The US Virgin Islands, comprised of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, offer visitors a tropical paradise with stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activities, cultural experiences, or simply a tranquil escape, the US Virgin Islands offer something for every type of traveler to enjoy
- St. Thomas: The most developed of the US Virgin Islands, St. Thomas is known for its bustling capital, Charlotte Amalie, which features colorful colonial buildings, duty-free shopping, and historic sites like Fort Christian. Visitors can enjoy world-class dining, nightlife, and entertainment in Charlotte Amalie, as well as explore beautiful beaches such as Magens Bay and Sapphire Beach. Popular activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, and sailing excursions to nearby islands.
- St. John: Known for its pristine natural beauty, St. John is home to the Virgin Islands National Park, which covers two-thirds of the island and features hiking trails, secluded beaches, and historic ruins. Visitors can explore attractions like Trunk Bay, with its underwater snorkeling trail, and Annaberg Plantation, a historic sugar plantation dating back to the 18th century. The island also offers charming towns like Cruz Bay, with its waterfront restaurants and boutiques.
- St. Croix: The largest of the US Virgin Islands, St. Croix offers a mix of cultural heritage, outdoor adventures, and scenic beauty. Visitors can explore historic sites like Christiansted, with its Danish colonial architecture and bustling boardwalk, and Frederiksted, home to the imposing Fort Frederik and stunning beaches like Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge. St. Croix is also known for its rum distilleries, including Cruzan Rum and Captain Morgan, where visitors can take tours and tastings.
In addition to these main islands, the US Virgin Islands also include smaller cays and islets, such as Water Island and Buck Island, which offer secluded beaches and natural attractions.
The Same
The DINKs have more extensive experience in the US Virgin Islands as they have visited a couple times and spent several days on St. Thomas. Both they and the Family have visited St. Thomas during Caribbean cruises. Additionally, both groups ventured to St. John, a destination highly recommended by both for its stunning beaches where the water appears remarkably blue.
St. John’s
The Family visited St. John while their cruise ship was docked in St. Thomas during a Caribbean voyage. They booked the excursion to ensure they returned to the ship on schedule. Meanwhile, the DINKs, staying on St. Thomas, opted to take a ferry to St. John for the day. However, you get there, we highly recommend making it a part of your trip to the USVI.
Getting there:
- The Red Hook Ferry is a popular transportation option for travelers looking to journey from St. Thomas to St. John in the US Virgin Islands. The Red Hook Ferry Terminal is located on the eastern end of St. Thomas, in the town of Red Hook. It’s easily accessible by car or taxi from various points on the island. The ferry ride from Red Hook, St. Thomas to Cruz Bay, St. John typically takes around 20-25 minutes, depending on sea conditions. Tickets for the Red Hook Ferry can be purchased at the terminal ticket booth or online in advance. The Dinks just purchased them when they arrived at the terminal but it was right after COVID so things were a bit less crowded. We took an early morning ferry to make the most of our time on St. John’s and the ferry itself was less than half full.
- Escorted Tour/Excursion: The Family booked a tour while in port in St. Thomas, had a fantastic snorkel and beach adventure. We explored vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish and sea turtles. We then sailed to Honeymoon Beach, where we relaxed on one of the Virgin Islands’ most stunning beaches.
Cruz Bay Ferry Terminal:
The ferry docks at the Cruz Bay Ferry Terminal in St. John, conveniently located near Cruz Bay town. The heart of Cruz Bay is its charming town center, characterized by colorful buildings, bustling streets, and a laid-back island vibe. Here you’ll find a variety of shops, boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants offering everything from local crafts and souvenirs to gourmet dining experiences. We skipped this and started our treck to the beach but stopped by on our way back to the ferry terminal to do a little shopping.
Virgin Islands National Park Visitor Center:
Located in Cruz Bay, the Visitor Center provides information about the Virgin Islands National Park, including maps, exhibits, and guided tour options. It’s a great starting point for learning about the island’s natural and cultural history before heading out to explore. We stopped by in the morning so that we could get our exploring done before the heat of the day.
Lind Point Trail
Hiking the Lind Point Trail to Honeymoon Beach is a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty of St. John in the US Virgin Islands. The Lind Point Trail begins near the National Park Visitor Center in Cruz Bay, St. John. You can easily access the trailhead by walking from the ferry terminal. The trail is approximately 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) one way and is considered moderate in difficulty. It winds through lush tropical forest, offering shade and glimpses of local wildlife along the way. The trail is well-marked with signs, making it easy to follow. As you hike, you’ll enjoy stunning views of Cruz Bay and the Caribbean Sea. There are several overlooks and benches along the trail where you can stop to take in the scenery and snap some photos.
Honeymoon Beach:
After about a 30-45 minute hike, depending on your pace, you’ll reach Honeymoon Beach. This beautiful, secluded beach is part of the Virgin Islands National Park and boasts soft white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and excellent snorkeling opportunities. The beach is relatively uncrowded, offering a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. Honeymoon Beach is equipped with basic facilities, including restrooms, picnic tables, and a beach bar where you can purchase snacks, drinks, and beach rentals like chairs and umbrellas. The calm, shallow waters of Honeymoon Beach are perfect for snorkeling. You’ll find vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful fish and other marine life just offshore. Snorkel gear is available for rent at the beach if you don’t have your own.
Local Cuisine
The cuisine of the US Virgin Islands, including St. Thomas and St. John, is a delightful fusion of Caribbean, African, and European influences. As always our mutual love for sampling indigenous dishes is always apart of our journeys.
- Johnny Cake: Similar to a cornbread or fried dumpling, Johnny Cake is made from cornmeal or flour and served with butter, jam, or as a side dish with meals.
- Conch: A seafood delicacy, conch is often prepared as conch fritters (deep-fried batter with chopped conch meat) or conch salad (marinated in lime juice with onions, peppers, and tomatoes).
- Saltfish and Dumplings: Salted codfish served with boiled dumplings (flour-based dough) in a savory broth. It’s a hearty and traditional dish.
- Callaloo: A leafy green vegetable dish cooked with okra, coconut milk, and often flavored with salted pork or seafood. It’s similar to spinach and is served as a side dish.
- Fish and Seafood: Enjoy freshly caught fish and seafood prepared in various ways, such as grilled, fried, or steamed. Local favorites include mahi-mahi, snapper, and lobster.
- Rice and Beans: A staple dish in Caribbean cuisine, rice and beans are cooked together with spices, coconut milk, and sometimes served alongside grilled meat or seafood.
- Rum Cocktails: The US Virgin Islands are known for their rum production. Try local rum cocktails such as the Painkiller (rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, cream of coconut) or the Bushwacker (rum, Kahlua, cream, coconut, and chocolate).
The DINKs
St. Thomas
We visited St. Thomas twice. Once as a stop on a cruise and another time we stayed at a resort for several days.
Bolongo Bay Beach Resort
Bolongo Bay Beach Resort enjoys a prime beachfront location on the shores of Bolongo Bay, offering stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and neighboring islands. The resort is conveniently situated just a short drive from the Cyril E. King Airport and the bustling town of Charlotte Amalie. The resort offers a variety of accommodations to suit different preferences and group sizes. Guests can choose from oceanfront rooms, beachfront villas, and hillside studios, each equipped with modern amenities and Caribbean-inspired décor. Many rooms feature private balconies or patios overlooking the ocean.
Bolongo Bay Beach Resort is known for its beautiful sandy beach, where guests can relax on lounge chairs, swim in the calm turquoise waters, or try out a variety of water sports and activities. The resort offers complimentary use of kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling gear, allowing guests to explore the vibrant marine life just offshore. The resort features several dining options, including the famous Iggies Beach Bar & Grill, known for its delicious Caribbean cuisine, refreshing tropical drinks, and live entertainment. We did the all-inclusive package which was unique in that you ordered meals directly from the restaurant that is also open to the public.
Bolongo Bay Beach Resort offers a range of activities and entertainment options to keep guests entertained throughout their stay. We really enjoyed the sunset kayak, as well as taking the SUPs out as there is a turtle that comes in to feed around 2pm each day. I also enjoyed yoga each morning on the beach. A lot of all inclusive resorts charge for some of these types of activities so it was nice that they were all included in the price.
Coral World Ocean Park
Coral World Ocean Park, located on the island of St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands, is a popular marine park and tourist attraction that offers visitors the opportunity to explore and learn about the diverse marine life of the Caribbean Sea. Visitors can explore underwater observatories, touch tanks, and aquariums filled with colorful tropical fish, sharks, rays, and other marine creatures. The park’s exhibits provide educational insights into coral reefs, mangrove forests, and other marine habitats. We stopped in St. Thomas during a cruise and unfortunately the weather was not cooperating. We decided to check out the aquarium as we were not sure if the rain was going to hold out for us to enjoy the beach.
- Underwater Observatory Tower: One of the highlights of Coral World is its underwater observatory tower, which allows visitors to descend into the depths of the ocean without getting wet. The tower features large windows that provide panoramic views of the coral reef and its inhabitants, including tropical fish, turtles, and coral formations.
- Touch Tanks: Coral World offers touch tanks where visitors can interact with marine animals such as sea stars, sea cucumbers, and conchs. This hands-on experience allows visitors to learn about the animals’ anatomy, behavior, and importance to the marine ecosystem. Frankly the sea cucumbers freak me out but I made myself touch it anyway.
- Dolphins: We sat and watched the dolphins for a while then receive an informative briefing on dolphin behavior, physiology, and conservation. Knowledgeable trainers and educators provide insights into the lives of dolphins in the wild and the importance of protecting their natural habitats. One of the Dolphins was very interested in us and kept swimming back and forth to get a good look at us.
- Sea Lions: When we visited the sea lion exhibit area was closed because of damage from a hurricane. So instead they had a speaking presentation that was almost like a behind the scenes with one of the trainers and their largest sea lion.
Coki Beach:
Coki Beach, located on the northeastern coast of St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands right next to Coral World and is a popular destination known for its stunning beauty, clear turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life. Coki Beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and simply relaxing. The soft white sand and calm waters create a serene environment ideal for lounging and enjoying the scenic views. Coki Beach is renowned for its excellent snorkeling and diving conditions. The clear, calm waters provide great visibility, allowing snorkelers to see a variety of tropical fish, coral reefs, and other marine creatures. You can often spot parrotfish, angelfish, and even sea turtles. Coki Beach offers basic amenities such as restrooms, showers, and changing areas. There are several beachside vendors and shacks offering local food, snacks, and drinks. You can enjoy Caribbean cuisine, fresh seafood, and tropical beverages right on the beach. Beachgoers can rent chairs and umbrellas for a more comfortable experience. (Be sure to bring cash.)
Summary
In exploring the US Virgin Islands, both the DINKs and the family embraced the vibrant culture and natural beauty of this Caribbean paradise, albeit through different lenses. While the DINKs immersed themselves in the charms of St. Thomas, taking the time to delve deeper into its attractions and local flavors, the family, arriving on a cruise, maximized their day trip to St. John’s, savoring its unique offerings amidst their island-hopping itinerary. Both experiences, whether leisurely exploring St. Thomas or making the most of a brief but memorable day in St. John’s, highlighted the US Virgin Islands’ allure—its turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and rich culinary traditions. Each traveler’s journey, shaped by their itinerary and preferences, captured the essence of Caribbean hospitality and left indelible impressions of a tropical paradise well worth exploring.
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