The U.S. Virgin Islands — a paradise on Earth. For beach lovers and marine enthusiasts like me, it’s an absolute dream come true. Imagine strolling along pristine white-sand beaches and spending every single day snorkeling. And then there’s the National Park—it’s as if you’ve stepped into a postcard, with its crystal-clear waters and coral reefs.
What makes this destination even more special is that it was the backdrop for my sister’s unforgettable birthday celebration. We created memories filled with joy and the thrill of discovering new wonders beneath the waves.
In this blog, I’ll be your guide through the U.S. Virgin Islands, sharing tips for beach lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone craving a taste of Caribbean paradise. Get ready to indulge in local delights and embark on adventures that will leave you wanting more.
Destination Insights
The U.S. Virgin Islands consist of four main islands:
St. John: A haven for nature lovers! Over two-thirds of the island is Virgin Islands National Park, offering lush trails, secluded beaches, and diverse wildlife. Must-see spots include Trunk Bay’s underwater snorkeling trail and the ancient petroglyphs at Reef Bay. It’s the ideal spot for tranquility and natural beauty.
St. Thomas: Perfect for those who love watersports and history. Don’t miss the views from Paradise Point and the excellent snorkeling and diving around the island. Cruise ship tourist visit Charlotte Amalie for shopping and its colonial architecture.
Water Island: The smallest of the main U.S. Virgin Islands. Offers a peaceful escape. It’s known for Honeymoon Beach, perfect for a relaxing day by the water. The island has a laid-back atmosphere, making it ideal for unwinding away from the crowds. Ride around the island in golf carts, and enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and exploring Fort Segarra, an unfinished World War II-era fort.
St. Croix: The largest island known for rich culture and history. Explore the historic towns of Christiansted and Frederiksted with their 18th-century architecture. The island is also famous for its rum distilleries and vibrant arts scene. Adventure seekers will love Buck Island Reef National Monument for its incredible snorkeling.
Wildlife
The islands have diverse wildlife both on land and in the sea. Spot iguanas, tortoises, lizards, and various birds in their natural habitats. The waters are teeming with marine life, including Caribbean reef octopuses, sea turtles (hawksbills, greens, leatherbacks, and loggerheads), eagle rays, giant manta rays, and vibrant coral reefs filled with colorful fish.
Weather
The U.S. Virgin Islands have warm weather year-round, with temperatures from 77°F (25°C) in winter to 82°F (28°C) in summer. The best time to visit is from December to April, when it’s dry and pleasant. Be mindful of hurricane season from June to November; it’s less crowded but can be risky.
Insider Tip: We visited in early April and enjoyed great weather without the crowds!
U.S. Territory
While the US Virgin Islands are part of the United States, there are some important similarities and differences to note:
Currency: The US dollar is used, which makes transactions easy for American visitors. Insider Tip: Bring cash for parking, transportation, and food, as credit cards may not always be accepted.
Driving: Cars have left-hand drive, but you drive on the left side of the road. This can be confusing at first, so be cautious and take your time to adjust.
Plan well, respect local customs, and you’ll be sure to have a memorable trip!
Travel Guide
Day 1
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | • Flight: Less than 3 hours from MCO to STT. • Rental Car: Reserved a 4-wheel drive SUV to handle the windy roads. Insider Tip: Avoid Hertz, as you can’t take their Jeeps via the ferry to St. John due to higher accident risks. |
| Afternoon | • Lunch at Lanai Restaurant: Enjoyed tacos and drinks with an oceanfront view. • Snorkeling at Limetree Beach: Frenchman’s Bay offers some snorkeling near the beach edges, but it’s better for lounging. • Groceries at Moe’s Fresh Market Redhook: Stock up on breakfast, picnic lunch, and dinner supplies. Insider Tip: Food is expensive since it’s shipped from all over the world, so consider eating out as it may cost the same. |
| Evening | • Night at Sapphire Resort: Beautiful pink hues illuminate the skies. • Dinner at Sapphire Beach Bar: Enjoyed cocktails and some late-night snacks like wood-fired pizza, burgers, and onion rings. Yum! |
Day 2
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | • Snorkeling at Magden Beach: Longest stretch of beach with chill vibes. Entry was $7 per person and parking was $2 per car. Insider Tip: The best snorkel to the right side near Little Magens Beach. The water was cloudy, but we saw a tiny sea turtle. |
| Afternoon | • Lunch at Magden Beach: We brought our own picnic with sandwiches, fruit, and chips. Insider Tip: You could also pick up food and drinks at Magens Point Bar and Grill. • Snorkeling at Coki Beach: Hands down the best snorkeling with clear visibility and lots of fish near the Underwater Aquarium. There’s a small lot for $5 parking. Insider Tip: The small beach has a chaotic vibe with lots of tourists and locals, don’t leave valuables unattended. |
| Evening | • Night at Sapphire Beach Resort: Lounged by the pool, then enjoyed home-cooked Italian dinner on the balcony overlooking the marina. |
Day 3
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | • Snorkeling at Sapphire Beach: Another amazing snorkeling spot! Was able to get out early at 8 AM to see turtles, spotted eagle ray, giant manta ray, and Caribbean octopus eating a conch shell. • Breakfast at the Beach Buzz: Delicious egg sandwiches, smoothies, muffins. |
| Afternoon | • Ferry to Water Island: Meet at Tickles Restaurant for drinks. Insider Tip: Bring cash to cover parking ($15 per day) and ferry ride ($15 per person round trip). • Explore Water Island: Rent a golf cart and drive to the island top for 360-degree views at Fort Segarra. Insider Tip: Book your golf cart rental ahead online, we didn’t have a reservation and were able to snag the last 4-person golf cart for $65. • Snorkeling at Honeymoon Beach: Saw giant sea turtles and a caribbean reef shark near the marina in deeper water. |
| Evening | • Dinner at Sea Salt Restrurant: Shared appetizers like burrata and lobster lollipops. Enjoyed cocktails like Hemingway Spin then dessert like guava donuts. Insider Tip: Golden hour discounts are only inside near the bar, not available that the tables with an ocean view. |
Day 4
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | • Car ferry at Red Hook: Travel from St. Thomas to St. John. Love City Ferry is $65 round trip and is easy to load on and off in reverse. Insider Tip: If unsure of your schedule, book one way and roll up to the ferry loading dock whenever. • Shop St. John town: North Shore Road was tourist-friendly, enjoyed popsicles at Irie Pops. • US Virgin Islands National Park Visitor Center: Check out swag and maps. |
| Afternoon | • Explore Hawksnest Beach: Memorizing waves crashing along a stand of white stand beach. Insider Tip: Picnic tables to enjoy lunch with an ocean view. • Snorkeling at Trunk Beach: The underwater trail is so neat but the coral is unhealthy and sea life is sparse. Insider Tip: The western end of Trunk Bay Beach is less crowded, with a secluded pocket beach beyond the rocks. • Explore Cinnamon Beach: Gift shop for souvenirs like U.S. Virgin Islands postcard, hiking trails, and breath-taking beach. Insider Tip: Leave your snorkeling gear in the car, this beach is perfect for lounging. |
| Evening | • Car ferry at Cruz Bay: Travel from St. John to St. Thomas. • Dinner at Sudi’s Caribbean Bar & Grille: Casual island vibe with delicious fish tacos. |
Day 5
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | • Snorkeling at Sapphire Beach: Choppy conditions with low visibility, but still spotted rays and fish. • Relax at Sapphire Beach Resort: Soak up the last rays of sunshine by the pool overlooking the ocean and islands. |
| Afternoon | • Rental Car: Easy drop-off process, just make sure to allow time to refuel near the airport. • Flight: STT to MCO. Insider Tip: Bring your Global Entry card with your passport/driver’s license to skip the long security line. |
Next Time Must Do’s
Would love to spend more time on St. John exploring the western end and its more remote beaches. Also, visiting St. Croix to snorkel at Buck Island Reef National Monument is high on the bucket list.
Wilderness Wisdom
As I was exploring the underwater wonderland in the U.S. Virgin Islands, I couldn’t shake off my experience in this ecosystem and thought about how fragile coral reefs are and why we need to protect them. Coral reefs are like the prima donnas of the ocean—they’re stunning but oh-so-delicate. They’re super sensitive to changes in their environment, like pollution and climate change. Seeing signs of coral bleaching and damage are heartbreaking. As ocean-loving travelers, we’ve got a role to play. We need to be mindful of our impact, from using reef-safe sunscreen to supporting eco-friendly tourism. Every little bit counts!
Trailside Ties
While jetting off to the tropical paradise of the U.S. Virgin Islands, I read You Are a Badass Every Day: How to Keep Your Motivation Strong, Your Vibe High, and Your Quest for Transformation Unstoppable. The author’s empowering message is all about staying motivated while trailblazing towards success. Little did I know, the concepts in this book would help my mom overcome her fear of open water and go snorkeling for the first time in her life! If you are looking for a pep talk in a book form, would highly recommend this read.
Photo Journal
Summary
The U.S. Virgin Islands promise an unforgettable experience that will stay with you long after you’ve left its shores. Whether you’re basking in the sun on St. Thomas, snorkeling the Underwater Trail in the U.S. Virgin Islands National Park at St. John, or uncovering the hidden gems of Water Island, every moment feels like a dream. With white sand beaches and crystal-clear blue-hued water, it’s a paradise tailor-made for beach lovers and water enthusiasts alike. Make memories that will last a lifetime in the breathtaking U.S. Virgin Islands!
