The 25 Best Things to Do in The US Virgin Islands

The US Virgin Islands is a territory that the United States bought from Denmark in 1917. So, its history is with Denmark and Norway. Before 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 Islands are an exotic group of islands with beautiful sand beaches and turquoise blue waters—no wonder they got the nickname America’s paradise. They are 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. The United States Virgin Islands consists of around 50 islands, with only four inhabited. Many beaches have clear water and beautiful sand, including Mahu Bay, Mango Bay, and Trunk Bay.

The Most Interesting Activities 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 enjoy a quiet and smooth ride on this modern tramway. It opened in 1994, covering around a mile in approximately 5 minutes. 

Climb Flag Hill’s tree-covered terrain and watch cruise ships move 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 and a soft drink.

You can also attend an exotic bird show at Paradise Point. Observe as a colourful group of cockatoos fly over the mountain. You can also take a photo with a parrot on your shoulder. There are shops to buy souvenirs, including various 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 are various canyons, swim-throughs and plunging cliffs adorned with sponges and sea fans on the island of St. Croix. Divers are confident they can find the island that meets their dreams and diving desires on such a diverse Island.  

Enjoy warm, sunny weather all year round, making it ideal for divers to visit anytime. Watch white and blacktip reef sharks move around the islands throughout the year. January- March is the most suitable time to glimpse the magnificent humpback whale, while loggerhead turtles appear from February to August.

Visit the Phantasia Tropical Botanical Garden: 

It is a remarkable eco-attraction on St. Thomas. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 to 4:00 and closed Mondays. Reservations are not required. The aim is to share the garden with visitors and locals. It sometimes offers Retail Orchid and Tillandsia sales, but you must book an appointment. 

​Orchids and bromeliads flower all over the garden, and the trees are packed and lush. You can enjoy the incredible 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 an excellent 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.

Spend the Day as a Pirate at 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. The Danes first erected these to make it easier to climb the steep hillsides, and they are a popular position for taking prints moment. End your day in 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 swish beaches. The US Madonna Islands are endowed with multitudinous similar strands. The inconceivable diversity that features the home’s three primary islets —St. Croix, St. John and St. 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. The United Madonna Islands feature 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, ten strands come to the best of the list. They feature selected natural beauty and charm. A 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. 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, sea life, 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, coconut palms, and aqua-blue water, forming 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.

The 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, and watch the groups of indigo-blue tunicates that grow in this place. The ideal spot to snorkel is around the small cay on the western side, as there is an excellent 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 an array of jagged rocks that you can swim on. 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. You 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 Honeymoon Bay by boat and on a hiking trail. It offers soft white sands and straightforward shallow waters ideal for snorkelling. Tall Cocos nucifera trees shade the realm. The beach is considered one 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 that you plan your vacation. You’ll enjoy watersports like kayaking and stand-up paddleboard rental, which have recently been added. You’ll also be able to rent fins, masks, and beach chairs.

Hull Bay Beach, St. Thomas

Hull Bay may be a quiet little beach favourite among locals and surfers. It features clear and highly calm water. The seafloor is incredibly 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, a pair of seagrape trees, and pink plus trees. The trees offer natural shade.

There is a bar/restaurant where you can buy drinks or eat. There are toilets at the restaurant. The beach features a dive shop. The beach is popular for permanent snorkelling. The correct side is good for swimming 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 from small picnics to big groups are popular. 

Jack’s Bay Beach, St. Croix

It lies 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 on foot or by boat. You can explore Hawksbill and Green Turtle nests. 

You can explore over 400 fish species, 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 excellent restaurants and easy access to attractions, including Cabo de Las Flechas. You must drive out of Judith’s Fancy for a few minutes to find groceries, restaurants, and other necessities. The white sand beach is ideal for surfing. You can also explore the nearby reef when the tide is out. This beach is perfect 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 West End beaches. It doesn’t feature any shade or facilities either. It is open 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 terrific 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. You 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 that you wear good walking shoes. It is also recommended to have sunscreen as there is not enough shade on the beach.

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, including champagne and hors d’oeuvres, or a tour with 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

From early Caribbean history to today, it records the human and natural Caribbean world. It is a living museum in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. Prehistoric and colonial-era archaeological sites and ruins are located in a dynamic, tropical ecosystem that helps endangered species. Salt River Bay’s natural history. It has an essential ecosystem of coral reefs, mangroves, estuaries, and submarine canyons, witnessing thousands of years of human effort.

Every significant period of human habitation in the Virgin Islands is represented, including several South American Indian cultures, the 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 primary archaeological studies and historical research since 1880 reflect a remarkable story.

Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts

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

Besides the gallery exhibits, The Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts presents various workshops, classes, and other educational programming throughout the year. The courses and seminars 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 worldwide with outreach programs to engage the island’s youth and crow in public performances. Educational activities, including those for island school children, are focused on CMCArts gallery exhibits to stimulate students, teachers, and parents.