U.S. Virgin Islands Travel Guide

Exclamation points of shimmering sand, surf, and rolling hills dot the Atlantic, just as when Columbus discovered them 500 years ago. St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John are a true oasis, blessed with unspoiled beauty and perfect year round weather. But the US Virgin Islands are more than just turquoise waters and pretty palms. The three islands are highly sought after for their unique blend of US government, European charm and cosmopolitan lifestyle. Some of the Caribbean's best diving and water sports are on the USVI, as well as world-class golf, unspoiled tropical beauty, nature reserves, tax-free shopping, and incredible nightlife!

In 1971 the US bought the islands, which had been former pirate hideouts and ruled by over 7 European monarchies. Just minutes apart, each of the US Virgin Islands has its own personality and characteristics. Aristocratic roots are seen in the 17th century castles and homes, 200 year-old sugar plantations and rum factories. Vacationers can Snuba dive, view famous sea horses and sharks with water visibility of 80 feet, camp on the ocean's edge, rock climb, or sun bathe on what National Geographic describes as the most "beautiful beach in the world." Duty-free shopping, beautiful beaches, ideal weather and lingering European charm, plus convenient transportation and accommodations, make the U.S. Virgin Islands an ideal destination any time of the year.

St. Thomas

Guests who want to be on the move will appreciate St. Thomas. Blessed with a rich city life and natural beauty, St. Thomas is the most metropolitan of all of the US Virgin Islands- spanning 32 sq. miles of tropical paradise. Diversions include everything from sightseeing and shopping to horseback riding, tennis, golf, and rock-climbing. Vacationers are never far from a beach and the best of city life, including tons of shopping, art galleries, museums and the finest restaurants. Though a bit crowded, Charlotte Amalie's Main Street is a "must" for serious shoppers- (4 blocks of pure shopping.) All said and done, St. Thomas is definitely the liveliest of the three U.S. Virgin Islands but luckily, unwinding is still a possibility. The island's beaches, major hotels, restaurants, and entertainment facilities are, for the most part, set off from all the crowds and excitement.

St. John

A 20-minute ferry ride from St. Thomas opens the door to the friendliest and smallest of the US Virgin Islands, St. John. Over half of St. John's 21 sq. miles is cared for by the park service and is open for exploration with fabulous trails and scenic views. Guests can camp out right at the oceans edge at Maho Bay, or, the most famous campsite in the Caribbean, Cinnamon Bay. Both camps offer watersports, food and supplies on-site. (Reservations are a must during high season.) Reef Bay Trail is also worth a hike! This downhill trail includes a 200-year-old sugar plantation and petroglyphs carved by the Carib Indians. Guests shouldnt overlook Snuba, a combination of snorkeling and scuba diving. St. John is the only place in the Caribbean where its offered. Though St. John is not known for its nightlife, Cruz Bay does have colorful shops, lively bars, and some wonderful restaurants.

St. Croix

St. Croix is the largest US Virgin Island, with 82 sq. miles, and is the easternmost point of the United States. Island terrain goes from dry and rocky to crystal-white beaches and lush tropics, and is most famous for its incredible underwater activities! St. Croix has the United States only underwater National Park (Buck Island) and also world famous snorkeling and scuba diving sites. Gambling is a new activity to St. Croix, giving it another surge of tourism, different from its sister islands. For those not interested in the casinos, the island still has plenty of other diversions. Notable eats include the Whisky Lobster at Duggan's and the funky Cheeseburger in Paradise. Guests can ride horses, feed non-alcoholic beer to pigs, shop the duty-free stores, visit a rum factory, sail or golf.