Hang a right at Puerto Rico and arrive at the U.S. Virgin Islands, one of the Caribbean’s premier vacation destinations. With an average temperature of 80 and twice the landmass of Washington, D.C., St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix have a generous variety of personalities that yield exciting activities and natural sites to enjoy and explore no matter when you arrive. Find the personality that best fits you or try each one on your next vacation to America’s Caribbean territory.
Personality 1: The Shopaholic
Charlotte Amalie is the shopping capital of U.S. Virgin Islands.
The US Virgin Islands boast the highest duty-free shopping limit in the Caribbean and a cavalcade of shopping areas to fit every desire. Amble through Charlotte Amalie, a historic city center that doubles as the Caribbean shopping capital, or weave through Yacht Haven Grande for luxury items from Gucci, Bvlgari and more. Wander through the unofficial “town” of Red Hook with bars, pool halls, and charter boat businesses to entertain you and restaurants and small business to refresh you. Find homemade goods with an island twist at the visitor center at Fort Christiansvaern. Jewelry, fine china, clothing, glassware, and other works will return you to the islands long after you leave.
Personality 2: A Delightful Diver
Enjoy some of the world’s best diving at Rosaomaira Wreck in Butler Bay.
Experience a world of beauty that only nature can create. Choose a wall dive, wreck dive, or reef dive, and plunge into the turquoise Caribbean Sea to see more than 500 species of fish. Marvel as tiny seahorses or blue tang zip in front of you. Soar below a kaleidoscope of coral archways or twist through magnificent tunnels. Explore underwater treasures such as sunken World War II navy vessels or a submerged, old pier. Take a morning plunge and then dive back in at night for a completely different experience. All dive vessels and captains are U.S. Coast Guard certified, ensuring a safe and enjoyable adventure for all.
Personality 3: The Party Animal
Festivals abound in the U.S. Virgin Islands, especially Cruz Bay.
Three times a year, the islands explode in a frenzy of excitement and jubilation. The V.I. Carnival in St. Thomas stretches from mid-April through early May and celebrates the reconnection of loved ones with fantastic music, lively dances, and delicious cuisine. The Carnival in St. John, held in late June and culminating on July 4th, rejoices the emancipation of slaves in the USVI that occurred on July 3, 1848. Cruz Bay comes alive with a festival village, food fair, outrageous parades, and incredible fireworks. The Crucian Christmas Festival takes place in both Christiansted and Frederiksted from December to the New Year and engulfs visitors in the rich heritage and culture of St. Croix.
Personality 4: The History Buff
Explore history at Estate Whim Museum, the only sugar plantation museum in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The United States Virgin Islands, especially St. Croix, are rich in natural and colonial history. Salt River Bay is the only documented landing of Christopher Columbus’ voyage in 1493 and has prehistoric and colonial-era archeological sites to discover. Originally built to keep pirates away, Fort Frederik served as the site of emancipation of the slaves in 1848 and today is a museum and art gallery. Point Udall is the easternmost point in the United States and was marked by the Millennium Monument sundial in 2000. Throughout St. Croix, mills, churches, and scale houses mark the sugar plantation life that once dominated the island’s economy in the 1800’s.
Personality 5: The Patriot
No need to exchange money in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The U.S. Virgin Islands are a United States Territory, which makes the journey there just a tad bit easier than most Caribbean destinations. No passports are required. The official language is English, and the U.S. dollar is the official currency. Also, all calls to the continental United States are not considered international. The islands are in America’s backyard, situated fewer than four hours from New York and fewer than three hours from Miami, so most major airlines provide non-stop flights.
Bonus: The Life of the Party
Cruzen Rum Distillery in the U.S. Virgin Island has been making rum for more than 250 years!
Both Cruzan Rum and Captain Morgan Rum are products of the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Cruzan Distillery in Frederiksted has been in operation for more than 250 years and claims to be “the most honored rum distillery in the world.” It offers weekday tours and at the end, free samples!
