Touted to be “America’s Caribbean Paradise”, the U.S. Virgin Islands are a trifecta of islands – St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix – all of which are same, but different. While stunningly azure waters and a drop-dead-gorgeous landscape are the commonality, the choice of things to do is the point of difference. While St. Thomas is the most famous and developed island of the three, its main calling are tours on uber-luxurious mega yachts, St. John’s bewitching tranquillity attracts honeymooners and nature creatures, and then there’s St. Croix’s pleasing duality of famous distilleries and extensive plantations. We’ve covered the best of them all and put together a list of things to do in U.S. Virgin Islands, which will work for any and all kind of traveller.
1. Go animal spotting at Coral World Ocean Park
Photo by scuba__stan
Posted by Caribbean Travel on Thursday, 21 May 2015
Coral World Ocean Park opened first in 1978 and has since been a popular tourist attraction in St. Thomas. It is home to an array of wildlife species that make for every bit a superb and fascinating sight. The visitors can spend their time exploring and marvelling at nature as well as the animals. Seahorses, sea stars, stingrays, iguanas, South American sea lions, and baby sharks among others, some of which you can even touch and play with. Plus, the park’s circular tower-like aquarium gives an excellent insight into underwater life. The park also offers some hands-on activities, such as the Nautilus Semi Submarine, a Sea Trek Helmet Dive, and Snuba (a scuba-snorkel combo sport) that are super fun and informative. Kids and adults find the place equally interesting, so do visit.
Coral World Ocean Park
Address: 6450 Coki Point, St Thomas, Virgin Islands 00802, U.S. Virgin Islands
Website: Coral World Ocean Park
Opening hours: 9am - 4pm (daily)
Price: 11 - 20 USD
2. Set sail towards Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge (from USD 109.0)
Travel about 4 kilometres (2 miles) south of St. Thomas and you’ll land at Buck Island. The island’s most famed attraction is the Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge, which this three-hour excursion does a fantastic job of exploring. You’ll set sail on a catamaran, accompanied by the sailing crew and tour guide, and ultimately de-board at the park. While on this short yet superb sailing journey, you’ll have plenty of beautiful sights to soak in – flocks of migratory birds flying past, towering trees at a distance doing a happy dance, and a lovely ambience of the nature amplifying the entire experience. Once at the destination, you’ll be donned in snorkelling gear and left to explore the incredible marine life.
St Thomas Sailing, Snorkeling at Buck Island Wildlife Refuge
Duration: 3 hours
3. Bathe in the beauty of Trunk Bay beach
Trunk Bay beach is truly a paradise for nature creatures, lazy loungers, beach bums as well as watersports enthusiasts. While this stretch of glittering sand and crystal-clear waters offer many activities, hitching a self-guided tour of the Underwater Snorkel Trail remains among the top few. The trail is rife with stunning coral formations and a thriving marine life, all for you to admire. The beach’s entry points and the snorkelling trail’s starting point remain most crowded, but if walk down to the beach’s west side, it is ideal for some quiet time and a hideout pocket beach for you to chill at! There are also quite a few commercial outlets that border the main beach.
Trunk Bay beach
Address: St. John 00830, U.S. Virgin Islands
Price: 5 USD
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4. Enjoy your time at Honeymoon Beach (from USD 35.0)
Honeymoon Beach is called so for a reason – the beach’s soft, white sands extend to merge into the Caribbean Sea’s azure waters that are dotted with and sails lazily floating on it and vacationers, perched on pool floats and kayaks. The beach’s surrounding foliage accentuates its scenic appeal, making it every bit a romantic paradise. This eight-hour tour equips visitors with all that they can and will need (snorkelling gear, lounge chairs, guides, etc.), and leaves them to have a whale of a time. Although, you’ll have to carry your own swimsuit, towel, suntan lotion, or anything else you might need for these activities.
St. John: Shuttle, Beach and Snorkel at Honeymoon Beach
Duration: 8.0 hour
5. Chill at Cinnamon Bay beach
St. John’s longest beach, Cinnamon Bay beach offers tons of activities for visitors to indulge in. Bathe in the beauty of the surroundings, stretched on beach, on soft sands and underneath towering palms or play a few beach games. Else, snack at one of the beach bars and restaurants. The beach’s shallow waters also make it a hotspot for those with little kids, while older kids and adults get busy kiteboarding, paddleboarding, windsurfing, or snorkelling.
Cinnamon Bay beach
Address: North Shore Road, Virgin Islands National Park 00830, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
6. Check out panoramic views of Magen's Bay from Drake's Seat
Drive up to St. Thomas’s highest point, atop a mountain, and you’ll reach Drake’s Seat, which was used as a spot for explorer Sir Francis Drake to catch pirate ships, invaders, etc. Today, it is one of the most bustling lookout points that attracts tourists by the hordes. And, this is not without a good reason. Stand on Drake’s Seat and you’ll be able to soak in some of the best views of the Magen’s Bay sprawled right in front. The bay’s turquoise-azure waters beautifully play against the greenery along the borders, making it a breathtaking sight. Stay on until the sunset and you’ll experience beauty beyond comprehension. Although Drake’s Seat is often crowded, head there early in the day or towards the sunset for a wholly peaceful experience.
Drake's Seat
Address: Rte 37, St. Thomas 00802, U.S. Virgin Islands
7. Embark on a strenuous hike to Carambola Tide Pools
Tide pools
Posted by Aaron Paolino on Sunday, 14 December 2014
Found on St. Croix’s stunning North Shore, Carambola Tide Pools are a series of naturally occurring pools. But, accessing these might be slightly trying even though it’s scenic in every way. The route winds through lush rainforests, rife with stunning flora and fauna, which you can very much stop and marvel at. And, panoramic views that’ll leave you awestruck are aplenty. Even though it is quite a popular hike, the terrain at certain points can get challenging, so go prepared. Once at the tide pools, you can jump into them and splash around or also go in for some easy snorkelling. However, you’ll have to carry your own gear. If you’re first-timers to the place, it is strongly recommended that you undertake the hike accompanied by a guide.
Carambola Tide Pools
Address: St. Croix 00840, U.S. Virgin Islands
8. Explore the tropical plants of St. George Village Botanical Garden
Sprawled across 6.5 hectares (16 acres) approximately is the St. George Village Botanical Garden, peppered with tropical trees, colourful orchids, abundant foliage, and a pleasing allure. The garden’s neatly-paved walkways wind through, bordered with large trees providing ample shade, which chirpy birds call their home. The St. George Village Botanical Garden has been developed amidst the ruins of a 19th-century sugarcane plantation, so you’ll also get to marvel at some restored buildings of the mill. You can hitch one of the many self-guided tours that are offered and learn tons about the horticultural significance of the park, the mills’ history, and quite a bit of other interesting information. There’s also a herbarium on-site that you can check out.
St. George Village Botanical Garden
Address: 127 George Rd, Frederiksted, St Croix 00840, U.S. Virgin Islands
Website: St. George Village Botanical Garden
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 3pm (closed on Sun)
9. Get insights of industrial history at Estate Whim Sugar Mill
(Left) animal mail the earliest mode of crushing juice from cut sugar cane (Center) wind mill (right) steam mill engine replaced the animal and windmill in 1865.
Posted by Michael Niemeyer on Saturday, 6 May 2017
St. Croix once had a thriving sugar-production industry and sugar mills were a common sight. Among those that stand tall till date is the Estate Whim Sugar Mill, which preserves relics from the life and times of sugar plantations. Right from the industry’s history, equipment, and other interesting exhibits regarding the workers, you’ll find a great variety here.
Estate Whim Sugar Mill
Address: 52 Estate Whim, 00840, United States, Frederiksted, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed from Sun - Tue)
Price: 5 - 10 USD
10. Step back in time at St. Thomas Synagogue
St Thomas, USVI, Oldest synagogue in US.
Posted by AFP Photography on Monday, 23 December 2013
If you want to give nature exploration a break, a trip to the St. Thomas Synagogue might make for a rewarding outing. A National Historic Landmark, the synagogue is the second-oldest across the Western Hemisphere, dating back to 1833! The synagogue’s main sanctuary – where the Torahs (scrolls of scriptures) can be found – features a high, domed ceiling, adorned with a chandelier, mahogany pews, and sand floors. Towards the rear side of the synagogue is a museum that you can check out as well.
St. Thomas Synagogue
Address: 2116 Krystal Gade, Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas, 00802, U.S. Virgin Islands
Website: St. Thomas Synagogue
11. Learn about Fort Christiansvaern's rich history
Fort Christiansvaern
Posted by KNelsonPhotography on Wednesday, 25 January 2017
History buffs, this one’s definitely going to delight you. A classic example of Danish colonial military architecture, Fort Christiansvaern was built as far back as the 18th century and is a National Historic Site. The structure has sustained substantial damage over the years, but remains among the five best-preserved forts built by the Danish peoples in the U.S. Virgin Islands. It is an important reminder of the islands’ past. Hitch one of the 30 minute-long tours that make for a great way to learn the many aspects of the fort.
Fort Christiansvaern
Address: Hospital St. Christiansted, St. Croix 00820, U.S. Virgin Islands
Opening hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm (daily)
Price: 3 USD
12. Shop your heart out at Vendors' Plaza
Posted by Vendor's Plaza on Thursday, 17 December 2015
Vendors’ Plaza is an open marketplace that sees local vendors setting up canopied booths, stalls, and tents, selling everything from t-shirts to accessories to souvenirs and more. If you’re one who likes munching while shopping, there are food and ice cream stalls to satiate your hunger pangs as well. Do note that it’s best to carry cash, since only the larger merchants accept cards (and that too if you’re lucky). Not just shopping, Vendors’ Plaza is also great for those of you who enjoy people-watching; the place exudes every bit of the local charm.
Vendors' Plaza
Address: Veterans Dr, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas 00804, U.S. Virgin Islands
Website: Vendors’ Plaza
Opening hours: 7am - 6pm (daily)
13. Take a tour of Cruzan Rum Distillery
Cruzan Rum Distillery
Posted by Gitte Nilsson on Friday, 25 February 2011
Step into the premises of the Cruzan Rum Distillery and you’ll actually be stepping into St. Croix’s history. The distillery has now been operating for over two centuries and is among the largest privately-held and run American supplier of handcrafted rum. Hitch the distillery’s tour and you’ll unearth a world of intriguing details about its owning family, the production history, and the craft of manufacturing rum. After the tour, you’ll also be welcomed to sample the many varieties of rum and try your hand at making cocktails at their Don’t Hurry bar. Once done with that, head to the on-site store and pick up a few bottles of rum to savour back home.
Cruzan Rum Distillery
Address: 3A Estate Diamond, Frederiksted, St Croix 00840, U.S. Virgin Islands
Website: Cruzan Rum Distillery
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 3pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
Price: 4 - 8 USD
14. Unearth a fascinating world at Pirates Treasure Museum
Posted by Pirates Treasure Museum on Monday, 30 September 2019
Interactive exhibits, intriguing showcases, and authentic artefacts make up the unique Pirates Treasure Museum, which is not exactly based on a work of fiction (movie series – if you know what we’re talking about), rather a fascinating history of pirate legends in the U.S. Virgin Islands as well as rest of the world. Fun fact: Did you know that St. Thomas was once among the top three pirate lairs in the Caribbean? The museum is spread across two floors that house some of the most engaging material. Step into its Deep Sea Technology exhibit and discover the mystical world of the oceans and its treasures. The Pirate Encounter exhibit and the fun activities therein is most famous among kids.
Pirates Treasure Museum
Address: 17-1 Estate Thomas St. Thomas Virgin Islands VI, 00802, U.S. Virgin Islands
Website: Pirates Treasure Museum
Price: 12 - 16 USD
15. Tickle your taste buds at Sunset Grille
$3 Pulled Pork Sliders....Until they gone! Available @ the Bar Today Only!
Posted by Sunset Grille - Secret Harbour on Saturday, 5 October 2019
Experience dining, overlooking Secret Harbour’s waterfront, at its best at Sunset Grille. The place offers an extensive collection of wine to choose from, some creative (but potent) cocktails, and an array of food options. Sunset Grille does classic American steakhouse fare and does it pretty damn well. Try their crispy skin muscovy duck breast with pancetta potato hash or the butter-poached Caribbean lobster tail with pumpkin truffle risotto and champagne nage and you’ll know just what we mean by tickling your taste buds!
Sunset Grille
Address: 6280 Estate Nazareth, St Thomas 00802, U.S. Virgin Islands
Website: Sunset Grille
Opening hours: 8am - 10pm (daily)
16. Enjoy drinks at Quiet Mon Pub
Summer time is here! We will be closing September 23 for a few weeks!! Much needed break is deserved for the staff!! See ya mid October!!
Posted by Quiet Mon Pub on Wednesday, 11 September 2019
If casual chilling is what you’re looking for, head to Quiet Mon Pub, a traditional Irish pub that serves some of the most amazing Strongbow cider and Newcastle Brown on tap. Afternoons at the bar are mostly casual, with locals snacking on their sloppy joes or nachos and sipping on some Irish coffee. It is the evenings/nights when the scene lifts up and the pub is grooving with loud music, drinks flowing, and an atmosphere of sheer fun with people partying till the wee hours of the morning.
Quiet Mon Pub
Address: Prince St, St John, 00831, U.S. Virgin Islands
Website: Quiet Mon Pub
Opening hours: 2pm - 4am (daily)
17. Try night kayaking in Mangrove Lagoon (from USD 83.74)
Give your getaway a unique twist and head out after sundown for some night kayaking. The Mangrove Lagoon is just about the most exquisite of locations to try this. This one and a half-hour-long expedition is conducted by an accompanying guide who’ll take you through the area’s history, the flora and fauna there, and provide interesting information about St. Thomas and the Mangrove Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary and Marine Preserve. Paddling through kayaks in the company of starlit skies and stunning sights makes for quite an unforgettable experience, which you must try and not miss.
St. Thomas: Night Kayak in the Lagoon
Duration: 1.5 hour
18. Explore Caneel Bay's underwater beauty (from USD 89.0)
This three-hour tour includes kayaking, hiking, and snorkelling in the pristine waters of the Caneel Bay. Rich with extraordinary coral reefs and an exemplary underwater life, the bay is an important UNESCO biosphere reserve. The hiking and snorkelling make for an excellent way of exploring the area’s native flora and fauna. The tour company provides equipment, necessary gear, snacks, and beverages, but visitors are expected to carry their own bathing suits, hat, water-friendly footwear, and other such essentials. Also, it is recommended that you carry or use biodegradable sunscreen lotion.
St. John: Caneel Bay, Kayak, Hike, & Snorkel 3-Hour Trip
Duration: 3 hour
19. Soak in the views from the Henley Cay trail (from USD 89.0)
Kayak your way from Caneel Bay to Henley Cay, which is one of the islets in the U.S. Virgin Islands. While here, snorkelling and hiking to Henley Cay’s viewpoint are among the most popular activities visitors indulge in. So, slip into your most comfortable footwear and hike up the trail to soak in some exceptional views of the vista. Even while hiking, the trail is rife with an abundance of foliage and wildlife, which you can marvel at.
3-Hour Henley Cay Kayak and Snorkel Adventure
Duration: 3 hour
20. Indulge in a world of fun at Hassel Island (from USD 89.0)
Offering excellent hiking, snorkelling, and kayaking opportunities to visitors is the Hassel Island, which is located south of St. Thomas and is accessed via cruise rides. This one-day, three-in-one tour includes all the main activities, kicking off with a twenty-minute kayak ride for two, followed by sightseeing, and ultimately leading you to a ten-minute hiking trail. Once the hike is over, visitors are left to snack and chill before the hike back to the kayak point starts. The visitors then kayak their way to a beach, where they can indulge in snorkelling and splashing in the waters. Instructors and guides are present throughout and the tour is inclusive of all equipment. Reserve your spot and make a fun-filled day of it.
Hassel Island Kayak, Hike and Snorkel Tour
21. Soak in panoramic views from Blackbeard’s Castle
Dating back to the 17th century is the Blackbeard’s Castle, which was originally built as a military watchtower, but now attracts visitors for the scintillating views of the bay that it offers. This stone-built castle is relatively simple-looking, but ascend up its tower and you’ll have some of the most beautiful panoramic views to behold. Keep those cams ready, people! This tour also includes a visit to some nearby attractions and historical landmarks as well. It is approximately two-hours long, so keep that kind of time aside to extract the maximum.
Blackbeard's Castle (Skytsborg Tower) and Charlotte Amalie
A lovely Caribbean affair
The best part about travelling to the U.S Virgin Islands? Fantastic (and relatively inexpensive) connectivity to and from USA, no visa requirements for American nationals, and a world of activities to indulge in. Plan your next getaway here and you’ll not regret it – these things to do in U.S. Virgin Islands will definitely ensure that.
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