St. Thomas: Island Scenic Tour with Mountain Top & Drake’s Seat

Summary

Island rhythms, pirate legends, and panoramic views in St. Thomas

You’ll ride through St. Thomas with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story—from Fort Christian’s red walls to Mountain Top’s breezy overlook with its famous banana daiquiris. Pause at Drake’s Seat for a quiet moment over Magens Bay, hear steelpan music at Skyline Drive, and let island life slow you down just enough to notice what you usually miss.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the sound—steelpan music floating up from somewhere near the harbor as we drove along the waterfront in St. Thomas. Our driver, Winston, pointed out the ferries bobbing at the docks and joked about which one he’d take if he could just disappear for a day (he picked Water Island). The air smelled faintly sweet, like overripe fruit and saltwater mixed together. I pressed my forehead to the window for a better look at Charlotte Amalie’s bright rooftops stacked up the hillside.

We stopped outside Fort Christian—those thick red walls looked almost too solid to be real, like something out of an old storybook. Winston told us it’s the oldest building in the U.S. Virgin Islands, built by Danish settlers who probably never imagined cruise ships would one day glide past their fortress. You can go inside for a fee (we just wandered around outside), but even from here you feel that weird mix of history and sunburned vacationers snapping photos.

Climbing higher into the hills, we hit Drake’s Seat next. There’s this battered green bench facing Magens Bay—the kind of view that makes you stop talking for a second. Someone was selling coconut water nearby; I tried some, not sure if I liked it or not, but it was cold and that mattered more than taste right then. At Skyline Drive Overlook, a guy played steelpan under a faded umbrella while vendors called out softly about souvenirs—nothing pushy. The sky kept shifting between blue and white haze.

Mountain Top was our last big stop—2,100 feet up and honestly colder than I expected (should’ve brought a light shirt). The banana daiquiri tasted like summer in a glass; maybe it’s touristy but I didn’t care. From up there you see all these islands scattered across turquoise water—I lost count trying to name them all. We lingered longer than planned because nobody wanted to leave that view yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — St. Thomas Island Scenic Tour

• Pass waterfront and cruise port views
• Visit Fort Christian exterior and photos
• Explore Blackbeard's Castle historic site
• Stop at Drake's Seat lookout views
• Enjoy Skyline Drive Overlook and vendors
• Visit Mountain Top for views and daiquiris

Top questions

How long does the Island Scenic Tour in St. Thomas take?

The standard tour covers several key stops and typically lasts half a day, depending on group pace and time spent at each location.

Is hotel pickup included for this St. Thomas scenic tour?

Yes, pickup is included—just confirm your location when booking so your guide can arrange it.

Can we enter Fort Christian during the tour?

You can choose to enter Fort Christian for an additional $10 per adult or $7 per child; admission isn’t included in the tour price.

What is special about Mountain Top on this tour?

Mountain Top is St. Thomas’ highest point with panoramic views and its signature banana daiquiri made with local rum.

Are there shopping opportunities during this tour?

Yes, both Mountain Top and Skyline Drive Overlook have souvenir vendors where you can shop for gifts or keepsakes.

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?

Yes—it’s suitable for all fitness levels and infants can ride on laps or in prams; specialized infant seats are available too.

Will we see Magens Bay Beach on this tour?

You’ll get spectacular views of Magens Bay from both Drake’s Seat and Mountain Top during your scenic drive.

Are food or drinks included on this scenic tour?

No meals are included but you can purchase drinks like banana daiquiris at Mountain Top or snacks from local vendors along the way.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with pickup arranged from your hotel or cruise port. Stops include exterior visits at historic Fort Christian (with optional paid entry), time to enjoy drinks at Mountain Top, panoramic lookouts like Drake’s Seat and Skyline Drive Overlook, plus chances to shop for souvenirs before returning relaxed—and maybe still humming steelpan tunes back down the hill.