Are you curious about the best places to visit in the U.S. Virgin Islands? The United States Virgin Islands (USVI) are a group of Caribbean islands and a U.S. territory. This archipelago consists of three main islands—Saint Croix, Saint John, and Saint Thomas—along with 50 minor surrounding islands. St. Thomas is the busiest and most densely populated of the trio. In the USVI, you’ll find charming towns, intriguing tourist attractions, renowned national parks, underwater snorkeling trails, stunning beaches, and ample opportunities for hiking.
So, where should you begin? Here’s a list of some top destinations in the Virgin Islands to help you plan your visit:
Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands, is a bustling cruise ship port in the Caribbean Sea, known for its Danish colonial architecture. This beautiful city is well worth exploring. Key highlights include Coral World Ocean Park, where you can delve into coral reefs and marine life. The park features various interactive exhibits such as Turtle Pool, Shark Shallows, Dolphin Sanctuary, Stingray Lagoon, Freshwater Pool, Tortoise Pool, Underwater Observatory, Reef Observatory, petting zoo, aviaries, and more. The Undersea Observatory is particularly noteworthy as it’s the only one of its kind in the Caribbean. It offers a daily feeding at 1:40 pm, providing an ethical way to observe marine life. This attraction is especially popular with families with young children.
Magens Bay on the Northside of St. Thomas is an absolute gem. Home to Magens Bay Beach, one of the island’s most popular beaches, it features a 1.2 km stretch of white sand backed by lush jungle. The beach is sheltered with usually calm water, making it great for swimming and safe for children, thanks to the gradually deepening bay. Be sure to visit Drake’s Seat for panoramic views of Magens Bay and the surrounding islands.
If you’re looking for adventure, try the Tree Limin’ Extreme Zipline on St. Peter Mountain in St. Thomas. This award-winning zipline park lets you soar through the jungle canopy at speeds of up to 55 km/h, 450 meters above sea level. The park includes six ziplines, two-foot bridges, eight aerial tree platforms, guides, and personal safety gear, offering exceptional views of the island-dotted bays.
Virgin Islands National Park, covering about 60% of St. John, is one of the most celebrated spots in the USVI. The park includes a significant portion of St. John’s land, waters, coral reefs, shoreline, and nearly all of Hassel Island. It boasts beautiful beaches, often ranked among the best in the world, making it a hot spot for scuba divers and snorkelers. The park also offers multiple hiking trails through the tropical rainforest, including the world’s first marked underwater trail for snorkeling.
Buck Island Reef National Monument, located about 2.4 km north of St. Croix’s northeast coast, is a must-visit spot. This small uninhabited island has a vibrant coral reef and is an extremely popular diving destination. The 18.43 km² reef supports over 250 fish species, spotted eagle rays, various sharks, and other marine life. During the spring and summer, various turtle species nest on the island’s beaches. There is also a marked underwater trail on the eastern tip of the island.
Water Island, just south of St. Thomas, offers a more secluded experience. With fewer than 200 residents, it’s a perfect laid-back beach destination. There are no stores, public transportation, or hotels, except for a few private villas and a campground. The island’s most popular attraction is Honeymoon Beach, lined with palm trees. Its white sand and clear waters, coral reefs, and sea turtles make it a true hidden gem.
Now you have an idea of some of the best places to visit in the U.S. Virgin Islands, ensuring an unforgettable trip filled with natural beauty and exciting adventures.