St Thomas is a paradise for shopping enthusiasts and market explorers. This island isn’t just about sun and sand; its vibrant Charlotte Amalie offers a mix of duty-free shops, historic sites, and local markets. Whether you’re seeking luxury jewelry, souvenir shopping, or cultural insight, you’ll find a tour that matches your style. We especially like the Sights, Scenes, & Shopping Spree for a balanced mix of sightseeing and shopping, and the Charlotte Amalie Local Rum Tasting and Main Street Shopping for those who want to dive into the island’s rich spirit heritage. Both give a flavor of local life, with opportunities to learn and indulge.
If you’re short on time but still want a taste of the island, the Drinks & Diamonds Shopping Experience provides a quick but indulgent escape into luxury. For a full day beyond St Thomas, the Discover the Best of St. John combines snorkeling, beaches, and shopping to give a well-rounded experience. If you prefer a personalized touch, the Private St Thomas Tour with Beach and Downtown Shopping is perfect for customizing your day. Whatever your budget or interests, this list covers a range of shopping and sightseeing adventures in St Thomas.
1. Sights, Scenes, & Shopping Spree
At number 1, the Sights, Scenes, & Shopping Spree offers a fantastic way to combine shopping and sightseeing in Charlotte Amalie without the hassle of planning multiple activities. This 4-hour tour includes hotel or cruise port pickup, so logistics are taken care of. You’ll get free time to browse the over 400 stores downtown, and your guide will take you to top sights like Sir Francis Drake Seat, Mafolie Hotel, and lookout points with views of Hassel Island, Water Island, and St. Croix. It’s a great introduction to St. Thomas’ history and culture, with insightful commentary along the way.
What makes this tour stand out is its balanced itinerary. You get a taste of local shopping, scenic viewpoints, and historical insights, all in one manageable trip. Plus, there’s a rum daiquiri served at a scenic overlook—a little island indulgence. The reviews highlight its comfort and value, with a 4.5/5 rating from 186 reviews. Many travelers appreciate the smooth transportation, the knowledgeable guide, and the delicious pub meal included.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a structured, efficient way to see some key sights and enjoy shopping without packing too much into a half-day. It’s perfect if you want a relaxed yet comprehensive overview.
2. Drinks & Diamonds Shopping Experience in St. Thomas
For those who love luxury shopping with a personal touch, the Drinks & Diamonds Shopping Experience offers an intimate peek into one of St. Thomas’ top jewelry stores. This 1-hour tour is a true luxury treat, with a complimentary champagne, mimosa, or water served upon arrival, setting a festive tone. You’ll be assisted by a family member who is an expert in diamonds and gemstones, learning about the art of jewelry making and the value of precious stones.
What’s distinctive about this experience is its focus on personalized service and educational insight. You can watch jewelers at work or request jewelry cleaning and servicing on-site. It’s an excellent choice for buying jewelry or simply indulging in a luxurious experience. The perfect fit for small groups or travelers with an interest in fine jewelry, it holds a perfect 5.0/5 from 10 reviews, emphasizing its quality and exclusivity.
Bottom Line: Best suited for luxury shoppers wanting a quick, high-end experience that combines learning with a touch of elegance—an excellent add-on for jewelry lovers.
3. Discover the Best of St. John – Snorkel, Beach & Shopping!
Number 3 on our list offers an all-in-one day trip to nearby St. John, combining sailing, beach time, snorkeling, and shopping. Starting from the Ritz-Carlton, you’ll board a luxury catamaran and enjoy light bites en route to Cruz Bay. The trip includes free snorkeling gear, making it perfect for those eager to explore coral reefs in the Virgin Islands National Park. Upon arrival, you can stroll along the beach, shop for local crafts and souvenirs, or grab lunch in town (not included).
This tour is unique because of its combination of sailing, beach, and snorkeling, topped with shopping—a full island immersion. The full bar onboard keeps spirits high during the cruise back. The reviews praise the attentive crew and the beautiful boat, with a perfect 5/5 rating. It’s ideal for travelers who want a mix of adventure and relaxation in a single day.
Bottom Line: Best suited for water lovers who want to see St. John’s natural beauty and pick up local goods. It’s a value-packed trip for active travelers seeking diverse experiences.
4. Shopping And Sightseeing Excursion
This 4-hour tour combines shopping, sightseeing, and local attractions, making it perfect for travelers who want a bite-sized overview of the island. You’ll visit Charlotte Amalie’s famous over 400 stores, then explore sights like Blackbeard’s Castle, Drake’s Seat, and Skyline Drive. Your guide provides insight into local history, making shopping more meaningful. The tour also includes a visit to the Emancipation Garden and time at Mountain Top, where you can sample the world-famous Banana Daiquiri.
What sets this tour apart is its mix of guided and free time, allowing flexibility. It’s a great value at $65.80 per person, with reviews emphasizing the well-rounded experience and knowledgeable guide. Travelers appreciate visiting historic sites and having ample time for shopping.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a half-day tour that includes cultural insights and shopping, especially if they enjoy a blend of guided tours and free exploration.
5. Private St Thomas Tour with Beach and Downtown Shopping
If privacy and customization matter, the Private St Thomas Tour is your best pick. This personalized 4-hour experience is tailored to your interests, with a local driver-guide. Highlights include Drake’s Seat, a trip to Mountain Top at 1,547 feet, and a beach stop at Magens Bay if you wish (not included). You can also choose to spend more time in downtown Charlotte Amalie for duty-free shopping or rum tasting.
The tour is especially suited for families, groups, or couples wanting a personalized experience. It costs $133 per person but offers the flexibility to design your own day. Reviewers mention Robert’s excellent guidance and the customized itinerary that made the trip memorable. The main advantage is having the entire day tailored to your preferences, whether it’s beach lounging or historical sightseeing.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers seeking a bespoke experience with the convenience of private transportation and the option to customize the stops.
6. Charlotte Amalie Local Rum Tasting and Main Street Shopping
Number 6 blends cultural exploration with tasting in a walk through Charlotte Amalie’s historic streets. Starting at I Love St. Thomas, a family-owned shop, you’ll sample Botany Bay Rum and Havensight Rum, learning about the island’s rum heritage. The tour highlights local traditions and the influence of sugarcane on the island’s economy.
This tour is particularly appealing for anyone interested in culture and local spirits. It includes visits to Fort Christian and Emancipation Garden, adding a historical layer to the tasting experience. Although it’s a shorter tour, at about 2.5 hours, it offers a deeper dive into local culture. Reviewers haven’t left reviews yet, but the focus on local distilling and historic sites makes it an enriching choice.
Bottom Line: Suitable for spirits lovers and history buffs who prefer a relaxed, educational walk with tastings and cultural highlights.
$32.90 per person
How to Choose the Right Shopping & Market Tour in St Thomas
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, schedule, and interests. If you want a well-rounded experience combining sightseeing, shopping, and scenic viewpoints, the Sights, Scenes, & Shopping Spree offers great value. For a luxury experience, the Drinks & Diamonds tour provides personalized attention. If your focus is on snorkeling and beach time, the Discover the Best of St. John takes you beyond St Thomas with active pursuits.
Travelers short on time or seeking a private, customizable day should look at the Private Tour with Beach and Downtown Shopping. For those curious about local spirits and history, the Rum Tasting and Main Street Shopping tour is ideal. Remember to book early, especially for the popular tours, as spots fill quickly during the high season.
Final Thoughts
St Thomas offers a diverse selection of shopping and market tours that cater to all interests, whether you’re after quick luxury, culture, or full-day adventures. The Sights, Scenes, & Shopping Spree makes for an efficient and enjoyable first visit, while the Luxury Jewelry experience is perfect for indulgent moments. For those wanting a customized experience, the Private Tour delivers flexibility and comfort.
No matter which tour you choose, booking early ensures you secure your spot in these popular experiences. With options ranging from half-day sightseeing to full-day island excursions, there’s something to fit every travel style—and plenty to discover on this lively Caribbean island.