Icons of St. Thomas: Fort Christian, Slave House, & More

St. Thomas , United States Virgin Islands

Icons of St. Thomas: Fort Christian, Slave House, & More

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About this experience

You will get to see places seldom seen even by locals as we head into the heart of this 350-year-old town.

We will visit the most iconic sites but then we will head off the beaten track to the back streets and alleys.

A delightful guide will share stories of pirates, slaves, corrupt governors and powerful women. We will share

Available options

Icons of St. Thomas: Fort Christian, Slave House, & More

What's included

Bottled water

Alcoholic Beverages

Snacks

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

We will enter the massive walls of the oldest building on St. Thomas. Originally used as a defense against invaders and pirates and as a prison and gallows. You'll get to check out the dungeon and many of the rooms and also walk along the parapet at the top of the walls. There you'll get to see what soldiers saw while watching for enemies entering Charlotte Amalie harbor. You'll learn about several times when the enemy did strike.

Just steps from Fort Christian is one of the more famous spots on St. Thomas. These town square is where dignitaries addressed the locals, this is where Emancipation was announced and this is where islanders still love to get together and celebrate. You'll learn about several of the monuments in the Garden - and one of the coolest little facts that will take you back to 3rd grade history class.

1829 is one of the coolest spots on our tour. A sprawling estate originally built by a French merchant for love.
We'll get to tour some of the rooms and courtyard of this stately residence and find out what love can do to man.
Recently restored by an awesome couple - Jessica and Mark (we might get to meet them on the tour).

Our tour will continue to several other notable spots that may shift based on conditions. But typically we will visit 99 Steps, The Jewish Synagogue (the oldest in the United States dating back to the 1700s), and the villa where General Santa Anna lived (of Alamo fame).

13 Wimmelskafts Slave House
Our final stop is the slave house located at 13 Wimmelskafts. Recently restore, the property now houses a distillery and manufactures local products such as coffee, rum balls and hot sauces. You'll learn about the history of the house and the larger estate owned by famous Danish merchants. We'll dive deeper into local culture, folklore and African traditions as well. At the end of the tour you'll be free to sit and relax in the tropical gardens for as long as you like (closing time is 5 pm).

What's not included

Private transportation

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

We will meet at the entrance and front steps to Fort Christian. If you are are arriving by taxi you'll tell the driver to drop you off at "the front of Fort Christian". If you are driving you'll want to park at the lot called "Fort Christian Parking Lot" right next to the fort. Parking is $2/hour.

About St. Thomas

St. Thomas is a vibrant island in the US Virgin Islands known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich history. It offers a mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences, making it a perfect tropical getaway.

Top Attractions

Magen's Bay

A stunning, crescent-shaped beach with turquoise waters and soft white sand, often ranked among the world's best beaches.

Beach Half day to full day Free entry, parking fee of $10

Charlotte Amalie

The capital city of St. Thomas, known for its colorful buildings, historic sites, and vibrant shopping scene.

Historical/Cultural Half day to full day Free to explore, entry fees for attractions

Corporation Beach

A popular beach near Charlotte Amalie, offering water sports, dining, and a lively atmosphere.

Beach Half day Free entry, fees for rentals and activities

Dragon Island

A small, uninhabited island known for its hiking trails and scenic views, accessible by kayak or paddleboard.

Nature/Adventure Half day Free, but kayak or paddleboard rental required

Dunkirk Park

A historic park in Charlotte Amalie with a mix of natural beauty and historical landmarks.

Historical/Cultural 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kallaloo

A hearty soup made with leafy greens, okra, and meat or fish, often served with rice or breadfruit.

Main Dish Vegetarian versions available, may contain meat or fish.

Fungi

A cornmeal-based side dish cooked with okra and spices, often served with fish or meat.

Side Dish Vegetarian.

Johnny Cakes

Fried dough bread, similar to a pancake or dumpling, often served with meals.

Bread Vegetarian, may contain dairy.

Conch Fritters

Deep-fried fritters made with conch meat, spices, and flour, served with a dipping sauce.

Appetizer Contains seafood, may contain gluten.

Popular Activities

Hiking Snorkeling Kayaking Ziplining Beach activities Spa treatments Yoga Historical tours

Best Time to Visit

December to April

This is the peak tourist season with warm, dry weather and lower humidity. It's ideal for beach activities and outdoor adventures.

24-30°C 75-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Creole
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

AST (UTC-4)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

St. Thomas is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to take common precautions to avoid petty crime and scams.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services

Getting there

By air

Cyril E. King Airport • 3 miles from Charlotte Amalie

By bus

Charlotte Amalie, Red Hook

Getting around

Public transport

Public buses are affordable and connect most parts of the island. They can be crowded during peak times.

Taxis

Available • Apps: None widely used

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Charlotte Amalie Red Hook East End West End

Day trips

St. John

7 miles from St. Thomas • Half day to full day

A nearby island known for its national park, stunning beaches, and hiking trails.

Water Island

5 miles from St. Thomas • Half day

A small, quiet island known for its beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere.

St. Croix

40 miles from St. Thomas • Full day to overnight

A larger island with a rich history, beautiful beaches, and diverse attractions.

Festivals

Virgin Islands Cultural Festival • Late April to early May St. Thomas Carnival • April Crucian Christmas Festival • December to January

Pro tips

Visit Magen's Bay early in the morning for the best experience and fewer crowds
Explore the historic sites of Charlotte Amalie to learn about the island's rich history
Try local specialties like kallaloo and fungi for an authentic taste of the Caribbean
Use public transportation or rent a car to explore the island at your own pace
Respect local customs and traditions, and be mindful of cultural differences