US Virgin Islands

 

Megan's Bay, St. Thomas

St Thomas

St. Thomas is the liveliest island in the Eastern Caribbean and the number one cruise ship destination in the world. This busy port has duty free shopping, hotels with breath taking views, a colorful nightlife, and a stunning history that includes notorious pirates such as Edward Teach, better known as Blackbeard The Pirate.

St. Thomas is centrally located at the entrance to the Windward Passage. The island is only three miles from St. John and less than ten miles from the British Virgin Islands. Travel from St. Thomas to the other fifty islands that make up this group is easy and fun on the ferry.

Charlotte Amalie

Charlotte Amalie is also the home port of the yacht charter industry in the Virgin Islands. In fact, 80% of all yacht charters originate from St. Thomas. Admiralty Yacht Vacations is the best source for crewed charter yachts on the island. Also see Caribbean Yacht Charter for great yacht charter at a bargain. Charter yachts often include snorkeling and diving.

Charlotte Amalie Harbor
Other extraordinary activities include Sea Plane service to St. Croix and other surrounding islands available from Tropic Air . In addition, Atlantis Submarines offers an extraordinary look at the under sea world. The submarine is a USCG inspected positive buoyancy submarine, meaning that in the event of mechanical failure the sub will automatically rise to the surface. The sub is very clean with huge observation windows for all to see an extraordinary coral reef located just outside of Charlotte Amalie Harbor. Chris Sawyer Dive Center and Underwater Safaris > offer the best scuba diving in St. Thomas.

Magen's Bay on the north coast of St. Thomas has been voted one of the top ten most beautiful beaches in the world. Here you will find public parking, food and beverage service, and some water sports rentals. For golf and an extraordinary resort located in this area, see Stonegate Villa Retreat. Stonegate is luxury beyond your wildest dreams.

Redhook, a small town on the east coast of St. Thomas is the gateway to St. John and a delightful waterfront community offering restaurants, shopping, and ferry service to St. John (about $ 8.00 rt.).

Bolongo Inclusive Beach Resort
St. Thomas has many extraordinary hotels and beach clubs. The Mafolie Hotel and restaurant (800-225-7035) located on the mountain overlooking the shopping district offers a view of Charlotte Amalie Harbor that is truly unforgettable. Bluebeards Castle Hotel (800-524-6599) offers a stunning view of Charlotte Amalie.

For those who treasure the beautiful blue water of the Caribbean, Sapphire Beach Resort is a luxurious ocean front resort and beach club on the east coast of St. Thomas. And if you want the best of both worlds, Bolongo Inclusive Beach Resort offers a secluded resort for those who cherish privacy and want to be located close to all the action on St. Thomas. Also see The Morning Star Marriott for another awesome private resort.

For those on a budget try Yacht Haven where you will be centrally located and enjoy a great hotel. And for the most demanding traveler, Marriott's Frenchman's Reef Hotel is a huge luxurious hotel on the south coast of St. Thomas located at the entrance to Charlotte Amalie Harbor.

St. John

Weston Inn, St. John

 

St. John is mostly a National Park (see Virgin Islands National Park) donated to the US Government in 1956 by the Rockefeller family. Some of the most beautiful beach's in all the Caribbean are located here, Hawksnest Bay, Trunk Bay, and Cinnamon Bay. Excellent snorkeling can be found at Hawksnest and Trunk Bay.
The best way to visit St. John is by ferry. The ferry runs every thirty minutes from Red Hook on St. Thomas and the ride across Pillsbury Sound is only twenty minutes. The ferry docks at Cruz Bay, St. John's only town. This is a delightful community filled with shopping, restaurants, and Caribbean music.

St John National Park
Some extraordinary water sports activities are available on St. John. Cruz Bay Water Sports has the best snorkeling and diving program on the island. Ask about a snorkeling trip to The Indians and The Caves. Both locations are excellent for swimming and snorkeling. The Indians are pillars of coral filled with under water life in five to thirty feet of water. The Caves are shallow water caverns in five feet of water that are truly unique. Both locations offer safe and exciting snorkeling for children and adults.

Caneel Bay Plantation (800-928-8889), located on the water is a reclusive first class resort for the most demanding traveler. Other luxury hotels include the Westin Inn , one of the most tranquil places to stay in the US Virgin Islands. The Westin Inn also offers a fine restaurant and water sports activities.

Many private homes and villas are available for short term rental on St. John. Caribbean Villa , Caribbean Dreams , or Cruz Bay Villas can help you find the perfect rental on St. John.

Camping is an excellent alternative in the Virgin Islands because of ideal weather conditions year round. Camping is available on St. John at Maho Bay Campground or at the Virgin Islands National Park. Both campgrounds are located in pristine areas where snorkeling is available. Maho Bay also has a work/trade program available. See their Web-site for more information on this extraordinary camping facility.

If you treasure privacy and pristine beauty, St. John is the best place for you in the US Virgin Islands.

St. Croix

Located forty miles from St. Thomas, St. Croix is a remote island unto itself. St. Croix is the largest of the three US Virgin Islands.
The major hotels are in Christiansted, a wonderful town filled with fine restaurants and some very unique duty free shopping. The Cruizian bracelet, a world renowned special style of bracelet made of silver or gold, is produced on St. Croix and sold at many of the fine jewelry stores at Christiansted. The Cruise ship base is in Frederiksted, and many fine duty free shops are located here as well.

For a stunning resort located on St Croix, The Buccaneer Resort has it all. Superb golf, tennis, sailing, and great snorkeling are available, including great dining and entertainment.

The Dutch influence is still most obvious on St. Croix, complete with old -style buildings, the St. Croix Museum, and even a windmill or two can be seen traveling along St. Croix's pristine country side.

There are many exclusive private homes on St. Croix and local residents treasure the island for it's privacy away from the hustle and bustle of St. Thomas.

 

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