Holidays on the US Virgin Islands – American or West Indian?

The US Virgin islands are American territories West Indian by culture. They are top destinations in the list of holiday destinations of the American visitors probably due to no passport formalities. This archipelago’s most visited islets are St John, St Thomas, and St Croix.

If St John is the lushest island with two-third of it in parkland and magnificent beaches for hiking and snorkeling, St. Croix is like odd man out situated quite far from the rest offering rainforest, ancient forts, sugar cultivations, and scuba diving. St Thomas is a commercial one offering cruises and resorts.

US Virgin Islands Attraction

• St Thomas Sky Ride:
  This is the modern aerial cable car ride that provides the best views of the islands. It is a 7-minutes ride over Flag Hill to Paradise Point at 700 feet that started in 1980s. Be atop for enjoying distinct shops, a Bird Show (10:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 3:30 pm), gorgeous panoramic views of cruises, Charlotte Amalie harbor, and adjacent islands. It is open between 9 am to 5 pm, Tuesdays – 9 am to 7pm, and Wednesdays from 9 am to 9 pm. With a roundtrip, the fees are $21 for adults and $9.50 for children under 6 to 12. There is a sunset party on Wednesdays from 5 pm to 9 pm. If possible, catch the last tram to view a delightful lightful scene.
• Coral World Ocean Park:
  This is among the most visited attractions for a day next to the Coki Beach. Take this opportunity to come close with the wonderful Caribbean marine life in a breathtaking environment. In the Undersea Observatory, know the life on a coral reef. Make a shark your friend or feed a stingray or rainbow lorikeet. Apart from gift shops, cafes, and showers, you can also try the three Sea Lion activities, Sea Trek Helmet Dive, Snuba Diving, Shark and Turtle Encounters, and the Nautilus Semi-Submarine. It is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm from November to May. Other days, the timings vary.
• Virgin Islands Ecotours:
  This is ecotourism at its top! You can pick this half and full day guided kayak and snorkel tours of Mangrove Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary and Marine Preserve. By sitting on a kayak of with another person, discover the Mangroves, translucent lagoons, and an isolated tropical island with crabs’ races and the Red Point Blow hole. Snorkeling is offered to explore the underwater life even without any experience. Professional guides take you through the tour that also provides with the educational value. Morning and afternoon shifts are arranged that requires reservation.
• Bluebeard’s Castle and Frederiksberg:
  Located east of the capital – Charlotte Amalie on the Bluebeards Hill, the stone fort was built by the Danes somewhere in 1689 A.D. as an additional watchtower for defending Fort Christian. Originally, it was named as the Frederik’s Fort. Currently, the tower is in the Bluebeard’s Castle Hotel along with the Frederiksberg whose columned porch, staircase, and some of the interior are in originality and some marks the lobby.
• Nisky Moravian Church:
  Set by the Moravian missionaries somewhere in 1755 A.D., the church’s walls are of red and yellow bricks and have witnessed many renovations. These bricks were once used as ballast in ships.
• Drake’s Seat:
  It is precisely at this place from where British privateer Sir Francis Drake spied on the rival ships of the Spanish navy fleeting via the present Drake’s Passage. To view this point, drag yourself off the road. The place is named so due to a bench on the site. Take your camera along with some scenic photos.
• St Peter Mountain:
  This is the highest apex at 1542 feet on St. Thomas. Also called the Mountain Top and Signal Hill, it was this pinnacle that the U.S. Government in the 1940s realized its importance for ideal strategic communications. Famous for its ideal banana daiquiris on the island, the top provides a balcony for a scenic view of the Drake’s passage, the British Virgin Islands, and beautiful Magens Bay. There are several shops along with a food zone here.
• Tillett Gardens:
  Formerly an ancient Danish farm, this later became the hub of the local artists and performers done so by Jim Tillett who was an English silkscreen artist arrived on the island in 1959 A.D. According to Tillett, the garden is “a peaceful sanctuary of creativity and wonderment.” Stop at the wonderful shops to have a look at or buy some silkscreen prints, paintings, enamel ornaments, candles, and other handicrafts. A pretty restaurant will welcome you if you are tired of shopping or want to taste some drinks or eatables. One more attraction here is the arts and crafts shows along with the classical music concerts performed here all round the year.
• Beaches:
  In St. Thomas’, there are two most wonderful beaches namely, the mile-long Magens Bay in the north and the Sapphire Beach in the east. The Magens offers lifeguards, showers, and cafe; while the Sapphire beach is famous for its condominium resort. Do carry your towels.
• St Thomas Synagogue & Weibel Museum:
  This is one of the national historic landmarks on the Virgin Islands. The Synagogue looking white and pink along with its closest museum on a hilltop invites both Jewish and non-Jewish tourists.
• Shopping:
  St Thomas ranks first in shopping among all the Virgin Islands. A few bargaining buyers have commented that Charlotte Amalie, the capital, is blessed with the ideal purchases that is not to be found anywhere else in the Caribbean. Supporting this, each U.S. citizen is subject to $1,600 duty free allowance if going back to U.S. The ideal offers can be on ornaments, china, crystal, and perfume in Charlotte Amalie’s streets. The Havensight Mall is another option if you do not want to shop in the crowded lanes, as it holds many numerous branches of the downtown shops besides the cruise ship waterfront.

Best Time to Visit US virgin islands

November to May

US Virgin Islands Accommodations

• Point Pleasant Resort
• Pavilions and Pools Villa Hotel
• The Anchorage Beach Resort
• Crystal Cove Beach Resort
• Sapphire Village Resort at Sapphire Beach