St-Thomas, safe or not ?

[DolceVita2]

Hi everyone,

 

I have seen two post on the security issue in St-Thomas. We will be there in couples of weeks and we book excursion in town. Is it safe or not ? Or it is like any other place ?

[DonnaK]

It's safe, especially in the town. Just be prudent and careful, as you would in any other place.

 

There was an isolated incident where a tourist got caught in the crossfire between rival gangs while traveling between the cruise piers and Coki Beach (apparently the route goes through a "bad neighborhood"). Since then, all tours have suspended going to that particular beach, through that particular route. As well, the local police has increased security. After all, tourism is their main industry, so they need to keep tourists safe.

 

We took a tour in August with Papa Bear, and never once felt unsafe or at risk. He is an awesome tour guide, and I highly recommend him. His wife is a police officer, so he is well versed on what's safe and what is best to avoid.

[DolceVita2]

Thank you DonnaK for your answer. I tried to book with Papa Bear but he answered me that he was completly fully book for the day I will be there. So I end up with Godrey Tours. Hope to have fun,

[Cuizer2]

Hi everyone,

 

I have seen two post on the security issue in St-Thomas. We will be there in couples of weeks and we book excursion in town. Is it safe or not ? Or it is like any other place ?

 

It is like any other place. The problems that you may have read about occurred on the way to Coki Beach. A cruise ship passenger, in July of this year, got caught in the crossfire between two rival gangs and was killed. The local authorities have taken steps to make that area safer. To what degree they have been successful? It is too early to tell.

[paul929207]

No place is completely safe. You need to exercise good judgement anywhere. Don't go wandering alone in areas where there are few people. Keep an eye on your surroundings.

[BND]

We have never felt unsafe and will be going to St Thomas for the 4th time in a couple of weeks. We either take a ship's excursion to Magen's Bay or take a cab into town to shop. We're not even sure what we're doing this trip.

 

I do know that posters who live in or have lived in St Thomas say the crime rate is fairly high locals against locals due in a large part to the high unemployment rate. Just as in any city, avoid the "seedier" parts of town.

[MiamiSpartan]

Been there 6 or 7 times with no issues...

[suezyq50]

We were at Coki Beach in Sept. We did see security several times, but felt safe during our excursion.

[Hlitner]

St Thomas is one of those places where nobody likes to talk about safety. The cruise lines are quick to cancel a cruise to St Kitts, but would never cancel a cruise to St Thomas despite the crime situation that has even caused the US Navy to limit port calls. That being said, if you stick to Charlotte Amalie and the main tourist beaches you should have nothing to fear. The sad irony about St Thomas is that we had a friend who was threatened in the mens room at the very popular Magans Bay. The park police were so concerned that they later offered to escort us to our car when we were ready to leave. St Thomas seems to have many of the same problems we find in larger US cities with gangs, drugs, etc.

 

Hank

[RogerTheRed]

I was at Coki Beach last week (Nov 15th) and had a great time there. Went snorkelling and then did the Discover SCUBA tour (WOW!!!!) with a good friend of mine. Our wives reported that they felt safe on the beach, and had no concerns whatsoever. In fact, they liked the place so much, they want to go back to St. Thomas for a week. One previous time in port we visited Magens Bay, but I found it boring.

[squierjosh]

We walked from Blackbeard's Castle all the way to the ship and I never felt unsafe. Hot and sticky, yes, but not in danger. Stick to populated areas and you'll be fine.

[ThePatientOne]

We really enjoyed St Thomas..

Might I suggest the Catamaran Champagne sail and snorkel..

You are met at the pier and taken by "taxi" over to the other side of the island, you board the catamaran and sail over to St. Johns.. Very nice spot to snorkel.. The crew was fantastic and very, very laid back.. (Also very safety oriented.) Good stories and laughs had by all..

Now the sail back, that is when the "Champagne" comes out.. Yes there is Champagne, also some of the best rum punch you have ever tasted.. They have other stuff on board as well, water and some snacks etc..

There were 25 of us on board, not crowded and when we got off, EVERYONE was happy...:D