Known for their beautiful white sand and bright blue water, the Virgin Islands are a beach-lover's paradise. Sailing, snorkeling, and swimming on the pristine shores make it a great island getaway.
The Virgin Islands are made up of the U.S. Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands. I will focus on St. Thomas & St. John, U.S.V.I. However, while you are in the neighborhood make sure you hit up the British Virgin Islands as well. Plan on spending a week in the area.
My biggest complaint with the B.V.I. is the lack of reasonable accommodation. You'll find hotels ranging from 5-star hotels at 5-star prices to unkempt, cheap shacks. There's little in-between. That's why I recommend making St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. your home base and doing day trips or short stays on the neighboring islands.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
The U.S. Virgin Islands are made up of St. Thomas, St. John, & St. Croix. Located about 90 miles east of Puerto Rico.
The British Virgin Islands are made up of Jost Van Dyke (rhymes with "toast"), Tortola, Virgin Gorda, & Anegada (uninhabited). Located just a boat ride east of the U.S.V.I.
English is the spoken language.
Legal drinking age is 18 years.
Water is safe to drink.
U.S. dollars can be used in U.S.V.I. and B.V.I.
Bring your passport. Even though it is a U.S. territory, you will need a passport to return back stateside and/or visit the B.V.I.
St. Thomas & St. Croix both have airports, but it is typically more affordable to fly in to St. Thomas. Many major airlines have non-stops directly from the U.S.
Unlike other U.S. territories, driving is on the left. To add to the confusion, most cars in the U.S.V.I. are imported from the U.S. so the driver's side is also on the left.
Rental cars are not necessary, especially if you are content lying on the beach all day. But if you are looking to explore, it will be more cost-effective to use a rental car rather than a pricier taxi. You will need U.S. drivers license or temporary license to drive here.
You can bargain for most things on the island, except taxis. Use only licensed taxis (clearly labeled). Rates are fixed and prices are charged per person one way, and although the islands are small, it can get expensive quickly.
Taxis here are best described as "safari taxis" (trucks with the flatbed filled with benches). My advice: hold on.
Easy-to-use ferry service from St. Thomas to neighboring islands departs from Red Hook (also known as the East End). See link to schedule below.
Red Hook also has nightlife and restaurants. Catch a taxi ($6/each way from downtown) for a 30 minute to ride. Don't get stuck there though: many taxis won't take you back downtown after 9PM.
The U.S.V.I. do not participate in daylight savings time.
Electrical outlets are the same as in America.
Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st - November 30th with the highest occurrences of storms in August and September.
TOP 10 TO SEE & DO:
- Magen's Bay (St. Thomas) It doesn't get any better than this! Conde Nast & National Geographic have both named it one of the Top 10 Beaches in the World. Grab a drink or snack from the bar/restaurant near the entrance, rent a chair, and walk down the beach away from the crowds to really enjoy this popular spot. Take a taxi to/from as the roads are extremely narrow and ride like a roller coaster. ($4/adult)
- Trunk Bay (St. John) Bright blue waters and white sand beaches make this one of the most photogenic spots in all the islands. This beach is part of the National Park and is the only one on St. John that costs to enter. ($4/adult) Concessions are limited.
- Paradise Point Sky Ride (St. Thomas) Ride in a gondola (photo above) to 700 feet above (photo below) Charlotte Amalie Harbor. At the top, take in the beautiful views and make sure and sip the island drink the "Bushwhacker". A delicious mix of cream of coconut, Kahlua, black rum, creme de cacao, and milk. (Cost is $21 for adults/$12 for children under 12)
- Day Trip to the B.V.I. (Virgin Gorda, Marina Cay, Jost Van Dyke) Adventure Centers (inside the Marriott's Frenchman's Reef in St. Thomas) will coordinate a day trip for you on the Breakaway boat. The tour includes snacks and open bar, a narrated walking tour of the world-famous and must-do "Baths" on Virgin Gorda. Not recommended for kids. (Cost is $145 for adults + $30 for intl. cruising fees)
- Soggy Dollar Bar (Jost Van Dyke, BVI) Home of the original Painkiller - a secret, island concoction of dark rum, cream of coconut, orange and pineapple juice. As the story goes, this legendary bar was named for a patron who reportedly anchored his boat, swam to shore for a drink, and paid with wet cash. This one is well worth the swim! Still debating whether to go? Check out their live beach camera. It's also worth noting this stop is included on the Breakaway boat trip mentioned above.
- The Baths (Virgin Gorda) Giant boulders called batholiths strewn across the beaches were brought to the surface by volcanic eruptions. An awe-inspiring, but treacherous 40 minute hike will show you the Baths inside-and-out. I would advise going with a tour-group or someone who knows the ropes.
- Havana Blue (Inside Marriott's Frenchman's Reef, St. Thomas) & ZoZo's (Cruz Bay, St. John) The Virgin Islands are among the most expensive places to eat out, but no more than New York or London. Save up and splurge at one or both of these two favorites. Havana Blue is an open-air, Latin-themed bar/restaurant overlooking the water. Arrive early at ZoZo's and ask for a seat at the bar upstairs for perfect sunset views. Reservations are needed at both.
- Pink Papaya (St. John) A perfect place to get a memorable gift or hand-crafted souvenir. This shop in downtown St. John (near the ferry dock) features original paintings and work from local artists.
- Feed (if you're daring!) or pose with an iguana A reptile native to the Caribbean. Baby iguanas are bright green and adults can be dark green, brown or black. An adult iguana can get up to 6 feet long. They can be found in trees eating leaves their favorite food or scurrying on beaches or pavement. Some will approach you at resorts, accustomed to being fed, but do not corner or startle iguanas as they use their tail as a defensive whip.
- Duffy's Love Shack (St. Thomas) An island legend that is a hot spot for tropical drinks and a real party atmosphere. Bring cash - they don't take credit cards. Open daily from 11:30 AM - 2 AM.
DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME:
- Charlotte Amalie (St. Thomas) - Known as "downtown" this area is typically overrun with tourists off cruise ships. You'll find 300 or so jewelry and other shops (think: Coach, Guess, Ray Ban, etc), but not much you wouldn't find back home.
- Westin Resort (St. John) - A beautiful beach and pool, but a nightmare hotel stay. Avoid. Instead opt for Gallows Point or Caneel Bay Resort on St. John.
USEFUL LINKS:
