Monday 27 March 2017

St. Thomas Beach Bucket List


As one would assume, the island of St. Thomas is literally lined with some pretty amazing beaches. Like the kind that come stock as your desktop background and you can’t quite get yourself to change it because we all need a little paradise in our day to day lives. As you’re sitting there, at work, home, wherever, gazing deeply at that picture and imagining yourself wearing a floppy sunhat, sipping a cocktail out of a coconut and sticking your sandy feet into the warm water, just know that your dream can become a reality! 

For all of you die hard beach bums out there, we made a list of some of the best beaches on St. Thomas and we challenge you to visit them ALL. Don’t just wish you were in beach heaven, buy a plane ticket and live a little! 

Here is your alphabetical beach bucket list: 

Bluebeards Beach

If you’re looking for calm waters, refreshing sea breezes, and exciting water sports (like windsurfing and kiteboarding), then this is the beach for you. You will be pleasantly surprised by the luxury accommodations as this beach is located on the Ritz Carlton Club and just a short walk to the Ritz Carlton Resort. 

Spend the afternoon bathing in the sun with your favorite fruity beverage, or try kayaking, SUP boarding, windsurfing, and/or other water sports. Either way, you’re bound to have a good time.

Bolongo Bay

Their tagline says it all: “It’s a beautiful day at Bolongo Bay”. What Bolongo Bay lacks in quintessential clear turquoise water and delicate sand, it makes up for it in activities and awesome amenities. 

The Bolongo Bay Beach Resort is a quaint, family owned resort located on nearly the entire length of the beach. They pull out all the stops to ensure their guests of both the resort and beach are having a good time.  You have your choice of two restaurants, jet skis, various water sports, a volleyball and tennis court, and festivities such as their Carnival Night and full moon parties. Not to mention, the snorkeling is pretty good here too! 

Iggies is a popular hang out spot for both locals and tourists alike and is a great place to grab a drink and a bite to eat for your afternoon at the beach or a fun night out on St. Thomas. 


Brewers Bay

Located near University of the Virgin Islands, this beach draws in college kids, locals, tourists and just about anyone who loves a day at the beach. It’s easy to know when you’ve arrived since the street is lined with Caribbean food trucks ready to serve you up some true local delights. 

On the weekends, Brewers Bay is a popular spot for families to have picnics and other celebrations.

Coki Point

Coki beach may be on the smaller side, but don’t think for a moment that that means there’s nothing going on. This beach is equally popular with the locals as it is with tourists, which means parking can get limited on busy days. 

Great snorkeling, check. Clear, blue water, check. Places to eat and drink, check. Local vendors, check. If you like your beaches like you like your cities, busy and a lot going on, then Coki is for you. 
For those of you who like marine life, Coral World is located on Coki Beach and is great fun and educational for the whole family. 

Cowpet Bay

Cowpet Bay offers a variety of activities that draws visitors back time and time again. Although this beach is small, you still have your choice of places to eat and a variety of water sports. Also, the snorkeling on either side along the rocks is pretty good and the calm waters make it even easier to spot something really awesome. Sometimes good things come in small packages!

Hull Bay

When you arrive, you’ll notice there are more locals than tourists here, but that doesn’t mean you can’t stop by. This is one of the few good places to surf around the island, so don’t forget your board. If you’re looking for a place to just hang out and swim, this might not be the best place for you. It doesn’t exactly have the soft white sand. It does have coral that begins fairly close to shore, but that isn’t bad if you like to snorkel. People have spotted some pretty neat things around this area. One thing that you might really like about this beach is that it's free, and has places to eat and drink nearby. That can make for a good day at the beach if you ask me!

Limetree Beach

Tucked into a cove, Limetree is a natural beauty. It isn’t usually very busy and is located on Bluebeards Beach Club Time Share/Hotel. Even though it isn’t as long as other beaches on St. Thomas, it does offer a quaint and relaxing atmosphere that is perfect for a quiet beach day. The water can be a little choppy and the sand mildly rocky, but that shouldn’t deter you from checking out this tiny tropical paradise. 

Lindbergh Bay

Lindbergh Bay Beach, also known as Emerald Beach, is a fabulous spot for anyone who enjoys clear water and soft sand. Located less than a half mile from the airport, this beach is easy to find and offers free parking. 

It is also great for those who are looking for amenities such as a bar, restaurant, water sports and a bathroom. Since there are 2 hotels located on this stretch of beach, you will have plenty of options. Grab yourself a drink, sit back, and relax! 

If you’re passionate about the environment, then you’ll be happy to know that this beach has been awarded the Blue Flag. For more information about Blue Flag, visit www.blueflag.global.


Lindquist Beach

Lindquist is one of the hidden treasures of St. Thomas. It is on the east end of the island, near Red Hook, in an area called Smith Bay. Sometimes you have to pay a small entrance fee, but that isn’t bad for what you’re getting. This beach is rarely crowded, and is family friendly. And talk about beautiful Caribbean beaches. The water is so clear and has some of the whitest sand you’ve ever seen. The fish are friendly, so it’s a great place to snorkel. There aren’t any water toys or places to eat, but it’s so beautiful, it doesn’t really need anything else. 


Magens Bay

If you read any St. Thomas travel magazines or googled St. Thomas in general, you’ve most likely heard of Magens Bay. It is one of the most popular beaches on St. Thomas, and it’s that way for a reason. For one, it’s beautiful… there’s no denying that! White sand, crystal blue water, and palm trees lining the beach so perfectly it feels like you walked right into a postcard. But, as we all know, beauty comes with a (small) price, so make sure you don't leave your wallet at home or in the hotel (you pay for parking). It also can get pretty crowded, depending when you go. If you choose a weekend or a busy cruise ship day, the beach can get pretty packed. In order to avoid congestion, try going on a week day where there are little to no ships in, or later in the afternoon. To top it all off, it also has some nice amenities, like water sports rentals, restrooms, and a mini beach shack that serves some food and drinks. 

View from our zip line, Tree Limin' Extreme
Magens Bay at sunset


Morning Star

This sunny spot is home to the Frenchman's Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort. Like all of the beaches in the USVI, the public has access to this little slice of paradise, along with easily accessible parking. 

Do you like to have a cocktail or two while you sunbathe? That’s no problem here! You have your choice of bar and restaurants to get your favorite drink in no time. Maybe water sports are more your speed? You can rent those out while you’re here! You might be able to try out SUP yoga as well. 


Sapphire Beach

At Sapphire, you have your choice of shady or sunny spots with a great view from just about anywhere. It’s also fantastic for those who wish to bask in the sunshine and adrenaline junkies looking to try out a new water sport. When you’re done reading, napping, paddle boarding, or whatever your favorite beach activity is, get yourself some food and refreshments from the nearby restaurant. 

Secret Harbor 

It’s no secret that this beach is beautiful! It’s small and packs a punch when it comes to that beachy atmosphere you’re looking for. Palm trees and hammocks set the mood for one relaxing day and snorkeling is a must do during your visit. The water is pretty calm, which makes it a great family beach. Don’t forget to take advantage of the bar and restaurant and relax the day away. 

Sugar Bay

Since Sugar Bay is located at Sugar Bay Resort and Spa, there is a lot to do here! If you want to try jet skiing and/or a variety of other non-motorized water sports, this is a great place to visit. The calm waters will make it easy to learn any new water sport and relax on the beach. 

Vessup Bay

Unlike beaches located on busy hotels or resorts, this beach has a much more enchanting castaway vibe. Luckily there is still a water sports stand for those who want to give it a go. Find yourself surrounded by tropical flora like sea grape and palm trees, cacti, and other Caribbean favorites. Take an afternoon to unwind, walk along the beach, take pictures, and sunbathe. 

During the weekdays, Vessup Bay is pretty calm with just a handful of beach bums trying to catch a few rays, but the weekends, things tend to pick up. This spot is a local favorite for birthday parties, family gatherings, and weekend picnics. 



Visit Our Website: www.ziplinestthomas.com 


Monday 13 March 2017

How to Make a Killer Painkiller




One of the most iconic drinks in the Virgin Islands is the Painkiller. This drink was first created on the beautiful island of Jost Van Dyke at the infamous Soggy Dollar Bar on White Bay. Chances are, if you’ve ever been on Jost Van Dyke, you made your way to the Soggy Dollar Bar and got yourself a painkiller.

Now, you don’t have to be floating on White Bay to indulge in this Caribbean drink (although that does add to the experience). You can make it right at home! Here’s how:

Ingredients-
2-4 oz. of Pusser's Rum

4 oz. pineapple juice

1 oz. cream of coconut

1 oz. orange juice

Pineapple chunks
Grated Fresh nutmeg

Instructions-
1.     Add 2-4 oz. of Pusser’s Rum
2.  Add 4 oz. of pineapple juice
3.   Add 1 oz. of cream of coconut
4.  Add 1 oz. of orange juice
5.   Optional: Add pineapple chunks into the drink (as many as you’d like)
6.  Sprinkle fresh nugmet on top as a garnish

So If you dream of days at the beach with a painkiller in your hand, you’re only half way there.  

Visit our website at www.ziplinestthomas.com 

Tuesday 7 March 2017

Transfer Day 2017


Transfer Day is a USVI holiday celebrated on March 31. It commemorates the transfer of the islands from Denmark to the United States in 1917.

This year, 2017, Transfer Day is extra special! The USVI is celebrating 100 years as a US territory. Since this is the centennial, there will be so many festivities going on throughout the USVI. 

Check out 2017’s celebrations here: VI Transfer Centennial

The USVI Department of Tourism is also offering a $300 credit to anyone visiting the islands in 2017! 

Read more about that here

Since Transfer Day is in March, the USVI Department of Tourism will be giving a free Centennial Souvenir in addition to the $300 credit! 


Visit our website at www.ziplinestthomas.com

Wednesday 1 March 2017

Extremely Romantic USVI Date Ideas


There’s no denying that the USVI is unbelievably gorgeous which makes it such a romantic getaway. The islands have been the destination for countless engagements, weddings, and honeymoons and there will be many more to come. 

Whether you and your significant other are planning an epic event or just a small getaway, there are so many romantic date night opportunities for both of you to enjoy. 

We’ve gathered a list of some “extremely” romantic USVI date ideas.

Sailboat Tour 

Nothing says romance like a sailboat tour or sunset cruise! Don’t believe us? Then check out these videos:




Pretty amazing, right? 

Well, there is no shortage of sailboat excursions available throughout the USVI! They vary in price, service, size, and activities, but all equally dreamy. Check out a list of companies on TripAdvisor: 




Picnic on the Beach

This one comes with a disclaimer! Please, for the love of Mother Earth, clean up after yourselves. 

Okay, back to the romance…

You’ve probably seen this in movies or read about it in books, but yes, you too can experience this ultimate intimate date! Our suggestion is go to the store and pick up some easy to pack and eat items, like fruit, cheese and crackers, sandwich materials, (and a trash bag)… those sort of things! Pack it in your beach bag and find a secluded spot. Some beaches, like Magens Bay, have picnic benches for those of you who worry about a sandy meal.

Zip Lining 

We won’t judge you if zip lining didn't even cross your mind when you think of romantic dates! When you’re up on the platform at our park, Tree Limin’ Extreme, you’ll understand though! Not only are the views to die for, but our guides will keep you laughing and even offer to take your picture in front of world famous Magens Bay. If that’s not enough, there’s nothing like getting your adrenaline pumping and trying new things with your significant other. To top it all off, we’ve had a handful of engagements on our scenic course. 

Learn more at: www.ziplinestthomas.com 



Exploring St. John Hiking Trails

The St. John National Park is more than just your average, everyday hiking trails. They include scenic overlooks, hiking trails ranging in difficulty, historic ruins, petroglyphs and spectacular beaches are as common as Starbucks in New York City; they are around every corner! 

You and your partner will fall in love with St. John and each other as you create memories that will last a lifetime. Bring your camera, water/snacks, and your sense of adventure. 

Dinner By the Sea

It’s nearly impossible to have a bad time when you’re near the water! After a long day of hiking, zip lining, sailing or just exploring the island, getting a delicious meal by the water is the cherry on top of a romance sundae! Add some flavor to your date night with a dinner by the sea (or ocean). Chat under the moonlight and enjoy the refreshing sea salt breeze. If this sounds like your idea of a zesty evening, then you have so many restaurants to choose from! Start your search with TripAdvisor: