Red Hook, St. Thomas

UPSCALE December-April STT - Cyril E. King Airport US Dollar
Trip Profile
Budget Category UPSCALE $250-400 per person
Perfect For
Beach Family Romantic Luxury Cruise Port Outdoors
Traveler Scores
Family-Friendly
8.0/10
Romance
7.0/10
Adventure
6.0/10
Relaxation
8.0/10
Travel Planning
Current Weather at Airport
Loading weather...
Best Months to Visit
December-April
Hurricane Season
June-November
Peak: December-April | Shoulder: May-June, November
Airport
STT - Cyril E. King Airport
No Passport Needed (US Citizens) | No Visa Required
US Dollar
English

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When to visit Red Hook

Best months
December-April
Peak season
December-April
Shoulder season
May-June, November
Off season
July-October
Hurricane season
June-November

Red Hook quick facts

Main airport
STT - Cyril E. King Airport
Language
English
Currency
US Dollar
Typical daily cost
$250-400 per person
Budget category
Upscale

Getting around Red Hook

Red Hook is compact and mostly walkable within the marina district. Taxis and rental cars provide access to other parts of St. Thomas, while ferries connect to neighboring islands.

Rental car

A rental car is recommended for exploring St. Thomas beaches, shopping, and attractions beyond Red Hook, though not essential if you plan to stay local or focus on St. John day trips.

Public transit

Limited public bus service connects Red Hook to Charlotte Amalie, but schedules are irregular and not tourist-friendly.

Rideshare & taxis

Uber and Lyft operate on St. Thomas but with limited availability. Traditional taxis are more reliable, especially for airport transfers and island tours.

Local tips for Red Hook

Insider tips

  • Buy ferry tickets in advance during peak season to guarantee your preferred departure time to St. John.
  • The American Yacht Harbor complex has better dining options than the basic ferry terminal snack bars.
  • Parking at the ferry terminal fills up quickly on weekends, so arrive early or use nearby paid lots.
  • Local fishing boats often sell fresh catch directly at the docks in the early morning.
  • Red Hook's Happy Hour spots offer the best sunset views and deals, typically 4-6 PM.
  • The east end tends to be windier and cooler than Charlotte Amalie, making it more comfortable in summer.
  • Many charter boats offer last-minute deals if you're flexible with timing and destinations.
  • Grocery shopping at nearby Pueblo supermarket is more convenient and cheaper than resort stores.

What to pack

  • Light, quick-dry clothing for boat trips
  • Reef-safe sunscreen (required by law)
  • Water shoes for rocky beach entries
  • Light windbreaker for evening boat rides
  • Waterproof phone case
  • Day pack for ferry trips to St. John
  • Sun hat that won't blow off on boats
  • Cash for ferry tickets and local vendors
  • Snorkel gear if you prefer your own
  • Light rain jacket for tropical showers

Sample itinerary: 4 days in Red Hook

A suggested day-by-day plan your travel agent can customize.

Day 1 — Arrival and Marina Exploration
Morning: Arrive and check into your accommodations, then explore the American Yacht Harbor complex with its shops and restaurants.
Afternoon: Take a sunset sailing charter from the marina to get oriented to the waters around St. Thomas and St. John.
Evening: Dine waterfront at one of Red Hook's marina restaurants while watching the boat traffic and planning your island adventures.
Day 2 — St. John Day Trip
Morning: Catch an early ferry to Cruz Bay, St. John, and head straight to Virgin Islands National Park for hiking or beach time at Trunk Bay.
Afternoon: Explore Cruz Bay's shops and restaurants, or visit additional beaches like Cinnamon Bay for snorkeling.
Evening: Return on the afternoon ferry and enjoy a casual dinner at Red Hook, sharing stories of your St. John discoveries.
Day 3 — Local Beaches and Water Sports
Morning: Visit nearby Vessup Bay Beach for swimming and snorkeling in calmer waters perfect for families.
Afternoon: Try kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding from the marina, or book a fishing charter for local sportfishing.
Evening: Experience Red Hook's nightlife at waterfront bars popular with both locals and visiting sailors.
Day 4 — Island Exploration
Morning: Drive or take a taxi tour to explore other parts of St. Thomas, including Magens Bay Beach or the scenic drive to Mountain Top.
Afternoon: Visit Charlotte Amalie for duty-free shopping and historical sites, or explore the Paradise Point Skyride for panoramic views.
Evening: Return to Red Hook for a farewell dinner featuring fresh local seafood and Caribbean specialties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about visiting Red Hook

The best time to visit Red Hook is December-April. Peak season runs December-April, offering the best weather but higher prices and larger crowds. Shoulder season (May-June, November) provides a great balance of good weather and lower prices. Note that hurricane season is June-November.

A typical daily cost in Red Hook is $250-400 per person per person. Red Hook is generally considered a upscale destination.

No passport is needed for US citizens visiting Red Hook, as it is a US destination.

The main airport serving Red Hook is STT - Cyril E. King Airport. The primary language spoken is English. The currency used is US Dollar.

Essential items to pack for Red Hook include: Light, quick-dry clothing for boat trips, Reef-safe sunscreen (required by law), Water shoes for rocky beach entries, Light windbreaker for evening boat rides, Waterproof phone case, Day pack for ferry trips to St. John, Sun hat that won't blow off on boats, Cash for ferry tickets and local vendors. Always check the weather forecast before your trip and pack layers for varying conditions.

Here are some insider tips for Red Hook: Buy ferry tickets in advance during peak season to guarantee your preferred departure time to St. John.. The American Yacht Harbor complex has better dining options than the basic ferry terminal snack bars.. Parking at the ferry terminal fills up quickly on weekends, so arrive early or use nearby paid lots.. Local fishing boats often sell fresh catch directly at the docks in the early morning.. Red Hook's Happy Hour spots offer the best sunset views and deals, typically 4-6 PM..