St. Thomas: Private Island Tour with Custom Stops & Local Guide

Summary

Private sightseeing in St. Thomas with island views & shops

You’ll ride in comfort around St. Thomas with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. Expect sweeping views from Mountain Top, fresh banana daiquiris, time for shopping or wandering downtown, and plenty of chances for photos (with help if you want). It’s relaxed but full of small surprises—just let them know what you’re into.

What’s the experience like?

Hands gripping the cool leather seat, I watched as our driver—Marcus, who somehow knew everyone waving on the roadside—navigated the winding hills above Charlotte Amalie. He slowed near a beach where kids were splashing in water that looked almost too blue to be real. “Locals’ spot,” he said, grinning, and I caught a whiff of salt and sunscreen through the open window. We weren’t on any strict schedule, which felt like a small luxury itself.

At Mountain Top, the air was sticky-sweet with banana daiquiris (I caved and had one before noon—no regrets). Marcus pointed out islands scattered across the horizon—he rattled off names I’d never heard before, and I tried to remember at least half of them. There was a couple from New York next to us laughing as their guide snapped photos; ours did too, but he also told us about his grandmother’s stories of hurricanes rolling over these hills. The view from up there is something I still think about when I’m stuck in traffic back home.

We stopped at Drake’s Seat for another angle on Magens Bay—the light kept shifting as clouds moved in and out, so every photo looked different. Marcus insisted on taking our picture (“You’ll want proof you made it here!”), then we wandered through stalls where vendors sold bracelets and fruit that smelled like sunshine. Someone played steel pan nearby—Darren, Marcus called him—and it just sort of fit the mood.

I didn’t expect to enjoy the shopping part as much as I did; maybe it was just being able to take my time without anyone rushing me along. Downtown Charlotte Amalie had this mix of old stone walls and bright shopfronts, people ducking in and out with bags or just chatting under awnings. We could’ve ridden the skyride but decided to walk instead—felt right after all those daiquiris.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — St. Thomas sightseeing and shopping tour

• Drive past University and local beach
• Shop and drink banana daquiri at Mountain Top
• Take photos at Drake's Seat viewpoint
• View Charlotte Amalie and listen to steel pan
• Shop and eat in unique island area
• Ride skyride and enjoy bushwhackers
• Explore historic downtown Charlotte Amalie

Top questions

How long is the private sightseeing tour in St. Thomas?

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours.

Is hotel pickup included for this St. Thomas tour?

Yes, pickup is included for your convenience.

Can we customize our stops during the tour?

Yes, the tour is fully customizable based on your interests.

Are drinks or snacks provided during the tour?

Bottled water is included; other drinks like banana daiquiris are available for purchase at stops.

Is this private island tour suitable for families?

Yes, it’s suitable for all ages including infants and children.

Is wheelchair access possible on this St. Thomas tour?

Yes, if guests can get into a Suburban with assistance; trunk space can hold a wheelchair.

What are some highlights included in the itinerary?

You’ll visit Mountain Top, Drake’s Seat, Charlotte Amalie downtown, local beaches, and shopping areas.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with bottled water provided throughout. Pickup is arranged at your location and your local guide will help tailor each stop—from scenic viewpoints to shops or historic sites—to match your group’s preferences before returning you comfortably at the end.