U.S. Virgin Islands

Stunning views of Cruz Bay Harbor in St. John

U.S. Virgin Island Department of Tourism

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Sunset at Christiansted Harbor in St. Croix

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Enjoying the view of Charlotte Amalie Harbor on St. Thomas

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Snorkeling over coral reefs in St. Croix

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A fisherman casts his net in Frenchtown, St. Thomas

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Quadrille dancers entertain in St. Croix

U.S. Virgin Island Department of Tourism

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Historic ruins at the Annaberg Sugar Plantation on St. John

U.S. Virgin Island Department of Tourism

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Breathtaking beach views at St. John’s Trunk Bay

U.S. Virgin Island Department of Tourism

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The beachfront family pool at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas

The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas

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Scenic views from Magens Point Resort on St. Thomas

U.S. Virgin Island Department of Tourism

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Major Airports:

Cyril E. King/St. Thomas (STT)

Henry E. Rohlsen Airport/St. Croix (STX)

Experience the sun-drenched beauty of the U.S. Virgin Islands

Between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, you’ll find four dynamic islands with bustling historic districts, vibrant cultures, sumptuous dishes and sprawling beaches known for their emerald waters and bright coral sand. A territory of the United States since 1917, the U.S. Virgin Islands comprises four principal islands – St. Croix , St. John, St. Thomas and Water Island – plus 50 smaller islands, cays and islets that are part of the Caribbean archipelago. The U.S. Virgin Islands is also a leader in sustainable tourism with a commitment to protecting and preserving its natural environment and cultural heritage.

Past, Present and Future of the U.S. Virgin Islands

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Past, Present and Future of the U.S. Virgin Islands Transcript

Chef Digby Stridiron: Time. It has a different meaning in the U.S. Virgin Islands. It goes backwards, forwards, stops. St. Croix is rooted in history; so much of it still remains untouched.
Nellie O’Reilly: I remember running on these streets as a kid. This shop was right down there and opened the same year I was born. This is where the original Croixian hook was born. It’s the symbol of these islands, and I wanted to have my hands in that very same history. I want to be able to pass it down to my family, while still putting a new spin on it.
Chef Digby Stridiron: The U.S. Virgin Islands, they have an amazing culture that developed over time from all over the world.
Lisa Homsy: St. John feels so untouched. Being underwater is like another world. There’s no worries, there’s no stress; I can just escape. This is my happy place. My passion for scuba diving came at just being fascinated with the water and wanting to be a mermaid, and this is the closest thing I can get to achieving mermaid status.
(laughter)
Canadians just love being outdoorsy. We live for adventure, so we love anything hiking, being on the water, diving, snorkeling – and St. John has it all.
Chef Digby Stridiron: It’s like some spirit is protecting the islands and keeping them raw. The Moko Jumbie watches over the island. From up there, they keep the evil spirits away.
The nightlife in St. Thomas is absolutely amazing. There’s always something going on and everyone comes together to dance and catch a vibe. We’re always celebrating. We celebrate freedom, culture, food, smell, music – it’s always a celebration.
The people here are probably the most priceless thing because they keep the culture going. There’s so many different influences on these islands. Food from all kind of countries coming together in new dishes. All of us came from somewhere, but all of we call this home. The V.I. is a new melting pot. This is where the past and the future comes together.

The Ideal Beach Destination

Nicknamed “America’s Paradise,” the U.S. Virgin Islands is famous for its beautiful white-sand beaches, turquoise waters and friendly people. A destination that has no real "off-season,” the islands’ average winter temperatures of 29 degrees Celsius (slightly higher in the summer) provides perfect beach weather all year long. Whether you prefer a beach chair, hammock or towel in the sand, spend the day sunbathing your cares away with views of dreamy seascapes at one of the islands' beaches, which are consistently ranked among the top 10 in the world.

Exciting Activities by Land and Sea

From world-class diving to deep-sea fishing, the U.S. Virgin Islands is home to an abundance of exhilarating water activities. Sailing, snorkeling, kayaking and paddle boarding are popular ways to see the tropical beauty of the islands, while visitors seeking bigger thrills should try windsurfing or jet skiing. Descend beneath the ocean’s depths and explore a shipwreck, wall, pier, shore and reef all in one day. Whether you're a newly certified diver or a more advanced one, there is much to see in the pristine waters, with more than 500 species of fish, 40 types of coral and hundreds of invertebrates inhabiting the sea. Lush landscapes and awe-inspiring vistas provide a breathtaking backdrop for land excursions as well. Horseback ride along the coast, take a captivating eco-tour, or hike and bike across diverse terrain.

The Diverse Culture of the Islands

The U.S. Virgin Islands has a rich cultural legacy that lives on today. The flags of seven different nations have flown over these islands, leaving their distinct imprint on the people, history, culture, architecture, art, music and cuisine. Take a stroll back in time through the many historic towns. Visit 17th and 18th-century forts, museums and heritage sites. Get immersed in the pulse of the local music and take part in the vibrant and colorful cultural displays during annual carnivals and festivals. With a tapestry of West Indian, African, European and American influences, the U.S. Virgin Islands is a celebration of diversity that encompasses all five senses. Taste it in the local fare and cuisine that spans the region and the globe. See it in architecture and art. Hear it in the captivating sounds of Quelbe and Calypso music and feel the vibrant energy that permeates the spirit of all those that call these islands home.

Past, Present and Future of the U.S. Virgin Islands

Fun Fact

The beautiful blue-green waters of St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Though the territory itself doesn’t have a nickname, its islands do: Twin City (St. Croix), Love City (St. John) and Rock City (St. Thomas).

The Millennium Monument at Point Udall in St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Point Udall in St. Croix is the easternmost point of the USA and home to the Millennium Monument.

Photo: U.S. Virgin Island Department of Tourism

St. Thomas sand floor synagogue in the U.S. Virgin Islands

The island of St. Thomas is home to the second oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere.

Photo: U.S. Virgin Island Department of Tourism

Must see places

U.S. Virgin Island Department of Tourism

Virgin Islands National Park

Covering 2,832 hectares of the Virgin Islands, and much of that water, this park’s scope includes 60 percent of St. John and boasts tropical rainforests to explore, prime boating areas, dozens of nature trails and many sites that reflect the island’s rich history.

Mountain Top St. Thomas

It’s a party on top of St. Thomas's highest peak, where, at 640 meters, you’ll find yourself on an expansive observation deck overlooking Magens Bay, sipping the site’s famous banana daiquiri and taking in the view.

Trunk Bay

The award-winning beach here is exactly what you picture when you think tropical paradise: turquoise water, sparkling white crescent shoreline and a rainforest in the distance. Snorkel the underwater trails here to get an unfiltered view of the coral reef.

U.S. Virgin Island Department of Tourism

Buck Island Reef National Monument

This cay just off of St. Croix is almost entirely bordered by an Elkhorn coral barrier reef, which keeps the lagoon-like water calm and swimmable. Go diving, snorkeling, boating, bird-watching or take a hike across the island (only 45 minutes).

U.S. Virgin Island Department of Tourism

Coral World Ocean Park

Swim with sea lions, pet a shark and hang out with iguanas in this two-hectare St. Thomas park, which includes aquariums and marine pools as well as nature trails and a butterfly garden.

Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge

Discover a place where history and nature meet. At Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge on St. Croix, visitors can see ancient conch middens give way to softer spots in the sand, watch for birds of all species convene in the trees and marvel at leatherback sea turtles nesting grounds.

U.S. Virgin Island Department of Tourism

Fort Christian

This 300-year-old fort’s red and green façade looks cheerful, but it is also weathered: the long-standing fort has played many roles in the U.S. Virgin Islands’ complex story. Explore more on a walking tour of Charlotte Amalie, the capital city, where Fort Christian is located.

Christiansted National Historic Site

Located in an urban park, Christiansted’s six historic buildings reflect the European influence on St. Croix. Visitors can tour the site for an understanding of the Danish background and presence on the islands.

Kent Pell Photography

Sion Hill Distillery

The spirit of St. Croix is even tastier with MUTINY Island Vodka, a handcrafted, specialty vodka made with breadfruit – one of the islands’ local staples. Visitors can tour Sion Hill Distillery and sample this flavorful vodka.

U.S. Virgin Island Department of Tourism

The 99 Steps

Built during the 1700s, the 99 Steps were built into the hillside to keep the orderly grid of the city intact. Beginning in downtown Charlotte Amalie and made of bricks that were once used as ballast on Danish and British ships, the 99 Steps (actually 103) lead to the residential area above Charlotte Amalie and Blackbeard's Castle, a U.S. national historic landmark.