The quick answer is yes, you need a car. With so many places to explore on the island, driving really is the best and easiest way to get around. You can take taxis, but it can often be difficult to take a round trip and will limit you to what you can take with you. In general, it's best to rent a car in Santo Tomas.
This will give you the freedom and flexibility to visit the beach, go sightseeing and explore the island without problems. Taxis can sometimes be unreliable and taking public transportation may mean that you have to walk to get to the bus route. Walking is the best way to explore the historic Charlotte Amalie section during the day. However, you'll need a car or driver to get to many other island attractions, such as Coral World and Magens Bay.
Water Island, the fourth unspoiled island in the United States, is a wonderful day trip from St. Thomas, where you leave your car before boarding one of the passenger ferries that go to the small islet. Upon arrival, you'll rent a golf cart for the day directly at the docks. If you decide that renting a car on the island isn't your thing, consider renting a motorbike or taking a taxi during your stay on the island.
King Airport (STT) or find a car rental company that will deliver your car to the airport so you don't have to worry about transportation when you arrive. Drivers with a U.S. driver's license can drive in St. Thomas and the U.S.
Virgin Islands for 90 days without applying for another permit. With their status as a U.S. territory, visitors with a valid U.S. driver's license can easily and legally drive in the U.S.
Virgin Islands. There are numerous potholes in the road and if you drive a car, you'll feel the impact of this more than you would in an SUV. The biggest obstacle for visitors to the British Virgin Islands is driving on the left side of the road, especially in a car with the driver's seat on the left side of the vehicle (because it's manufactured in the southeastern United States). There is a car ferry available from Santo Tomas to San Juan if you also want to explore this island.
If you want to have the freedom to explore the island and go where you want and when you want, renting a car is the best option. This will guarantee you greater freedom to explore and tour one of the safest islands in the Caribbean. It's extremely safe to drive on Saint Thomas, but you'll need to get used to it because on the island you drive on the left side of the road, while in the United States you drive on the right side. You must be very careful when driving, as it is easy by default to drive on the right while you are on the island.
International visitors will need an international driving permit before they can drive in the Virgin Islands. You can take your car on the ferry to explore the surroundings of St John or rent a motorbike or car when you get there.