Activities for Nature Lovers on St. Thomas
The U.S. Virgin Islands are an ideal location for nature lovers. Each of the main islands of the USVI has unique activities that specifically cater to outdoor enthusiasts.
This article will look at 8 exciting ideas to explore the great outdoors on the island of St. Thomas.
- Explore a Botanical Garden
Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden on the north side of St. Thomas is an ideal location for nature lovers. The botanical garden is situated above Magens Bay and features hundreds of plants and tropical flowers. Numerous tropical critters and animals call the garden home.
Picnic tables next to calming wind chimes are available inside the garden for visitors who pack a lunch.
- Take an Ecological Tour on a Kayak
Consider kayaking through mangroves and learn about the Virgin Islands’ ecological systems by signing up for an ecotour.
VI Ecotours offers various educational outdoor experiences on St. Thomas. Expeditions include providing kayakers a chance to explore “Cas Cay,” a private island about one mile off the coast of St. Thomas.
“Explore Cas Cay, a pristine and deserted island with multiple unique ecosystems! A hike around this site will take you to tidal pools, volcanic cliffs, and a geological blowhole,” the VI Ecotour website explains regarding one of the excursions offered.
- Get Some Exercise at “99 Steps”
Plan some time to go for a walk or a light jog at the historical “99 Steps” staircase in downtown Charlotte Amalie. As described in another travel article here on the Source Travel Page (link), the famous “99 Steps” are comprised of 103 stairs constructed in the 1700s out of Danish “ballast bricks.” The steep stairway is a fantastic way to exercise and learn about the island’s past.
As an added incentive to jog the steps, “Blackbeard’s Castle” is located at the top of the stairs, providing a rewarding area to see.
- Take a Sailing Lesson
A trip to a Caribbean island would only be complete with getting out on the water on a sailboat. During your trip to St. Thomas, consider signing up for a sailing lesson to learn how to sail (or to advance your sailing skills).
The St. Thomas Sailing Center, a program affiliated with the St. Thomas Yacht Club, offers sailing courses for beginners to advanced sailors looking to further their abilities.
- Join a Snorkel or Scuba Diving Tour
Discover the world below the waves by joining a snorkel or scuba diving tour. There are multiple tour companies on St. Thomas, such as “Ocean Surfari” and “St. Thomas Scuba and Snorkel Adventures,” for example.
These businesses (and others) will bring visitors to some of the best locations to explore the incredible marine life under the sea.
- Hike to a Secluded Beach
The beaches of St. Thomas are among the most beautiful in the world. While you’re on the island, if you love hiking and being outside in the sunshine, be sure to plan to hike down to “Mermaid’s Chair” beach on the far west end of St. Thomas.
The Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean come together at “Mermaid’s Chair” beach. This secluded stretch of paradise almost feels other-worldly. Located within Botany Bay,” an exclusive west-end community, the only way to access the public beach within the gates of this area is to enter through the security gate, check in with the security guard, and then walk a distance down to the shore. While the road to the beach is paved, this hike can take a very long time to complete and can be challenging walking in the hot sun. (Be sure to pack plenty of water and sunblock!)
Additionally, another gorgeous and secluded beach, “Sandy Cay,” is located in the same area.
Tip: Upon arrival to the Botany Bay gated community, ask the security guard about a shuttle that periodically transports people for part of the journey to and from the sand.
- Hike at Famous Magens Bay
For hikers looking to enjoy one of the world’s most beautiful beaches and experience a wonderful trek into nature, consider hiking at Magens Bay.
“The Discovery Nature Trail is a moderately challenging but well-maintained hiking trail that winds through a variety of ecosystems in the preserve, showcasing the island’s beautiful wildlife,” according to the Magens Bay Authority official website.
After exploring over 1.5 miles along the path, you should reward yourself with a dip into the beautiful ocean. Hence, don’t forget to pack your swimsuit along with your hiking shoes!
(Note that a small fee is required to enter Magens Bay. The admission is paid directly to the Magens Bay Authority, which cleans and maintains the pristine beach and bathroom areas.)
- Rent a Stand-Up Paddle Board
A thrilling way to appreciate the local waters around St. Thomas is to rent a stand-up paddleboard. Paddle boarding is a unique way to be on the ocean among marine life, and it’s a fantastic workout. Additionally, this activity can be a lot of fun when paddling with a group of friends.
Rentals are available at various locations, such as “Island Life Watersports” and “VI Ecotours.”
St. Thomas, USVI, is an ideal island for nature lovers, and with so much to experience on the island, now is the time to visit! For more travel-related content, visit our website’s Source Travel and Tourism section.
