Private Island Sightseeing Tours on St. Thomas

Views

St. Thomas is easy to admire from a cruise deck and much better when you actually ride the ridge line. GrandArrival runs private island tours led by an owner who has driven these roads for more than twenty years. You will climb from Charlotte Amalie to Drake's Seat, look down on Magens Bay, and hear the local stories a guidebook never quite gets right. Choose the ride that fits the day from our safari bus and executive van: open air for the breezy classic, or air conditioned when the weather says so.

What is included

A private island tour with GrandArrival includes hotel or ship pickup, a narrated route to the island's best overlooks and viewpoints, stops for photos, and time at a beach if the group wants it. Bottled water is included. Beach chair rentals, food, and any paid attraction entries are not included. Tours typically run around three hours, with longer options on request.

Rates

How booking works

Booking a tour follows the same simple pattern as every GrandArrival ride.

1. Call or text +1 (340) 227 7903, or email [email protected] with your date, pickup point, and group size.
2. Confirm the vehicle: the open air safari bus for larger, sun ready groups, or the air conditioned van for smaller parties and hot days.
3. Receive a written confirmation.

No deposit is required. Pay by card or cash before, during, or after the tour. Cancel or change with at least 24 hours notice at no charge.

Rates

Island tours are $50 per person. The open air safari bus has a minimum of 12 guests. The air conditioned vehicle has a minimum of 6 guests. Smaller parties can still book a private tour at a custom rate quoted when you reach out.

Overlooks

Local knowledge

A typical GrandArrival tour follows the island's spine, because that is where the views live.

• Charlotte Amalie for the harbor view and a look at the historic town along the waterfront.
• Paradise Point for a sweeping look at the harbor from above.
• Mountain Top, the highest publicly accessible point on St. Thomas at roughly 1,500 feet, with a wide open view toward Magens Bay and the neighboring islands. The owner's favorite stop, and the place to try the island's famous banana daiquiri.
• Drake's Seat, the classic overlook where Sir Francis Drake is said to have watched for enemy ships. On a clear day you can see Magens Bay below and the British Virgin Islands in the distance.
• Magens Bay Beach, a heart shaped bay routinely listed among the best beaches in the world. Time in the water is optional and only limited by the length of the tour.
• Optional stops include Coki Point, Sapphire Beach, and the East End overlooks.

The owner narrates the route personally. Expect asides on hurricane recovery, local politics, the school your driver attended, and the reef offshore. It is a tour of the island by someone who lives here, not a script. Cruise guests can pair the tour with cruise port pickup at Havensight and Crown Bay, and independent travelers can start with our guide to getting around St. Thomas.

Answers

Good to know

How long is a typical island tour?

The classic loop is about 2.5 hours from pickup to drop off, and private tours can run anywhere from 2 to 4 hours depending on your schedule. Mornings are the owner's recommendation, with cooler temperatures and lighter traffic. Guests who want to add a longer beach stop or a lunch break should tell us at booking so we can plan the timing.

What should I wear and bring?

Sun protection first. A hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses matter more than most visitors expect, especially on the open air safari bus. Bring a light layer for the higher overlooks. If you plan to swim at Magens Bay, wear or bring a swimsuit and a towel.

Are cruise ship guests welcome?

Yes. Ship arrivals are a big part of the day for us. We pick up at Havensight or Crown Bay, run the tour, and return you to your pier with a real buffer before all aboard. Tell us your ship name and departure time when you book.

Is Magens Bay entry included?

Magens Bay Beach charges a small day use fee at the gate. That fee, along with any beach chair rentals, is not included in the tour rate. We are happy to stop at the gate so guests can pay.

Can you accommodate mobility needs?

The air conditioned executive van is a better fit than the open air safari bus for guests who need a step assist or prefer to skip a few high steps. Let us know when you book and we will plan accordingly.

Do you offer sunset or evening tours?

Yes. Sunset tours from Drake's Seat or Paradise Point work beautifully. Book at least 24 hours in advance so we can time the light.

Is this tour good for children?

Yes. The safari bus is a favorite with kids, and the drive time between stops is short. We recommend the air conditioned van for very young children and infants.

Call or text +1 (340) 227 7903 to reserve a private island tour. Share your date, group size, and any special requests, and we will send a confirmation with a full plan for the day.