Attraction Review: The Skyride to Paradise Point offers sky-high views of St. Thomas
St. Thomas, known as the gateway to the U.S. Virgin Islands, is famous for its breathtaking views and bright blue waters, and a great way to see St. Thomas from above is from the Skyride to Paradise Point.
On a recent cruise aboard Princess Cruises’ Caribbean Princess, my family and I chose an excursion designed to show us several views around the island. Among them was a ride on the Skyride to Paradise with stunning views of St. Thomas Harbor, an easy and affordable way to see a unique part of St. Thomas.
What is the Skyride to Paradise Point?
Located within walking distance of the West India Company Dock (also called Havensight Cruise Pier), the Skyride to Paradise Point is an airborne tram that transports guests from a docking station to the top of Paradise Point in about three and a half minutes. Returning to the bottom takes the same amount of time, making it a speedy way to climb the hill and take in the beautiful views of St. Thomas Harbor where the cruise ships dock.
“The Skyride is an aerial gondola that takes you up over 700 feet above sea level to the top of Paradise Point for stunning views of the harbor, historic downtown Charlotte Amalie and on a clear day all the way to Vieques, Culebra and St. Croix,” a representative of the attraction told Attractions Magazine. “While enjoying the views, stop at the bar to try our world famous Bailey’s Bushwacker […] and venture out onto the Skywalk located at the far right of the property if you are looking out at the view.”
In addition to multiple gift shops, the top of Paradise Point has a restaurant and plenty of tourist-friendly activities like photo ops and outdoor games.
What to know before visiting the Skyride to Paradise Point
This attraction is open most days when ships dock at the West India Company Dock, making it a nice activity to plan as part of an excursion or as a self-guided activity.
Typically, the Skyride to Paradise Point is open from fairly early in the morning through mid-afternoon, but be sure to check the attraction’s website for operating hours on your particular port day, as the hours can change. The Skyride operates rain or shine but may close in the event of high winds or lightning. The last tram down is one hour after the listed closing time.
A round-trip ticket costs $25 for adults and $17 for kids (unless it’s already included in the cost of an excursion). On our Princess voyage, we paid around $100 per person for an excursion that took us on a tour of St. Thomas with multiple stops, the last of which was the Skyride.
Each tram holds eight passengers, and your party is welcome to remain at the top for as long as they’d like — just be sure to allow enough time to get back to your ship (about a 10-minute walk).
Things to do atop Paradise Point
My family spent about an hour and a half at the top of Paradise Point and enjoyed a really good lunch at the restaurant. In addition to incredible jerk chicken and a lobster roll my husband is still talking about, the restaurant boasts amazing views of the harbor below. Known for its Bailey’s Bushwacker, the restaurant also boasts a few local beers from St. John Brewers and the local brewery’s ginger beer and root beer for those seeking alcohol-free options.
There’s plenty of souvenir shopping as well, including My Brother’s Workshop, a non-profit that sells wares made by local artisans and works with St. Thomas’s youth.
Photo opportunities abound, from great shots with the view as a backdrop to those silly cardboard cutouts that tourists (including myself) love to poke their heads through. While we waited for lunch, my teenagers also enjoyed playing giant outdoor versions of Jenga and Connect Four.
Is the Skyride to Paradise Point worth it?
The Skyride to Paradise Point was a great way to see one of the most gorgeous views in St. Thomas. It’s an especially great option for people who want an activity they can walk to from their cruise ship (about a 10-minute walk), and that’s packed with tourist-driven perks, from a restaurant to shopping spots. Those who prefer to stay close to their ship can also make a day of shopping around the port and lunching atop Paradise Point.
For St.Thomas first-timers, the Skyride is a great affordable “one-stop” option for sightseeing, shopping, and eating; for those returning to St. Thomas after previous visits, it’s a nice addition to a larger excursion, as the views from the top are truly unbeatable.
Click here for more information about the Skyride to Paradise Point.
If you’re interested in planning a cruise to St. Thomas, we recommend MEI Travel for a free, no obligation quote and free help throughout your trip.
