US Virgin Islands

Unlike other Caribbean nations, you’ll find the Stars & Stripes of the American Flag here, but you’ll also find unspoiled beaches, turquoise waters, a plethora of activities and everything you expect from a visit to the Caribbean. This makes the United States Virgin Islands the perfect travel destination for Americans who are not quite ready to go overseas. For this very reason it is actually the most visited destination in the Caribbean. St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John are the three spirited islands that make up the US Virgin Islands.

US Virgin Island Facts

As an unincorporated territory of the United States, the US Dollar is the official currency. You’ll find many places accept credit cards and ATM’s dispensing the greenback can easily be found here. This is the only United States territory where driving is done on the left side of the road. The islands are located in the Atlantic Time Zone (UTC -4) and do not observe daylight savings time.

St. Thomas

Here you’ll find the vibrant city of Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the US Virgin Islands. As the islands were once the Danish West Indies, you’ll find both Danish & British influence here, thus the use of English. As you venture into the capital city, you’ll find Old Danish warehouse buildings with fantastic shopping. In Charlotte Amalie you’ll also find great eats and you will have the opportunity to sample liquors. If going into Charlotte Amalie at night, travel in a group and use caution.

The island of St. Thomas is full of hotels and resorts with something to suit everyone. The best way to get around the island is by taxi, unless you decide to rent a car and have a go at driving on the left side of the road. Be forewarned the terrain is hilly and the roads are full of sharp curves as you drive through the hills.

St. Croix

With 82 square miles, St. Croix is the largest of the US Virgin Islands. You’ll find two unique towns here, Christiansted and Frederiksted. The town of Christiansted was once the capital of the Danish West Indies; between the history and it’s unique architecture, the town has been named a National Historic Site. If you love shopping, you’ll find everything from china and crystal to jewelry among the unique shops.

In Frederiksted you’ll also find a plethora of quant shops. Well restored is the Whim Greathouse, a plantation from the 1700s. Spend some time visiting the lush rainforest on St. Croix and bird watching.

Like St. Thomas, you’ll find many hotels and resorts on the island of St. Croix. However, the best way to explore St. Croix is by rental car which you may obtain at the airport when you arrive.

St. John

The smallest of the islands at 28 square miles, there is no doubt it is the most beautiful. The majority of the island is a US National Park. Here you can chose to relax on a beach or become active and go for a hike up one of the many trails. The most popular is the trail to Rams Head. The trail starts in the Salt Pond area, takes you past Trunk Bay, and will take you approximately two hours. While on the island visit Love City, otherwise known as Cruz Bay. Why is it called Love City? Well, you’ll just have to visit yourself to find out why.

Upon arrival in St. John at Cruz Bay by ferry, taxi’s, rental cars, and scooters are available.

Getting around the US Virgin Islands

There are commercial airports on St. Thomas and St. Croix. St. John does not have an airport, but all of the islands are connected by ferry service. If you are not constrained by a budget, you may also charter a boat to take you around for a breathtaking tour of the islands.

There is also ferry service to the British Virgin Islands.

Getting to the US Virgin Islands

Unless you’re an olympic swimmer, chances are you’ll be arriving by air. St. Thomas (STT) has non-stop service from the US mainland on most major carriers.

St. Croix (STX) is also well serviced by most major US carrier, but can also be reached via St. Thomas where the majority of the flights operate to. Cape Air offers service between the St. Thomas and St. Croix airports, but if you’re looking for something more unique, Seaborne Airlines operates seaplanes between Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas and Christiansted on St. Croix.

Important Note: If you plan on sailing to the British Virgin Islands, a Passport will be required starting January 1, 2007.