Popular Destinations in US Virgin Islands
Saint Thomas
St. Thomas is the gateway island of the U.S. Virgin Islands. This island is
famed for its beautiful beaches and snorkeling spots. Charlotte Amalie, the
territorial capital of the island, is a busy cruise-ship port. There are
several historic buildings in the city including a 1679 watchtower
Blackbeard’s Castle reflecting the area’s pirate history. The Skyride
aerial tram, rising about 700 feet to Paradise Point, offers visitors
panoramic views. Coral World, located in the northeast of the city, is a
marine theme park featuring an underwater observatory, guided dives, and
touch tanks. There is a port on the island which is dotted with high-end
restaurants and shopping, while its major outdoor activities include
sailing, sea kayaking, horseback riding, scuba diving, and sportfishing.
Saint John
St. John is the smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands. More than half of the
island is occupied by the Virgin Islands National Park. The forests of the
park are home to resident and migratory birds, including warblers,
hummingbirds, and cuckoos. Hurricane Hole, in the east, is home to
mangroves that support anemones and corals. The island’s waters are
inhabited by the dolphins and these waters also host green turtles and
hawksbill. Saint John is famed for its snorkeling sites and boasts an
underwater trail at Trunk Bay. Cinnamon Bay, located near the Trunk Bay,
was once the site of a colonial estate and current archaeological
excavation has revealed pre-Columbian ruins in the site. These ruins of the
18th-century Annaberg Sugar Plantation encompass the former living quarters
for slaves and a windmill tower.
Saint Croix
St. Croix is one of the U.S. Virgin Islands. It is an excellent place to
visit for history buffs, nature lovers, and adventure enthusiasts. Salt
River Bay National Park, located in the north part of the city, boasts
archaeological sites, coral reefs, and mangroves. The submarine canyons of
Salt River Bay’s, with sponges and corals on its sheer walls, is a renowned
dive site. The calm and clear waters of the bay are also famous among
kayakers. Tourists can enjoy shore diving at Cane Bay, located on the north
coast of Saint Croix, where slanted white sands give way to underwater wall
and a reef. The sandy Rainbow Beach, located near the Cane Bay, is replete
with rocky areas and is famous for paddle boarding and snorkeling. The
remote Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge, located in the southwest part
of the island, boasts a long expanse of beach and rich birdlife.