The 25 Best Things to Do in The US Virgin Islands

US Virgin Islands

Updated On: November 08, 2023 by   Dina EssawyDina Essawy

The US Virgin Islands is a territory that the United States bought in 1917 from Denmark. So its history is with Denmark and Norway. Previous to that, the people who lived there were native people. It is believed that Christopher Columbus discovered this area in 1493. The island’s official currency is the US Dollar. 

The United States Virgin Island is an exotic group of islands with beautiful sand beaches and turquoise blue waters. No wonder why it got the nickname America’s paradise. The United States Virgin Island is located in the Caribbean sea just south of Puerto Rico. There is also a British Virgin Island. All these islands are in the same place geographically but politically they are separate. 

There are three main islands, St Thomas, St. John’s and st Croix. Saint John’s and Saint Thomas are very close together. However, the main airport, where you arrive, is Saint Thomas. The big city, the capital, is Charlotte Amalie. United States Virgin Islands consists of around 50 islands, with only 4 inhabited. There are a lot of beaches with clear water and beautiful sand including, Mahu Bay, Mango Bay and Trunk Bay.

The Most Interesting Activities To Do in US Virgin Islands

The 25 Best Things to Do in The US Virgin Islands

Skyride to Paradise Point: Enjoy breathtaking views across the harbour and downtown area while riding high above Charlotte Amalie in a cable car. It travels to an altitude of more than 700 feet above sea level. You just get inside one of the cabins and admire the views through the big window. Enjoy the scenery downtown and the harbour while having a delicious cocktail at Paradise Point. Get away from the occupied streets of the island’s capital and take pleasure in a quiet and smooth ride on this modern tramway. It opened in 1994, covering a space of around a mile in approximately 5 minutes. 

Climb the tree-covered terrain of Flag Hill and watch cruise ships moving in the deep, blue water of the port. The higher you ascend, the more stunning the views become. At the peak, you can see the dense forests and golden beaches of St. Thomas. You can have a break at the nearby restaurant. You can have a soft drink.

You can also attend one of the exotic bird shows held at Paradise Point. Observe as a colourful group of cockatoos fly over the mountain.  You can take a photo with a parrot on your shoulder as well. There are shops to buy souvenirs. There is a variety of books, T-shirts, jewellery and more. The Skyride to Paradise Point leaves from Havensight on the east side of the bay in Charlotte Amalie. 

Go Diving or Snorkeling: St. Thomas

It is a vibrant island boasting an outstanding reef edge, the ideal place for turtles, lobsters and eels to call home. Carvel Rock is on top of the to-do list for divers who visit St. John’s island. Often mentioned as a drift dive. You can observe nurse sharks, octopuses, squid, and stingrays passing you. There is a variety of canyons, swim-throughs and plunging cliffs adorned with sponges and sea fans on the island of St. Croix. Divers are certain that they can find the island that meets their dreams and diving desires on such a diverse Island.  

You can enjoy warm sunny weather all year round so it is the ideal place for divers to visit at any time. You can watch white and blacktip reef sharks move around the islands throughout the year. January-March is the most suitable time to catch a glimpse of the marvellous humpback whale, whilst February- August loggerhead turtles appear.

Visit the Phantasia Tropical Botanical Garden: 

It is a remarkable eco-attraction on St. Thomas. It opens on Tuesday – Sunday from 9:00 – 4:00. It is closed Mondays. Reservation is not required. The aim is to share the garden with visitors and locals. It sometimes offers sales on Retail orchid and tillandsia but you need to book an appointment. 

​Orchids and bromeliads are flowering all over the garden and the trees are all full and lush. You can enjoy the great views of Magens Bay, Tortola, St. John and the cruise ship harbour. The garden extends for about 2 acres. It takes about 45 minutes to one hour for the visit. There are drinks, snacks, and cold water available for purchase. There is also a nice selection of Blooming Orchids and TIllandsias for sale. You can pay cash or credit cards. It lies just above downtown near the Mountain Top attraction. It takes about 10-15 minutes from the cruise ship docks. It also features directional signs along the roadways to help you to navigate our island roads.

The 25 Best Things to Do in The US Virgin Islands

Spend the Day as a Pirate Jewess Islands: 

It is famously known to have been a secure harbour for rovers back in the day. Moment, you will be ready to spend the day as a rover and visit numerous literal rover spots, identical to Blackbeard’s Castle. This palace was created in 1679 as a watchtower for the Danes but was confiscated within the 18th century by rover Blackbeard. Near Blackbeard’s Castle, you may find the notorious 99 way. These were firstly erected by the Danes to make it easier to climb the steep hillsides and are a popular position for taking prints moment. End your day during a very natural rover fashion by belting one all told the generous rum drinks at any of the initial caffs.

Relax on the Beach Beautiful white- beach strands are as familiar to the Caribbean because of the sun and air. Sand must feature a singular beauty or distinctive point to be one in every of the region’s swishbeaches. The US Madonna Islands are endowed with multitudinous similar strands. The inconceivable diversity that features the home’s three main islets —St. Croix, St. John andSt. Thomas — expands to the strands. From stirring blue-water spots that lie deep within lush mountain denes to country country country miles-long spreads of white beaches lying in natural public demesne.TheU.S. Madonna Islands features a variety of voguish strands you will find anywhere on the planet, besides the Caribbean. Although all the strands have beautiful blue waters and soft white beaches, 10 strands come to the best of the list. They feature selected natural beauty and charm. variety of those strands are listed below:

Cinnamon Bay Beach, St. John: Visitors can find much to enjoy on the beach. Cinnamon Bay Beach is one of St. John’s longest beaches. It offers kayaking, snorkelling, windsurfing, kayaking and other watersports. The spectacular white-sand beach lies within the Virgin Islands National Park. You can also explore the old beachfront Danish building where the temporary museum exhibits some of the National Park Service’s archaeological discoveries from excavations in the area. You can also trek the self-guided, half-mile Cinnamon Bay Trail. The coconut palms and sea grape trees shade for long stretches.

Snorkelling at Cinnamon Bay is ideal along the small cay. You can enjoy coral, seagrasses and sea life along with occasional turtles, colourful Caribbean fish and stingrays. The eastern end of the beach is the ideal spot for snorkelling. You explore lots of marine life and corals. 

Trunk Bay Beach, St. John: It is the most famous beach in St. John’s due to its spectacular beauty. It extends to more than a quarter-mile. It features soft white powdery sand along with coconut palms and aqua blue water which form a natural paradise. It is a part of the Virgin Islands National Park. It also features a self-guided, underwater snorkelling trail at Trunk Bay. You find underwater signs delivering information on coral formations and sea life. Facilities include a snack bar/grill, souvenir shop, showers, toilets, public telephones and lifeguards.

Underwater Snorkelling Trail is ideal for first-timers, kids can also enjoy snorkelling there. You can explore the marine life including colourful fish and corals. You can watch the groups of indigo-blue tunicates which grow in this place. The ideal spot to snorkel is around the small cay on the western side as there are a great variety of fish and corals.

Salt Pond Beach, St. John: It is a lovely bay with clear blue water. The beach is often not busy because it is far from Cruz Bay. There is amset of jagged rocks that you can swim to. It features good snorkelling. Snorkelling can also be enjoyed along the rocky sides of the bay, especially on the eastern coastline. There is no shade on the beach as trees have short leaves. Ou can explore seagrass beds, rays, sea turtles, and giant hermit crabs. You can also have suitable access to various hiking and sightseeing trails on Salt Pond.

Honeymoon Bay Beach, St. John: It lies within Mary Islands parkland. you’ll be able to get to the Honeymoon Bay by boat and hiking trail. It offers soft white sands, and straightforward shallow waters ideal for snorkelling. the realm is shaded by tall Cocos nucifera trees. The beach is taken into account as one of every of the island’s true treasures. However,  it gets busy when cruise ships are in port and through the high winter season. So, it’s recommended to plan your vacation. you’ll enjoy watersports like kayaking and stand-up paddleboard rental which are recently added. you’ll be able to also rent fins, masks, and beach chairs.

The 25 Best Things to Do in The US Virgin Islands

Hull Bay Beach, St. Thomas: Hull Bay may be a quiet little beach and a favourite among locals and surfers. It features clear and extremely calm water. The seafloor is especially rocky but you’ll be able to find some sandy spots to enter the water and bathe. it’s distinguished because of its tranquil, natural feel. you’ll watch the fishing boats sail within the water and augment the scenery. It features a touch shoreline full of white sand mixed with stones and little rocks. It also features maho trees, genip trees, plus a pair of seagrape trees, and pink plus trees. The trees offer natural shade.

There is a bar/restaurant where you’ll buy drinks or eat. There are toilets at the restaurant. The beach features a dive shop.  The beach is popular for permanently snorkelling. the correct side is good to swim within the rather shallow nearshore rocky areas. you’ll be able to explore sea animals. you’ll be able to find coral, squid and bigger fish within the problem. you’ll also find guided snorkelling trips through Homer’s. It also features night snorkelling.

Magen’s Bay Beach, St. Thomas: This is the most famous beach in the US Virgin Islands. It lies in a heart-shaped protected bay surrounded by green hills. That’s why it is a must-visit location. It extends for a mile. The beach features calm-white water and soft sand. You can rent beach chairs, paddleboards, floats, and kayaks at a hut just off the beach. The beach also features a snack bar which serves pizzas, burgers, and other quick meals. On Sundays and holidays, the beach is a famous spot for locals, and parties varying from small picnics to big groups are popular on those days. 

Jack’s Bay Beach, St. Croix: It lay on the southeast side of St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands. It features calm and crystal clear water in certain areas. There is no service available as it is located at a high altitude. It is not crowded at all because it is remote. You can get to the beach only by foot or boat. You can explore Hawksbill and Green Turtle nests. 

You can explore more than 400 species of fish, including parrotfish, four-eyed butterflyfish, blue tangs, and sergeant majors. The beach has limited access during some periods of turtle nesting season.

Judith’s Fancy Beach, St. Croix: The beach lies at a northern point of St. Croix on the eastern bank of Salt Bay. It is ideal for exploring or escaping a busy life.  It features a few great restaurants and easy access to attractions including Cabo de Las Flechas. Ou needs to drive for a few minutes out of Judith’s Fancy to find groceries, restaurants, and other necessities. The white sand beach is ideal for surfing. Ou can also explore the nearby reef when the tide is out. This beach is particularly good for swimming. It is the right spot to find coral and shells sent onshore.

Sandy Point Beach, St. Croix: It extends to 3 miles, part of the 380-acre Sandy Point Wildlife Preserve. It lies at the southwest end of St. Croix, just south of Frederiksted. The beach is an essential nesting area for the leatherback turtle threatened with extinction. This beach is generally not as busy as many of the West End beaches. It doesn’t feature any shade or facilities either. It opens only on the weekends. It closed entirely because of the turtle nesting season. 

Turtle Beach, St. Croix: It lies on Buck Island. You can relax on the white sand beach or participate in the beach’s amazing snorkelling sites. You will find underwater guiding signs along the reef. It is a calm, ideal place to spend the day. It features sugary white sand and clear blue waters. Ou can relax on the sun-kissed sand and enjoy the warmth of the sun’s rays. It is ideal for swimming as the current is commonly calm. You can also walk along the beach, or hike up the island. If you choose to participate in the hike, it is recommended to have good walking shoes. It is also recommended to have sunscreen as there is not enough shade on the beach.

The 25 Best Things to Do in The US Virgin Islands

Take a Sunset Sail

Sunsets are the ideal times to set sail off the coast of St. John. Multiple sunset sails offer champagne, food, and an unforgettable experience. Packages are different. You can join a tour for an hour and a half which includes champagne and hors d’oeuvres, or a tour that has a stop on Lovango Cay where you can have dinner at the private resort before sailing back to the beach under the moonlight.

Salt River Bay National Park and Ecological Preserve

It records the human and natural Caribbean world from early Caribbean history up to the present day. It is a living museum in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. You can find prehistoric and colonial-era archaeological sites and ruins in a dynamic, tropical ecosystem that helps endangered species. Salt River Bay’s natural history. It has an essential ecosystem of coral reefs, mangroves, estuary, and submarine canyon that has witnessed thousands of years of human effort.

Every significant period of human habitation in the Virgin Islands is represented including several South American Indian cultures, Spanish extermination of the Caribs attempts at colonization by a succession of European nations, the 1493 encounter with Columbus, and enslaved West Africans and their descendants. More than a dozen main archaeological studies since 1880, together with historical research, reflect a remarkable story.

Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts

It features the stunning Caribbean Sea and historic Danish architecture. It offers a perfect setting for displaying artwork. There are now boasts a museum gift shop, office, restored open-air galleries, a pottery studio, three artist residencies, and a gorgeous courtyard for your memorable events.

Besides the gallery exhibits, The Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts presents a broad variety of workshops, classes, and other educational programming throughout the year. The classes and workshops are available for all ages. They include clay studio instruction life, yoga, watercolour, cyanotype, batik, and perspective drawing. It also offers dance workshops, music and theatre. There are also award-winning artists from all over the world with outreach programs aiming at and engaging the island’s youth, and crowing in public performances. Educational exceed to the island school children is focused on CMCArts gallery exhibits to stimulate students, teachers and parents.

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