Private Tour

If you’re heading to St. Thomas and want to see the highlights on your own terms, a private tour like this offers a personalized way to explore the island. For around $902.70 per group (up to 7 people), you’ll spend about six hours with your own guide, visiting famous spots such as Blackbeard’s Castle, Drake’s Seat, and the Charlotte Amalie shopping district, plus some relaxing beach time. It’s a great way to combine history, scenery, and leisure without the rush of a group tour.

What we particularly like about this experience are the personalized attention and flexibility. Your guide adapts the itinerary to your interests, which means more time at the sites you love and less at the ones you don’t, with the added convenience of door-to-door pickup from your hotel. Also, the stunning views from the scenic overlooks are truly memorable, making this a compact, well-rounded way to get a real taste of St. Thomas.

A possible consideration is the price—while it’s not cheap, the cost is justified if you value privacy, customization, and expert local guidance. Keep in mind, this tour is best suited for travelers who appreciate a tailored experience and want to avoid crowded group tours, especially if you’re traveling with family or friends and like having the flexibility to set your pace.

This private tour is ideal for those who love a mix of sightseeing, photo opportunities, local culture, and beach relaxation, all delivered in a comfortable, intimate setting. It’s particularly popular with travelers who want a more authentic, personalized experience and are willing to invest a little more for that flexibility.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Private, flexible, and tailored to your interests.
• Stunning Views: Scenic overlooks and photo-worthy spots like Drake’s Seat.
• Historical Insights: Learn about the island’s history from knowledgeable guides.
• Convenience: Door-to-door pickup and drop-off included.
• Leisure Time: Ample opportunity to relax at the beach or explore on your own.
• Value for Money: For groups, the cost often makes sense given the personalized service.

In-Depth Review of the Private St. Thomas Tour

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

This private tour offers a customized itinerary that’s often hard to find on cruise ship excursions or large group tours. With Brenda or Franco guiding you, you get their local knowledge and friendly personalities, which makes the experience genuine and relaxed. The ability to choose which sites to linger at—whether for photos, shopping, or simply soaking in the views—is a big plus.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Mountain Top
We start our adventure at this popular vantage point on the Atlantic side of the island. It’s famous for its panoramic views of Magen’s Bay and the surrounding coastline. The atmosphere here is lively, with souvenir shops and a well-known restaurant, but what really steals the show are the sweeping vistas—perfect for photos. The visit lasts about 45 minutes, and since there’s no admission fee, it’s an easy start with instant visual rewards.

Stop 2: Drake’s Seat
Next, we drive to Drake’s Seat, a small lookout that offers arguably the best close-up view of Magen’s Bay. This spot is steeped in legend, as it’s said to be where Sir Francis Drake used to relax and admire the bay. Standing on the same bench he once sat on, you’ll get excellent views and photo opportunities. It’s a quick 20-minute stop, but one that leaves a lasting impression.

Stop 3: Valdemar A. Hill Drive Scenic Overlook
From this high vantage point, your guide will explain the layout of the harbor, including the locations of cruise ships and the capital, Charlotte Amalie. The view is expansive, giving a real sense of how the island’s geography shapes local life. Timing here is about 20 minutes, perfect for photos and orientation.

Stop 4: Charlotte Amalie
The heart of St. Thomas’ history and shopping, this two-hour stop allows you to explore on your own. From the famous 99 Steps and Blackbeard’s Castle to Fort Christian and Emancipation Garden, there’s plenty to see and do. Many reviews highlight how helpful and knowledgeable guides are in giving tips, and how this freedom makes the visit more enjoyable. Shopping along Main Street provides a chance to pick up local crafts, jewelry, and souvenirs.

Stop 5: Secret Harbour
After sightseeing, you’ll head to this beautiful beach—highly recommended for its calm waters and scenic setting. With two hours of free time, you can relax, swim, or just enjoy the sunshine. The tour recommends Secret Harbour specifically for its relaxing atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for unwinding after a busy morning.

Stop 6: Blackbeard’s Castle
The tour concludes with a visit to Blackbeard’s Castle, one of the island’s most iconic landmarks. Here, you’ll see the Three Queens’ monument, walk the famous 99 Steps (or pretend to), and snap photos of the tower. This short stop encapsulates the pirate lore that adds a fun twist to your trip, with about 20 minutes to soak in the atmosphere.

What Travelers Say

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledge and friendliness of the guides. One mentions how Brenda crafted a customized plan that exceeded expectations, especially appreciating her restaurant recommendation. Another highlights Franco’s history insights and personable manner, making the day both informative and relaxed. The flexibility to spend more time at the beach or shops is highly valued, as many reviews note how they appreciated not being rushed.

Logistics and Practicalities

The cost of $902.70 covers the entire group (up to 7 people), including door-to-door transfers, bottled water, and hand sanitizer, which means less hassle and more comfort. The tour lasts approximately six hours, which is enough time to see many highlights without feeling exhausted. The tour is booked on average 20 days in advance, indicating high demand among travelers who want a private experience.

The tour is suitable for most travelers, including families, couples, and small groups. It is particularly appealing if you want to avoid crowded group tours and prefer a more personalized, relaxed pace. The inclusion of hotel pickup makes logistics seamless, especially if you’re staying in Charlotte Amalie or nearby.

The Value Proposition

While the price might seem steep, the value lies in the flexibility and personalized attention. For groups, this sort of private tour can be cost-effective compared to booking multiple individual excursions. Plus, the opportunity to tailor the day makes it worth considering for anyone who wants a memorable, stress-free way to explore St. Thomas.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you love having a personalized experience, want to see the best viewpoints and historic sites, and enjoy relaxing at the beach without feeling rushed, this tour is right up your alley. It’s perfect for small groups or families who prefer to decide their pace and stops, especially if sightseeing and leisure are equally important.

If you’re looking for a low-key, informative, and flexible way to explore St. Thomas with friends or family, this private tour offers a good balance of sightseeing, history, and downtime.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for young children or older adults?
Yes, the tour is designed to be flexible and accessible for most travelers, including families and seniors. You can customize stops and pace to suit your needs.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers the private guide, door-to-door transfers from your hotel, drinking water, and hand sanitizer. No meals or snorkeling equipment are included.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, this is a private tour designed to be flexible. Your guide can adjust stops or spend more time at places you find most interesting.

Is there an option to add snorkeling or other activities?
Snorkeling equipment is not included, but the tour’s focus is on sightseeing and beach relaxation. You might find additional options if you inquire directly with the provider.

How long is each stop?
Stops range from about 20 minutes at scenic overlooks to 2 hours at Charlotte Amalie and Secret Harbour, giving a good balance of sightseeing and leisure.

What’s the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour, receiving a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours out are non-refundable.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothing, sunscreen, and a hat are recommended. Drinking water is provided, but bring additional if you plan to spend extra time at the beach.

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
No, it’s designed for groups of up to 7. Solo travelers may want to consider other options or join with friends.

How far in advance should I book?
Booking about 20 days ahead offers good availability, but sooner is recommended during peak seasons.

What is the main benefit of a private tour like this?
The main advantage is personalized attention and flexibility, allowing you to enjoy the island at your own pace with expert guidance.

In short, this private tour offers a well-rounded, personalized way to experience St. Thomas, combining stunning views, historic charm, and beach relaxation—all tailored to your preferences. It’s best suited for travelers who value comfort, flexibility, and authentic insights, making it a worthwhile investment for a memorable Caribbean day.