Overview

The United States Virgin Islands is a group of islands located in the Leeward Islands of the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean Sea. The US Virgin Islands consist of the main islands of Saint John, Saint Croix, and Saint Thomas, along with many surrounding minor islands. The locals have nicknames for the main islands. St. Croix is known as "twin city," St. Thomas is called "rock city," and "small city" refers to the Water Island. These islands are some of the most lovely and ecologically diverse places on the entire planet. No matter which island you are on, you can enjoy the friendly people and the culture that has been on the islands for centuries.

These islands are an insular area of the United States. So visitors from the United States do not need a passport to visit this island.

Activities & Attractions

There are plenty of opportunities for hiking and trekking in the U.S. Virgin Islands. It is a fantastic way to explore the natural beauty of the Virgin Islands. The Reef Bay Trail Hike is a very popular trekking route on the St. John Island, and it is guided by professional guides from the US National Park Service. It winds in and around different areas on St. Johns Island, and takes the better part of a day. If you are into sailing, there is a host of different opportunities to sail or be a member of a sailing crew for a day.

The Mangrove Sanctuary and the outer island of Cas Cay are some popular tourist destinations you can visit. You have to have some sort of boat or kayak to visit this particular area.

Located on St. Croix, the Estate Mount Washington is a great place to tour. In the fall, the local Leatherback Turtle has its nesting season; sometimes it is possible to catch a glimpse of one of these large natural animals at the Sandy Point Wildlife Refuge, also located on St. Croix.

Lodging

There are plenty of lodging options for you to choose from if you wish to stay on the island. You can stay in expensive resorts or in budget hotels. Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, Best Western Carib Beach Resort, Carambola Beach Resort and Spa, Hotel Caravelle, and Mafolie Hotel are some of the popular lodging options available on the islands. You can also choose to stay in the eco-cottages available in the Virgin Island Campgrounds on St. Thomas Islands.

Transportation

Frequent and inexpensive ferries are available between the islands. You can rent cars from the rental agencies. The roads are narrow and driving is on the left side of the road. Vitran operates air conditioned busses that travel to most places around the island. You can also travel by taxis. They are actually open-air pickup trucks with bench seats and awnings. Cape Air and Seaborne Airlines are two companies that provide frequent flights between the islands.