Shop, See, & Splash

The ‘Shop, See, & Splash’ tour in St. Thomas promises an exhilarating blend of retail therapy, historical insights, and beach relaxation. Travelers can explore the duty-free shops and local markets of downtown Charlotte Amalie before embarking on a guided journey through iconic landmarks like Blackbeard’s Castle. After seeing the island’s rich history, participants can unwind at stunning beaches, choosing from options like Megan’s Bay, Coki Beach, or Sapphire Beach. With round-trip transportation, complimentary snacks and drinks, this tour offers a well-rounded experience that caters to diverse interests. What more could one ask for in a day of Caribbean adventure?

Key Points

• Explore the vibrant shopping scene in downtown Charlotte Amalie, featuring duty-free shops, boutiques, and local vendors.
• Set out on a guided sightseeing tour showcasing historical landmarks like Blackbeard’s Castle and the Drake’s Seat rainforest.
• Relax and enjoy swimming at the choice of three picturesque beaches: Megan’s Bay, Coki Beach, or Sapphire Beach.
• Benefit from round-trip transportation and guided commentary throughout the tour.
• Customize your experience with options like entrance fees, lunch, and souvenirs during the day.

Tour Overview

The Tour Overview combines shopping, sightseeing, and beach excursion in the vibrant island of St. Thomas, offering visitors a well-rounded experience of the destination.

It begins with a visit to downtown Charlotte Amalie, where travelers can indulge in the island’s renowned shopping scene.

The tour then transitions to a sightseeing exploration of the island’s highlights, providing insight into its history and culture.

The experience culminates at one of the stunning beaches – Megans Bay, Coki Beach, or Sapphire Beach – allowing guests to relax and soak up the sun.

Round-trip transportation and guided commentary are included, making for a seamless and informative multi-stop adventure.

Meeting and Pickup

Visitors can choose from a variety of meeting points or request pickup for this tour, with options available at both the West Indian Company Cruise Ship Terminal (Havensight Mall) and the Crown Bay Cruise Ship Terminal. At the West Indian Company Cruise Ship Terminal, the meeting point is located at the blue canopy next to gate 3. For those departing from the Crown Bay Cruise Ship Terminal, the tour bus will meet you at the Windmill in front of the ship. After the tour, you’ll be transported back to your original meeting point.

Meeting Point	Location
West Indian Company Cruise Ship Terminal	Blue canopy next to gate 3
Crown Bay Cruise Ship Terminal	Windmill in front of the ship

The tour accommodates most travelers, though it is not wheelchair accessible. With easy multi-stop transportation and insightful guided commentary, this experience combines the best of shopping, sightseeing, and beach relaxation in St. Thomas.

Shopping in Charlotte Amalie

After being transported to the original meeting point, the tour kicks off with a visit to downtown Charlotte Amalie, the capital city of St. Thomas, known for its vibrant shopping district.

Visitors can explore the charming streets lined with duty-free shops, boutiques, and local vendors selling a variety of goods, from jewelry and watches to arts and crafts. Haggling is expected at the outdoor markets, providing an authentic cultural experience.

The shops offer an impressive selection of items, from designer brands to one-of-a-kind souvenirs. With ample time allotted for shopping, travelers can indulge in their retail therapy before moving on to the next part of the tour’s sightseeing and beach activities.

Island Sightseeing Tour

Following the shopportunities in downtown Charlotte Amalie, the tour guides travelers on an insightful sightseeing journey across the island’s most picturesque landmarks and cultural hotspots.

The guided commentary provides fascinating insights into St. Thomas’ history and heritage as visitors take in breathtaking vistas from panoramic viewpoints.

Key highlights of the tour include:

1. A stop at Blackbeard’s Castle, a historic landmark with stunning 18th-century architecture and unparalleled views of the harbor.

2. A drive through the serene, lush rainforest of Drake’s Seat, offering glimpses of the island’s diverse flora and fauna.

3. A visit to the renowned Mount Trumper Botanical Gardens, showcasing the region’s vibrant and colorful plant life.

Beach Excursion Options

The tour concludes with a relaxing beach excursion, offering visitors a choice between three picturesque destinations: Megan’s Bay, Coki Beach, or Sapphire Beach.

Megan’s Bay boasts a stunning white sand beach and tranquil waters, but with a $7.00 entrance fee. Coki Beach and Sapphire Beach, on the other hand, are free to access, though Coki Beach is known for its lively atmosphere and vibrant marine life.

Whichever beach visitors choose, they’ll have ample time to unwind, swim, and soak up the Caribbean sun before heading back.

With complimentary beverages and snacks provided on the tour bus, guests can fully enjoy the island’s natural beauty to conclude their day.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Complementary drinks, bottled water, and snacks are provided on the tour bus, while gratuities are included in the tour package.

However, the tour package doesn’t cover beach entrance fees or other optional activities.

The entrance fees are as follows:

1. Coki Beach and Sapphire Beach are free.
2. Megans Bay has a $7.00 entrance fee.
3. Coral World entrance fee isn’t included in the tour package.

Travelers should come prepared with cash for these additional expenses, as well as for any lunch, drinks, or souvenirs they may wish to purchase during the tour.

The tour offers a comprehensive experience, but some costs aren’t covered in the package price.

Tour Feedback and Ratings

With over 579 total reviews, the tour has an overall rating of 4.5 stars, highlighting its popularity among travelers.

Common positive feedback praises the knowledgeable guides, beautiful views, and enjoyable beach experiences offered throughout the tour.

However, some travelers have expressed dissatisfaction with delays, insufficient time at stops, and disorganization.

The tour has a maximum capacity of 100 travelers and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience, providing flexibility for those who need it.

Recommended Items and Tips

Visitors should bring a bathing suit, towel, and sunscreen to fully enjoy the tour’s beach experiences. Cash is also recommended for purchasing lunch, drinks, and souvenirs at the local markets. The tour is suitable for families, with opportunities for shopping and cultural interaction.

Some key items to bring include:

1. Comfortable walking shoes for navigating the downtown area and sightseeing.

2. Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.

3. Camera or smartphone to capture the island’s stunning landscapes and scenery.

Children aged three and under are free with a paying adult, while full price applies for ages four and older.

With these tips, travelers can make the most of the ‘Shop, See, & Splash’ tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Duration of the Overall Tour Experience?

The tour experience lasts approximately 4-5 hours. It includes visits to downtown Charlotte Amalie for shopping, a sightseeing tour of the island’s highlights, and concludes with relaxation at one of the island’s beaches.

Are There Any Age Requirements or Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour is suitable for most travelers, though it is not wheelchair accessible. Children aged three and under can join for free with a paying adult, while full price applies for those four and older.

Can I Request Stops at Specific Shopping or Sightseeing Locations?

Yes, tour participants can request stops at specific shopping or sightseeing locations during the tour. The tour is customizable, allowing visitors to create a personalized experience within the overall itinerary.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour or Add Additional Activities?

Yes, the tour offers flexibility to extend or add activities. Travelers can upgrade to include options like visiting Coral World Ocean Park or extending time at the beach. Customized experiences can be arranged with the tour provider.

How Flexible Is the Tour Schedule in Case of Unexpected Delays or Weather Changes?

The tour schedule is relatively flexible to accommodate unexpected delays or weather changes. Guides work to adjust the itinerary as needed, allowing visitors to enjoy a seamless experience despite any unforeseen circumstances that may arise.

Recap

The ‘Shop, See, & Splash’ tour in St. Thomas offers an exciting blend of shopping, sightseeing, and beach relaxation.

Visitors can explore duty-free shops, historical landmarks, and stunning beaches, with round-trip transportation, snacks, and drinks included.

This comprehensive tour provides a well-rounded experience, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a day of adventure and leisure in the Caribbean.