Visiting Ports without Excursions? Tortola & St. Thomas

[WasabiNoGinger]

We are going on a cruise in July and are stopping at Tortola & St. Thomas. We are not planning on signing up for any excursions or port adventures, but would still love to explore. Are there public beaches in these ports, or anything fun to do within walking distance? Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[2prettygirl]

Out of the 2 you listed, I have only visited St. Thomas. After our first cruise, we learned pretty quickly that there is so much to do without booking excursions. In St. Thomas you will dock at Havensight, which has wonderful shopping!! The beaches aren't in walking distance at St. Thomas but there will be plenty of taxis and shuttles that can take you to where you are wanting to go for a very reasonable cost and the taxi drivers are always sure to get you back to the ship on time. I HIGHLY recommend Magens Bay beach, it's somewhat close to the port, a taxi ride away and it's a beautiful location!! There will be a ton of taxis sitting outside of this beach area to get you back to the ship. I personally would try catching a shuttle service, one that holds more people, puts you with a group of people.

Magens Bay is very popular in St. Thomas, you will find quite a few from the port going there so you will not be alone.

The skyride is within walking distance. It will take you up to Paradise Point and you can stay however long you wish. We have not done this, for the cost, it was not worth it to us. But many have and they love it.

 

[Lake_Mary]

We've been to St Thomas a few times with Disney, I've had days with and without excursions. There's plenty to do in the area. Magens Bay can get very crowded, especially if there are multiple ships in port that day. You can take a taxi to Coral World, we had a great time there. Coki Beach is literally next door to Coral world if you wanted some beach time as well. Havensight mall shopping is very close, but not very exciting (to us at least, I guess the port shopping malls can get stale after a while). There's a butterfly garden super close (easy walk) to the port. I will say... the BEST day of my life was on a port adventure in St Thomas, taking a pirate ship cruise to Buck Island and swimming with sea turtles in Turtle Cove, along with a beach break at Honeymoon Beach & lunch on the beach. It was magical! St Thomas is an amazing destination, I hope you enjoy it!