Welcome to Blackbeard's Castle in beautiful St Thomas Island in the U.S. Virgin Islands!
Perched above Charlotte Amalie Harbor, Blackbeard’s Castle stands as one of the most iconic and historic attractions in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Originally built in 1679 as Skytsborg Tower, this National Historic Landmark offers sweeping harbor views, lush tropical gardens, and a living connection to centuries of island history, legend, and culture.
The tower is one of five national historic landmarks in the U.S. Virgin Islands!
Erected in 1679 by the Danes as a watchtower to protect the harbor as well as Fort Christian, Blackbeard's Castle was originally called Skytsborg (meaning protection castle). It is located at the highest point of Government Hill. Skytsborg served as a very effective vantage point for Danish soldiers to spot enemy ships. Fort Christian is at sea level, thus making it ideal for thwarting attackers with cannon fire; however, the fort itself did not provide an ideal view of incoming ships entering the harbor.
It is not known when Skytsborg took on the name of Blackbeard's Castle, but the infamous Edward Teach, commonly known as Blackbeard, did sail the Caribbean waters in the early 18th century. It has become part of the lore of the island that he used the tower as a lookout for his own purposes of piracy, but it has never been proven.
The area is open daily from 10:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. and as of 3/9/2026, it is $15 per person to enter the grounds. The fee includes access to the grounds, the pool and a free drink at the bar according to the locations Facebook page. You might be able to see the statue for free but no guarantee. Children under 12 are free and military/senior discount is $10.
If you do not want to pay the $15, you can take the picture outside the gate but just make sure the statue or tower is in the photo. Pictures from far off in the distance will not be allowed
The tower closes at 4-4:30 p.m. every day but it is not required to go to the top for this cache (although, it is worth it)
There is a restaurant, bar, gift shop and pool at this location as well that you can enjoy during your visit! There used to be a hotel here that guest could stay at but it was severely damaged in 2017 by Hurricane Irma. They hope to one day reopen the hotel
Logging requirements
In order to log this cache, it is really simple. Go to the posted coordinates and take a photo of you, your crew, or your caching name(s) on a piece of paper (if you do not wish to have your face in the photo) with Blackbeard's statue and tower in the background and post it to your log!
Big bonus points if you are dressed like a pirate or even do a pirates pose
In the photo, you must have the statue of Blackbeard and his castle in the background (or you can have the view of the bay in the background if you are at the top of the tower) The statue and tower or the tower and bay must both be included in your picture that is posted to your log.
If you are in a group, please put in your log who all the picture includes so I will know
Happy hunting you skalleywags, and as always, favorite points are appreciated 
Virtual Rewards 5.0 - 2026-2027
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between February 3, 2026 and February 3, 2027. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 5.0 on the Geocaching Blog.