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Caribbean U.S. Virgin Islands Charlotte Amalie Do & See Scuba Diving and Snorkelling

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Scuba Diving and Snorkelling

The guide was updated: 2024-09-11

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Sea Trek Helmet Dive at Coral World Ocean Park

While there's plenty to so in Charlotte Amalie on land, it would be a great loss not to explore the underwater wonders of the U.S. Virgin Islands. The easiest thing to do is rent a snorkel and explore the shallow waters by the beach, but you should definitely consider trying something more advanced at least once. Snorkelling is the cheapest choice. Add some diving equipment to go deeper and see more. Some tours now offer Sea Trek helmets — a modern take on the diving helmet. No matter your choice of equipment, do explore the coral reefs that are home to tropical fish such as snapper, hamlets, parrot fish, sturgeon, squirrel fish and majestic sea turtles.

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Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Old Town

Old Town

The capital city of St Thomas — Charlotte Amalie — only about 10 minutes away from both It will take you about 10 minutes to reach downtown from the Havensight cruise pier and Crown Bay Marina. Take a stroll down the cobbled alleyways, climb the steep stairs for glorious views and admire West Indian furnishings in historic homes. Since its founding by Danish settlers in 1681, the town has evolved from a colonial trading post to one of the busiest duty free ports in the Caribbean.

99 Steps to the Blackbeard’s Castle

99 Steps to the Blackbeard’s Castle

The many winding steps of Charlotte Amalie were built in the mid 1700s. The bricks for the steps were brought all the way from Denmark as ballast in the empty hulls of the sailing ships. The picturesque 99 steps attract the most foot traffic and cameras. How could one resist this narrow stairway, adorned with flowers on both sides! The original name if the street can be translated as the Greater Tower Street. The steps lead to the Blackbeard’s Castle — a 17th century watch tower. The tower has been closed to visitors since Hurricanes Irma and Maria, but the view from up above is still stunning.

Fort Christian

Fort Christian

Build in the 1670s as the administrative centre of the island and military grounds, the bright red Fort Christian now hosts the St Thomas museum. Explore the old photos, antique furniture and artifacts connected to the history of the island.

St Thomas Synagogue

St Thomas Synagogue

The St Thomas synagogue first opened its doors in 1833, which makes it the the second oldest synagogue in the United States. The building features a domed ceiling with beautiful chandeliers and mahogany pews. The white sand floors both to remind congregants of the 40 years the Jews spent wandering the desert in biblical times and also to pay homage to their Portuguese ancestors who had to muffle the sounds of their footsteps during prayer. Only four synagogues in the world still honour this Dutch-Portuguese tradition.

Drake’s Seat

Drake’s Seat

Drake's Seat was built in 1933, when everyone had to navigate the island by horse or on foot. To this day it remains the most popular vantage point, only rivalled by the Skyline Drive Overlook. Stop here for a short while and enjoy the panoramic view of Magen’s Bay, surrounded by green rolling hills and with a scattering of colourful houses.

Mountain Top

Mountain Top

Mountain Top is a must do just for the view alone. Their observation deck is the perfect vantage point to see the island and the bay below. A sizeable gift shop will provide you with all the USVI souvenirs imaginable. The cherry on top — banana daiquiris were invented right here, and the bar is happy to give you a taste.

Skyride to Paradise Point

Skyride to Paradise Point

Paradise Point is one of the three most enticing viewing stops in Charlotte Amalie. The gondola of the Skyride smoothly takes you up 213 m (700 ft) to an observation area with scenic views of the bay, a restaurant and bar. Try the famed Bushwhacker cocktail to cool down a bit.

Ziplining

Ziplining

There are numerous places to try ziplining close to Charlotte Amalie, but the most lively one is Tree Limin' Extreme Zipline. Soar at 55 km/h (35 miles per hour) between 8 platforms over the Caribbean lush rainforest. You guide will tell you about the Virgin Islands' culture, flora and fauna while you take in the stunning views of the ocean around you.

Frederick Evangelical Lutheran Church

Frederick Evangelical Lutheran Church

Known as the oldest Lutheran Church in the Americas, the Fredrick Lutheran Church was established in 1666 by Danish minister and coloniser, Kjeld Jensen. The yellow Georgian style building with its large staircase that you can visit today was opened in 1793. The earlier two buildings that were, unfortunately, destroyed by fire.

Pirates Treasure Museum

Pirates Treasure Museum

Learn about pirates and their long history fun of dangers and adventures at the Pirates Treasure Museum. The interactive environment with videos, hands-on activities and lots of visuals won't leave you bored. You can learn to tie the various knots and imagine what life would be like back in the pirate era.

Scuba Diving and Snorkelling

Scuba Diving and Snorkelling

While there's plenty to so in Charlotte Amalie on land, it would be a great loss not to explore the underwater wonders of the U.S. Virgin Islands. The easiest thing to do is rent a snorkel and explore the shallow waters by the beach, but you should definitely consider trying something more advanced at least once. Snorkelling is the cheapest choice. Add some diving equipment to go deeper and see more. Some tours now offer Sea Trek helmets — a modern take on the diving helmet. No matter your choice of equipment, do explore the coral reefs that are home to tropical fish such as snapper, hamlets, parrot fish, sturgeon, squirrel fish and majestic sea turtles.

Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden

Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden

Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden is a superb place to hide from the intense heat of the Caribbean sun. Stop here on your way to Crown Mountain and explore the work of Patsy, the garden's owner. She has worked tirelessly for over 20 years to assemble a vast collection of orchids, bromeliads, palms, succulents and air plants. Kids will surely love the petting zoo with a peacock and parrot, while "plant parents" can buy some gorgeous flowering plants to bring home.

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