U.S. Virgin Islands Visitors Guide
How to Get There, Things to Do & More
Updated December 2023
Welcome to US Virgin Islands
Looking for a Caribbean destination that offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation? Look no further than the U.S. Virgin Islands! Comprised of three unique islands – St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John – each offers its own charm and attractions. St. Thomas boasts world-class shopping and dining, while St. Croix is known for its rich cultural history and stunning beaches. St. John is perfect for outdoor adventurers, with two-thirds of the island preserved as a national park. Our guide will take you through some of the top things to do in USVI. We will also give you tips on when to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands, the weather to expect, and how to stay safe during your travels. So pack your bags and get ready to immerse yourself in the local culture of this breathtaking island nation!
US Virgin Islands Map
Contents
A Bit Of History
For 3,000 years, the U.S. Virgin Islands were inhabited by the Ciboney people who first arrived from South America, followed by the Arawak, and then the Caribe tribes. Europeans arrived around 1625, when the English and Dutch began a 20-year-long struggle for power over the island of St. Croix.
The English ultimately surrendered but managed to establish rule in 1672. The islands continued to be traded off for a few hundred years until they were eventually settled by Denmark. Around 1685, the Danish approved St. Thomas as a safe haven for pirates, which they thought would benefit local business.
In 1916, the United States purchased the islands from Denmark for strategic military positioning during World War I.
U.S. Virgin Islands Today
The United States granted citizenship to all inhabitants of the islands in 1927, but voting rights were not secured until 1936. Revisions were made to these acts in 1954 to give more power to the local government, although the islands are still ruled by U.S. law. Today, the U.S. Virgin Islands are some of the most prosperous islands in the Caribbean.
Are The US Virgin Islands Safe?
The US Virgin Islands is overall a very safe place for travel, just be cautious as the crime rate has risen slightly on St. Johns island over the past few years. While theft and violent crime are not common, petty crimes and occasional assault against tourists do happen on rare occasions.
Visitors should be more concerned about accidental injuries rather than violent crimes, however. The islands have all sorts of high-risk level excursions and activities aimed at tourists, and it isn’t uncommon for injuries to happen.
Where are the US Virgin Islands?
When Is U.S. Virgin Islands Hurricane Season?
U.S. Virgin Islands hurricane season begins June 1 and goes through the end of November, with peak months being September and October. During this time, tourism slows because travelers can expect tropical storms and heavy rains. In the Virgin Islands, the average rainfall is five to six inches a month from September through November. The U.S. Virgin Islands are affected by a hurricane every four to six years, while a hurricane directly hits land around every eight years. Be sure to check weather reports before your trip, and we always recommend getting travel insurance during these months just in case of inclement weather.
How to Get to the US Virgin Islands & Around
There are a few ways to get to and around the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Arrival by Air
There are two international airports in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Cyril E. King Airport (STT) is located in St. Thomas and Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) is in St. Croix.
Both nonstop and connecting flights are offered by many U.S. airlines and interconnecting flights between islands are also available. Most flights make connections in San Juan, Puerto Rico. That connection takes around 30 minutes to St. Thomas and 20 minutes to St. Croix.
Search for great deals on flights here.
Arrival by Cruise
The major cruise port in the US Virgin Islands is in St. Thomas, specifically the Havensight Pier outside of Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas. Both St. Croix and St. John also accommodate cruise ships.
A cruise visit to the Virgin Islands is an excellent way to get a taste of what these beautiful islands offer. There are many different cruise lines that offer stops in the U.S. Virgin Islands, such as Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruises and Royal Caribbean.
Search for great deals on cruises here.
Shuttles in US Virgin Islands
Shuttles or private transport can be pre-arranged to pick you up and take you from the airport to your accommodation.
St Thomas and St Croix airport transfers are ideal for solo travelers, couples, families, or large groups. The number and type of vehicles are assigned based on the size of your party, and all of the drivers and vehicles are fully licensed and insured. Airport transfers are around $79 per person for a round trip.
You can easily book ground transportation from the airport to your hotel here.
Getting Around by Car
It is easy to get around any of the large islands by rental car. You can rent cars at either of the two international airports. Renting a car while visiting the islands is hands down the best way to explore.
Rentals typically cost around $53 per day for an economy car and $67 per day for a standard SUV. While luxury SUVs cost around $100 per day and all terrain vehicles are about $170 per day.
You’ll need to drive on the left side of the road. Speed limits do vary on the islands, so make sure to take your time and enjoy the views. All U.S. drivers can drive for up to 90 days as long as they have a current driver’s license.
Search for great deals on rental cars here.
US Virgin Islands by Taxi
Taxis are available by both land and water to transport you around the islands. Taxis are available at the airports, as well as cruise docks and on popular streets.
They are a popular option in St. Thomas, but are not metered. Instead taxi rates are per person and by destination. There can be additional fees based on factors such as luggage and waiting. Keep in mind that the majority of taxis in St Thomas are cash only.
Ferries in US Virgin Islands
If you are interested in island hopping in the U.S. Virgin Islands, ferries are a great way to do that. Ferries from St. Croix or St. Thomas can easily take you to the island of St. John and back.
Ferries typically cost around $75 per person one way, and about $120 for a round trip ride.
Things to Do in US Virgin Islands
With three unique islands to explore, the U.S. Virgin Islands has something for everyone. From beaches, to snorkeling, to jungle and cultural explorations, get lost and relax on “island time”. Here are some of the best activities in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Things to Do in St. Thomas
St. Thomas Top Highlights
St. Thomas island has something for everyone! Here are just a few of the activities to enjoy in St. Thomas!
Take the Skyride to Paradise Point
This short gondola ride will take you up to the highest peak in the islands’ capital city, Charlotte Amalie. From this vantage point, you will experience panoramic views that overlook Water Island and Puerto Rico in the distance. There is also a restaurant, bar, and gift shop at the top! This ride is around $25 for adults and $17 for children 12 and under.
Go Diving or Snorkeling
It is no secret that the U.S. Virgin Islands has some of the best diving and snorkeling in the Caribbean. You can observe various coral types, sea turtles, an array of colorful fish, and so much more! Not surprisingly, there are an abundance of beaches with great DIY snorkeling opportunities. However, boat snorkeling and diving tours tend to explore much more of the beautiful reefs.
Check out a number of excellent snorkeling day tours in St. Thomas here.
Scuba diving options abound. Here is a great beginners Discover Scuba Dive while this top rated two tank dive is for certified divers only.
Visit the Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden
For the nature and flower-loving tourist, the Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden offers beautiful blooming orchids, lilies, palms, and so much more! A stroll through the gardens can be relaxing for the whole family.
With lizards scurrying about and butterflies floating gracefully by, this experience is sure to leave you feeling enchanted and mesmerized. There are also several animal attractions, such as parrots, peacocks, tortoises, and chickens.
For those without transportation, this inexpensive 2 hour tour to the gardens includes hotel pick up and drop off.
Spend the Day as a Pirate
The Virgin Islands are famously known to have been a safe harbor for pirates back in the day. Today, you can spend the day as a pirate and visit many historical pirate sites, such as Blackbeard’s Castle. This tower was originally created in 1679 as a watchtower for the Danes but was taken over in the 18th century by pirate Blackbeard.
Near Blackbeard’s Castle, you will find the famous 99 steps. These were originally built by the Danes to make it easier to climb the steep hillsides and is a popular location for a photo-op today. End your day in a natural pirate fashion by sipping one of the plentiful rum drinks at any of the local restaurants.
Visit Blackbeard and Bluebeard’s castles as part of this half day group tour.
Want to try something really different? Check out this popular night time pirate treasure hunt!
Relax on the Beach
One of the best activities on any island is relaxing on its beaches, and St. Thomas has one of the best! On the northern coast of the island is Magens Bay (pictured above), known to be one of the most photogenic and swimmable locations in the Caribbean.
Visitors love the snow white sand and crystal clear water. You can check this beach out on your own, or you can join one of a variety of tours that visit Magens Bay by land or boat!
Check out a number of great Magens Bay tour options here.
For more great beach ideas, check out our Best Beaches In U.S. Virgin Islands Guide!
Things to Do in St. John
St. John Top Highlights
Here are just a few of the activities to enjoy in St. John!
Explore Virgin Islands National Park
The Virgin Islands National Park comprises two-thirds of the island of St. John. Nature-lovers will enjoy exploring more than 20 trails, relaxing on the various beaches, or adventuring into the waters for boating and snorkeling excursions.
While some believe the island is best explored by boat tour, there are land based tours available as well that visit many of the lovely parts of the island.
Hit the water in this popular small group boat tour to see many parts of the island or hire a private boat to take your group exploring on your own!
Check out this top rated 2.5 hour tour and this 4 hour tour in an open air tour taxi. The 4 hour tour visits 7 different beaches!
Discover the Bays
St. John is home to several bays with gorgeous panoramic views that shouldn’t be missed. Trunk Bay (pictured above), nearby the Virgin Islands National Park, has fluffy white sand beaches and mesmerizing turquoise water.
There is also a 225-yard snorkeling path that is abundant with coral and fish. On the East End of St. John lies Hansen Bay, which offers serene waters and great snorkeling with glimpses of turtles and stingrays.
In the north is Maho Bay, which is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. It offers glittering white sands shaded by towering coconut trees. Cruz Bay, on the west coast, is one of St. John’s most lively ports with 28 miles of restaurants, stores, and bars.
Lastly, Salt Pond Bay in the South, is a moderate hike from the road, which brings you out to a protected cove that offers a more private beach experience and pristine snorkeling.
This top rated 4 hour private tour in an open air tour taxi visits Trunk Bay, Maho Bay and Cinnamon Bay as well as 4 other beaches.
This popular small group boat tour visits Cinnamon Bay, Hansens Bay and Salt Pond Bay.
Hire a private boat to see all the bays you want in a customizable tour!
Go Hiking or Kayaking
With two-thirds of the island being a national park, there are numerous kayaking locations and jungle hikes in St. John. Easy hiking trails include Drunk Bay and Lind Point, while slightly more advanced trails are Cinnamon Bay (pictured above), Reef Bay, Johnny Horn, and Bordeaux Mountain Trail.
No matter which bay or trail you choose, you are sure to see beautiful greenery, breathtaking views, and maybe even some wildlife.
Get active with this kayaking/snorkeling/hiking combo tour.
Night kayaking is also very popular.
Take a Sunset Sail
Sunsets are the perfect time to set sail off the coast of St. John. Numerous sunset sails offer food, champagne and an experience not to be missed. While some sunset tours set out for an hour and a half and include champagne and hors d’oeuvres, other lengthier experiences include a stop on Lovango Cay where guests can have dinner at the private resort before sailing back to the mainland under the moonlight.
This 1.5 hour sunset tour includes champagne, hors d’oeuvres and an open bar.
This 4.5 hour experience includes champagne, hors d’oeuvres and an open bar on the sailboat and several hours on the beautiful Lovango Cay for dinner. Note that dinner is not included.
Things to Do in St. Croix
St. Croix Top Highlights
Here are just a few of the activities to enjoy in St. Croix!
Salt River Bay National Park and Ecological Preserve
This national park preserves watersheds, forests, and marine environments that are home to many endangered species. There are also many prehistoric and colonial-era archeological sites, such as the Columbus landing site.
Visit Buck Island
This island is about one and half miles off the coast of St. Croix. It is about nearly 200 acres of land surrounded by over 700 acres of a coral reef system. This island is a heaven for snorkelers, divers, and jungle adventurers!
Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts
For art-lovers or those wanting to escape the sun for a bit, the Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts is a great place to visit. There is an ongoing home exhibit, as well as visiting exhibits that rotate throughout the year. Check out their website for the newest exhibitions.
This guide is such a lifesaver, thanks for posting it. I especially like the night kayaking and sailing tips! So so great 😀
We also love the botanical gardens in St. Thomas. Good recommendation.
Thanks!
I will definitely be taking all the sailing tips into consideration when planning my trip this summer, thanks for the advice!
My kids really enjoyed Blackbeards’ Castle! Thank you for the great advice and tips!
Glad you enjoyed it!
This is the best guide for the US Virgin Islands I have yet to come across, great job!
Thanks!
I look forward to experiencing the Virgin Islands National Park during my next visit! Thanks for the tip!