St. Thomas: Jeep Beach Adventure, Mountain Top & Magens Bay

Summary

St. Thomas jeep tour through city streets mountain views beaches and local stories

You’ll wind through St. Thomas’ city streets in a jeep with a local guide who knows every shortcut, taste fresh banana daiquiris on Mountain Top, relax at Magens Bay Beach with sand between your toes (and maybe a beach noodle), and catch those pirate views from Drake’s Seat—all in half a day that feels surprisingly personal.

What’s the experience like?

I thought I knew what to expect from a “beach adventure” in St. Thomas, but the first five minutes in that rumbling jeep changed my mind fast. Our guide—he just went by Bushman—pulled off Main Street so suddenly I nearly dropped my water bottle. He laughed and said something about “real island roads” as we bumped down a lane that looked more like a goat path than anything else. The air smelled green and sharp, like crushed leaves after rain, and he stopped to have us rub a leaf between our fingers—lemongrass, apparently. I didn’t expect to be sniffing plants before 10am.

Charlotte Amalie’s old city felt alive in a way you don’t get from postcards—the pastel buildings peeling a bit, schoolkids weaving through traffic, someone shouting “morning!” out a window. Bushman grew up here; he pointed out where he used to play marbles near Fort Christian (which is older than any building back home). We zigzagged past Blackbeard’s Castle and the 99 Steps—I counted maybe 40 before giving up—and then suddenly we were climbing into the clouds toward Mountain Top. The view from up there actually made me stop talking for once. I tried the banana daiquiri (it’s their thing), cold and sweet with that weird hint of nutmeg—honestly, I’d come back just for that.

The ride down was all hairpin turns and flashes of blue water through the trees until we rolled up at Magens Bay Beach. It’s supposed to be one of the world’s best beaches, but what got me was how soft the sand felt under my feet—almost powdery—and how everyone just seemed to slow down here. There were beach noodles if you wanted them (I did), and kids floating out past the shallows while pelicans did their thing overhead. We could’ve picked another beach if we wanted, but honestly…why would you?

On the way back, Bushman pulled over at Drake’s Seat for one last look north across St. Thomas—he told some story about pirates watching for ships here, waving his arms around like he was right there with them. The light was gold on the hills and I caught myself thinking about how easy it is to forget what real quiet sounds like when you’re not surrounded by engines or phones buzzing every two seconds. So yeah, if you want a day trip from Charlotte Amalie that actually feels like someone showing you their home—not just ticking off sights—this jeep tour is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore St. Thomas and Beaches

• Visit historic Fort Christian
• See shops on Main Street
• Check oldest church and 99 Steps
• View Blackbeard's Castle and Hotel 1829
• Drive to Mountain Top viewpoint
• Enjoy views and try Banana Daiquiri
• Relax at Magens Bay Beach
• Stop at Drake's Seat overlook

Top questions

How long does the St. Thomas jeep tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Does this day trip include time at Magens Bay Beach?

Yes, there is time to enjoy Magens Bay Beach or another beach if preferred.

Is there hotel or port pickup included?

The tour includes pickup; details are provided after booking.

Are drinks or food included on this jeep adventure?

Bottled water is included; you can try banana daiquiris at Mountain Top but they’re not included in the price.

Can infants or small children join this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

Is this St. Thomas jeep tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels except those with poor cardiovascular health.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this jeep adventure in St. Thomas.

What attractions are visited on this half-day trip?

You’ll see Fort Christian, Main Street shops, Blackbeard’s Castle, 99 Steps, Mountain Top, Magens Bay Beach, and Drake’s Seat overlook.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup (hotel or port), bottled water throughout the ride (trust me—you’ll want it), use of life jackets and beach noodles at Magens Bay Beach if you feel like floating around awhile, plus all those little stories and stops only someone who grew up here would know about before heading back after four hours that go by faster than you’d think.