Featuring spectacular beaches, panoramas, and climate, the U.S. Virgins have been part of the United States for over half a century, yet many Americans have never even heard of them. These islands (pop. 102,000) — with their largely black yet culturally and ethnically composite society — possess a distinct culture and history of their own. Set in the Caribbean's NE corner right at the end of the Greater Antilles, the USVI comprise around 50 islands and cays. The three main islands — St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix — are easily accessible from neighboring Puerto Rico. Each has its distinct personality and resembles the others only in having beautiful white beaches and offlying coral reefs. CLIMATE: Rarely does it rain on these islands. (Average rainfall is only 40–50 in. per year). When it does, it usually lasts only a few minutes. May, Sept., and Oct. are the wettest months. During the day, temperatures range in the 80s, dropping to the 70s in the evening. WHEN TO COME: Anytime is the right time but holiday seasons tend to be crowded and the summer can be quite hot. WHO SHOULD COME: The USVI are suitable for everyone from those seeking a stay in a luxury resort to those who appreciate smaller establishments. While not the best place for those on a budget, it is possible to get by here. Camping is available in the Virgin Islands National Park on St. John. PLANNING EXPENSES: The USVI can be as expensive as you wish them to be. At a rock bottom, you should allow for US$120 pp, pd. Restaurant meals are comparable to Europe or the US, although you can snack for considerably less money. Market food (except for bread) is higher priced than in the US mainland. SUGGESTED ITINERARY: There is no list of must-see places, and places to go depend upon which island you stay on. Unless you really want to be a tourist and are mainly interested in staying in a resort and lying out in the sun, there's not much reason to stay on St. Thomas. St. John is much nicer. Visitors to St. Croix will want to visit Frederiksted and Christiansted as well as other attractions. GETTING THERE: Continental, United, and American all fly. SIGHTS AND DESTINATIONS: There are too many to detail all of them here (for that you need to read Explore the Virgin Islands), but here are some suggestions: Buck Island Reef National Monument — Centered around a small island which is 6 mi. (10 km) off St. Croix, this reserve has a guided underwater snorkeling trail. >> View a sample page about Buck Island from the Explore the Virgin Islands (7th Edition) Charlotte Amalie — St. Thomas's only town. It is principally suited for shopping but does have a number of historic buildings. >> View a sample page about Charlotte Amalie from the Explore the Virgin Islands (7th Edition) Christiansted — St. Croix's main town which has many historic buildings. >> View a sample page about Christiansted from the Explore the Virgin Islands (7th Edition) Cruz Bay — St. John's laid back town. There's good nightlife here. >> View a sample page about Cruz Bay from the Explore the Virgin Islands (7th Edition) Frederiksted — St. Croix's second largest town. >> View a sample page about Fredriksted from the Explore the Virgin Islands (7th Edition) Hassel Island — An island off St. Thomas which is part of Virgin Islands National Park and has some hiking trails. Reef Bay Trail — The most challenging of St. John's numerous hiking trails. Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge — A fine three-mile stretch of sand on St. Croix which is the most important location in the US for regular nesting of the leatherback sea turtle. St. George Botanical Garden — Located off Centerline Rd. about four miles W of Fredericksted, this garden was originally a 16-acre estate during the 18th-19th C, and it contains the ruins of a greathouse, rum factory, lime kiln, baker's and saddlemaker's shops, and a stone dam. Enter through the stone gates along a road flanked on either side by rows of royal palms, the trees grown by Hebraic kings in the Garden of Babylon. The flowers and foliage here are truly wonderful. Trunk Bay — A beach on St. John whose underwater trail has been ruined by overuse. Nevertheless, the beach is lovely. Virgin Islands National Park — A beautiful park which occupies much of St. John. >> View a sample page about the Virgin Islands National Park from the Explore the Virgin Islands (7th Edition) Whim Greathouse — Located two miles off Centerline Rd. near Fredericksted, St. Croix, this large sugar estate complex has been restored by the St. Croix Landmarks Society.
|
Useful for residents and visitors alike, Barbados Travel Companion, our new travel app to Barbados, supplies comprehensive information along with pictures, maps and links to hundreds of videos and relevant websites.
There is an Android version and an iTunes version.
St. John Visitors:
Please check out Explore St. John, our new travel app to St. John, which supplies comprehensive information (useful for residents and visitors alike) along with pictures, maps and links to hundreds of videos and relevant websites.
Barbados
| Puerto Rico |
the Virgin Islands | Costa
Rica | Contact
|
Manatees | Tour the Rainforest |
Stock
Photography |
Children's
Coloring Page |
Ordering | Feedback
(Comment Form) | Advertise
| Ask the Manatee
Oracle|
|Links
Comments/Questions
| This page produced by Harry S. Pariser: Copyright (©) and All Rights Reserved (®). |
