Get to the heart of the Caribbean with a trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Set in the emerald hues of the Caribbean Sea, this archipelago consists of three main islands: St. John, St. Thomas, and St. Croix. The tropical paradise boasts amazing beaches and diverse ecosystems alongside plentiful historical landmarks. Having passed through the hands of the Spanish, Dutch, British, French and finally, the Americans, who have held sovereignty since 1917, the islands carry the traces of a turbulent past. Today, the U.S. Virgin Islands reflect on the intertwined histories of its colonizers while preserving the character of its original Caribbean inhabitants.

Good to Know

• Getting There: The U.S. Virgin Islands has two main airports: Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas and Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix. Direct flights are available from major U.S. cities, and international travelers can easily connect through these routes. Cruise ships are another popular way to reach the islands.
• Getting Around: The U.S. Virgin Islands are relatively small and easy to navigate. Taxis and public buses are common means of transportation, and rental cars are available if you prefer to be independent of departure times. Traveling between islands is convenient by ferry.
• How Long to Visit: We recommend spending between 7 and 10 days in the U.S. Virgin Islands to see both the highlights and explore a bit further, too.
• When to Visit: The best time to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands is from April to June, when the weather is pleasant and the winter tourist crowds have thinned.
• Similar Destinations: If you like the U.S. Virgin Islands, you may also like the British Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico in the Caribbean, or the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific.

Highlights

St. John

St. John is the smallest of the three islands, but no less stunning for its pristine beaches and abundant natural beauty. A significant portion of the island, more than half, is designated as the Virgin Islands National Park, a luscious sanctuary that is home to native flora and fauna.

Virgin Islands National Park:

The Virgin Islands National Park is a tropical paradise where the adventures are endless. It offers an extensive network of trails through the tropical forest, perfect for exploring on foot or horseback. Bird watchers will enjoy spotting the many species native to the island. Not only a nature preserve, but the park also protects historical sites such as the remnants of the Annaberg Sugar Plantation, a powerful reminder of the island's past.

Coral Reef Underwater Park Trail:

Dive into a whole new world beneath the Caribbean Sea at the Coral Reef Underwater Park Trail. As you swim along the clearly marked trail, you will encounter a mesmerizing underwater landscape filled with tropical fish and vibrant coral formations.

Elaine Ione Sprauve Public Library:

Housed in a building that dates back to the 1750s, when the Danish ruled the island, the library holds an impressive collection of books and historical documents, providing a valuable window into the island's history.

Beaches:

St. John's beaches are a dream come true. Hawksnest Bay, a favorite among locals, is a peaceful oasis, and at Maho Bay, if you're lucky, you might spot a sea turtle gliding through the turquoise waters.

St. Thomas

St. Thomas is the cultural center of the islands and is filled with bustling streets waiting to be explored.

Historical & Cultural Sights:

St. Thomas is dotted with historical sites of great significance. Blackbeard's Castle stands out. Once a watch tower built by the Danish in the 17th century, the castle overlooks the island and the surrounding Caribbean sea with panoramic views. The Emancipation Garden, a small park in the heart of Charlotte Amalie, commemorates an important event in the island's history - the emancipation of slaves in the Danish West Indies in 1848. Another important historical site is Fort Christian. As the oldest standing structure in the U.S. Virgin Islands, it has witnessed centuries of change.

Magens Bay:

A natural gem of St. Thomas, Magens Bay is a must-see. The heart-shaped shoreline and calm, crystal-clear water make it the perfect place to relax and unwind. Close by is the Magen's Bay Nature Trail, which takes you through a dense tropical forest to a hilltop overlook. From there, you can enjoy breathtaking vistas of the bay.

St. Croix

St. Croix, the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, stands out for its incredible ecological preserves.

Salt River Bay National Historic Park and Preserve:

One of the must-see attractions on St. Croix is the Salt River Bay National Historic Park and Ecological Preserve. This bioluminescent bay is known not only for its unique aquatic life but also for its historical significance as the landing site of Columbus. By day you can kayak through the mangrove forests, and by night you can witness the surreal phenomenon of bioluminescence.

Buck Island Reef National Monument:

Buck Island Reef National Monument is a patch of pure paradise. This 176-acre uninhabited island is protected as a national monument and is home to one of the most beautiful marine gardens in the Caribbean. As you follow the underwater trail, you'll get an up-close look at the vibrant coral and diverse tropical fish species.

St. Croix Heritage Trail:

The St. Croix Heritage Trail is an engaging way to explore the island's rich history and natural beauty. This self-guided driving tour winds through historic towns, plantation ruins, museums, and scenic overlooks. Along the way, you'll learn about the region's history and you'll get to marvel at the magnificent blues of the Caribbean Sea.