Virgin Islands: Mountain Top
Last updated: February 26, 2024
When creating the itinerary for the Virgin Islands, Mountain Top was quickly added to the must do list. While I have issues with their false advertisement of being the highest point on St. Thomas (they are the second highest), you cannot beat the view. It’s absolutely jaw dropping.
We had just finished exploring some historical sites in St. Thomas and getting lunch. It was raining while we were eating and I had the thought that maybe we would be able to see a rainbow when we got to the top of Mountain Top.
We headed that way, and the road was treacherously windy and steep. I was trying to hurry because it was close to 4 pm and they closed at 5pm. We arrived with an hour to spare.
The place is definitely touristy…
Once there, I hightailed it to the observation deck. Sure enough, there was a rainbow that was almost gone. Fifteen minutes earlier, I would have had the perfect vibrant rainbow! This one lasted only about two more minutes before it was gone.
I got lucky in that a lady who was in a different area when it appeared sent me hers
The website states you can see “over” 15 islands. I’m not sure what that means, and I hate to be the person to call this out, but is it 16? 21? 100? I didn’t count them to confirm, but you can see quite the spattering of islands, including St. John and the British Virgin Islands.
They’ve even got some signs that identity which islands are visible.
In addition to the observation tower, there’s a gift shop that sells banana daiquiris, but I’ll be honest; I didn’t buy a thing. These were all mass-produced items that looked like you could order online. Outside of travel tokens I order from The Wander Club or coins, I don’t buy or collect souvenirs from places I visit. I even stopped getting T-shirts. I strive to have a minimalistic life, and stuff just makes me feel cluttered and stressed. I just don’t want the stuff in my house. The travel tokens and coins take up less than 8 inches of space (I keep them in a box with a hinged lid and a key), so I’m down with continuing to collect these. If you like buying souvenirs, I’d recommend buying something handmade from one of the local shops. There were a lot of options on St. John!
All in all, an hour is plenty of time to explore Mountain Top. If there is rain in the forecast, I’d plan to go during that time so you get the possibility of seeing a rainbow. This would be beautiful on clear, sunny day as well! It’s really up to you. 😊
Given this doesn’t take much time, and you get to see such a unique view, I’d add this to your must do list. I’d probably go back again if I’m ever in the area, especially if I’m with someone who’d never gone before. If you wind up going, let me knownwhaf you think in the comments section found at the very bottom of this page.
Happy sight-seeing!
