There’s more to enjoy in the Virgin Islands than sun, sand and shopping! Active pursuits span from land, air and sea, ranging from kid-friendly to adrenalin-pumping, and even low-key activities for fitness buffs.
Kids + Family Fun
Swim with sea lions, pet a shark and feed nectar to a parrot-like lorikeet balanced on your hand at Coral World Ocean Park (340) 775-1555. Located adjacent to Coki Point, this 4.5-acre marine park is brimming with sealife in outdoor pools, small and life-sized aquariums, and in the signature undersea observatory. So now that you’ve gone under, it’s time to get above it all, St. Thomas Skyride to Paradise Point. Kids and adults can admire the view from the 700-foot elevation. For even more fun, rent a paddle boat, kayak or Sunfish at Magens Bay, and explore the protected waters of this mile-wide bay located on the northern side of St. Thomas. Or, take a guided kayak trip with VI Ecotours (340) 779-2155. These aquatic adventures include a swim, snorkel and paddle of either St. Thomas’ Mangrove Lagoon or Hassel Island in the town harbor. You can also experience the glow in see through kayaks, retrofitted with LED lights with Night Kayak Tours (340) 774-2992. And don’t forget to visit the lush, tropical garden at Plantation Crown & Hawk Botanical Garden(340) 776-0041, located 1500 feet above the harbor of St. Thomas or Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden (340) 774-2916, View over a thousand orchids, bromeliads, gingers, heliconias and palms and see the best examples of the Caribbean’s native flora. Relax in the tranquil gazebo and on benches perfect for resting. Learn about the resident butterflies, birds and scurrying creatures through a network of interpretive signage.
Adrenalin-Pumping Adventures
Zip through the air at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour with Tree Limin’ Extreme (340) 777-9477, St. Thomas’ only zip-line adventure. The 3-hour tour departs from nearly the highest peak on the island, and whizzes you through the jungle canopy on six zip lines to breathtaking views that span to the British Virgin Islands and beyond from eight scenic aerial platforms. Equally exhilarating is learning to windsurf or kite-board from Olympic windsurfer, Paul Stoken, at Island Sol. Located on the east end of the island.
Stay Fit
Just looking to stay in shape? Take a paddleboarding fitness class or excursion with SUP St. John (340) 514-5527, or attend free Zumba classes on Saturday mornings at Yacht Haven Grande (340) 775-8900. The MCM Center at Antilles School offers Reebok CrossFit Training facilities for use by locals and visitors alike.
Air, Land and Sea
For a different kind of flight try one of St Thomas’ newest thrill rides or fly over the water with St. Thomas Flyboarding (340) 514-8654 where you will be safely propelled into the air on jet streams of water. They are located in Lindberg Bay near the airport. Under the sea, explore the over two dozen wrecks and reefs that surround St. Thomas and St. John. Local scuba dive companies such as St. Thomas Diving Club (340) 776-2381and Coki Beach Dive (340) 775-4220 offer one and two tank boat dives as well as multi-dive packages. The St. Thomas Historical Trust (340) 774-5541 leads regular hikes to Hassel Island, where you can see a 19th century fort, signal tower and marine railway. Play a round of golf at Mahogany Run Golf Course, where presidents Clinton and Obama have putted. There are also tennis courts in Subbase, St. Thomas.
