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Meridiela.

Red Hook

The ferry harbour at the east end of St Thomas, and the island's boating centre.

Updated 3 September 2026

WhereSaint Thomas
Nearest cityCharlotte Amalie
Best seasonDecember to April
Time to allowHalf a day
Getting thereAt the east end of St Thomas; road from Charlotte Amalie, around thirty minutes
EntryFree

Red Hook is where St Thomas meets St John: the passenger and car ferries run from here across Pillsbury Sound, and the harbour around them holds marinas, charter operators, dive shops, bars and the boat traffic that goes with all of it. It is the island's working boating centre rather than a resort strip, busiest at the ferry hours and in the evenings when the marina bars fill.

The main sights

  • The ferry dock - the crossing point for St John and the British islands.
  • The marinas - charter boats, sport fishers and liveaboards moored together.
  • The dive and charter operators - the base for most of the island's water trade.
  • The evening bars - the marina strip that fills after dark.

When to go

December to April is the high season and busiest. Ferries run through the day with reduced evening service. Weekends and holidays crowd the parking.

Good to know

Parking around the ferry is difficult and often full. It is a working harbour rather than a scenic town. Prices in the marina bars are high.

Nearby

Secret Harbour is south, and St John is across the sound.

What to pack for Red Hook

Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.

  • Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
  • A slim anti-theft daypack - Zips that close properly; keep it in front in crowds and on transit. Find on Amazon
  • A refillable water bottle - Many cities have public fountains; save money and plastic. Find on Amazon
  • A light layer + compact umbrella - For museum air-con and a sudden shower. Find on Amazon

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Plan your trip

Where to start if Red Hook is going on the list.

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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.

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