Photo: Westin St. John
The United States Virgin Islands (USVI) is made up of three main islands, St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas. Each island is a tropical paradise and has a unique feel and personality. St. Croix is the largest of the islands at 84 square miles, then St. Thomas at 32 square miles and St. John at 19 square miles.
These islands are perfect any time of the year as they offer year-round temperatures with averages of 77 degrees Fahrenheit in winter and 82 degrees Fahrenheit in summer.
These islands are perfect for U.S. visitors for several reasons. English is the primary language on the islands. The U.S. Dollar is the currency used in the USVI so there is no need for U.S visitors to change money. Most locations accept credit cards and travelers checks. There are ATMs located throughout the islands. And they use the standard U.S. voltage for outlets as well!
NO PASSPORT REQUIRED:
Perhaps the most convenient aspect in regards to travel to the USVI is that no passports are required for U.S citizens. Therefore these three amazing islands provide a hassle-free vacation for all U.S. Citizens.
EASY ACCESS:
Non-stop service is available to St. Thomas from many major cities in the U.S., including Atlanta. The USVI can also be easily reached from the U.S. mainland in as quickly as two and a half hours from Miami.
INTER-ISLAND TRAVEL:
You can easily travel between islands for overnight or day trips via ferry or plane. This allows the opportunity to enjoy three islands in one vacation.
Travel by Plane: Seaborne Airlines and Cape Air operate air and seaplane shuttles between St. Thomas and St. Croix; flights typically are as short as 25 minutes.
Travel by Ferry: There are a number of options for traveling by water between the islands, with travel time at most 30 minutes.
Passenger ferries between both Red Hook and Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas and Cruz Bay, St. John. (20 minutes)
Car barge service between Red Hook, St. Thomas and Cruz Bay, St. John. (30 minutes)
The Water Island Ferry from Crown Bay, St. Thomas to Water Island. (10 minutes)*
ON ISLAND TRAVEL:
Taxis are the recommend option to get around on each island. However if you want to explore on you own, rental car companies are located at the airports on St. Thomas and St. Croix. But it’s important to remember that the USVI is the only location in the U.S. where you drive on the left side of the road!
ST. THOMAS:
St. Thomas boast incredible mountain views and seaside beauty in one. A major cruise port, Charlotte Amalie features top dining and duty-free shopping. The island boasts some truly spectaculr views of the Caribbean from 1,500 feet above sea level at Drake’s Seat and Valdemar Hill which are two of the popular scenic overlooks. The Paradise Point Tramway offers to take visitors 700 feet above sea level on a cable car to take in the breathtaking views of Charlotte Amalie harbor.
Magen’s Bay: One of the most popular beaches on St. Thomas is Magen’s Bay. This is a one mile public beach that is set in a heart shaped bay where the waters are typically calm and serene. Public admission is $5/person and $2 to park
Buccaneer’s Golf Course: This is a par 70, 18 hole golf course with 13 holes set along side the Caribbean Sea. The course was designed by Bob Joyce in 1973.
Mahogany Run: One of the top rated golf courses in the USVI, Mahogany Run doesn’t disappoint! The steep hills and valleys add to the difficulty of the course.
ST. CROIX:
The largest of the three islands, St. Croix has gentle hills, historic towns, sandy beaches and is surrounded by the Caribbean Sea.* The island is full of cultural diversity, and is fulled with Caribbean architecture of pastel buildings and small shops in the historic towns of Christiansted and Frederiksted. A few of the islands top attractions include
Buck Island National Monument: The 700-acre underwater Buck Island National Monument offers spectacular snorkeling or beach adventure. The magnificent elkhorn coral barrier reef is not to be missed!
Carambola Golf Course: One of the top golf courses in the Caribbean, this Nestled in a Caribbean valley, golfers can enjoy this course that has been a top destination for over four decades.
Other highlights include visiting St. George Village Botanical Gardens, touring an authentic Danish Whim Plantation Museum dating from the 1700’s, Cruzan Rum Factory tour.
ST. JOHN:
Two-thirds of St. John is the protected Virgin Islands National Park. This part of the island can be explored on more than 20 self-guided hiking trails or by snorkeling or diving its fish and coral-filled waters.* This island offers a luxurious Caribbean experience for visitors.
Cruz Bay: Cruz Bay is the center of much of the activity on St. John. There are many shops, cafes to relax for a bit and many restaurants as well.
Mongoose Junction: Just a few minutes walk from Cruz Bay you’ll find Mongoose Junction. This area is filled with shops and restaurants all housed in the unique Caribbean architecture and tropical setting.
Trunk Bay: Trunk Bay, a part of the U.S. National Park that lies underwater can be found here. It’s accessible via the snorkel trail. Trunk Bay is consistently rates as one of the top beaches in the world and is one of the prettiest beaches on St. John.
Yachts and Sailing in St. Thomas Photo Source: Little Palm Travel
The USVI is a perfect vacation experience for almost anyone. For those looking to sail the islands, both beginner and seasoned sailors will find the USVI’s to offer pleasant year-round sailing conditions of warm and clear waters which make for an amazing sailing destination. If you’re interested in this route there are plenty of charter companies we can to choose from to create a dream Caribbean vacation.
If diving is more your speed, there are plenty of options to choose from. You can weave through an untouched shipwreck, immerse yourself in a world of leatherback sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, queen triggerfish, silvery horse-eye jacks creole wrasses and more than 500 species of fish.*
In addition to sailing/yachting and diving, you can find almost any other water sport imaginable, including fishing, windsailing, kayaking, standup paddle boarding, kitesurfing, waverunning and more!
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. @livin
Why is now the best time to visit the USVI:
The current travel requirement mandates an approved negative Covid test within 72 hours prior to traveling back into the U.S. when returning from any international travel. This makes the USVI the perfect location for your next vacation as this is NOT a requirement for U.S Citizens returning from the USVI. That means no need to interrupt your vacation to find a testing site or having to be sure it’s an approved test. Instead visiting the USVI helps ensure a more hassle-free experience for your from start to finish making this the perfect time to visit these Caribbean islands!
We understand that navigating this new season of travel is more complex than ever. With new testing protocols and requirements it can all be overwhelming for travelers. We want to help take the stress and burden off of you as you are dreaming of your next vacation. If you are interested in our services, you can fill out a brief form or click the Get Started Now button to begin and we will contact you to begin planning your next dream vacation!
*Sourced from USVISpecialist.com
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