Stepping off the ship in St. Thomas and wondering how to reach one of the island’s most famous landmarks? Getting from the cruise port to Blackbeard’s Castle is easier than most passengers expect. Whether your ship ties up at Havensight (WICO) or Crown Bay, you’re only a short taxi ride and a scenic climb away from a 1679 Danish watchtower, sweeping harbor views, and a poolside pirate bar. Here’s exactly how to get there, what it costs, and how to make the most of a few hours in port.
Where your ship docks in St. Thomas
Cruise ships call at one of two docks in Charlotte Amalie, and each is close to town:
- Havensight (WICO dock): The larger, busier pier, about 1.5 miles east of downtown Charlotte Amalie. Most large ships dock here.
- Crown Bay: A quieter terminal roughly a mile west of town, used when Havensight is full or for smaller vessels.
Blackbeard’s Castle sits at the very top of Charlotte Amalie on Blackbeard’s Hill, directly above the historic downtown. From either dock you’re looking at a quick, affordable trip up the hill.
The easiest way from the cruise port to Blackbeard’s Castle
For most visitors, a taxi is the simplest route from the cruise port to Blackbeard’s Castle. St. Thomas taxis are shared, open-air “safari” trucks and metered vans, and rates are set by the territory. Expect roughly a 10-minute ride from Havensight or Crown Bay up to the property. Just tell the driver you’re headed to Blackbeard’s Castle at the top of the hill, and you’ll be dropped near the entrance on Blackbeard’s Hill.
Taxis line up right outside both cruise terminals, so you won’t need to book ahead. If you’d rather build the whole day around it, a guided walking tour of Charlotte Amalie is a great way to see the town’s Danish colonial streets on your way up.
Prefer to walk? Take the historic 99 Steps
If you’re up for a little adventure, you can walk from the waterfront into town and climb to the castle on foot. The final approach is the famous 99 Steps, a stone staircase built by the Danes in the 1700s from ship-ballast bricks. It winds up the hillside through some of the oldest streets in Charlotte Amalie and delivers you right to the grounds.
The climb is steep but short, and the payoff at the top is one of the best harbor views on the island. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and give yourself time. If walking the whole way from the dock sounds like a lot in the Caribbean heat, take a taxi into town first and save your energy for the steps.
What you’ll find at the top
Blackbeard’s Castle is anchored by Skytsborg Tower, a stone watchtower the Danes completed in 1679. It’s one of only five National Historic Landmarks in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The property is open 9am to 9pm daily, year-round, so it fits any ship’s schedule.
Admission works simply. Jolly Roger’s Restaurant & Pirate Bar is always free to walk into, no ticket required, so you can head straight up for a rum cocktail and a bite with a view. To explore the rest of the site, grab the $15 day pass, which includes entry to all of the castle grounds, a tour of Skytsborg Tower, a drink at Jolly Roger’s, and a rum room sampling. USVI residents get in free with a valid island ID, and hotel guests staying on the grounds have access included with their stay.
Once you’re up top, the Jolly Roger’s swim-up bar and open-air deck are the place to linger. The harbor sunset around 6pm is a highlight if your ship is a late departure.
How much time you need
Plan for about 1.5 to 2 hours at Blackbeard’s Castle if you want to tour the tower, take photos from the overlook, and enjoy a drink at Jolly Roger’s. That leaves plenty of room in a typical cruise-day window to also wander Charlotte Amalie’s shops or pair the visit with nearby history like Fort Christian. For a fuller itinerary, see our guide to the best things to do on a St. Thomas cruise day.
Tips for a smooth cruise-day visit
- Go early or late. Midday is hottest and busiest. Mornings are cooler for the climb; late afternoon gives you the sunset.
- Carry small bills. Taxis and the day pass are easy to cover with cash, though cards are widely accepted.
- Watch your ship’s all-aboard time. Build in a buffer for the ride back down to the pier.
- Bring your ID. Locals ride free into the grounds with a valid USVI ID.
- Thinking of staying? Rooms on the grounds overlook Charlotte Amalie Harbor. Reservations are open at the hotel.
Ready to visit? Grab your day pass
The trip from the cruise port to Blackbeard’s Castle is one of the most rewarding short excursions in St. Thomas: a few dollars in a taxi (or a climb up the 99 Steps), a 350-year-old tower, and a rum drink over the harbor. Skip the line and buy your $15 day pass before you head up, then make your way to the top of Charlotte Amalie and enjoy the view.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Blackbeard’s Castle from the cruise port?
It’s about 1.5 miles from the Havensight (WICO) dock and roughly a mile from Crown Bay, both a quick taxi ride of around 10 minutes up to the top of Charlotte Amalie.
How do you get from the cruise port to Blackbeard’s Castle?
Take a shared taxi from outside your cruise terminal directly to the property, or walk into downtown Charlotte Amalie and climb the historic 99 Steps to the grounds.
How much does Blackbeard’s Castle cost?
Jolly Roger’s Restaurant & Pirate Bar is free to walk into. A $15 day pass covers the castle grounds, a Skytsborg Tower tour, a drink at Jolly Roger’s, and a rum room sampling. USVI residents enter free with island ID.
What are the hours?
Blackbeard’s Castle is open 9am to 9pm daily, year-round, so it works with almost any cruise schedule.
Is it worth visiting on a short port stop?
Yes. Most visitors spend 1.5 to 2 hours here, which is easy to fit into a cruise day and pairs well with shopping or other historic sites in Charlotte Amalie.
