St Thomas Island, why 2 Million Visitors a Year Can't Be Wrong
Written by PediaGnome.com, Copyright ©2008
The island of Saint Thomas situated in the Caribbean Sea is a highly sought after vacation spot for many travelers from around the world. Over two million visitors a year choose St. Thomas Island for their vacation. Its spectacular scenery, warm climate and exquisite shopping Make St. Thomas the premier destination in the Caribbean. Known for its large sea port city, St Thomas is the main hub of the US Virgin islands with a population of 124,768 people. The city, Charlotte Amalie, is the Capital of the US Virgin Islands.
History of the Island
St. Thomas’s history dates back to well over 3,500 years with the island first settled by the Ciboney a pre-Columbian indigenous people in 1500BC. In the year 1493 Christopher Columbus spotted St. Thomas in the Caribbean during his second sail to the New World. During this time, the Kalinago people, a Amerindian people whose origins lie in the southern West Indies inhabited the island.
The United States, through a defensive strategy, purchased both St. Thomas Island and St. John for 25 million dollars in 1917. This in part was to maintain control over the Caribbean Islands and the Panama Canal during World War I. Today the St. Thomas has it’s own local senate with republican and democratic parties.
Arriving in St. Thomas
There are basically two ways you can get to St Thomas Island, by air or by sea. Visitors who travel by air can get to the island via American Airlines, Continental Airlines, United and US Airway which arrives directly at the St. Thomas Airport. Airline services such as Air St. Thomas and American Eagle offer flights to and from the outer areas like St. Croix and San Juan from the St. Thomas Airport.
Getting to St. Thomas By Sea
Visitors can also reach St. Thomas by cruising to the island through Norwegian Cruise Lines, Carnival and Royal Caribbean Cruises just to name a few all of which depart from various ports in Florida. When traveling by Cruise, the ships sail during the evening and arrive at port early morning the next day. This allows the cruise passengers to go on an excursion to St thomas island giving the guest ample time to explore the many sights and attractions.
Things to do in St. Thomas
There are plenty of things to see and do when in St. Thomas Island. Among the most popular attraction is Magens Bay Beach. Deemed by many the most beautiful beach in the world, Magens beach offers its visitors snorkeling and swimming in the warm Caribbean sea. Magens Bay Beach is highly recommended and a must do when visiting St. Thomas Island.
Touring the city Charlotte Amalie
In Charlotte Amalie you can spend the entire day visiting the many duty free shops that line the streets. Shoppers can save up to 50%. If you’re hungry for bargains, you’ll most likely find it at any one of the deep discount outlet shops found in the city.
St. Thomas is a fantastic place that offers its visitors natural and historical wonders. If you decide on a trip to the Caribbean don’t miss the opportunity to visit St. Thomas.
Whats St Thomas Island like? Watch a 4:44 min St Thomas USVI video.St. Thomas Vacation Resorts and Hotels
![]() Hotels & Resorts In US Virgin Islands | Galleon House Hotel Small, Personal Hotel (since 1956) located in the historic district, within walking distance of shopping and ferries to St. John, St. Croix and the BVI's Starting at US $90 >> Click For More Details & Pictures |
Looking to take a St. Thomas vacation but don't know where to start? Get a travel agent
Back to "The Caribbean"


