Port Day in St Thomas: Hike to Paradise Point for the Best View in the Caribbean

If your cruise is docking in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, prepare yourself — this port stop is something special. The second your ship glides into Charlotte Amalie Harbor, you’ll be greeted by sparkling turquoise water, lush green hills, and an energy that just screams “you’re in the Caribbean now.”

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Crew Member, St. Thomas never gets old. And while there are plenty of shore excursions to choose from — think white-sand beaches, snorkeling trips, and duty-free shopping sprees — there’s one underrated adventure that gives you the best view on the island (and maybe the best view of your whole cruise): hiking up to Paradise Point.

Girl smiling while holding railing with view of St Thomas from Paradise Point observation deck in the distance. Ocean, islands and ship on a sunny day.

View of St Thomas from Paradise Point observation deck. Ocean, islands and ship in the distance.

Why You’ll Love Paradise Point

Paradise Point sits high above the cruise port, offering sweeping views of Charlotte Amalie, the cruise ships below, and the stunning Caribbean coastline. Most tourists take the Skyride Cable Car, but if you’re up for a bit of adventure, hiking there on foot is an incredibly rewarding way to spend your day ashore.

Not only will you get your steps in — you’ll earn your view with a short, scenic climb that feels like discovering a local secret.

How to Hike to Paradise Point from the Cruise Port

Once your ship docks at the Havensight Cruise Terminal, you’re already in a great position to start your hike. The vibe at the port is lively — steel drums playing, shops buzzing, tour guides calling — but your destination lies above it all.

Look for the Skyride to Paradise Point, but instead of hopping on the gondola, take the road that winds uphill to the right of the Skyride station. It’s unmarked and easy to miss, which is exactly why it feels like a hidden gem. Long-time Disney Cruise Line Crew Members swear by this route — and once you do it, you’ll understand why.

Town with palm trees, trams and signs at St Thomas cruise port.

Hike Details: What to Expect

What to Bring: Water, sunscreen, sturdy shoes, sunglasses, maybe a towel #caribbeanhumidity
Distance: Around 1 mile (1.6 km) round-trip
Time: 20–30 minutes one way
Difficulty: Moderate (steep incline, hot weather)

The hike is short but steep, and the tropical heat can make it feel intense. But there’s plenty of shade along the way, and the path gives you glimpses of local life, lush greenery, and birdsong to keep things interesting.

Remember: you’re on island time — there’s no rush. Stop for photos, take breaks, and enjoy the experience.

Girl standing on steep road leading to Paradise Point at St Thomas.

Steep road and shrubbery leading up to Paradise Point at St Thomas.

Reaching the Top: Drinks, Views & Vibes

At the top, you’re rewarded with one of the most iconic panoramic views in the Virgin Islands. Your cruise ship will look like a miniature model floating in the bay, and you’ll get uninterrupted views of the coast and the neighboring islands.

Girl taking selfie over view of St Thomas from Paradise Point observation deck. Ocean, islands and ship in the distance.

This isn’t just a lookout point — Paradise Point is home to a breezy restaurant and bar where you can grab food, enjoy the view, and cool off with a drink. We recommend the famous Bushwacker cocktail — a boozy, frozen chocolate drink that tastes like vacation in a cup.

There are also small souvenir shops, shaded areas to relax, and tons of Instagram-worthy photo ops.

Girl looking out over view of St Thomas from Paradise Point observation deck. Ocean, islands and ship in the distance.

Getting Back to the Ship

When it’s time to head down, you’ve got options:

Hike back down the way you came
Take the Skyride for a breezy descent with gorgeous views

Either way, you’ll make it back to the port in plenty of time — feeling refreshed, empowered, and probably a little sun-kissed.

DIY Shore Excursion

Hiking to Paradise Point in St. Thomas is one of those rare DIY cruise port adventures that delivers on every front. It’s close to the port, easy to do on your own, and offers breathtaking views that few cruise passengers ever see on foot.

Whether you’re a fitness fan or just someone who loves a good view, this hike turns a typical port stop into a personal memory. It’s a short climb with a huge payoff.

Final Tips for Your Port Day in St. Thomas

Go early to beat the midday heat (and the crowds).
Wear real shoes — no flip-flops for this one.
Bring cash for drinks or snacks at the top.
Double-check all-aboard time — and set a phone alarm just in case.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links – at no extra cost to you. All opinions in this post are my own and not affiliated with Disney in any way.