Introducing US Virgin Islands
St John is the greenest island, literally and figuratively. It cloaks two-thirds of its area in parkland and sublime beaches, ripe for hiking and snorkeling. It also leads the way in environmental preservation, with limited development and several low-impact tent-resorts for lodging. Dizzying cruise-ship traffic and big resorts nibbling its edges make St Thomas the most commercialized island. St Croix is the odd island out, located far from its siblings and offering a mix of rainforest, sugar plantations, old forts and great scuba diving. Its economy is not based on tourism, which makes it feel even more off-the-beaten path.
Advertisement
While the islands are American territories (and a favorite of American tourists since they don’t require a passport), West Indian culture remains their strongest influence. Calypso and reggae rhythms swirl through the air, and curried meats, callaloo soup and mango-sweetened microbrews fill the tables.
Last updated: Mar 2, 2009
Tips & articles
-
Top 10 US travel destinations for 2012
20 December 2011
The US: it’s a big place, and there’s a lot of ground for travelers to cover. So what’s buzzing for...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
-
RE: Puerto Rico or USVI
by islander365 12 September 2011
I have found that for that "balance" of historic urban v nature I enjoy Rincon, Puerto Rico. There is an airport in the west in Aguadilla…
-
Re: Puerto Rico or USVI
by clarkcoan 11 September 2011
I would go to San German, PR. Here's what Lonely Planet says about it: Introducing San Germán .Puerto Rico’s second-oldest city (after…
-
RE: Puerto Rico or USVI
by socalman 11 September 2011
Having been to t4he Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico its Puert Rico hands down. The Virgin Islands are little more than cruise ship tourist…
Hotels & Hostels
Check out all our reviewed and recommended accommodation and book online.
Advertisement
US Virgin Islands
Things to do
- All things to do (21)
- Activities (18)
- Entertainment (0)
- Restaurants (0)
- Shopping (0)
- Sights (3)
- Tours (0)
Make it happen
Our Top Picks For US Virgin Islands
-
1 Virgin Islands National Park
Trek to petroglyphs, sugar mill ruins, and isolated beaches rich with marine life.
-
2 Christiansted
Sip microbrews, explore a Danish fort and dive ‘the wall’ at nearby Cane Bay
-
3 Leinster Bay and Waterlemon Cay
Snorkel with barracudas, turtles, spotted eagle rays and nurse sharks
-
4 Cruzan Rum Distillery
Drink the islands’ favorite attitude adjuster at its fragrant source
-
5 Virgin Islands Ecotours
Kayak through a twisted mangrove lagoon
Fast Facts about US Virgin Islands
- Visa
Unnecessary for most countries.
- Money
US dollar (US$); US$1 = €0.65 = UK£0.51
- Official name
US Virgin Islands
- Departure tax
None
- Area
136 sq miles
- Population
108, 448
- Famous for
Duty-free shopping, Virgin Islands National Park, Cruzan rum
- Country code
340
- Language
English
- Capital
- Phrase
Wind at your back, mon (a parting comment that means ‘I hope you have an easy day’); limin’ (pronounced ‘lime-in’; means ‘relaxing’).
- People
US Virgin Islanders
Our favourite US Virgin Islands Blogs (beta)
-
Saint Thomas
Blog: Abandon the Cube - 26 November 2009
Saint Thomas, of the US Virgin Islands, must have been a beautiful island….once.
