Journal destination
Stories from this city location. Explore published field notes, guided trips, and local perspectives.
The collection
01Climb the weathered steps of Skytsborg Tower and you’ll find Charlotte Amalie arranged like a harbor map below. Blackbeard’s Castle is a compact, story-rich stop that rewards an hour of exploration and fits neatly into most St. Thomas shore excursions.
02A sheltered crescent of pale sand and glassy water, Magens Bay is St. Thomas’s most beloved beach—perfect for swimmers, kayakers, and anyone who wants a low-effort, high-reward day by the sea.
03Perched on the slopes of Crown Mountain, Mountain Top is St. Thomas’s primer for panoramic island views, quick hikes, and a rum-sweet pause before you head to Magens Bay or onto a yacht for snorkeling. Read on for practical tips and local context.
04A short drive from Charlotte Amalie, Drake’s Seat is a high-impact lookout where the sweep of Magens Bay and the British Virgin Islands unfolds—perfect for travelers who want a quick introduction to St. Thomas’s coast and a launch point for snorkeling or boat charters.
05Walk above living coral, slip into a guided snorkel, and watch the reef come alive through an undersea observatory—Coral World condenses the best of St. Thomas marine life into a practical, educational adventure.
06A short boat ride from Charlotte Amalie, Hassel Island compresses naval history, wild coastline and clear-water snorkeling into a half-day adventure that’s as educational as it is restorative.
07A 10-minute ferry from St. Thomas delivers you to soft sand, coral reefs, and the bunker-strewn ridges of Fort Segarra — a compact island that rewards a slow pace and hands-on exploration.
08Hull Bay is St. Thomas’s north‑shore pocket of surf, reef and local culture—part fishermen’s cove, part launch point for full‑day boat charters and island‑hopping adventures. Spend an hour onshore and a day at sea to see why the bay is a favorite with locals and visitors alike.
09Wind through braided mangrove tunnels, snorkel shallow coral gardens, and end the day watching pelicans roost—Mangrove Lagoon condenses the best of St Thomas into a paddler’s paradise. Practical tips for planning, packing, and protecting this fragile marine reserve.
10Two islands, 48 hours, and a tightly curated loop of scenic drives, a national-park beach, and colonial-era ruins—this is a fast, practical way to experience the essentials of St. Thomas and St. John.
11Climb into the canopy above Magens Bay and launch into a Caribbean zipline experience anchored by a rare Yo‑Yo finish. Fast, scenic, and safe—this 2½-hour course is a compact dose of island adrenaline with panoramic payoff.