US Virgin Islands Travelers Recommend

Not your shy and retiring type, the US Virgin Island of St. Thomas is vacation central for cruise passengers, holidaymakers and beach revelers. St. Thomas is all about diving and snorkeling, perfect beaches and colonial-era sightseeing in the capital, Charlotte Amalie.

Day 1: Island Meander Get your bearings from the heights of Mountain Top, for views over beautiful Magens Bay. Or ride the aerial tramway to the top of Paradise Point for a bird’s-eye view of Charlotte Amalie and its harbor. Head into Charlotte Amalie for some duty-free shopping, and do some sightseeing at the town’s Fort Christian, churches, museums, galleries and pirates’ lookout at Blackbeard’s Tower.

Day 2: Marine World For a packed day of marine world fun, spend some time at Coral World Ocean Park–in fact there’s so much to do at Coral World, you’ll probably need to visit twice. For the kids there’s a touch pool and different marine garden aquariums, underwater views of sharks and a stingray pool. The brave can encounter sharks and everyone will want to meet the sea lions and lorikeets.

Day 3: Beach Day On St. Thomas you can choose the beach that suits your mood for the day. Will it be windsurfing and kayaking at Magens Bay, followed by a walk through the mangroves on the nature trail? Feel like joining in a game of beach volleyball? Head to the beach party scene of Coki Beach. If it’s a more laid-back vibe you’re seeking, spread your beach towel on the white sand of Hull Bay. Or why not add a ferry ride to the mix and sail over to perfect Honeymoon Beach on Water Island for a day of secluded beachcombing.

With more than 40 powder-soft white-sand beaches and miles of sun-drenched Caribbean water, St. Thomas is an ideal escape for those looking to spend time in the tropical sunshine. Whether you prefer serene seclusion or water sports and amenities, these are some of the island’s best beaches.

Brewer’s Bay

Clean and calm, Brewer’s Bay Beach comprises a long stretch of white coral sand that’s easy to get to thanks to its proximity to Charlotte Amalie. While the snorkeling at this beach isn’t the best, the calm waters are great for families.

Coki Point Beach

Popular among singles and families, this beautiful strand boasts warm, crystal-clear water that’s perfect for swimming and offers some of the best snorkeling on the island. Pick a spot on the sand and enjoy the views of Thatch Cay, or head out into the water for parasailing or water skiing.

Lindquist Beach

While relatively small, Lindquist Beach ranks among the prettiest St. Thomas beaches, so pretty that it’s been featured in numerous films and commercials. Despite its beauty, the beach isn’t very well known and is rarely overcrowded.

Magens Bay Beach

The island’s most famous beach is undeniably beautiful—a long stretch of blindingly white sand and clear water tucked between two verdant mountains. Visit mid-afternoon to avoid the crowds, and skip the snorkeling; go for a swim or hop in a kayak instead.

Secret Harbor

Situated on the east end of the island, Secret Harbor has everything you’d want in a Caribbean beach: white sand, coconut palm trees, excellent snorkeling, and a laid-back vibe. While close to the capital, the beach isn’t accessible by public transportation, which keeps it quiet.

More easygoing than its lively cousins, St. Croix and St. Thomas, the U.S. Virgin Island of St. John rewards its visitors with idyllic, untouched beauty. White sand beaches, craggy coastlines, vibrantly-colored coral reefs, and palm-lined crescent-shaped bays ring the island. Inland, miles of winding trails sidestep ruins of 18th-century sugar plantations and ancient petroglyphs and lead to stunning panoramic views. When not exploring the island’s natural wonders, stroll around Cruz Bay for a smattering a shops, restaurants, and bars.

Day 1: Explore the Island Get oriented at the Cruz Bay Visitors Center, where two floors of maps and information will help you plan your day. Take an open-air, surrey-style taxi for a ride around the island, stopping at various points for jaw-dropping panoramic views. Back in Cruz Bay, spend time browsing the arts and crafts boutiques and shops at Mongoose Junction. Afterword, settle in at a seaside bistro for a relaxed dinner featuring fresh seafood and rum cocktails.

Day 2: A Day at the Beach St. John has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and it’s easy to pick one to spend the days. For snorkeling and diving, head to Waterlemon Cay, where a dazzling array of tropical fish, sea turtles, and rays make the coral formations offshore their home. For sunning and swimming, Hawksnest Beach offers warm, shallow water, plenty of sun, and shady respites underneath swaying palm trees. Idyllic Trunk Bay Beach, close to Cruz Bay, is the liveliest of the beaches, with plenty of watersports rentals and fun under the sun.

Day 3: A Day on the Trails Hiking the winding trails of St. John gives you a fascinating glimpse not only into the island’s unspoiled naturally beauty but also its history. Spend a day in Virgin Islands National Park, where more than 20 different trails take through a lush, tropical wonderland and along cliffs with panoramic views. History unfolds at Annaberg Historic Trail, where the half-mile trek passes the restored ruins of an 18th century sugar plantation. On Leinster Bay Trail, lush paths wind through mangrove swamps leading to ancient petroglyphs carved in boulders and cliffs.

Part of the Leeward Islands of the Lesser Antilles, the U.S. Virgin Islands are a very popular tourist destination in the Caribbean, attracting over 2 million visitors each year. In fact, for most visitors to the United States, the Virgin Islands usually feature as a default stop on their offshore cruise itinerary.  With fantastic climate all through the year, the U.S. Virgin Islands indeed offers many a way to unwind and doesn’t disappoint.

Day 1: Unwind With a laid back vibe completely antithetical to the hustle and bustle of big cities, the islands provide a perfect opportunity to kick off your shoes and relax. If shopping helps you de-stress, the St. Thomas Island Tour and Shopping is just what you’re looking for! This tour allows you to visit Magens Bay and the former governor’s residence, the Greathouse, before venturing into downtown Charlotte Amalie where you can grab a quick lunch and indulge in some duty-free shopping.

Day 2: Island Hopping Comprising the islands of Twin City, Rock City, Love City and Small City, among others, the US Virgin Islands offer ample opportunity to go on an island hopping extravaganza. Spend a lazy day soaking up the sun and sand in one of the island’s many famed white sand beaches such as Trunk Bay and Magens Bay.

Day 3: Fun in the Water With beaches galore, the US Virgin Islands are the perfect place to go snorkeling, scuba diving and deep sea diving. Enter a world of pristine underwater beauty with the St. John and Snorkeling Tour before embarking on a short ferry ride to Cruz Bay. Alternatively hike across white sand beaches and the forest trails of Turtle Point on the Caneel Bay Kayak, Hike and Snorkel Tour.