Cruise passengers with a rental car from Alamo, Enterprise, or National can create their own self-guided shore excursion on St. Thomas. Here is how to plan and execute a memorable self-guided tour.
Advantages of a Self-Guided Tour
- Freedom: Go at your own pace, not the tour group's
- Flexibility: Stop where you want, skip what doesn't interest you
- Cost savings: Often cheaper than organized shore excursions
- No crowds: Avoid the cruise ship tour groups
- Personalization: Visit the places that matter to you
Suggested Self-Guided Tour Route
Stop 1: Mountain Top (9:30 AM)
- Panoramic views from 1,500 feet
- Gift shop and refreshments
- 20 minutes from the rental facility
Stop 2: Drake's Seat (10:00 AM)
- Famous scenic overlook
- Views of Magens Bay and the British Virgin Islands
- Quick photo stop
Stop 3: Magens Bay (10:30 AM)
- One of the world's most beautiful beaches
- Swimming, snorkeling, or relaxing
- Facilities: restrooms, showers, snack bar
- Spend 1.5-2 hours here
Stop 4: Charlotte Amalie (1:00 PM)
- Duty-free shopping on Main Street
- Visit Fort Christian
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Walk the historic downtown
Stop 5: Return the Car (3:00 PM)
- Fill up with gas
- Return to the rental facility
- Take a taxi to the cruise terminal
What to Bring
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Beach towel
- Swimsuit
- Water and snacks
- Cash for entrance fees, parking, and shopping
- Camera or phone
- Driver's license and credit card
Navigation Tips
- Download offline maps before your trip
- Use GPS on your phone with a car mount
- Have a passenger navigate while you drive
- Bring a car charger for your phone
Safety and Timing
- Keep track of your ship's departure time
- Set an alarm for 2 hours before departure
- Drive on the left and take it slow
- Don't rush — it's better to see less and stay safe
Customizing Your Tour
This route is just a suggestion. Customize it based on your interests:
- Beach lover: Spend more time at Magens Bay and add Sapphire Beach
- Shopper: Spend more time in Charlotte Amalie
- History buff: Add Blackbeard's Castle and Government Hill
- Nature lover: Visit the Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden
