Overview of St. Thomas Cruise Excursions
This video showcases eight different activities and attractions across St. Thomas, the gateway island of the US Virgin Islands, as explored by cruisers aboard Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas. The itinerary moves from a hidden brick-alley breakfast spot through mountaintop views, two of the island's most famous beaches, a beachfront bar, and concludes with high-speed boat adventures and a sunset cruise. The pacing is deliberately full—designed for cruise passengers with limited port time who want to pack maximum variety into a single day.
St. Thomas suits travelers who enjoy a mix of relaxation and active water sports, from casual beach floating to adrenaline-fueled speedboat riding. If you sleep in and prefer a slower morning, the video shows how to adapt your schedule to a late brunch. The video emphasizes working with a tour operator (in this case, Sunfari Adventure Tours) to navigate logistics and get insider recommendations, making it especially useful for first-time visitors who want curated experiences rather than self-guided exploration.
Key Moments
Top Experiences Featured in This St. Thomas Itinerary
- Pasta Go Go—a hidden restaurant in a brick alley serving pistachio muffins, pastries, and sandwiches for brunch
- Mountaintop Jeep ride with views of cruise ships entering port and panoramic island landscapes
- Magens Bay—a white-sand beach ranked in TripAdvisor's top 10 most popular beaches worldwide, known for clear blue water and local gathering
- Coki Beach snorkeling with schools of fish attracted by dog biscuits, plus encounters with large iguanas
- Abbey Beach Bar—food, drinks, and live music overlooking the water
- Zapcat speedboat ride—a 50-horsepower inflatable racing boat offering a thrilling high-speed coastal run
- Floating couch tow—a trust-building water sport where a speedboat tugs a floating sofa with multiple passengers
- Bama Breeze power boat sunset cruise with drinks, music, and curbside drop-off back to the cruise port
What to Know Before Booking a St. Thomas Cruise Day
- Tour operators like Sunfari Adventure Tours organize the full day itinerary and transportation between sites, eliminating the need to plan logistics independently
- Arriving early off the ship is recommended to maximize beach and snorkeling time, though late-sleeping cruisers can skip ship breakfast and brunch on the island instead
- Bring a camera and waterproof phone case; Magens Bay and Coki Beach are photo-worthy, and the video hosts note losing a GoPro during the Zapcat ride
- Pack a life jacket or expect one to be provided for water activities like the floating couch and speedboat excursions
- Doggy biscuits (Milk-Bones) are used to attract fish during snorkeling at Coki Beach, creating dense schools—ask your tour operator if they provide these or bring your own
- The itinerary is tightly scheduled; plan for a full day from morning brunch through late afternoon boat drop-off at the port
Frequently Asked Questions About These St. Thomas Activities
Is Magens Bay really one of the world's best beaches?
Yes—according to the video, Magens Bay ranks among TripAdvisor's top 10 most popular beaches in the world. It's located on the north side of St. Thomas and serves as both a major tourist destination and a gathering place for locals. The video shows clear blue water and white sand, though crowding varies by the time of day and season.
What makes snorkeling at Coki Beach special?
Coki Beach has abundant fish, but the video reveals a pro tip: tour operators bring doggy biscuits (specifically Milk-Bones) to attract even more fish, creating a densely populated underwater experience. The beach is also adjacent to Coral World Ocean Park and home to large iguanas that rest on the sand—they are described as "super nice" and harmless.
How fast is the Zapcat and what should I bring?
The Zapcat is an inflatable racing boat weighing less than 150 kg but equipped with a 50-horsepower engine. The video describes it as "so fast" and "so much fun," though the host also mentions losing a GoPro during the ride, so secure any cameras or use a tether if you plan to film.
Can I book these activities on my own, or do I need a tour operator?
The video shows all activities booked through Sunfari Adventure Tours, with guides Mickey and Laura coordinating transport, timing, and connections between sites. While individual activities like the beaches and bars are public, using a tour operator simplifies logistics for cruise passengers with limited port time and provides insider tips like the Milk-Bones snorkeling trick.
What happens at the end of the day—do I have to rush back to the ship?
The Bama Breeze power boat concludes the itinerary and offers curbside drop-off directly at the cruise port, eliminating the need to navigate back independently. From there, you can choose to explore port shopping or return to the ship to clean up and prepare for dinner.
