The US Virgin Islands including St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John are an excellent choice for a Caribbean vacation. They offer beaches, snorkeling, sailing, and cruises.

Overview of the U.S. Virgin Islands

The US Virgin Islands are US territories purchased from Denmark in 1917 for $25 million to advance strategic interests during the first world war. As they are US territories, US citizens do not need passports to visit the USVI. They do however need proof of US citizenship to return to the US mainland.

The four inhabited islands and about 50 small islands have a total of 133 square miles and about 120,000 residents. The Virgin Islands were found and named by Columbus in 1493. The islands' great beauty impressed him and the name refers to the legendary beauty of St. Ursula and her 11,000 virgins.

For those trying to escape cold northern winters, the typical high temperatures are in the high 80s (Fahrenheit) and daily lows are typically in the mid 70s. It is slightly warmer in the summer, but the seasonal variation is relatively small.

Visitors wanting a warm Caribbean vacation to escape winter weather make the peak tourist season from December to May. However the USVI climate is similar during the off season, so it is possible to take the same Virgin Islands vacation at a much lower cost during the off season. The only downside is the possibility of hurricanes during the late summer months.

St. Croix

The largest of the US Virgin Islands, St. Croix is about 22 miles long and a maximum of 6 miles wide. The east end of the island is dry, while the west end is lush and even contains a rain forest. Mount Eagle reaches 1088 feet above sea level, but the south end of the island is relatively flat.

The two major towns are Christiansted and Frederiksted. St. Croix has fewer tourists than St. Thomas, but is more developed than St. John.

St. Thomas

The second largest US Virgin Island, St. Thomas is about 13 miles by 4 miles. It is hilly with a ridge running through the center of the island, and Crown Mountain is 1556 feet above sea level.

The largest town, Charlotte Amalie, is a very popular stop for cruise ships. Those taking Caribbean or Virgin Island cruises are likely to only visit this town. St. Thomas is the most developed for tourists of the US Virgin Islands.

St. John

Hilly St. John is only 7 miles long and 3 miles wide. It is the least developed of these islands with 2/3 of the island protected as a national park. Those favoring a more rustic Virgin Islands vacation might choose St. John.

Water Island

The smallest inhabited US Virgin Island, Water Island is less than 500 acres and has only about 200 residents. It is about a half mile south of St. Thomas and mainly residential. Those wanting a quiet retreat might consider a Water Island vacation rental.

Getting To and Around the USVI

St. Croix and St. Thomas have international airports. Once in the USVI inter-island flights and ferries are available. Taxi service is available, but the fares can add up. The larger islands have a local bus system. The busses take a little longer but afford opportunities to meet locals. Rental cars are available on the larger islands. No special driver's license is required, but they do drive on the left side of the road, which takes some getting used to.

The US Virgin Islands offer many opportunities for a relaxing Caribbean vacation.

Further Reading

Virgin Islands Now

Peffer, R., Lonely Planet Virgin Islands, Lonely Planet, 2001.

Buck Island Reef National Monument