If a jetting away to a Tropical Paradise has been on your bucket list, but you do not yet have a passport… do not lose hope just yet. Fortunately, the Virgin Islands are a U.S. Territory – which means U.S. Citizens do not need a passport to visit! So, start packing your bags and let us dive into what the three main islands have to offer.
St. Croix
As the largest island in the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix offers a wide variety of beaches, reefs, watersports, and historical sites. It is the perfect blend of adventure and leisure. Below, we have included a few of our favorite destinations to visit while on the island!
- Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge – There are several wildlife and ecological reserves where you can catch a glimpse of endangered birds and breathtaking marine life, but Sandy Point is a refuge for leatherback sea turtles and a wonderful place to swim and sunbathe during the day.
- Christiansted National Historic Site – For the history buff in your group, learn more about the island’s Danish history by visiting Christiansted and Old Danish Town and Historic Area. There you will find one square mile of Danish buildings, churches, and the Christiansvaern fort. This is also a wonderful place to grab a bite to eat and go shopping!
- Cruzan Rum Distillery – After a long day of soaking up the sun and the history of the island, you could use a good drink! Visit the Cruzan Rum Distillery to learn how the island’s most popular rum gets made and get a tour of the distillery itself!
St. Thomas
If “all-inclusive” is your favorite phrase, St. Thomas offers a few incredible all-inclusive resorts like the Ritz-Calton. You could spend a few days relaxing by the pool and getting pampered at one of the resort spas, or you can rent a car and explore the many “hidden treasures” of the island. A few places you must visit are:
- The 99 Steps – One of St. Thomas’s most famous (and steep) stairways, this stairway is paved with bricks made from the ballast from sail ships from Denmark. As you literally walk “on history,” you will make your way to our next must-see: Blackbeard’s Castle!
- Blackbeard’s Castle – A nine-acre complex that is home to a 17th-century watchtower, originally known as the Skytsborg Tower. Legend says that Edward Teach, known to many as the infamous Blackbeard, used to hide his treasure here.
- Tree-Lining Experience – If you are looking to get your blood pumping, you can take a zip-line through St. Peter Mountain. You will get breathtaking views of the jungle, the island, and the ocean!
St. John
While St. John may be the smallest of the three main islands, it is also known as the most beautiful. Since most of the island is protected as a National Park, you can only get to the island by boat or ferry. It is the perfect place for you to unplug from life’s everyday stresses! With white-sand beaches and clear waters, you will feel like you have sailed your way to Paradise. Some of St. John’s top spots include:
- Trunk Bay – Grab some snorkel gear and visit Trunk Bay, which is the perfect place to snorkel if you are a beginner or with family! Here you can explore untouched reefs and side alongside a variety of strikingly colored fish.
- Reef Bay Trail – Once you are through, you can hike your way through one of the island’s twenty-six hiking trails. We recommend Reef Bay Trail. Not only will you get a glimpse of history – with remains of some of the island’s sugar mills and petroglyphs – but you might also cross paths with a wild donkey!
- Mongoose Junction – If you are a shopper – and promised your loved ones you would bring them back some souvenirs from your trip – Mongoose Junction is the perfect place to peruse! This open-aired courtyard complements the island’s natural beauty and brings entertainment and some of the best shops, jewelers, artists, and restaurants together to give you an experience unlike any other.
Ready to pack your bags and book your trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands? As we mentioned, we only covered the three main islands so there are still 50 other surrounding minor islands and cays to explore and enjoy. To see which islands and activities are right for your trip, click here to schedule a call with us today!
