Need Help...family of 3, first time to St Thomas

[thehams]

My husband, our 5yr old son and I will be in St. Thomas for our first time in August. We will be in port from 8am-6pm.

 

We would like to spend some time on the beach, do some sightseeing, grab a bite to eat and end with a little shopping. Would we have time for all of that?

 

Beach: we would want one that has chair rentals, umbrellas/or shade area and some snorkel or other water toy rentals and isn't crazy crowded and that's family friendly.

 

Sightseeing: What places are a must see?

 

Shopping: Best places for souvenir type stuff, nothing fancy.

 

Could we hire a taxi to take us to the beach? Then arrange for a pick up at xx time and then take us sightseeing, maybe a good place to eat and then shopping? Are hiring drivers/taxi's for something like this pricey?

 

TIA :)

[O2B@Cagain]

In August, nothing is crowded. Yes, you can take a taxi. They charge per person, so yes, it can get expensive if you just go from point to point. The drivers do tours for a set price that will basically do what you want- shopping, beach, sightseeing.

[Ms411]

I posted a list of some taxi drivers in another post. Many taxi drivers go on vacation in August. Here's the link.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=52057331&postcount=33

[thehams]

Thank you, I just printed that out!

[coondog99]

BEACH: Magen's Bay is rated as one of the best in the world. Trip Advisor offers some good info in it.

 

SIGHTSEEING:

 

-Mountain Top is one of the highest points on the island and offers beautiful panoramic views including Magen's Bay and neighbouring islands

 

-Skyride would be a good thing to do and your youngster should enjoy it. Sometimes there are coupons online to use as well. We did it in 2015 and just walked up to it not bothering to book through ship. Only a 5 minute walk from the terminal

 

-Coming into port--if you have a chance, watch the island as you come closer and to the dock. The ship will follow the coast offering some great scenery to see.

 

FOOD/ SHOPPING: There is a Senor Frogs at the dock and lots of shopping beside.

 

SOUVENIERS: There is a massive shop at Mountain Top and also lots of spots near the cruise area to browse.

[thehams]

In August, nothing is crowded. Yes, you can take a taxi. They charge per person, so yes, it can get expensive if you just go from point to point. The drivers do tours for a set price that will basically do what you want- shopping, beach, sightseeing.

 

Any particular beach you recommend with said things and that's more family friendly and not the whole party beach scene?

[Ms411]

The only party scene beach is Coki, though sometimes there are functions and private parties at Magens. Magens is very family friendly.

[O2B@Cagain]

Magens is a very family friendly beach.

 

I would not recommend Senor Frogs for a 5 year old. Nor would I recommend Mountaintop. The tram to Paradise Point is a fun ride. Lots of shopping at Havensight at all price points, also in town.