Why Go
The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) — St Thomas, St John and St Croix — offer a choose‑your‑own‑paradise blend of pristine beaches, rainforest hikes, colonial history and vibrant Caribbean culture. St Thomas is the cosmopolitan hub, with duty‑free shopping in Charlotte Amalie, high‑end resorts and nightlife overlooking sapphire bays. St John is the wild soul of the trio: two‑thirds of the island is protected as Virgin Islands National Park, preserving rainforest‑covered hills, sugar‑mill ruins and some of the Caribbean’s best snorkeling. St Croix exudes a laid‑back Danish charm, with pastel‑painted towns, rum distilleries and world‑class diving. Between them lie dozens of smaller cays, including tiny Little St James, a private island with no accommodations where day‑trippers anchor to swim and picnic. Add in year‑round warm weather and no passport requirement for U.S. citizens, and the USVI makes for an easy tropical escape.
How to Get There
Fly into Cyril E. King Airport (STT) on St Thomas or Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) on St Croix. Direct flights operate from major U.S. cities and inter‑island airlines connect via San Juan, Puerto Rico. From St Thomas, frequent passenger ferries zip across the channel to Cruz Bay on St John in about 20 minutes, while seaplanes link St Thomas and St Croix. Cruise ships dock in Charlotte Amalie and at Havensight and Crown Bay, delivering visitors within walking distance of shops and restaurants. Rental cars are the best way to explore each island (remember to drive on the left), though taxis and dollar “safari buses” run common routes. For island‑hopping, charter boats and water taxis can whisk you to secluded coves and neighboring British Virgin Islands with ease.
Where to Stay
The Ritz‑Carlton, St Thomas – Overlooking Great Bay on St Thomas’ east end, this recently renovated resort features elegant rooms, a tranquil beach, a new family pool with slides and a catamaran offering snorkeling excursions. Four restaurants range from casual Caribbean grills to refined Sicilian cuisine.
Secret Harbour Beach Resort – A condo‑style hideaway on a calm cove near Red Hook, perfect for families and travelers who want kitchen facilities. Snorkel straight off the beach, sip cocktails at the Sunset Grille and enjoy friendly island hospitality.
The Buccaneer – Set on 340 oceanfront acres near Christiansted on St Croix, this historic resort blends old‑world charm with modern amenities. Guests enjoy three beaches, an 18‑hole golf course, tennis courts, spa and activities like kayaking and paddleboarding. Dine in elegant great houses or barefoot at the beach shack.
Little St James – This privately owned islet off St Thomas has no on‑island lodging. Visitors charter boats from St Thomas to anchor off its reef‑fringed shore for snorkeling and picnics. The nearest places to stay are the luxury resorts on St Thomas, such as the Ritz‑Carlton and Secret Harbor above.
Top Activities
Snorkel Trunk Bay & Virgin Islands National Park – On St John, snorkel the underwater trail at postcard‑perfect Trunk Bay, hike the Reef Bay Trail through rainforest to petroglyphs and sugar‑mill ruins, or kayak mangrove lagoons at Hurricane Hole.
Shop & sightsee in Charlotte Amalie – Wander St Thomas’ historic district, visiting Fort Christian, the 99 Steps and Blackbeard’s Castle before browsing duty‑free jeweler and perfumes along Main Street. Take the Skyride to Paradise Point for panoramic harbor views and a banana daiquiri.
Sail & island‑hop – Charter a sailboat or join a day‑sail to the British Virgin Islands, stopping at snorkel spots like The Baths on Virgin Gorda or the Indians near Norman Island. Within USVI, explore Hassel Island, Water Island or Christmas Cove.
Dive St Croix’s walls and reefs – St Croix boasts some of the Caribbean’s most accessible wall dives at Cane Bay, as well as the coral gardens of Buck Island Reef National Monument. Land‑based adventures include tours of the Cruzan Rum Distillery, Estate Whim Plantation Museum and horseback rides along the beach.
Experience local festivals & food – Time your trip for the colorful St Thomas Carnival (April), St John Festival (July) or Crucian Christmas Festival (December). Sample pates, johnny cakes and fresh conch fritters from roadside stands and wash them down with potent rum cocktails.
Paddle a bioluminescent bay – On St Croix’s Salt River Bay, after dark kayak tours reveal glowing plankton swirling around your paddles – one of only a handful of bioluminescent bays in the Caribbean.
Can’t‑Miss Spots & Beaches
Magens Bay (St Thomas) – A heart‑shaped mile of white sand and calm water ideal for swimming and stand‑up paddleboarding; amenities include chair rentals, bars and food stalls.
Trunk Bay & Cinnamon Bay (St John) – Famous for their sugar‑soft sand and turquoise water backed by lush hills; Cinnamon offers camping and water sports.
Buck Island Reef National Monument (St Croix) – A protected marine reserve accessible by boat tour; snorkel the underwater trail through elkhorn coral gardens, then relax on Turtle Beach, often ranked among the world’s best.
Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge (St Croix) – A two‑mile arc of sand on the island’s southwest tip where leatherback turtles nest (open weekends only when not nesting).
Honeymoon & Honeymoons Beach (Water Island) – A quick ferry ride from St Thomas delivers you to this chilled‑out isle with quiet beaches, a beach bar and golf cart rentals.
Annaberg Plantation Ruins (St John) – Climb through the remains of a 19th‑century sugar plantation to learn about the island’s colonial past and enjoy views across Leinster Bay to Tortola.
