St Thomas: Private Sightseeing Tour with Beach & Photos

Summary

Private St Thomas day trip with historic stops, scenic views, beach time and photos

You’ll ride with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story in St Thomas—stopping for photos at Drake’s Seat and Mountain Top, tasting island food in Charlotte Amalie, wandering historic streets, then unwinding at Magens Bay Beach before heading back full of sun and small surprises.

What’s the experience like?

"You want your picture here?" our driver, Marcus, grinned as we pulled up to Drake’s Seat. I was still fiddling with my sunglasses — the wind kept flipping them off my head — but yeah, the view over Magens Bay was something else. The air smelled salty and green, like crushed leaves and ocean. Marcus pointed out the British Virgin Islands in the haze. He took my phone and somehow managed to make us look like we belonged there, not just passing through.

The roads in St Thomas twist like they’re trying to shake you off, but Marcus drove slow enough for us to spot little things — a woman selling mangos by a blue gate, kids running up the 99 Steps (I tried it later… not gracefully). At Mountain Top, there’s this thick sweet smell from banana daiquiris and racks of souvenirs. I didn’t expect to laugh so much about rum at 11am but here we are. Marcus knew everyone; he’d wave or call out in that easy island way.

We stopped at Blackbeard’s Castle (the real name is Skytsborg Tower but nobody calls it that), and he told us stories about pirates hiding from hurricanes. There’s history everywhere — old synagogues, Liberty Bell replicas, statues of Danish kings. I liked how Marcus let us wander or linger wherever we wanted; nothing felt rushed or forced. We had lunch in Charlotte Amalie at a place he suggested — fried fish and johnnycakes that left my hands greasy but happy. After that, shopping was mostly me looking for sunscreen because I forgot mine (again).

The last stop was Magens Bay Beach — white sand so fine it squeaks under your feet, water clear enough to see your toes even when you’re chest-deep. Some people swam right away; I just floated for a while listening to kids shouting in Spanish and English. The sun was soft by then. I still think about that feeling — warm salt on my skin, nowhere else to be.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — St Thomas sightseeing and beach relaxation

• Visit Drake's Seat viewpoint
• Stop at Skyline Drive lookout
• Explore Mountain Top lookout and shop
• See Blackbeard's Castle
• Visit oldest active synagogue
• Take pictures at 99 Steps
• Tour monuments in park
• View and photograph local monuments
• See fishing town and wild fishes
• Enjoy swimming and relaxing at Magens Bay Beach
• Option to swim at Coki Beach
• Visit old city for shopping and local food

Top questions

How long does the private sightseeing tour in St Thomas last?

The tour covers a full day with flexible timing depending on your interests and stops.

Is hotel or port pickup included for this St Thomas tour?

Yes, hotel or port pickup and drop-off are included in the tour price.

Can we customize our private St Thomas sightseeing tour?

Yes, you can add or remove points of interest based on what you want to see.

Does the tour include entry fees for attractions?

The only extra fee mentioned is $5 admission for Magens Bay Beach if you’re 13 or older.

Are meals included during the sightseeing tour?

You’ll have time for lunch at a local restaurant but meals are not included in the price.

Is this St Thomas private tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible throughout the tour.

Will our guide take photos for us during the tour?

Yes, your guide will help take pictures with your camera at scenic spots along the way.

What beaches can we visit on this private St Thomas day trip?

Magens Bay Beach is recommended but you can choose any beach you prefer.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation with air conditioning, bottled water on board, all guidance from a certified local expert (with headsets if needed), hotel or port pickup and drop-off—and someone happy to snap photos of you against every view worth remembering before bringing you back relaxed (and maybe sandy).