USVI

USVI2020-09-28T08:57:44-05:00

US VIRGIN ISLANDS TRAVEL GUIDE

underwater view of reef and fish at Secret Harbor, St. Thomas
view from the beginning of the reef bay trail overlooking the mountains with the ocean in the distance
catamaran sailing in the Virgin Islands

With some of the most beautiful beaches and best snorkeling in the world combined with no passport requirements for U.S. citizens, the U.S. Virgin Islands is a perfect, easy, no hassles tropical getaway.  The United States Virgin Islands consists of 3 major islands, St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix.  Whether you’re looking to snorkel with sea turtles and rays or hike through the National Park, there’s something for everyone.

With plenty of tour options, it’s easy to explore most of one island in a day, but if you really want to see all that the islands have to offer, plan for a week or more.  With so much both above and below the surface to explore, hit up a new beach or island each day, and make sure not to miss taking a boat charter!

HIGHLIGHTS

St. Thomas Snorkeling Guide text overlay, underwater view of coral
plantation ruins, text overlay, reef bay trail hike, st. john

THE MAIN ISLANDS

Magens Bay Beach

ST. THOMAS

The busiest of the 3 islands with both the capitol and a major Caribbean cruise port, a trip to St. Thomas is relatively easy as there are plenty of options for flights or cruises directly to the island.  

Jump to all of our St. Thomas Guides

maho beach on st john, us virgin islands

ST. JOHN

Probably the most popular and photographed island in the US Virgin Islands, St. John is home to the national park, incredible beaches, and some of the best snorkeling in the world. 

Jump to all of our St. John Guides

St. Croix

ST. CROIX

St. Croix is often overlooked on trips to the Virgin Islands as it’s a bit further from the other islands.  However, it’s home to Buck Island Reef National Monument, and completely worth a short seaplane trip.  

OUR LATEST US VIRGIN ISLANDS VIDEOS

ALL THE BEST SPOTS TO STAY & EXPLORE IN THE US VIRGIN ISLANDS

WHERE TO STAY

St. Thomas:
We love the condos at Sapphire Bay, The Ritz Carlton, or Secret Harbor Beach Resort.

St. John:  
Check out  Estate Lindholm

WHEN TO GO

The best time to visit the Virgin Islands is December through June.  The “Christmas Winds” bring the trade winds from Africa back and supply nice sea breezes and plenty of wind for watersports- but that aren’t strong enough to ruin a relaxing beach day.  Into the summer months, the temperatures rise, although only by a few degrees on average, and the winds die down a bit. 

Remember that the Virgin Islands are located in the hurricane belt, so planning a trip for the late summer to early fall is always a bit risky.  Technically, hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th, but the peak is usually from mid August to mid October.  However, you might also find that flights are more affordable and beaches are less crowded this time of year.  So, if you do plan a fall Virgin Islands getaway, just make sure to buy travel insurance.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Driving:  This is probably the most important thing that you should know before a trip to the Virgin Islands:  They drive on the LEFT side of the road, but with vehicles meant for driving on the RIGHT side of the road.  Now, with that said, it’s not nearly as difficult to get used to as it sounds.  The first few minutes will be a bit nerve wracking, but soon you’ll adjust and it will all seem second nature. 

Language:  The official language is English and is very widely spoken, although you may also hear some English or French Creole or even a bit of Spanish.  

Currency:  The US Virgin Islands use the US Dollar, and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.  There are also plenty of ATMs available across all of the main islands.  

Outlets/Voltage:  Type A/B, 110V, so Americans, you shouldn’t have any problems.  Traveling from outside North America?  Check out our favorite all-in-one converter and adaptor here.  

US Virgin Islands Guides

St. Thomas

St. John

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