Getting Around the Port & Transportation Options

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Transportation Options at Charlotte Amalie Port

For other U.S. Virgin Islands cruise destinations check out our U.S. Virgin Islands Cruise Ship Port Guide page.

You can choose from several easy ways to get around St. Thomas from the cruise port:

Safari Taxis:

  • Located directly at the pier
  • Open-air shared transport
  • Travel to main island attractions

Private Taxis:

  • Licensed vans available at port
  • Offer customised tours
  • Provide direct point-to-point travel

Walking:

  • 15-20 minute stroll to town centre
  • Follow the waterfront path
  • Access shops and restaurants directly

Car Rental:

  • Agencies operate near the port
  • Gives you complete independence
  • Remember to drive on the left side

Pick the option that best suits your travel style and schedule. Each choice offers different benefits for exploring the island at your own pace.

Map of Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas Cruise Ship Port

Top Attractions Within Walking Distance

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Walking Distances from Charlotte Amalie Port

You’ll discover these key attractions within minutes of leaving your cruise ship:

  1. Blackbeard’s Castle
    • 15-minute walk uphill
    • National Historic Landmark with harbour views
    • Houses exhibitions about Caribbean pirate history
  2. 99 Steps
    • 10-minute walk from port
    • Danish colonial brick stairway from the 1700s
    • Ship ballast materials formed these historic steps
  3. Fort Christian
    • 5-minute walk from port
    • Virgin Islands’ oldest building
    • Houses local history museum
    • Features colonial-era exhibits
  4. Main Street
    • 2-minute walk from port
    • You’ll find duty-free shopping
    • Danish colonial architecture lines the street
    • Local boutiques sell jewellery and crafts

Each attraction connects to the next, making it easy for you to create your own walking route through Charlotte Amalie’s historic district.

See what’s on offer from the Port of Cruz Bay, St. John for a different U.S. Virgin Islands cruise destination.

Shopping & Dining in the Historic District

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Charlotte Amalie’s historic district offers you excellent duty-free shopping and local dining options.

You can find great deals on Main Street and Havensight Mall, featuring:

  • Jewellery and watches
  • Electronics
  • Designer products

Market Square’s local vendors sell:

  • Handmade crafts
  • Tropical spices
  • Fresh local produce

The district’s restaurants occupy colonial Danish buildings, where you can:

  • Enjoy fresh seafood at Gladys’ CafĂ©
  • Sample West Indian dishes at E’s Garden Teahouse
  • Drink at the historic Green House Bar & Restaurant

The cobblestone streets connect all these shopping and dining spots, making it easy for you to explore the district on foot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Charlotte Amalie?

The best time to visit Charlotte Amalie is between December and April. You’ll experience temperatures between 24-29°C with minimal rainfall during these months. You can enjoy outdoor activities and island exploration comfortably during this peak season when the weather is most reliable.

Are US Dollars Accepted Throughout St. Thomas?

US dollars are widely accepted everywhere in St. Thomas. You can use them in shops, restaurants, hotels and taxis without any issues, as they’re the official currency of the US Virgin Islands. Your US dollars will work exactly the same way they do in the United States, with no need for currency exchange.

What’s the Average Water Temperature at Charlotte Amalie’s Beaches?

The Caribbean waters at Charlotte Amalie beaches maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the year. You’ll find the water ranges between 26-29°C (79-84°F), making swimming pleasant during any season. These consistent temperatures let you plan your beach activities whenever you visit.

Do I Need a Passport to Visit St. Thomas?

You need valid identification to enter St. Thomas. As a U.S. citizen, you can use either:

  • Your valid passport
  • Your birth certificate plus a government-issued photo ID

Both options will grant you entry to St. Thomas. The passport offers the most straightforward option, whilst the birth certificate and photo ID combination serves as an acceptable alternative.

Your chosen ID must remain valid throughout your stay. Keep your documents secure and easily accessible during your journey.

What Languages Are Commonly Spoken in Charlotte Amalie?

Three main languages you’ll encounter in Charlotte Amalie:

  1. English: The primary language used throughout the city.
  2. Virgin Islands Creole English: A local dialect you’ll hear amongst residents.
  3. Spanish: You’ll find Spanish speakers across various neighbourhoods.

You can easily navigate the city using English, as locals use it for all business and tourism interactions. The Creole English adds a unique cultural element to your experience, blending local expressions with standard English. You’ll notice Spanish particularly in shopping areas and community spaces.

Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Frederiksted, St. Croix Cruise Ship Port.