Cruz Bay in the US Virgin Islands is a lively hub for shopping and scenic tours. The island’s vibrant duty-free shops, stunning viewpoints, and welcoming atmosphere make it a perfect destination for those wanting to combine shopping with sightseeing. Whether you’re after a luxurious, personalized experience or a budget-friendly group tour, Cruz Bay offers options that cater to different tastes. We’re especially fond of the Luxury Sightseeing & Shopping Private Tour for its bespoke approach and the Shore Excursion for its flexibility and comprehensive stops. These tours showcase the island’s best sights, from Magens Bay to Skyline Drive, making sure you get both scenic views and shopping time.
If you’re craving a tailored experience or want to explore at your own pace, the private tour with its custom itinerary is a standout. On the other hand, if you prefer a more social, group experience with plenty of time to relax on the beach, the 6-hour shore excursion hits the spot. Below, we break down each of the top options, sharing what makes them worth your time and money.
1. Luxury Sightseeing & Shopping Private Tour – 3 Hours
At number 1 on our list, the Luxury Sightseeing & Shopping Private Tour offers an exclusive, customizable way to explore St. Thomas. For around $450 per group (up to 6 people), this tour stands out because it is fully tailored to your interests. You won’t be on a rigid schedule—your guide will craft the itinerary based on what you want to see, whether that’s shopping, panoramic views, or local history.
The tour includes visits to Mountain Top, where you can browse souvenirs and sip a world-famous banana daiquiri while soaking in sweeping views of Magens Bay and the British Virgin Islands. Next, there’s a stop at Drake’s Seat for photos with a legendary view of Magens Bay. The tour also offers a visit to the Charlotte Amalie Overlook, providing a stunning panorama of the cruise ship port, Yacht Haven Grande, and on clear days, even distant islands like St. Croix. The highlight is your flexible itinerary—your guide will take photos, share insights, and customize your experience, making it ideal for those who want an intimate, in-depth look at the island.
Guests consistently praise the professionalism and knowledge of guides like Jermaine, Adrienne, and Ken, calling this “one of the best tours” they’ve ever had. The value lies in the personalized attention, beautiful vistas, and the chance to shop without rushing. Perfect for small groups or couples who want a luxurious, private experience.
Bottom Line: If you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to explore at your own pace with a dedicated guide, this private tour offers unmatched flexibility and comfort.
2. St Thomas Shore Excursion: Shopping, Sightseeing and Beach Tour
At number 2, this six-hour guided shore excursion provides a great balance of sightseeing, shopping, and relaxing. For just $70 per person, it offers a more economical option that still hits the key highlights of St. Thomas, especially if your time docked in port is limited.
Starting on Main Street, you get about two hours to browse duty-free shops and pick up souvenirs. Then, the tour heads to Mountain Top for a quick 20-minute stop with breathtaking views of Magens Bay, rated among the top beaches worldwide. The guide will point out neighboring islands like St. John and Water Island from Drake’s Seat—a spot where Sir Francis Drake once kept watch. From there, the tour moves to Skyline Drive for a panoramic look over the Caribbean Sea, with views of Hassel Island, Culebra, and Vieques.
The final highlight is Magens Bay Beach, where you can relax and enjoy one of the world’s best beaches—the perfect way to cap your day. The reviews note that guides like “Air Force One” provide fun, knowledgeable commentary, making the trip both informative and relaxed.
This tour appeals to travelers who want a full day of exploring without breaking the bank. It’s flexible, thanks to multiple start times, and a good choice for families or cruise visitors wanting a rundown.
Bottom Line: For those looking for value and variety—from shopping to scenic views and beach time—this shore excursion strikes a good balance.
3. St. Thomas Shopping And Sightseeing Tour
The third option is a 4-hour tour that combines highlights of the island’s vistas with some shopping, perfect for travelers short on time. Priced at $65 per person, it’s the most budget-conscious of the bunch, focusing on the essentials with a bit of flexibility.
This tour takes you to Main Street for about two hours of shopping, offering a chance to browse the duty-free stores and pick up souvenirs. Afterward, you’ll visit Mountain Top and Drake’s Seat for stunning views of Magens Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The Skyline Drive stop completes the tour with panoramic Caribbean vistas, including Water Island and Hassel Island.
Guests appreciate the friendly guides like Elvis, who help make the experience both informative and enjoyable. This tour is perfect for visitors who want a quick yet comprehensive taste of the island’s most famous sights without a lot of extra stops or lengthy commitments.
Bottom Line: If your time is limited but you want a well-rounded introduction to Cruz Bay’s best views and shopping, this tour offers solid value and flexibility.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When deciding between these options, consider your priorities. If you value a completely personalized experience, the private tour (see details here) is ideal, especially for special occasions or small groups. If you want a full day of sightseeing and beach time without overspending, the Shore Excursion (more info) balances cost with variety. For a short, budget-friendly overview, the 4-hour tour (see it here) covers the highlights efficiently.
Think about your budget, how much time you have in port, and whether you want a private or group experience. Booking early is recommended, especially for the private tour, to ensure availability.
Final Thoughts
Cruz Bay offers a wonderful mix of shopping, scenic views, and beaches, and these top tours help you see the best parts of the island efficiently. For those wanting a luxury, tailor-made experience, the private tour (see it here) is hard to beat. If you prefer a more social, budget-conscious approach that packs in multiple sights, the shore excursion (more info) keeps things lively and flexible. And for a quick taste of everything with minimal fuss, the 4-hour tour (see it here) is perfect.
No matter which you choose, early booking helps lock in your spot, especially during peak cruise season. Now, it’s time to pick your perfect Cruz Bay shopping and sightseeing adventure and enjoy all that this beautiful island has to offer.