A Unique Way to Explore St. Thomas: The Fantastic Race Experience
Imagine spending a couple of hours racing around Charlotte Amalie, tackling puzzles, discovering hidden spots, and soaking in local scenery—all while having a blast. Priced at just $66.67 per person, this 2.5-hour adventure begins at the Virgin Islands Children’s Museum and whisks you through some of the most interesting corners of St. Thomas. The experience is designed to blend sightseeing with a mystery puzzle, making it a fantastic choice for families, friends, or groups looking for a lively, interactive way to enjoy the island.
What we love most about this tour is how it keeps everyone lively and engaged, whether you’re a puzzle solver or just along for the ride. The included snacks and beverages ensure you stay fueled and hydrated, and the surprise ending location keeps the adventure unpredictable and fun. Plus, the guides—Bonnie and Debbie—are praised repeatedly for their friendliness and organization, making everything run smoothly.
One possible consideration is that the tour involves a fair amount of walking and uphill climbing, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with moderate physical activity. This isn’t a tour for someone looking for a relaxed sit-back experience, but for those wanting to actively explore and see the city through a different lens, it works wonders.
This adventure is perfect if you’re seeking a memorable, engaging way to explore St. Thomas, especially if you enjoy a bit of friendly competition and discovering local gems off the beaten path.
Key Points
- Authentic exploration: Combines sightseeing with puzzle-solving for a truly immersive experience.
- Family & group friendly: Keeps everyone entertained, regardless of age.
- Well-organized guides: Friendly, knowledgeable hosts like Bonnie and Debbie make the experience seamless.
- Affordable value: For around $67, you get a fun, active way to see many sights.
- Includes snacks & drinks: Staying energized is easy with the provided refreshments.
- Moderate physicality: Expect some walking and uphill sections—wear comfortable shoes.
An In-Depth Look at the Fantastic St. Thomas Race

When considering a tour on St. Thomas, many travelers are eager for something different — a way to blend sightseeing with fun challenges — and this race delivers just that. At its core, it’s a scavenger hunt meets Amazing Race-style puzzle adventure, designed to take you off the typical tourist trail and into the heart of Charlotte Amalie’s vibrant streets and hidden corners.
Planning more time in St Thomas? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
The Starting Point: Virgin Islands Children’s Museum
The journey kicks off at the Virgin Islands Children’s Museum, a lively spot with a welcoming atmosphere. From here, your guides—most notably Bonnie and Debbie—set the tone for a day filled with laughter, exploration, and discovery. The museum itself provides a clean, family-friendly introduction before you head into the real action.
The Route & Surprises Along the Way
What makes this tour stand out is its surprise element. The final stop remains a secret until you’re close to the end, adding a layer of excitement. The clues and tasks take you through the lively streets of Charlotte Amalie, including some local vendor stops that often become memorable highlights, as reviewers rave about the friendliness of the people you meet along the route.
You’ll visit various attractions and hidden gems, with guides offering insights and local color. Several reviews mention how the race allowed them to see parts of the town they wouldn’t have explored otherwise—a true highlight for those wanting an authentic local experience.
What to Expect at Each Stop
The initial 20 minutes at the children’s museum serve as a warm-up — a chance to gather your team and collect your first clues. Afterward, the race involves solving riddles, completing small tasks, and navigating through streets, alleys, and local vendors. Many mention how the clues are creative and challenging, yet accessible for a wide range of ages and fitness levels.
The end location is near the starting point but remains undisclosed, which keeps the excitement alive. Once you arrive, you’ll be rewarded with snacks and beverages, turning the race into a well-rounded, social experience.
The Guides & Their Impact
Multiple reviews emphasize how Bonnie and Debbie elevate the experience with their warmth, local knowledge, and encouragement. They don’t just run the event—they make it personable, engaging, and safe. This personal touch is a key reason why many repeat visitors and groups praise the tour as one of the best activities in St. Thomas.
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The Cost & Value Proposition
At just over $66 per person, this tour offers remarkable value. You get an active, engaging experience, plus free admission to several attractions and snacks. Compared to typical shore excursions that are often limited and scripted, this one offers flexibility, authenticity, and fun.
Who Will Love This Tour?
Based on reviews and the experience design, this activity suits families, groups of friends, and adventure-seekers. It’s perfect if you enjoy active exploration and want a break from typical sightseeing. If you’re traveling with kids or elderly members, note that some walking and hills are involved, so comfortable shoes are essential.
The Experience in Detail
Itinerary Breakdown
- Start at Virgin Islands Children’s Museum — a friendly hub and the official starting line, where your team gets its first clues.
- Explore Charlotte Amalie streets — your guides lead you through the lively town, pointing out interesting sights and local vendor stops.
- Solve puzzles and complete tasks — the core of the adventure, designed to challenge your team’s wit and navigation skills.
- Discover surprise locations — the finale is a secret, adding a thrill of anticipation.
- Enjoy snacks and drinks — at the finish line, a well-earned reward for your efforts.
What Makes Each Part Special
The Children’s Museum sets a playful tone, making it accessible even for younger children or those new to scavenger hunts. The street exploration offers visual delights, from colorful storefronts to scenic vistas. The interactive clues often incorporate local culture, making the experience educational and fun.
The Authentic Touch & Local Flavor
Many reviewers mention how the local vendors and residents participate actively, making you feel like a welcomed guest rather than just a tourist. The guides frequently share stories and insights, adding depth to the adventure.
The Challenges & Possible Drawbacks
While most praise the tour, a few mention that the walks can add up to a mile uphill, which might be tiring for some. A review also pointed out that, to improve, there could be more tasks to keep the pace lively. These are minor considerations compared to the fun and discovery you’ll gain.
What Reviewers Say

Participants consistently describe the race as “fun,” “challenging,” and “well-organized.” One reviewer said, “The race was unique, challenging, and fun. Great way to spend a port day and was able to complete and still spend time in St. Thomas,” highlighting its efficiency.
Another added, “This is a great experience, the instructors are very nice and welcoming,” emphasizing the friendly guides. Many also appreciated the opportunity to see parts of the town they never would have visited on their own, making it a true exploration.
The snacks and beverages at the end are frequently praised as the perfect way to wind down after the walk — “Sandwiches, chips, and beer never tasted better after a hot run,” one reviewer exclaimed.
The Verdict
If you’re after a fun, active way to see St. Thomas that combines local culture, friendly guides, and a dash of competition, this race fits the bill. It’s especially appealing if you want more than just a sightseeing tour and prefer hands-on, memorable experiences.
The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This Fantastic Race in St. Thomas offers an engaging, lively alternative to traditional shore excursions. It’s best suited for active travelers who enjoy puzzles, exploration, and meeting local vendors in a fun setting. Families, groups, and couples alike will find it’s a great way to bond, laugh, and discover the island’s hidden corners.
While the physical aspect isn’t overwhelming, be prepared for some walking and uphill sections, so comfortable shoes are a must. The friendly guides and well-structured clues make it accessible and enjoyable even if you’re not a seasoned explorer.
If your goal is to see St. Thomas from a different perspective, get some exercise, and have a memorable adventure, then this tour is hard to beat. It’s a genuine, fun way to create stories you’ll tell long after your cruise or land visit ends.
Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation to the starting point included?
No, transportation to the Virgin Islands Children’s Museum, which is the starting point, is not included. You’ll need to arrange your own way there, but the location is near public transportation.
How long does the tour last?
The activity runs approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, making it a perfect port-day activity that won’t eat up your entire day.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, it’s family-friendly, and snacks are supplied to keep everyone fueled. However, expect some walking and uphill climbs, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
What is the group size?
The tour can accommodate up to 60 travelers, which means it’s personalized enough to be fun but large enough to have a lively atmosphere.
Are snacks and drinks included?
Yes, every team receives a snack at the finish line, plus alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages and water throughout the race.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Less notice means loss of the fee, so plan accordingly.
Is this tour appropriate for people with moderate fitness levels?
Yes, it’s designed for those with moderate physical fitness. Be prepared for walking and some uphill sections, especially in hot weather, so bring water and wear sunscreen.
To sum it up, if you’re looking for an activity that combines adventure, local culture, and active fun, the Fantastic St. Thomas Race is a smart choice. It offers a chance to see more of the island in an engaging way, making for memorable stories long after your trip ends.
More Tour Reviews in St Thomas
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- Sail Away on your Private 55-foot Catamaran Charter
- Half or Full-Day Private Boat Charter from St. John or St. Thomas
- Catamaran Sail to Jost Van Dyke (Soggy Dollar Bar)
- Full Day Private Charter on Luxury Catamaran Sailing.
- Day Yacht Excursions throughout the US or British Virgin Islands
More St Thomas experiences we've covered
- Snorkeling Adventure in St Thomas
- Sail Away on your Private 55-foot Catamaran Charter
- Half or Full-Day Private Boat Charter from St. John or St. Thomas
- Catamaran Sail to Jost Van Dyke (Soggy Dollar Bar)
- Full Day Private Charter on Luxury Catamaran Sailing.
- Day Yacht Excursions throughout the US or British Virgin Islands
- St. Thomas Dinner Sail to St. John with Open Bar & Hors D’oeuvres – Ritz-Carlton
- Turtle Cove Catamaran Snorkel and Sail at Little Buck Island STT
- St Thomas Night Kayak Tour
- Discover Scuba Diving with No Certification in St Thomas
- Private Luxury Transportation from St. Thomas Airport to Hotel
- Turtles, Pizza Pi & Sunset trip
