St Thomas, St John and St Croix are the biggest and most visited of the 60 islands making up the US Virgin Islands. Their appeal lies in the amalgamation of the exotic and the recognisable, an island paradise with modern comforts and a balance between Caribbean culture and American practicality.
The energetic capital of Charlotte Amalie and its attractive harbour lies on St Thomas, being the most Americanised of the chain and famous for its world-class duty free shopping. Nearby St John is an unspoilt nature lover's paradise, with most of its forests, pristine beaches, and reefs part of a protected national park.
St Croix is the largest of the islands and is fairly remote from the others. Historic remnants are scattered about the landscape, as are the picturesque Danish-influenced towns of Frederiksted and Christiansted. Additionally, snorkelling at Buck Island is also an attraction.
Surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean, these islands boast some of the most splendid coastlines in the world, with white sandy beaches, astonishing coral reefs, plentiful marine life, secluded coves and untouched rainforests rising up from the land.
Caribbean colour touches every aspect of the islands, blending with the strong Danish influence in the towns. White sails glide effortlessly across the emerald waters; local craftsmen display their unique island art along cobblestone alleyways; tiled villa roofs provide a splash of red against the verdant hillside; busy markets supply the essentials for a delicious cuisine; and the sounds of folk songs and calypso bands fill the air.
The Virgin Islands are among the most popular cruise destinations in the Caribbean and the port towns of Charlotte Amalie, Christiansted and Frederiksted are often swamped with newly arrived passengers in a frenzy of shopping and dining. The most popular beaches are seldom deserted and the key reef areas are often a flurry of flippers and snorkels.
Luxury resorts and fine hotels share the streets with old colonial architecture. In the US Virgin Islands, it's still possible to escape the crowds and find that elusive slip of paradise, away from the divers, tourists and the shopaholics.
The US Virgin Islands are a tropical paradise just waiting to be explored. If you're visiting for the first time, you're in for a treat. These islands are home to stunning beaches, clear waters, and plenty of adventure, making them the perfect destination for travelers of all ages. Here are the top things to do in the US Virgin Islands for first-time visitors:
1. Spend a Day on St. John: St. John is the smallest of the three US Virgin Islands, but it's also considered the most beautiful. The island is home to the Virgin Islands National Park, which covers over half of the island's land, making it a haven for nature lovers. Spend a day exploring the island's beaches, hiking trails, and historic ruins, and don't forget to stop by the Trunk Bay Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
2. Take a Boat Tour: The US Virgin Islands are surrounded by crystal-clear waters, which means that a boat tour is a must-do activity for first-time visitors. There are plenty of boat tours available, ranging from snorkeling trips to sunset cruises. Take a tour around the islands and get a chance to see the islands' scenery from a whole new perspective.
3. Visit the Buck Island Reef National Monument: The Buck Island Reef National Monument is an underwater paradise and is home to some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world. Take a snorkeling trip and get a chance to see the stunning marine life that calls this reef home. If you're not too keen on snorkeling, you can still enjoy the island's beautiful setting by taking a stroll along the shoreline.
4. Explore Charlotte Amalie: Charlotte Amalie is the capital of the US Virgin Islands and is a must-visit destination for first-time visitors. The town is home to historic buildings, including the St. Thomas Synagogue, one of the oldest synagogues in the western hemisphere. You can also shop for souvenirs in the town's many shops and markets, and don't forget to stop by the 99 Steps, a historic stairway that leads up to a stunning view of the harbor.
5. Go Island Hopping: The US Virgin Islands are made up of three islands, each offering a unique experience for visitors. Take a ferry ride and explore the different islands, from St. Croix with its historic forts to St. Thomas with its bustling port. Each island has its own charm and is worth a visit.
6. Relax on the Beach: With its crystal-clear waters and stunning beaches, the US Virgin Islands are the perfect destination for beach lovers. Spend a day soaking up the sun, swimming in the ocean, and enjoying the island's laid-back vibe. Some of the best beaches to visit include Coki Beach, Magens Bay Beach, and Sapphire Beach.
7. Dine on Local Cuisine: The US Virgin Islands are home to a diverse culinary scene, influenced by African, European, and Caribbean cuisines. Be sure to try some of the local dishes, including conch fritters, johnnycakes, and saltfish. You can also try some of the island's signature cocktails, including the Painkiller and Bushwacker.
8. Rent a Car and Drive Around the Islands: Renting a car is a great way to explore the islands at your own pace. Take a drive around the island and stop at some of the island's hidden gems, from secluded beaches to historic ruins. Make sure you are comfortable driving on the left side of the road, as driving is done European-style in the US Virgin Islands.
9. Go on a Zip Line Adventure: For the more adventurous traveler, a zip line adventure is a must-do activity in the US Virgin Islands. Fly through the treetops and get a chance to see the islands' stunning scenery from a whole new perspective. Some of the best zip line adventures can be found on St. Thomas and St. Croix.
10. Attend a Carnival Celebration: The US Virgin Islands are home to some of the most vibrant and colorful carnival celebrations in the world. If you're visiting during carnival season, be sure to attend a parade and get a chance to see the island's music, dance, and culture on display.
Buck Island: A few miles off the northeastern shore of St Croix lies the tiny paradise of Buck Island, one of the best excursions in the Virgin Islands. The entire island and its surrounding coral reef is a protected nature reserve and includes a beautiful beach, an incredible coral marine garden, and two major underwater snorkelling trails with signs that introduce snorkellers to the types of coral and sea life.
Turtle Bay Trail and East End Trail together have become one of the most popular attractions in the US Virgin Islands, while there are also some excellent scuba diving sites off Buck Island Reef. Those wanting to visit Buck Island should take a taxi or drive to Christiansted or Green Cay, on St Croix, and then find a boat trip going to the island. There is no regular ferry service, but it is generally easy to find and join a boat tour.
Charlotte Amalie, named in honor of the wife of King Christian V, is the Danish-flavoured capital of the US Virgin Islands, a busy port and important merchant center since the 18th century. The beautiful harbor is ringed with whitewashed houses and painted villas, their red roofs a splash of color against the green hillside. Cobbled, Danish-signposted streets and alleyways lead down to the waterfront lined with shops, boutiques, and colonial architecture.
The old Danish merchant warehouses form a world-famous shopping district, selling imported goods from around the globe. The harbor is usually filled with cruise ships, ferries, yachts, and fishing vessels and is one of the most visited ports in the Caribbean, creating a tourist hub that is vibrant and multinational but often overcrowded. For those weary of duty-free shopping, Charlotte Amalie offers numerous other attractions, as well as elegant restaurants and exciting nightlife. Blackbeard's Castle on top of Government Hill offers superb views over the harbor and is said to have been the lookout tower for the legendary pirate, Captain Blackbeard.
The red brick Fort Christian is the oldest standing building on the island, where Danish soldiers stood guard against pirates and invaders. The fort has served as a jail, church, government house, and community hall in its long history and today houses the Virgin Islands Museum.
Christiansted: One of the prettiest towns in the Caribbean, Christiansted has a perfect harbor setting and is the capital of St Croix. Dominating the waterfront is the large yellow building, Fort Christiansvaern, built in the late 1700s to protect the town's harbor against pirates during its days as the capital of the Danish colony. It served as an important trading center for sugar and rum.
Much of the original Danish colonial architecture remains, including the Old Custom House, government buildings, and the atmospheric wharf area lined with pastel-colored warehouses. Original Danish street signs survive among modern enterprises like tourist shops, courtyard restaurants, and a spirited bar scene on the waterfront. There are plenty of beach activities nearby, and a popular excursion is a trip to Buck Island, which offers superb beaches and coral reefs.
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