St. Thomas is a water-sports enthusiast's dream: the weather is usually flawless, the beaches are awe-inspiring and the gentle waters are warm. Boating, swimming, sailing, waterskiing, deep-sea fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving are all options here. Away from the water, you'll find challenging golf courses and championship tennis courts where you can practice your game.
Shopping: With its liberal tax and duty structure, St. Thomas is known as the duty-free shopping capital of the Caribbean. And, Charlotte Amalie is the largest shopping area on the island. Over 100 shops wander among quaint alleys lined with arched doorways from another century.
Golf: "Mahogany Run" (18 Hole, par 70 Golf Course) is perched on the hills outside Charlotte Amalie. The course was designed by George and Tom Fazio around the natural features of the coastal terrain. In fact, the view is so breathtaking that you may find it hard to keep your mind on the game. The 13th, 14th and 15th holes at Mahogany Run are called the Devil's Triangle. Once you've seen them, you'll understand why: this part of the course is situated along towering cliffs that overlook Hans Lollick Island and the Atlantic.
Tel: 777-6006.
Tillett Gardens: Located in Anna's Retreat in the Tutu area of the island, Tillett Gardens is a center for local artists and performers. In the workshops and stores, you'll find silkscreen prints, enamel jewelry and other handcrafted items. The brightly painted alfresco bar is a great spot to enjoy a cool drink. Throughout the year, Tillett Gardens hosts art festivals and musical concerts.
Coral World: A must for all visitors to St. Thomas! At this beautifully landscaped marine park on Coki Point you will experience, without getting wet, a 360 degree view of ocean coral reef 20 feet below the sea through a unique underwater observatory, one of only three in the world.
Atlantis Passenger Submarine Tour: Another unique tour of the islands brings the captivating world of underwater exploration to everyone. Diving to depths of up to 100 feet, this narrated underwater journey brings passengers face-to-face with sea turtles, colorful coral landscapes, parrotfish, and more... all in their natural habitat.
Diving & Snorkeling: The reefs around St. Thomas offer endlessly fascinating underwater exploration for both expert divers and beginners. The crystal-clear waters surrounding the island teem with marine life -- vividly colored tropical fish glide through canyons of spectacular coral and sponges, easily accessible to both snorkelers and scuba divers. Equipment is readily available throughout the island, as are classes and trips to the many dive sites located around St. Thomas.
Windsurfing & Surfing: Windsurfing gear is available at the major hotels, as well as at several beaches. Brewers Bay, Vessup Beach, Limetree Beach, Morningstar Beach and Sapphire Beach are some of the most popular spots for this sport. Surfers should head straight to Hull Bay to find the best waves off St. Thomas.
Boating: The U.S. Virgin Islands lay claim to the largest commercial charter fleet in the Caribbean, with both power and sailing vessels available for either crewed or bareboat charters. Visitors who want to explore the islands at their own pace can rent a powerboat and design their own itinerary, visiting the islands of their choice to snorkel, picnic or sightsee.