REVIEW · MAGENS BAY & ST THOMAS BEACHES

Vi Top Taxi &Tours USVI-Coki Beach Snorkeling Tour

5.0 · 7 reviews From $68 Operated by Nathmi Faqih · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

St. Thomas gets easier when your driver plans it. This private taxi tour hits the island’s top overlooks plus Coki Point, and you control where you get picked up. I like that it avoids fare games, and I like that you end with extra time for the beach after your ride.

My favorite part is the mix of views and water time, with Drake’s Seat admission included and Mountain Top listed as free. The one thing to consider is that Coki Point Beach and Skyline Drive have extra fees you’ll want to plan for, and you’ll be on a tight 2-hour schedule for stops.

Key things to know before you go

Vi Top Taxi &Tours USVI-Coki Beach Snorkeling Tour - Key things to know before you go

  • Private, no share ride: your group is the only one in the van
  • Pickup by request: you choose where your driver meets you on St. Thomas
  • 2 hours of island highlights: viewpoints first, beach time built in
  • Drake’s Seat included: you pay less because admission is handled
  • Coki Point time depends on you: it’s included in the plan, but you may pay on-site fees
  • Fast communication style: drivers like Nami, Nazmi, and Nani are described as responsive and easy to reach

A private St Thomas taxi tour that strings together the best stops

Vi Top Taxi &Tours USVI-Coki Beach Snorkeling Tour - A private St Thomas taxi tour that strings together the best stops
This is the kind of tour that makes sense on a vacation day where you want results fast. Instead of figuring out routes, parking, and timing, you hop into an air-conditioned vehicle and let your driver move you between a few major viewpoints and a popular snorkeling beach.

You also avoid one of the most annoying parts of island logistics: negotiating or guessing what transportation will cost. This is set up as a private tour, so you are not trying to time your schedule around other people.

The schedule is built like a smart “headlines first” outing. You get about two hours total, then the rest of your day is yours for whatever you didn’t fit in.

Price and value, why $68 can feel fair here

Vi Top Taxi &Tours USVI-Coki Beach Snorkeling Tour - Price and value, why $68 can feel fair here
At $68 per person for a private, around-2-hours ride, this isn’t the cheapest way to get around. But it can be a good deal because you are paying for two big things at once: transportation plus admission at one of the key stops.

Here’s what helps the math work:

  • Drake’s Seat admission is included in the listed inclusions.
  • Mountain Top is listed as admission free (so you’re not paying there).
  • You’re stacking multiple viewpoints into one plan instead of doing separate taxi hops.

What you should keep in mind is what’s not included. The pricing does not cover Skyline Drive admission and Coki Point Beach admission, and it also notes that all fees and taxes are not included. So your total day cost can climb a bit depending on what you choose to do at the beach.

If you want a day that feels efficient, especially if you do not have a rental car, this price can feel very reasonable.

Pickup and timing: how you keep control of your day

Vi Top Taxi &Tours USVI-Coki Beach Snorkeling Tour - Pickup and timing: how you keep control of your day
One of the most practical advantages here is that you get to choose where your pickup happens on St. Thomas. The tour description says the driver will be there based on your request, and it’s designed to avoid sharing transportation with strangers.

That matters because St. Thomas can be a “drive a little, wait a little” place. When your driver is easy to meet, you spend more time in the actual places you came for. In the feedback I saw, people emphasized quick pickup and drivers who were friendly and accommodating. Names like Nami (spelled a couple ways in messages), Nazmi, and Nani show up in a way that points to the same theme: you can get in touch and your driver handles the ride.

Your tour also returns to the meeting point on St. Thomas. That’s helpful if you are trying to plan around cruise port timing or a dinner reservation later, since you’re not left guessing where you’ll end up.

Mountain Top: the St. Peter Mountain view you should not rush

Vi Top Taxi &Tours USVI-Coki Beach Snorkeling Tour - Mountain Top: the St. Peter Mountain view you should not rush
Mountain Top is the first stop and it comes with a 45-minute block. The overlook sits at the top of St. Peter Mountain, which is the island’s highest point. The big payoff is the view of Magens Bay, and the tour notes it can rival the famous Drake’s Seat view because the higher elevation shows you more area around you.

What I like about a viewpoint that runs 45 minutes is that it gives you room to do more than snap photos. You can take a slow look, step away from the crowd, and get your bearings for the rest of St. Thomas.

What to watch for:

  • If you burn through time on snacks, photos, and stopping for every angle, 45 minutes can disappear. Use that time to pick your best viewpoint spot first, then relax.
  • Since Mountain Top is listed as admission free, your budget pressure is lower here than later beach stops.

This is a strong start because it sets your sense of distance. Once you see the island from up high, the later viewpoints start making more sense.

Drake’s Seat and Arthur Fairchild’s lookout from 1933

Vi Top Taxi &Tours USVI-Coki Beach Snorkeling Tour - Drake’s Seat and Arthur Fairchild’s lookout from 1933
Next up is Drake’s Seat, with about 15 minutes planned. This is one of the most well-known lookouts on St. Thomas, and it has a story worth knowing: the lookout was built in 1933 by Arthur Fairchild.

I like that this stop is short. It keeps the day from turning into a “stand around forever” viewpoint marathon. You get the classic photo angle, you learn the context, and then you move on.

Also, Drake’s Seat admission is included, so you’re not stopping to figure out tickets or pay at the counter. That can save time, and it reduces hassle when you’re trying to keep the schedule moving.

What to consider:

  • Fifteen minutes is not a long time if you want to take photos, check different angles, and also read signs. If you care about photos, do your best work quickly at the first main viewpoint area.
  • This is a “look, photograph, move” kind of stop, not a long sightseeing walk.

If you want a St. Thomas day that feels organized, Drake’s Seat as a quick anchor stop makes sense.

Coki Point beach and snorkeling time, with fees to plan for

Vi Top Taxi &Tours USVI-Coki Beach Snorkeling Tour - Coki Point beach and snorkeling time, with fees to plan for
Coki Point Beach is where the tour shifts toward water time. The plan lists it as a 2-hour stop, and it’s described as small, pretty, and well-visited. It’s popular partly because the snorkeling is considered easy compared with some other spots, and it has a lively vibe.

This is the part of the day where your priorities matter most. If you’re focused on snorkeling, you’ll want to use that 2-hour window well. If you’re more about relaxing on the sand or grabbing a quick drink, you can still enjoy the beach scene without turning it into a full-day activity.

A key practical note: Coki Point Beach admission is not included. So even though the tour includes the stop and time there, you should expect to pay on-site fees.

How I’d think about it for your budget:

  • If you’re snorkeling, you may already be budgeting for gear, so Coki’s entry fee is part of the total equation.
  • If you’re not snorkeling and you just want beach time, confirm whether you still need admission for access. The tour data says fees are not included, so some kind of payment is likely part of entering.

Why Coki Point works in a short itinerary: it’s one stop that feels like a vacation in itself, not just another viewpoint.

Skyline Drive Overlook for harbor photos without extra admission stress

Vi Top Taxi &Tours USVI-Coki Beach Snorkeling Tour - Skyline Drive Overlook for harbor photos without extra admission stress
After Coki Point, you head to Skyline Drive for about 20 minutes. This is an overlook built for panoramic views, including Charlotte Amalie, Hassel Island, and Water Island, plus other harbor angles depending on where you’re standing.

This is a good “last photos” stop. It’s not designed to eat your whole time budget. You’re there to look, take pictures, and wrap the tour with one last big view.

The main consideration is that Skyline Drive admission is not included. So just like Coki Point, expect possible entry or related fees on-site.

In practice, this is a strong finishing touch because you’re ending your day by looking back toward the town and harbor. After the open views from earlier stops and the water time at Coki Point, you get a different perspective of how everything connects.

The schedule works best for certain travel styles

Vi Top Taxi &Tours USVI-Coki Beach Snorkeling Tour - The schedule works best for certain travel styles
This tour is a good match if you want:

  • a private ride instead of shared transport
  • a fast set of highlights without committing to an all-day tour
  • enough time at the beach to do something real, not just stop for 10 minutes

It’s also well suited for people who do not want to figure out roads and parking. St. Thomas is hilly, and viewpoint hopping is much easier when one driver handles the driving.

It may not be ideal if you want a slow, deep sightseeing day. The entire tour is about 2 hours total, so you have to accept that you are seeing the key moments, not every corner of the island.

Real-world driver experience: friendly, responsive, and flexible

A lot of what makes a taxi tour feel good comes down to the driver. The feedback I saw kept returning to the same strengths: friendly service, good communication, and the ability to be accommodating.

People also emphasized that the driver was easy to reach by text or phone and that pickup times were not a long wait. That kind of responsiveness matters because it reduces friction, especially if you are working around a cruise schedule or a meal plan.

One more detail that stands out: there are mentions of adjusting beach choices. For example, someone referenced a start that worked better for being closer to the cruise port and called out a beach option like Emerald Beach. That hints at a practical benefit: if you ask your driver what makes sense for your exact location, you might find a small change that makes your day smoother.

Just note: the official plan includes Coki Point Beach, so treat any alternate beach choice as a possible adjustment, not the guaranteed baseline.

What’s included, what’s not, and how to avoid surprises

Here’s the practical checklist, based strictly on what the tour lists:

Included

  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Entry/Admission for Drake’s Seat

Not included

  • All fees and taxes
  • Entry/Admission for Skyline Drive
  • Entry/Admission for Coki Point Beach

Extra items to think about, even though they’re not spelled out here:

  • Snorkeling gear, if you plan to snorkel (you’ll need what you prefer)
  • Beach basics like water and sun protection
  • Any on-site payments at Coki Point and Skyline Drive

If you build a small buffer into your day budget for entry fees, this tour becomes less stressful.

Quick FAQ-style tips that make the two hours count

Use the two-hour structure like this:

  • At Mountain Top, prioritize one or two best photo angles first, then wander.
  • At Drake’s Seat, keep it efficient. This is a classic viewpoint and the time window is tight.
  • At Coki Point, decide your main goal early: snorkel, relax, or split time.
  • At Skyline Drive, plan for a photo stop. It’s short on purpose.

Also, if you communicate clearly about your pickup location and timing, you’re more likely to get the smooth ride people praised.

Should you book this St Thomas taxi tour and Coki Point stop?

Book it if you want a private, budget-friendly way to hit multiple St. Thomas highlights in a short window, especially if you are skipping a rental car. The combination of viewpoints plus a real beach block makes the day feel productive, and the included Drake’s Seat admission helps the value.

Consider skipping it or pairing it with a bigger plan if you hate paying on-site fees or you want a long beach day. The tour is short by design, and Coki Point and Skyline Drive can add to your total cost once you’re there.

My take: this is a smart choice for a half-day of maximum payoff. If your goal is to see the island from above and still get snorkeling time, this format is hard to beat.

FAQ

How long is the Vi Top Taxi &Tours USVI-Coki Beach Snorkeling Tour?

The tour runs about 2 hours.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It is private, and only your group participates.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts in St. Thomas (00802, USVI) and ends back at the meeting point.

Is pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is offered, and you can request where you want the driver to meet you.

What is included in the price?

The listed inclusions are an air-conditioned vehicle and entry/admission for Drake’s Seat.

What is not included?

The tour does not include all fees and taxes, entry/admission for Skyline Drive, or entry/admission for Coki Point Beach.

Do I need to bring a ticket?

You receive a mobile ticket.

When will I get confirmation after booking?

Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.