St. Thomas, a jewel in the U.S. Virgin Islands, often plays second fiddle to its more secluded neighbors, St. John and St. Croix. But for families seeking a blend of convenience, adventure, and Caribbean charm, St. Thomas offers an unparalleled vacation experience. With direct flights from many U.S. cities, planning a St. Thomas family getaway is both easy and affordable, making it an ideal destination for your next family vacation. Forget just passing through – St. Thomas deserves to be your primary destination, brimming with activities and, importantly, fantastic St Thomas Family Resorts to make your stay unforgettable.
This guide dives into why St. Thomas is perfect for families and how to make the most of your visit, with a special focus on selecting the ideal st thomas family resorts for every travel style and budget.
Discovering St. Thomas: More Than Just a Stopover
Part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Thomas is a vibrant island spanning 32 square miles and home to over 40,000 residents. Unlike some of the quieter Caribbean islands, St. Thomas boasts a cosmopolitan atmosphere, particularly in Charlotte Amalie, its capital. While known for duty-free shopping and bustling cruise ports, St. Thomas offers so much more for families willing to explore beyond the typical tourist trails. The island’s mountainous terrain provides breathtaking vistas at every turn, and the blend of lively towns with serene beaches creates a diverse vacation landscape. For families, this means there’s always something new to discover, from exciting water sports to relaxing beach days, all easily accessible from numerous st thomas family resorts.
Navigating St. Thomas with Kids: Car Rental vs. Taxis
Getting around St. Thomas requires some planning, especially with children. While taxis are readily available, they can be expensive, particularly for families, as fares are often calculated per person. For example, a short taxi ride can quickly become costly for a family of four. Therefore, renting a car is often the most economical and practical choice for families wanting to explore at their own pace and fully experience the island beyond their chosen st thomas family resorts.
Having a car grants you the freedom to discover hidden beaches, explore different dining options, and easily access family-friendly attractions scattered across the island. While St. Thomas isn’t known for sprawling all-inclusive resorts where you might stay put for your entire vacation, this is part of its charm. The island encourages exploration, and a rental car is your key to unlocking its treasures.
Important Tip for Driving: Remember to drive on the left side of the road! The U.S. Virgin Islands is the only U.S. territory where left-hand driving is the norm, adding a unique element to your island adventure.
Must-Do Family Activities in St. Thomas
1. Beach Bliss: St. Thomas’s Best Beaches for Families
St. Thomas is blessed with stunning beaches, each offering a unique vibe. Magens Bay, despite its popularity, remains a must-visit for families. Its calm, shallow waters are perfect for kids of all ages, and the picturesque setting lives up to the hype. You’ll often see families enjoying the tranquil waters with floats and young children safely splashing around for hours.
Magens Bay Beach in St. Thomas offers calm waters ideal for families and children to relax and play.
Magens Bay – Image Credit: Mango Tree Travels
Coki Point Beach is another family favorite, renowned for its excellent snorkeling and calm waters. Its proximity to Coral World Ocean Park makes it easy to combine a beach day with an educational and entertaining visit to see marine life, including sea lions and turtles. This offers a fantastic break from pure beach time and adds an enriching element to your family beach day.
For a quieter, more secluded beach experience, Secret Harbour Beach is a gem. Located at Secret Harbour Beach Resort, this beach is a personal favorite for its serene atmosphere and calm waters, particularly ideal for families with toddlers. Its gentle waves and beautiful setting make it a perfect spot for relaxation and family bonding. Many st thomas family resorts are located near or offer easy access to these fantastic beaches, enhancing your family beach vacation.
Secret Harbour – Image Credit: Mango Tree Travels
2. Ziplining Adventures: Thrills with a View
For families with older kids (ages five and up), Tree Limin’ Extreme offers an exhilarating break from the beach. This ziplining course takes you through the hillsides overlooking Magens Bay, providing not just an adrenaline rush but also breathtaking panoramic views. The course features six ziplines, and for younger children under 70 lbs, tandem zipping with a parent adds to the shared adventure.
The combination of thrilling ziplines and stunning vistas makes this activity truly special. Unlike jungle-based ziplines, Tree Limin’ Extreme showcases the beauty of St. Thomas from above, creating lasting memories for your family vacation. Many st thomas family resorts can arrange transportation to and from such attractions, making it a convenient family outing.
Travel Smart Tip: Be mindful of the cruise ship schedule when planning your beach and activity days. Popular spots like Magens Bay and Coki Point can get crowded on days when multiple cruise ships are in port. Check the schedule and try to visit these attractions on quieter days for a more relaxed experience.
Family ziplining in St. Thomas offers thrilling adventure and scenic views overlooking Magens Bay, ideal for families seeking excitement.
Tree Limin’ – Image Credit: Mango Tree Travels
3. Scenic Vistas: Taking in St. Thomas’s Breathtaking Views
St. Thomas’s mountainous terrain is not just for ziplining; it also offers incredible viewpoints. Crown Mountain, the highest point in the U.S. Virgin Islands, provides sweeping views of Charlotte Amalie harbor on one side and Magens Bay and the surrounding Virgin Islands on the other.
Mountain Top, a souvenir shop and daquiri bar located high up, offers these same stunning views and is a fun, albeit touristy, spot for families. Kids will enjoy the pirate statues and the chance to pick up souvenirs.
For a more refined experience, consider a sunset dinner at Mafolie Hotel. This restaurant overlooks the harbor and offers award-winning Caribbean cuisine alongside a kids’ menu, making it family-friendly. Enjoy a delicious meal while taking in the spectacular sunset views and engaging in a fun family activity like counting the boats in the harbor. Choosing st thomas family resorts with scenic views or proximity to viewpoints can further enhance your vacation experience.
Panoramic view of Charlotte Amalie harbor from Mafolie Hotel in St. Thomas, offering a sophisticated dining experience with family-friendly options and breathtaking scenery.
View From Mafolie – Image Credit: Mango Tree Travels
4. Turtle Encounters: Snorkeling with Sea Turtles
A truly unforgettable experience for families in St. Thomas is swimming with turtles. Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge, just a short catamaran ride from St. Thomas, is home to a thriving sea turtle population. Boat tours to Buck Island almost guarantee turtle sightings, and companies like Heavenly Days Catamaran offer excellent family-friendly snorkeling excursions, ensuring even novice snorkelers feel comfortable and safe.
Sailing to Buck Island and witnessing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat is a highlight for any family vacation in St. Thomas. Many st thomas family resorts partner with tour operators to facilitate such excursions, making it easy to add this incredible activity to your itinerary.
Family preparing to snorkel with Heavenly Days Catamaran in St. Thomas, ready for an adventure of swimming with turtles in their natural habitat.
Heavenly Days Day Trip – Image Credit: Mange Tree Travels
5. Mangrove Lagoon Kayaking: Exploring Nature’s Wonders
For families with school-aged children, kayaking through St. Thomas’s Mangrove Lagoon is a unique and educational adventure. You can explore the mangroves independently or join a guided tour, with options to kayak to Cas Cay, an island inhabited solely by hermit crabs. Virgin Island Eco Tours provides various kayaking experiences suitable for families, allowing you to immerse yourselves in the natural beauty of St. Thomas.
This activity offers a different perspective of the island, showcasing its diverse ecosystems and providing a fun, active way for families to connect with nature. Some st thomas family resorts might offer kayaking or similar eco-tours directly or through partnerships, adding to the convenience and appeal for families.
Selecting Your Perfect St. Thomas Family Resort
When it comes to accommodation, St. Thomas offers a range of options, but for families, st thomas family resorts provide the ideal blend of comfort, convenience, and kid-friendly amenities. While true all-inclusive resorts are less common, many resorts cater specifically to families, offering spacious accommodations, kids’ clubs, family pools, and easy access to beaches and activities.
Secret Harbour Beach Resort stands out as an exceptional choice for families. Its beachfront condos, ranging from one to three bedrooms, feature full kitchens, living areas, and balconies, providing ample space and flexibility for families. The resort’s beachfront restaurant is a culinary highlight, especially known for its delicious fish tacos.
The beach at Secret Harbour is another major draw, particularly for families with children. Its sheltered bay ensures calm waters, even when other beaches might be too rough for swimming. The beach also offers natural shade from trees and excellent snorkeling opportunities just offshore.
Location-wise, Secret Harbour is perfectly positioned for exploring St. Thomas. It’s a short drive from Red Hook, the ferry terminal for day trips to St. John and Tortola, and conveniently close to other attractions like Coki Beach and Magens Bay. Its proximity to Mangrove Lagoon also makes it a great base for nature-based family activities.
While Secret Harbour is highly recommended, exploring other st thomas family resorts based on your family’s specific needs and preferences is advisable. Consider factors like budget, desired amenities (kids’ clubs, pools, dining options), and proximity to preferred activities when making your choice.
Explore more St. Thomas hotels on Booking.com.
Island Hopping from St. Thomas: Expanding Your Family Adventure
One of the greatest advantages of choosing St. Thomas as your family vacation base is its proximity to other stunning islands. Easy ferry access to St. John (U.S. Virgin Islands) and Tortola (British Virgin Islands) opens up a world of island-hopping possibilities.
1. Day Trip to St. John: Nature’s Paradise
Just a 20-minute ferry ride from St. Thomas, St. John offers a stark contrast with its unspoiled natural beauty. Renowned for its pristine beaches and lush national park, St. John is a must-visit for nature-loving families. If you’ve rented a car in St. Thomas, take the car ferry to St. John to easily explore the island’s top beaches and scenic trails.
2. Exploring the British Virgin Islands: Tortola and Beyond
A 45-minute ferry from St. Thomas takes you to Tortola, the largest of the British Virgin Islands. This opens up the opportunity to experience a different island culture and explore the stunning BVI archipelago. Consider booking a day sail with companies like Adventure Awaits or Sonic Charters to explore the BVIs by boat, a fantastic way to see multiple islands and enjoy snorkeling and swimming in crystal-clear waters.
Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands, showcasing the unique rock formations and crystal-clear waters, ideal for a family day trip.
Virgin Gorda, BVI – Image Credit: Pint Size Pilot
3. Water Island: A Hidden Gem
For a truly unique day trip, consider Water Island, the fourth U.S. Virgin Island, just a 10-minute ferry ride from St. Thomas. This small island offers a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing family day. Explore by golf cart, discover secluded beaches like Honeymoon Beach, and enjoy casual dining at local spots like Dinghy’s beach bar or Heidi’s Hillside.
4. Lovango Beach Club: A Luxurious Island Escape
For a splurge-worthy day trip, Lovango Beach Club, a private cay between St. Thomas and St. John, offers a luxurious beach day experience for families. A 20-minute ferry from Red Hook transports you to this exclusive destination, featuring an infinity pool, beach games, live music, and more. While pricier, it promises a memorable and upscale Caribbean beach day for the whole family.
Discover more St. Thomas activities with Viator.com.
Lee Friedman, founder of Mango Tree Travel, is a Washington, D.C.-based family travel expert passionate about inspiring and enabling families to travel the world with their children. Specializing in Caribbean family vacations, Mango Tree Travel helps parents find the perfect hotel experiences that cater to the needs and desires of the whole family.
Lee Friedman – Mango Tree Travel, founder and family travel expert specializing in Caribbean destinations.
