| The U.S.V.I. includes four uniquely different islands; St. | | | | and the surrounding islands. |
| Croix (the largest), St. Thomas (the busiest), St. John | | | | Moving on to the largest island, St Croix, you will find |
| (small, quiet and scenic). | | | | the pace a bit slower than St. Thomas. Two major |
| The mix of American and Caribbean influence makes | | | | towns, Christiansted and Frederiksted offer their own |
| the United States Virgin Islands "America in the | | | | distinctive style with Danish history and architecture. |
| Caribbean". | | | | Both towns offer quaint, little shops where you can find |
| The local population consists of citizens from other | | | | deals on perfumes, china, crystal and jewelry. Shopping |
| Caribbean islands, Americans, Europeans and | | | | on St Croix is not as extensive as in the St Thomas |
| Hispanics. While English is the main language, you will | | | | shopping district, but it is less crowded and you can |
| also hear the dialects of Spanish, French-Patois and | | | | find many unique items to purchase. |
| Creole. | | | | St. Croix also has a fine array of hotels, resorts, villas, |
| The musical beat of the islands are a mix of calypso, | | | | fine dining and expansive beaches. Sandy Point, the |
| reggae, steel drums, R&B and hip hop. The local | | | | largest beach in the U.S. Virgin Islands is a protected |
| bands sing songs on political and social issues, | | | | reserve. The waters are shallow and calm, and this is |
| accompanied to the beat of washboard and gourd | | | | a nesting spot for sea turtles. There are many other |
| instruments. | | | | fine beaches with protected coves, which make this |
| St. Thomas is the major cruise port of the Caribbean, | | | | island a hit with families and honeymooners. |
| and the ultimate duty free shopping destination. This is | | | | Another favorite spot for visitors to St. Croix is a trip |
| the most popular tourist destination in the Virgin Islands, | | | | to the National Park at Buck Island. This island is home |
| and offers lots of dining choices, a variety of | | | | to Turtle Beach, voted one of the best beaches in the |
| accommodations including hotels, resorts and fine villas. | | | | world by National Geographic. Buck Island is a world |
| St. Thomas is legendary for its hundreds of duty free | | | | class diving site, with a unique underway trail. Full and |
| shops that line the streets of Charlotte Amalie, the | | | | half day trips are available. |
| capital city. In between the three main strips are side | | | | St John, the smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands offers |
| streets and alleys filled with dozens and dozens of | | | | limited accommodations, restaurants and nightlife. What |
| shops where you can literally "shop til you drop". U.S. | | | | St. John does offer is peace and quiet in the perfect |
| citizens are allowed $1200 in duty free shopping, and | | | | Caribbean tropical paradise. |
| you can send gifts home to yourself, family or friends | | | | Life is very laid back, and the locals are extremely |
| with no duty or tax. | | | | friendly, always willing to engage in conversation and |
| St. Thomas is an extremely hilly island with little flat | | | | provide directions and information. If you're looking for |
| land. From a distance the hillsides are covered with | | | | an active nightlife, this may not be the ideal destination. |
| bright, colorful flowers. Venturing into the hillside you find | | | | There are about four small bars on the island, and |
| yourself surrounded by a subtropical forest of palms, | | | | after dinner the favorite island activity is heading to |
| mangrove swamps, and mango, papaya, breadfruit | | | | bed. |
| and coconut trees. | | | | Two thirds of St. John is a 7,000 acre U.S. National |
| Two of the best hilltop views on the island are found | | | | Park. The geography of the island is a rocky coastline, |
| at Drake's Seat, which offers a panoramic view of the | | | | overlooking crescent shaped bays, and white sand |
| nearby islands, and another favorite viewing spot is St. | | | | beaches. Every beach is pristine with turquoise waters, |
| Peter Mountain. Since there is little flat land on the | | | | secluded emerald cays, and panoramic views. Trunk |
| island, just about every turn offers another fantastic | | | | Bay is the most popular beach, and hands down one |
| view. And, the Skyride to Paradise Point, a modern | | | | of the best in the world. If you think that's an |
| aerial cable car, is your ride to the best sightseeing in | | | | exaggeration, "Google" "Trunk Bay", and see for |
| the Virgin Islands. The trip is 7 minutes one-way and | | | | yourself. |
| takes you 700 feet above sea level. | | | | For the more adventuresome, there are miles of hiking |
| After sightseeing, stop for lunch in Frenchtown. This | | | | trails, and St. John offers some of the best diving and |
| unique town is located about a half-mile from Charlotte | | | | snorkeling in the Caribbean. The turquoise waters are |
| Amalie. This area is popular with locals and tourists | | | | teaming with hundreds of rainbow colored fish and |
| alike, and is home to many great restaurants and bars. | | | | coral. |
| Frenchtown is home to the descendants of immigrants | | | | While shopping on St John is limited compared to the |
| from the French island of St. Barthelemy. | | | | two other islands, shoppers will find distinctive quality |
| Aside from beautiful beaches, awesome views from | | | | items, and unique local crafts not found in St Thomas |
| the hills, first class shopping, and fine dining, the climate | | | | or St Croix. |
| in St. Thomas is always a constant. The temperature | | | | Cruz Bay is the main town, with gift shops, well |
| never drops below 70 degrees, and never gets | | | | stocked grocery stores, dive centers and jeep rental |
| warmer than 95 degrees. Here you'll find perpetual | | | | services. There are only two luxury hotels on the |
| sunshine, cooling trade winds and rain showers that | | | | island, along with expensive villas. For the budget |
| last only a few minutes. | | | | conscious, there are more offering in the eco-resort |
| Charlotte Amalie boasts a beautiful natural harbor, and | | | | and campgrounds in the National Park. |
| there are many protected bays, which make this a | | | | Island hopping is quite popular for visitors to the Virgin |
| perfect destination for beach lovers. St. Thomas | | | | Islands. Traveling between St. Thomas and St John |
| offers some of the finest beaches which include | | | | can be easily done by a 20 minute ferry ride. The |
| Morningstar Beach, Coki Beach, Bluebeard's Beach, Hull | | | | distance between St Thomas and St Croix is far |
| Bay, Limetree Beach, Magens Bay, Sapphire Beach | | | | greater, and travel can be arranged by private boat |
| and Vessup Bay. Two of my favorite beaches are | | | | charter or seaplane. The British Virgin Islands can be |
| Magens Bay and Sapphire Beach. Magens Bay is | | | | reached from St. Thomas by ferry or small plane. And, |
| protected by reefs, and offers great swimming, while | | | | the island of Puerto Rico is only 50 miles away. |
| Sapphire Beach offers wonderful views of St. John | | | | |