USVI- The United States Virgin Islands

The US Virgin Islands (USVI)- an unincorporated territory of the United States. The other islands are St. Thomas, St. Croix, and many other smaller islands. The islands are located 40 miles east of Puerto Rico and just west of the British Virgin Islands.

The islands are known for their soft, white, and beaches- the most famous of these being Magens Bay and Trunk Bay. Like many of the other Caribbean islands, St. Thomas and St. John are volcanic in origin which means they are extremely hilly. Neighboring St. Croix is a bit flatter.

The islands have a tropical climate with very little seasonal change throughout the year. May through October is considered the “wet season.”

St. Thomas, USVI

St. Thomas is home to the capital city and port of Charlotte Amalie. If you’re cruising to the Virgin Islands, chances are you’ll be docking here, in Charlotte Amalie. The island is full of stuff to do! We suggest taking the Skyride to Paradise Point to grab lunch and a drink with a remarkable view! Of course, a trip to St. Thomas would not be complete without a pitstop at Drake’s Seat (another great vantage point) and gorgeous Magens Bay. Other points of interest include, Blackbeard’s Castle, Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge, and Coral World Ocean Park.

St. John, USVI

Did you know a majority of St. John is protected as a US National Park? Thousands of visitors hop on the ferry from St. Thomas to St. John to catch a glimpse of this picture-perfect island.

Much like its neighbor St. Thomas, the island is home to rolling green hills and pristine beaches. In fact, Trunk Bay has consistently been voted as one of the top beaches in the world! We suggest asking your cab driver to stop at the scenic overlook to check out the iconic views! Once you’re at Trunk Bay, throw on your snorkel gear (or rent some!) to check out the Underwater Snorkel Trail.

While you’re on St. John be sure to visit Turtle Bay Beach and the Annaberg Sugar Plantation.

St. Croix, USVI

St. Croix is the largest of the islands that make up the USVI. Fans of the Broadway hip-hop musical “Hamilton” may know this as the home of Alexander Hamilton (one of the Founding Fathers of the US).

The waters surrounding the island are warm year-round, making them a popular destination for watersports including scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, etc. Two of the most popular diving sites are Frederiksted Pier and the drop off at Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve.

There are also two bioluminescent bays here! Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve and Altona Lagoon.