trip, we arrived at Havensight, which made everything easier. We were able to walk to the museum and the Skyride without booking an excursion or taking a taxi.
Once you leave the terminal, after passing all the little shops you can check out on your way back :), carefully cross the street, and you’ll find both attractions.
If you’re traveling with little ones, another option is the Virgin Islands Children’s Museum. Located right next to the Pirate Museum.
If your ship docks at Crown Bay, things are a little different. The port is several miles away from these attractions. Walking can take around an hour, depending on the route and your pace. By taxi or car, the drive usually takes about ten minutes, although traffic can make a difference.
That’s why I recommend checking which terminal your ship will be arriving at before getting off. It’s a small detail that can make a big difference when planning your day.
Is It Worth Exploring on Your Own?
In our experience, yes! We wanted to discover a bit more of St. Thomas but not spending the entire day at the beach and without booking an excursion.
The combination of the museum and the Skyride allowed us to do something different, learn about the history of the region, and enjoy beautiful views. Plus, since we docked at Havensight, we were able to explore on foot and at our own pace.
Although you can save on transportation and avoid booking an excursion, remember that both attractions you still need to get tickets. Check the prices before your visit to decide whether both activities fit your budget.
And if you still have some time when you return, explore the shops and businesses near the Havensight terminal. Or at Crown Bay terminal. There are places to buy souvenirs, browse local products, or simply stroll around for a little while before going back to the ship.
We even took the opportunity to buy new wedding rings, and I got myself another pair of small Larimar earrings. A little more affordable than in Florida! 🙂
An Alternative to the Beach During Your Cruise
St. Thomas offers stunning beaches! No doubt about that. However, after visiting the island several times, we felt like doing something different this time.
I’ll be making a video sharing all the activities we’ve enjoyed during our three different cruise visits to St. Thomas.
The Pirates Treasure Museum and Skyride to Paradise Point turned out to be the perfect combination for a relaxed morning.
If you’re visiting St. Thomas on a cruise and want to experience more than just its beaches, save this idea for your next port stop. Just remember to check your arrival port, the attractions’ schedules, and how much time you’ll need to get back to the ship.
Sometimes, the best trips are the ones we plan on our own, without too many complications and with enough time to discover something new.
