The US Virgin Islands Uncovered

The 3 islands that make up the US Virgin Islands may all be different - but they are all very American. The islands are St Thomas, St John and St Croix and although they all have an American flavor each also has its own individual character.

Getting there
From the USA there are direct scheduled flights to St Croix and St Thomas from Baltimore, New York, Boston, Miami, Chicago, Atlanta, Detroit, Philadelphia and Charlotte. The main airlines include American Airlines, Delta, United Airlines, Continental and US Air. Cruise ships can be accommodated at St Thomas and most cruise operators in the Eastern Caribbean will have at least one days stopover in the Virgin Islands.

Getting around the islands
There are several flights per day between St Thomas and St Croix ( a brief 18 minute flight costing around $75). The seaplane service flying in over the coral reef off St Croix is an attraction in itself! There are also numerous car and passenger ferries and a thriving boat charter industry including power boats and catamarans to add that little extra to your journey.

Shopping
The US Virgin Islands are a free port so everything is duty free. St Thomas is the best island shopping wise with greater choice and therefore lower prices for tourists. Many visitors purchase locally made crafts such as baskets, brooms, fish traps, dolls and ornaments. Note shops are normally closed on Sundays unless there is a large cruise ship in harbor in which case many local merchants will stay open as they feel it may be worth their while!

Must see attractions for visitors include:

Water Island - This is the smallest inhabited island in the Virgin Isles purchased from Denmark by the US in 1944 as a military base but was relinquished in 1952. located at the west end of St Thomas' main harbor. The name comes from the once plentiful freshwater ponds on the islands - unfortunately they are all saltwater today. The islands ownership is now mostly private island homeowners with charming beachfront buildings available for public use - very popular at weekends with both local residents and charter boat guests.

Virgin Islands National Park, St John - Donated to the island by Rockefeller who owned almost half the island. The Virgin Islands national Park opened in 1956 and takes up about two thirds of the islands Mountainous terrain. There are ranger led hikes several times per week through the lush tropical forest which allow you to take in all the different vegetation zones, the old sugar mill, petroglyphs and even includes a ferry ride back to Cruz bay

Fort Christiansvaern - Built by the Danes in 1749 on the old foundations of a French fort dating back to 1645! Much of the fort is preserved, much as it was back in the eighteenth century. Check out the Punishment cells, dungeons, barracks, kitchens, powder magazine and cannon exhibits. The old customs building in front of the fort is now the office and is run by the National parks Service.

Buck island - For all beach lovers looking for a more traditional resort area with spectacular sandy beaches and great watersports facilities Buck Island is the place to be. Underwater snorkeling trails, superb fishing and an 850 acre underwater national park. Half day tours which normally include snorkelling and some time on the beach are available from most hotels or directly from boat owners in the bay.

Christiansted, St Croix - The quaint old Danish capital still retains the charm of earlier days with red-roofed traditional pastel buildings spreading up into the hills. Currently many of the older buildings are being restored and the existing dock is being extended to take small cruise liners. On the corner of King Cross St and Queen St you will find a visitors center where brochures are available along with friendly advice.

As with many Caribbean resorts, the natural tranquility of the Virgin Islands has been blighted somewhat by tourism. However, the US Virgin Islands are still relatively unspoilt ( compared to the Bahamas, Barbados etc ) with pretty bays, clean beaches and lush rainforest. There is also an active restoration program ongoing for many of the traditional buildings. it is heartily recommended for an authentic Caribbean vacation experience.