Trip at a Glance
Your 6-day itinerary, confirmed accommodations, and key logistics
Thu
7
Arrive · Settle in · Longboard dinner
Fri
8
Charlotte Amalie · Fort Christian · Rum · Blackbeard's
Sat
9
Water Island · Honeymoon Beach · Dinghy's Bar
Sun 🌸
10
Mother's Day · Scuba AM · Sunset Grille dinner
Mon
11
Coki Beach · Coral World snorkeling
Tue
12
Fly home · United STT → SDF
Resort
Limetree Beach Resort
Frenchman's Bay · Private beach · Swim-up bar · (340) 776-4770
Car Rental — Book Now
Need 7-seat vehicle
Discount Car (340-693-4625) · Dexter (340-643-3534) · VIAR (340-714-8427) · Target under $700/week
3 Urgent Reservations
Book immediately
Sunset Grille dinner · Scuba dive May 10 AM · Rachael's golf carts (Water Island)
Scuba (May 10)
Two certified divers
Mom & 12-yr-old · Aqua Marine or Aqua Action · Morning certified-only slot · Two-tank dive
Key reminders
Driving
Drive on the LEFT
British-style roads. Steep hills, narrow lanes. Take it slow especially at first.
Cash Needed
Water Island ferry
$20/person round trip · Cash only · $120 total for 6 people. Bring a separate envelope.
Pack It
Reef-safe sunscreen
Required at Coral World. Cheaper to bring from home than buy on island.
Fort Segarra (Water Island)
Bring a flashlight
WWII tunnels are pitch dark. Reviewers say a phone torch is essential.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Full schedule with times, locations, and tips for each stop
Day 1 · Thu May 7
Arrive & Settle In
Afternoon
Limetree Beach Resort — Check In
Decompress from travel. Swim-up bar, private beach. Let the island vibe sink in.
On the way
Food Center Supermarket
Stop here from the airport to stock up on groceries, snacks, drinks, and rum for the week. Saves serious money vs. eating every meal out. Open until 10 PM.
🛒 Grocery runDinner
The Longboard (at resort)
Beachfront, walkable. Island tacos, sushi wraps, sliders. Happy hour 2–5 PM. Guests go back multiple nights — it's that good.
🍽️ Dinner
Day 2 · Fri May 8
Charlotte Amalie History Day
9:00 AM
Fort Christian
Oldest building in USVI (built 1672). Self-guided tour ~$10/person. Dungeons, quarters, battlements, harbor views. Open Mon–Fri 9AM–3PM only — today is the right day.
🏰 History10:15 AM
Charlotte Amalie Historic District
Wander the Danish-era alleyways, Main Street duty-free shops, and waterfront. All walkable. Great for souvenirs and photos.
🏛️ Historic walk11:00 AM
Rock City Rum Distillery
St. Thomas's only rum distillery, right behind Fort Christian. Lemongrass and sorrel berry rums. ⚠️ Call ahead to confirm hours — rockcityrumusvi.com
🥃 Rum tastingNoon
Gladys' Café or Amalia Café (choose one)
Gladys': Iconic local spot 30+ yrs, jerk pork, curry goat, conch chowder. Closes 3:30 PM — go first if choosing this.
Amalia: Spanish tapas in a Palm Passage courtyard. Gambas, mussels, sangria. Open until 9:30 PM (also works for dinner).
🍽️ Lunch optionsAmalia: Spanish tapas in a Palm Passage courtyard. Gambas, mussels, sangria. Open until 9:30 PM (also works for dinner).
1:30 PM
Blackbeard's Castle & The 99 Steps
Climb the famous steps to the 17th-century pirate watchtower. Stunning harbor panorama. Rum tastings and a pool bar on site. Open from 10:30 AM.
🏴☠️ Pirate history
Day 3 · Sat May 9
Water Island Day Trip
9:00 AM
Water Island Ferry — Crown Bay Marina
Look for Tickles Restaurant on the dock. Board the small red boat, buy ticket from the captain. Cash only. $20/person round trip ($120 total). 10-min ride. Last return ferry 6:15 PM — don't miss it.
⛵ Ferry9:15 AM
Rachael's Rentals — Golf Carts
Right at the dock. Book ahead — carts sell out fast on Saturdays. Note: $500 credit card hold per cart. You need carts to reach Fort Segarra efficiently.
🛺 Golf carts10:00 AM
Fort Segarra
Unfinished WWII fort with underground tunnels and a 360° observation deck. Bring flashlight — tunnels are very dark. Panoramic views of St. Thomas and the harbor. Free to explore.
🏰 WWII history11:00 AM
Honeymoon Beach
Short walk or golf cart from the ferry dock. Calm, clear water — great for swimming. Not ideal for snorkeling (sandy bottom) but beautiful to float and relax. Beach bar and water toys available.
🏖️ Beach1:00 PM
Dinghy's Beach Bar & Grill
Right on Honeymoon Beach. Fish tacos, conch fritters, ice-cold Painkillers. Toes-in-sand dining. One of the most beloved spots in all USVI. Rated 4.5. Open from 10:30 AM.
🍹 Lunch & drinksBy 5:00 PM
Return golf carts → catch ferry back
Last ferry to St. Thomas is 6:15 PM. Return carts to Rachael's with time to spare and walk back to the dock.
⛵ Return ferry
Day 4 · Sun May 10
Mother's Day
🌸 Special
8:30 AM
Two-Tank Scuba Dive
For mom and the 12-year-old (both certified Open Water). Two dives at two different sites — reef and/or wreck. ~3–4 hours total on the water. Book at Aqua Marine (diveaquamarine.com) or Aqua Action (aadivers.com). Morning certified-only slot means a more focused, experienced group.
🤿 Scuba~Noon
Back on land — rest & recharge
Limetree beach or pool. Light lunch. Save energy for the special dinner tonight.
5:30 PM
Sunset Grille — Mother's Day Dinner
Secret Harbour Beach. Open-air waterfront dining steps from the water. Dress code: resort casual (sandals and a nice shirt are perfect). Menu: fresh seafood, steaks, Caribbean dishes. Reserve ASAP: (340) 714-7874. Request outdoor waterfront seating and mention Mother's Day.
🌅 Special dinner
Day 5 · Mon May 11
Coki Beach & Coral World
9:00 AM
Coral World Ocean Park
East end of the island, ~30 min from Limetree. Sea Trek helmet diving, SNUBA, shark encounter, dolphin swim. Good for splitting the group — some dive while others snorkel or watch. Open 9 AM–4 PM. Book activities ahead at coralworldvi.com.
🦈 Ocean park12:30 PM
Coki Point Beach
Free beach right next to Coral World — best snorkeling on St. Thomas. Snorkel the rocks. Chair and umbrella rentals available. Clear water, tons of fish, more local vibe than Magens Bay.
🐟 Best snorkelingEvening
Tarpon's Table or The Easterly (Red Hook)
Both are on the east end — easy stop on the way back to Limetree. Tarpon's Table for casual fresh-catch waterfront dining. The Easterly for a nicer wood-fired seafood dinner.
🍽️ Dinner options
Day 6 · Tue May 12
Fly Home
Morning
Longboard breakfast + pack up
One last breakfast at the resort. Pack up, return any Limetree equipment.
Before flight
Return rental car → Cyril E. King Airport (STT)
Drop off car at rental company, transfer to STT. United flight home to SDF. Check airport arrival time requirements — plan 2 hrs minimum before departure.
Interactive Maps
Click any location to view it on Google Maps
Day 2 — Charlotte Amalie
Day 3 — Water Island
Day 4 — Mother's Day
Day 5 — Coki Beach & Coral World
Dining & Grocery Options
All within driving distance of Limetree Beach Resort
At the resort — no car needed
Restaurant
Walkable
The Longboard
Beachfront at Limetree. Island tacos, sushi wraps, catch-of-the-day sliders. Craft cocktails and stunning views. Guests go back multiple nights. Happy hour 2–5 PM daily.
~5 min drive
Beach Bar
5 min drive
Iggies Beach Bar
Bolongo Bay beachfront. Fish sandwiches, conch fritters, frozen drinks. Live music nights, karaoke, bonfires. Great big group energy. Open until midnight — good for a fun evening.
~15 min drive
Grocery
15 min drive
Food Center
The island's best full-service supermarket. Deli, bakery, fresh produce, wine & spirits. Best first stop on Day 1 — stock up and save money all week vs. eating every meal out.
~20 min drive — Red Hook
Restaurant
Red Hook
Tarpon's Table
Waterfront marina dining, right next to the St. John ferry. Super fresh local catch — Mahi, Wahoo, lobster, poke bowl. Reviewers go twice in one trip. Will cook your own fresh catch.
Restaurant
Red Hook
Agave Tequila Bar & Kitchen
Casual Mexican — tacos, fajitas, strong margaritas, street corn. Great happy hour. Fun for the group. Pitcher of margaritas at happy hour around $25.
Upscale casual
Red Hook
The Easterly
Wood-fired Caribbean seafood in a lush, breezy open-air space. Ceviches, octopus, whole grilled fish, craft cocktails. One of the best dinner spots on the island. Reservations strongly recommended.
Grocery
Red Hook
Moe's Fresh Market
Best gourmet grocery on the island. Great produce, specialty items, prepared foods, and a full liquor section upstairs. Pricier than Food Center but excellent quality.
~10 min drive
Shopping
10 min drive
Havensight Mall
Duty-free shops, souvenirs, clothing. Good stop on the way to/from Charlotte Amalie. Gourmet Gallery inside for specialty groceries and deli items.
Charlotte Amalie — Day 2 lunch choices
Local Caribbean
Charlotte Amalie
Gladys' Café
30+ year institution tucked in the downtown alleyways. Jerk pork chop, curry goat, conch chowder, fresh soursop juice. Authentic island cooking. Go early — closes at 3:30 PM.
Spanish / Tapas
Charlotte Amalie
Amalia Café
Beautiful Palm Passage courtyard. Gambas ajillo, mussels, ceviche, great sangria. Works for both lunch and dinner. One of the most consistently praised restaurants in Charlotte Amalie.
To-Do List
Everything you need to do before and during the trip
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🚨 Book immediately — these fill up fast
Reserve Sunset Grille for Mother's Day dinner (May 10)
📞 Call (340) 714-7874 · Request outdoor waterfront seating · Mention Mother's Day celebration · Dinner opens 5:30 PM · Dress code: resort casual
Book morning scuba dive for May 10 — 2 certified divers
Aqua Marine: diveaquamarine.com · Aqua Action: aadivers.com · Request certified-only morning slot · Mom and 12-year-old (Junior Open Water cert) · Two-tank dive, ~3–4 hrs
Call rental car companies for 7-seat vehicle (May 7–12)
Discount Car: (340) 693-4625 · Dexter: (340) 643-3534 · VIAR: (340) 714-8427 · Target under $700 for 5 nights · Mention AAA/AARP/military/returning customer discount · Ask about Durango or Highlander
Reserve golf carts at Rachael's Rentals — Water Island (May 9)
Golf carts sell out fast, especially Saturdays · Need enough for 6 people · Note: $500 credit hold per cart required · Search "Rachael's Rentals Water Island" to book
⚠️ Do before the trip
Book Coral World activities for May 11
Sea Trek helmet diving, SNUBA, shark encounter, or dolphin swim · Book ahead at coralworldvi.com · (340) 775-1555
Confirm Rock City Rum Distillery hours for May 8
Hours are unreliable — some visitors find it closed · Call or email through rockcityrumusvi.com before the trip to confirm they'll be open
Check AAA / AARP / military status for car rental discount
AAA = 10–20% off · AARP = up to 30% off · Military/veteran discounts at Dexter and VIAR · Mention on every call you make
Check credit cards for rental car insurance coverage
Visa Signature, Chase Sapphire, and Amex often provide primary rental coverage · Saves $15–25/day on CDW · Call your card company to confirm USVI is covered
Verify scuba certifications are current and locate cert cards
Both mom and the 12-year-old need to show cert cards at the dive shop · Junior Open Water cert is fine for a two-tank dive at age 12 · PADI or SSI both accepted
✓ Before you leave home
Get cash for Water Island ferry
Ferry is cash only · $20/person round trip · $120 total for 6 people · Bring a separate small envelope labeled "ferry cash" so it's easy to find
Pack reef-safe sunscreen (enough for the whole group)
Required at Coral World · Better for the reefs everywhere on the island · Much cheaper to bring from home — sunscreen on island can cost $30+/bottle
Pack flashlights or headlamps (at least 2)
Fort Segarra on Water Island has underground WWII tunnels that are completely dark · Reviewers say phone torch works but a real light is better · Also useful at Fort Christian dungeons
Stop at Food Center on the way from the airport (Day 1)
Best full supermarket, ~15 min from airport · Stock up on water, drinks, breakfast items, snacks, and rum for the week · Saves significant money vs. buying everything at resort or restaurants
Brief the whole group: drive on the LEFT in USVI
USVI uses British-style road rules · Very steep hills and narrow mountain roads · Especially tricky at first · Whoever drives should be extra alert the first day · Tip: stay close to the center line
Packing List
Everything you need for 5 nights in St. Thomas — beach, diving, history walks, and a special dinner
0 of 33 packed
🪪 Travel Documents & Money
Passports or government-issued ID — all 6 travelers
USVI is US territory — no passport required for US citizens, but strongly recommended. Keep photocopies in a separate bag.
Confirmations downloaded or printed — flights, hotel, car rental, all reservations
Download offline copies in case Wi-Fi is spotty. Include: United flights, Limetree Beach Resort, rental car, Sunset Grille, scuba shop, Rachael's golf carts.
Scuba certification cards — mom & 12-year-old
Both divers must present cert cards at the dive shop. PADI or SSI accepted. Junior Open Water cert is valid for a two-tank dive at age 12.
Cash for Water Island ferry — $120 for 6 people
Ferry is cash only, $20/person round trip. Put it in a labeled envelope so it's easy to find. Carry extra cash for tips, food vendors, and small purchases.
Credit cards (at least 2 networks) + travel insurance info
Bring Visa and Mastercard in case one isn't accepted. Note which card covers rental car insurance (saves $15–25/day on CDW). Store travel insurance policy number in your phone.
☀️ Sun Protection — Critical in the Caribbean
Reef-safe sunscreen — multiple bottles for 6 people, 5 days
Required at Coral World. SPF 50+ recommended — Caribbean UV is intense. Much cheaper to bring from home ($8–12/bottle vs $30+ on the island).
After-sun lotion or aloe vera gel
Even with sunscreen, 5 days in the Caribbean sun adds up. A large bottle of aloe soothes burns and helps maintain color.
Wide-brim sun hats — one per person
Essential for beach days and the Charlotte Amalie historic walk. UPF-rated fabric is ideal. Floppy beach hats pack flat in luggage.
Polarized sunglasses
Polarized lenses cut glare dramatically on the water. Also important for driving the steep, bright mountain roads on the island.
🏖️ Beach & Water Gear
Swimsuits — pack 2–3 per person
You'll be in and out of the water every day. Multiple suits mean you always have a dry one. Quick-dry fabric is ideal.
Rash guards or swim shirts
Better sun protection in the water than re-applying sunscreen hourly while snorkeling. Also recommended on some dive boats. One per person is plenty.
Snorkel gear — mask, fins, snorkel (or plan to rent at Coki Beach)
Coki Beach has the best snorkeling on the island. Gear is available to rent, but bringing your own mask ensures a proper fit. Fins are optional if you plan to rent.
Waterproof dry bag(s)
Essential for the Water Island ferry and scuba boat. Keeps phones, wallets, and cameras dry. A 10L bag comfortably holds a day's essentials.
Waterproof phone case or underwater camera / GoPro
You'll want photos at Coki Beach, Honeymoon Beach, and on the scuba dive. A GoPro with a floaty grip is ideal so it doesn't sink if dropped.
Water shoes or reef sandals
Protect feet on rocky entries at Coki Beach and Water Island. Also good for Blackbeard's Castle steps and Fort Segarra gravel paths.
Beach towels — at least 2 per person
Limetree provides pool towels but you'll want your own for beach days away from the resort. Compact microfiber towels dry fast and pack small.
Reusable insulated water bottles — 1 per person
Stay hydrated in the Caribbean heat. An insulated bottle keeps drinks cold all day. Refill at the resort and grocery store to save money on bottled water.
Flashlights or headlamps — at least 2
Fort Segarra's WWII underground tunnels are completely dark. Reviewers say a phone torch works but a real flashlight is much better. Also useful at Fort Christian's dungeons.
👕 Clothing
Resort casual dinner outfit(s) for Sunset Grille — May 10
Dress code: resort casual. Sundress or linen pants + nice top for women. Collared shirt or linen button-down + chinos or nice shorts for men. No flip-flops at the table.
Lightweight shorts, t-shirts, and casual tops — 1 per day plus extras
Pack loose, breathable fabrics. Quick-dry and moisture-wicking are ideal for heat and humidity. Aim for 7–8 casual outfits across 6 days.
Light cardigan or long-sleeve layer
Restaurants and the rental car can be aggressively air-conditioned. Evenings on the water have a breeze. One light layer per person is enough.
Comfortable walking shoes for Charlotte Amalie (Day 2)
The 99 Steps to Blackbeard's Castle are steep. Main Street and the historic district are cobblestone and uneven. Supportive sandals or sneakers are important here.
Flip-flops or casual sandals — pack 2 pairs
Your everyday footwear for the resort, beach bars, and short walks. Pack two pairs so one can dry if soaked.
🩹 Health & Safety
Prescription medications — bring extra days' supply
Pack enough for the trip plus 2–3 extra days in case of travel delays. Keep in carry-on, not checked luggage. Include a copy of all prescriptions.
Motion sickness medication
Needed for the Water Island ferry and the scuba dive boat. Take 30–60 minutes before boarding. Bonine (meclizine) is non-drowsy. Bring enough for the whole group.
Basic first aid kit
Bandages, antiseptic wipes, blister patches (for the 99 Steps), ibuprofen, antidiarrheal tablets, antacids, and hydrocortisone cream for insect bites or reef scrapes.
Insect repellent
Mosquitoes are present especially near forested areas like Fort Segarra and at dusk. DEET-free plant-based repellents work well and are reef-friendly.
📱 Tech & Extras
Portable power bank / charger
Long beach days mean you won't always be near an outlet. A 20,000mAh bank charges phones 4–5 times. Essential for navigation, photos, and long travel days.
Charging cables and a multi-port wall adapter
USVI uses standard US outlets — no adapter needed. A multi-port hub means everyone can charge overnight without fighting over outlets.
Small daypack or backpack — one per adult
For carrying sunscreen, water, dry bag, snacks, and camera on day trips to Charlotte Amalie, Water Island, and Coki Beach.
Reusable grocery bags
For the Day 1 grocery run at Food Center. Also handy for beach gear, snacks, and souvenirs throughout the week.
Snacks and entertainment for the flights
Download movies, shows, and podcasts before leaving — airport Wi-Fi is unreliable. Energy bars and trail mix travel well and get you through the travel day without overpriced airport food.
Zip-lock bags in assorted sizes
Surprisingly useful: separate sandy or wet items, protect electronics on the ferry, store snacks, protect documents from humidity. Pack a dozen or so in different sizes.