US Virgin Islands — Attractions
Buck Island
A few miles off the north eastern shore of St Croix lies the tiny paradise of Buck Island, one of the best excursions in the Virgin Islands. The entire island and its surrounding coral reefs is a protected nature reserve and includes a beautiful beach, an incredible coral marine garden, and two major underwater snorkeling trails with signs that introduce snorkelers to the types of coral and its sea life. Turtle Bay Trail and East End Trail together have become one of the most popular attractions in the US Virgin Islands. There is also some excellent diving off Buck Island Reef.
- Region/City Name
- St Croix
Christiansted
One of the prettiest towns in the Caribbean, Christiansted has a perfect harbor setting and is the capital of St Croix. Dominating the waterfront is the large yellow building, Fort Christiansvaern, built in 1774 to protect the town's harbor against pirates during its days as capital of the Danish colony when it served as an important trading center for sugar and rum. Much of the original Danish colonial architecture remains, including the Old Custom House, government buildings and the atmospheric wharf area lined with pastel-colored warehouses. Original Danish streets signs survive among modern enterprises like tourist shops, courtyard restaurants and a spirited bar scene on the waterfront. There are plenty of beach activities nearby and a popular excursion is to Buck Island, offering superb beaches and coral reefs.
- Region/City Name
- St Croix
Charlotte Amalie
Charlotte Amalie, named in honor of the wife of King Christian V, is the Danish-flavored capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands, a busy port and important merchant center since the 18th century. The beautiful harbor is ringed with whitewashed houses and painted villas, their red roofs a splash of color against the green hillside. Cobbled, Danish-signposted streets and alleyways lead down to the waterfront, lined with shops, boutiques and colonial architecture. The old Danish merchant warehouses form a world-famous shopping district, selling imported goods from around the globe. The harbor is usually filled with cruise ships, ferries, yachts and fishing vessels, and is the most visited port in the Caribbean, creating a town that is vibrant and multinational, but often overcrowded. For those weary of duty-free shopping, Charlotte Amalie offers numerous other attractions, as well as elegant restaurants and an exciting nightlife. Blackbeard's Castle on top of Government Hill offers superb views over the harbor, and is said to have been the lookout tower for the legendary pirate, Captain Blackbeard. The red brick Fort Christian is the oldest standing building on the island, where Danish soldiers stood guard against pirates and invaders, and has since served as a jail, church, government house, community hall and today houses the Virgin Islands Museum.
- Region/City Name
- St Thomas
Virgin Islands National Park
The Virgin Islands National Park comprises more than 7,000 acres of the island of St John, along with spectacular underwater sites as well. Perhaps the best place to begin a visit to the park is the Cruz Bay Visitors Center, which provides historical, cultural and geographical exhibits as well as guidebooks, maps and other information. There, rangers can assist visitors in planning their stay at the park. While the Annaberg ruins and Trunk Bay beach remain the most popular destinations, the park also offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the Taino people, who inhabited the island before Columbus' arrival. Their remarkably well-preserved petroglyphs can be seen carved along the Reef Bay hiking trail, and a wealth of artifacts, some dating back 500 years, have been uncovered at Cinnamon Bay, where visitors can tour the archaeology lab. Cinnamon Bay is also a popular camping spot, with bare campsites, raised tents and cottages. Its beautiful sandy beach has a rental facility for sailing, windsurfing and kayaking in the large bay. The Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument can be reached by land only at Hurricane Hole. This three-mile belt off the southern end of the island contains 12,708 acres of submerged land, the waters of which support a complex system of coral reefs, as well as shoreline ecosystems of mangrove forests and seagrass beds.
- Region/City Name
- St John
- Phone Number
- (340) 776 6201
- Website
- www.nps.gov/viis
- Hours
- Cruz Bay Visitors Center: daily from 8am to 4.30pm; other site hours vary
- Admission
- Most sites are free. Trunk Bay: $4 (adults); Free for children aged 16 and under. Overnight anchoring or mooring in park waters: $15. Cinnamon Bay camping/rental costs vary
St Thomas Skyride
The best way to appreciate the stunning beauty of Charlotte Amalie and the St Thomas Harbour is from above. The idea for the tramway, which carries visitors over Flag Hill to Paradise Point, 700 feet (213m) up, began in the 1980s, when two ambitious businessmen bought more than 30 acres of Flag Hill from the Queen of Denmark. After a few setbacks, including Hurricane Hugo, the tramway opened in 1994 and has been a favorite activity ever since. If visitors are fortunate enough to catch one of the last trams of the day, they will witness a magical vista of twinkling lights against the soft Caribbean twilight. At the top, there is a collection of unique shops as well as a casual restaurant perfect for watching sunsets while sipping a cocktail and listening to a local band. Paradise Point has been voted the best live entertainment venue and the best tourist attraction multiple times.
- Region/City Name
- St Thomas
- Address
- Directly across from Port of $ale Mall, Charlotte Amalie
- Phone Number
- (340) 774 9809
- Website
- www.stthomasskyride.com
- Hours
- Whenever cruise ships are in port, bi-weekly; Week one: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday 9am to 5pm; Wednesday 9am to 9pm; Week two: Monday, Thursday, Saturday 9am to 5pm; Tuesday 9am to 8pm; Wednesday 9am to 9pm
- Admission
- $21 (adults), $10.50 (children 612)
Coral World
Coral World Ocean Park is arguably the island of St Thomas' premier tourist attraction - and has been enormously popular with visitors of all ages for almost 40 years. The marine park is built on two levels: an over-water floor, with interesting exhibitions, a touch pool, restaurants, and a gift shop; and an underwater observatory, located 15 feet below the surface, where visitors can gape at exotic marine life in its natural surrounds. Coral World also boasts Sea Trek technology - that is, 'helmet diving technology' - allowing you to walk along the ocean floor for up to half an hour with no need for an oxygen tank or a snorkel. This technology was successfully used to stage the first-ever underwater wedding, which took place at Coral World in January 2001.
- Region/City Name
- St Thomas
- Address
- Coki Point, St Thomas
- Website
- www.coralworldvi.com
- Hours
- Open daily from 9am to 4pm, November to March. From April to October, opening times vary (consult website for up-to-date information)
- Admission
- General admission: $19 (adults), $10 (children). Other options and combination tickets also available
Ram Head Trail
There is no better way to experience St John's appreciable natural beauty, than by walking the Ram Head Trail (also called the Ram's Head Trail). This mile-long (about 1.5km) hike starts at Salt Pond Bay beach, and continues along the shoreline, going past the extraordinary Blue Cobblestone beach, before climbing the hillside and ending at a crest, 200 feet above the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Along the trail, you'll see all kinds of interesting flora and fauna, including pipe organ cactus, and - if you're lucky - American kestrel, and there are any number of great lookout points to stop and picnic. Visitors are advised to take a lot of water along, and to start out early - as it can get very hot on the trail, very quickly, and there isn't a lot of shade around until you start climbing. Also note that while the hike is gentle, it is rocky, so good shoes are essential.
- Region/City Name
- St John
- Address
- Trails starts at the end Salt Pond Bay beach, St John island
St Croix SCUBA
St Croix Ultimate Bluewater Adventures (see the pun on SCUBA?), operated by Ed and Molly Buckley, has been called 'the friendliest dive shop on earth' - and offers a fantastic opportunity to anyone who wishes to become a fully-certified diver while on vacation in the Virgin Islands. While experienced divers will find their every need catered for (try the night dives!), the real beauty of the Buckley's operation is the ease with which complete novices - under the expert guidance of highly-qualified dive staff - can obtain their PADI Open Water Diver certification. Over and above experiencing the beautiful underwater sights of the Caribbean Sea, thanks to St Croix Ultimate Bluewater Adventures, visitors to the island will also leave with a skill that they'll cherish for the rest of their lives.
- Region/City Name
- St Croix
- Address
- 81 Queen Cross Street, Christiansted
- Email Address
- info@stcroixscuba.com
- Website
- www.stcroixscuba.com
- Hours
- Open 364 days a year (closed on Christmas), from 7.30am to 6pm
- Admission
- Rates vary considerably, depending on what you're looking for. Check website for details.
Buck Island
A few miles off the north eastern shore of St Croix lies the tiny paradise of Buck Island, one of the best excursions in the Virgin Islands. The entire island and its surrounding coral reefs is a protected nature reserve and includes a beautiful beach, an incredible coral marine garden, and two major underwater snorkeling trails with signs that introduce snorkelers to the types of coral and its sea life. Turtle Bay Trail and East End Trail together have become one of the most popular attractions in the US Virgin Islands. There is also some excellent diving off Buck Island Reef.
- Region/City Name
- St Croix
Christiansted
One of the prettiest towns in the Caribbean, Christiansted has a perfect harbor setting and is the capital of St Croix. Dominating the waterfront is the large yellow building, Fort Christiansvaern, built in 1774 to protect the town's harbor against pirates during its days as capital of the Danish colony when it served as an important trading center for sugar and rum. Much of the original Danish colonial architecture remains, including the Old Custom House, government buildings and the atmospheric wharf area lined with pastel-colored warehouses. Original Danish streets signs survive among modern enterprises like tourist shops, courtyard restaurants and a spirited bar scene on the waterfront. There are plenty of beach activities nearby and a popular excursion is to Buck Island, offering superb beaches and coral reefs.
- Region/City Name
- St Croix
Charlotte Amalie
Charlotte Amalie, named in honor of the wife of King Christian V, is the Danish-flavored capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands, a busy port and important merchant center since the 18th century. The beautiful harbor is ringed with whitewashed houses and painted villas, their red roofs a splash of color against the green hillside. Cobbled, Danish-signposted streets and alleyways lead down to the waterfront, lined with shops, boutiques and colonial architecture. The old Danish merchant warehouses form a world-famous shopping district, selling imported goods from around the globe. The harbor is usually filled with cruise ships, ferries, yachts and fishing vessels, and is the most visited port in the Caribbean, creating a town that is vibrant and multinational, but often overcrowded. For those weary of duty-free shopping, Charlotte Amalie offers numerous other attractions, as well as elegant restaurants and an exciting nightlife. Blackbeard's Castle on top of Government Hill offers superb views over the harbor, and is said to have been the lookout tower for the legendary pirate, Captain Blackbeard. The red brick Fort Christian is the oldest standing building on the island, where Danish soldiers stood guard against pirates and invaders, and has since served as a jail, church, government house, community hall and today houses the Virgin Islands Museum.
- Region/City Name
- St Thomas
Virgin Islands National Park
The Virgin Islands National Park comprises more than 7,000 acres of the island of St John, along with spectacular underwater sites as well. Perhaps the best place to begin a visit to the park is the Cruz Bay Visitors Center, which provides historical, cultural and geographical exhibits as well as guidebooks, maps and other information. There, rangers can assist visitors in planning their stay at the park. While the Annaberg ruins and Trunk Bay beach remain the most popular destinations, the park also offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the Taino people, who inhabited the island before Columbus' arrival. Their remarkably well-preserved petroglyphs can be seen carved along the Reef Bay hiking trail, and a wealth of artifacts, some dating back 500 years, have been uncovered at Cinnamon Bay, where visitors can tour the archaeology lab. Cinnamon Bay is also a popular camping spot, with bare campsites, raised tents and cottages. Its beautiful sandy beach has a rental facility for sailing, windsurfing and kayaking in the large bay. The Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument can be reached by land only at Hurricane Hole. This three-mile belt off the southern end of the island contains 12,708 acres of submerged land, the waters of which support a complex system of coral reefs, as well as shoreline ecosystems of mangrove forests and seagrass beds.
- Region/City Name
- St John
- Phone Number
- (340) 776 6201
- Website
- www.nps.gov/viis
- Hours
- Cruz Bay Visitors Center: daily from 8am to 4.30pm; other site hours vary
- Admission
- Most sites are free. Trunk Bay: $4 (adults); Free for children aged 16 and under. Overnight anchoring or mooring in park waters: $15. Cinnamon Bay camping/rental costs vary
St Thomas Skyride
The best way to appreciate the stunning beauty of Charlotte Amalie and the St Thomas Harbour is from above. The idea for the tramway, which carries visitors over Flag Hill to Paradise Point, 700 feet (213m) up, began in the 1980s, when two ambitious businessmen bought more than 30 acres of Flag Hill from the Queen of Denmark. After a few setbacks, including Hurricane Hugo, the tramway opened in 1994 and has been a favorite activity ever since. If visitors are fortunate enough to catch one of the last trams of the day, they will witness a magical vista of twinkling lights against the soft Caribbean twilight. At the top, there is a collection of unique shops as well as a casual restaurant perfect for watching sunsets while sipping a cocktail and listening to a local band. Paradise Point has been voted the best live entertainment venue and the best tourist attraction multiple times.
- Region/City Name
- St Thomas
- Address
- Directly across from Port of $ale Mall, Charlotte Amalie
- Phone Number
- (340) 774 9809
- Website
- www.stthomasskyride.com
- Hours
- Whenever cruise ships are in port, bi-weekly; Week one: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday 9am to 5pm; Wednesday 9am to 9pm; Week two: Monday, Thursday, Saturday 9am to 5pm; Tuesday 9am to 8pm; Wednesday 9am to 9pm
- Admission
- $21 (adults), $10.50 (children 612)
Coral World
Coral World Ocean Park is arguably the island of St Thomas' premier tourist attraction - and has been enormously popular with visitors of all ages for almost 40 years. The marine park is built on two levels: an over-water floor, with interesting exhibitions, a touch pool, restaurants, and a gift shop; and an underwater observatory, located 15 feet below the surface, where visitors can gape at exotic marine life in its natural surrounds. Coral World also boasts Sea Trek technology - that is, 'helmet diving technology' - allowing you to walk along the ocean floor for up to half an hour with no need for an oxygen tank or a snorkel. This technology was successfully used to stage the first-ever underwater wedding, which took place at Coral World in January 2001.
- Region/City Name
- St Thomas
- Address
- Coki Point, St Thomas
- Website
- www.coralworldvi.com
- Hours
- Open daily from 9am to 4pm, November to March. From April to October, opening times vary (consult website for up-to-date information)
- Admission
- General admission: $19 (adults), $10 (children). Other options and combination tickets also available
Ram Head Trail
There is no better way to experience St John's appreciable natural beauty, than by walking the Ram Head Trail (also called the Ram's Head Trail). This mile-long (about 1.5km) hike starts at Salt Pond Bay beach, and continues along the shoreline, going past the extraordinary Blue Cobblestone beach, before climbing the hillside and ending at a crest, 200 feet above the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Along the trail, you'll see all kinds of interesting flora and fauna, including pipe organ cactus, and - if you're lucky - American kestrel, and there are any number of great lookout points to stop and picnic. Visitors are advised to take a lot of water along, and to start out early - as it can get very hot on the trail, very quickly, and there isn't a lot of shade around until you start climbing. Also note that while the hike is gentle, it is rocky, so good shoes are essential.
- Region/City Name
- St John
- Address
- Trails starts at the end Salt Pond Bay beach, St John island
St Croix SCUBA
St Croix Ultimate Bluewater Adventures (see the pun on SCUBA?), operated by Ed and Molly Buckley, has been called 'the friendliest dive shop on earth' - and offers a fantastic opportunity to anyone who wishes to become a fully-certified diver while on vacation in the Virgin Islands. While experienced divers will find their every need catered for (try the night dives!), the real beauty of the Buckley's operation is the ease with which complete novices - under the expert guidance of highly-qualified dive staff - can obtain their PADI Open Water Diver certification. Over and above experiencing the beautiful underwater sights of the Caribbean Sea, thanks to St Croix Ultimate Bluewater Adventures, visitors to the island will also leave with a skill that they'll cherish for the rest of their lives.
- Region/City Name
- St Croix
- Address
- 81 Queen Cross Street, Christiansted
- Email Address
- info@stcroixscuba.com
- Website
- www.stcroixscuba.com
- Hours
- Open 364 days a year (closed on Christmas), from 7.30am to 6pm
- Admission
- Rates vary considerably, depending on what you're looking for. Check website for details.
Buck Island
A few miles off the north eastern shore of St Croix lies the tiny paradise of Buck Island, one of the best excursions in the Virgin Islands. The entire island and its surrounding coral reefs is a protected nature reserve and includes a beautiful beach, an incredible coral marine garden, and two major underwater snorkeling trails with signs that introduce snorkelers to the types of coral and its sea life. Turtle Bay Trail and East End Trail together have become one of the most popular attractions in the US Virgin Islands. There is also some excellent diving off Buck Island Reef.
- Region/City Name
- St Croix
Christiansted
One of the prettiest towns in the Caribbean, Christiansted has a perfect harbor setting and is the capital of St Croix. Dominating the waterfront is the large yellow building, Fort Christiansvaern, built in 1774 to protect the town's harbor against pirates during its days as capital of the Danish colony when it served as an important trading center for sugar and rum. Much of the original Danish colonial architecture remains, including the Old Custom House, government buildings and the atmospheric wharf area lined with pastel-colored warehouses. Original Danish streets signs survive among modern enterprises like tourist shops, courtyard restaurants and a spirited bar scene on the waterfront. There are plenty of beach activities nearby and a popular excursion is to Buck Island, offering superb beaches and coral reefs.
- Region/City Name
- St Croix
Charlotte Amalie
Charlotte Amalie, named in honor of the wife of King Christian V, is the Danish-flavored capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands, a busy port and important merchant center since the 18th century. The beautiful harbor is ringed with whitewashed houses and painted villas, their red roofs a splash of color against the green hillside. Cobbled, Danish-signposted streets and alleyways lead down to the waterfront, lined with shops, boutiques and colonial architecture. The old Danish merchant warehouses form a world-famous shopping district, selling imported goods from around the globe. The harbor is usually filled with cruise ships, ferries, yachts and fishing vessels, and is the most visited port in the Caribbean, creating a town that is vibrant and multinational, but often overcrowded. For those weary of duty-free shopping, Charlotte Amalie offers numerous other attractions, as well as elegant restaurants and an exciting nightlife. Blackbeard's Castle on top of Government Hill offers superb views over the harbor, and is said to have been the lookout tower for the legendary pirate, Captain Blackbeard. The red brick Fort Christian is the oldest standing building on the island, where Danish soldiers stood guard against pirates and invaders, and has since served as a jail, church, government house, community hall and today houses the Virgin Islands Museum.
- Region/City Name
- St Thomas
Virgin Islands National Park
The Virgin Islands National Park comprises more than 7,000 acres of the island of St John, along with spectacular underwater sites as well. Perhaps the best place to begin a visit to the park is the Cruz Bay Visitors Center, which provides historical, cultural and geographical exhibits as well as guidebooks, maps and other information. There, rangers can assist visitors in planning their stay at the park. While the Annaberg ruins and Trunk Bay beach remain the most popular destinations, the park also offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the Taino people, who inhabited the island before Columbus' arrival. Their remarkably well-preserved petroglyphs can be seen carved along the Reef Bay hiking trail, and a wealth of artifacts, some dating back 500 years, have been uncovered at Cinnamon Bay, where visitors can tour the archaeology lab. Cinnamon Bay is also a popular camping spot, with bare campsites, raised tents and cottages. Its beautiful sandy beach has a rental facility for sailing, windsurfing and kayaking in the large bay. The Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument can be reached by land only at Hurricane Hole. This three-mile belt off the southern end of the island contains 12,708 acres of submerged land, the waters of which support a complex system of coral reefs, as well as shoreline ecosystems of mangrove forests and seagrass beds.
- Region/City Name
- St John
- Phone Number
- (340) 776 6201
- Website
- www.nps.gov/viis
- Hours
- Cruz Bay Visitors Center: daily from 8am to 4.30pm; other site hours vary
- Admission
- Most sites are free. Trunk Bay: $4 (adults); Free for children aged 16 and under. Overnight anchoring or mooring in park waters: $15. Cinnamon Bay camping/rental costs vary
St Thomas Skyride
The best way to appreciate the stunning beauty of Charlotte Amalie and the St Thomas Harbour is from above. The idea for the tramway, which carries visitors over Flag Hill to Paradise Point, 700 feet (213m) up, began in the 1980s, when two ambitious businessmen bought more than 30 acres of Flag Hill from the Queen of Denmark. After a few setbacks, including Hurricane Hugo, the tramway opened in 1994 and has been a favorite activity ever since. If visitors are fortunate enough to catch one of the last trams of the day, they will witness a magical vista of twinkling lights against the soft Caribbean twilight. At the top, there is a collection of unique shops as well as a casual restaurant perfect for watching sunsets while sipping a cocktail and listening to a local band. Paradise Point has been voted the best live entertainment venue and the best tourist attraction multiple times.
- Region/City Name
- St Thomas
- Address
- Directly across from Port of $ale Mall, Charlotte Amalie
- Phone Number
- (340) 774 9809
- Website
- www.stthomasskyride.com
- Hours
- Whenever cruise ships are in port, bi-weekly; Week one: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday 9am to 5pm; Wednesday 9am to 9pm; Week two: Monday, Thursday, Saturday 9am to 5pm; Tuesday 9am to 8pm; Wednesday 9am to 9pm
- Admission
- $21 (adults), $10.50 (children 612)
Coral World
Coral World Ocean Park is arguably the island of St Thomas' premier tourist attraction - and has been enormously popular with visitors of all ages for almost 40 years. The marine park is built on two levels: an over-water floor, with interesting exhibitions, a touch pool, restaurants, and a gift shop; and an underwater observatory, located 15 feet below the surface, where visitors can gape at exotic marine life in its natural surrounds. Coral World also boasts Sea Trek technology - that is, 'helmet diving technology' - allowing you to walk along the ocean floor for up to half an hour with no need for an oxygen tank or a snorkel. This technology was successfully used to stage the first-ever underwater wedding, which took place at Coral World in January 2001.
- Region/City Name
- St Thomas
- Address
- Coki Point, St Thomas
- Website
- www.coralworldvi.com
- Hours
- Open daily from 9am to 4pm, November to March. From April to October, opening times vary (consult website for up-to-date information)
- Admission
- General admission: $19 (adults), $10 (children). Other options and combination tickets also available
Ram Head Trail
There is no better way to experience St John's appreciable natural beauty, than by walking the Ram Head Trail (also called the Ram's Head Trail). This mile-long (about 1.5km) hike starts at Salt Pond Bay beach, and continues along the shoreline, going past the extraordinary Blue Cobblestone beach, before climbing the hillside and ending at a crest, 200 feet above the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Along the trail, you'll see all kinds of interesting flora and fauna, including pipe organ cactus, and - if you're lucky - American kestrel, and there are any number of great lookout points to stop and picnic. Visitors are advised to take a lot of water along, and to start out early - as it can get very hot on the trail, very quickly, and there isn't a lot of shade around until you start climbing. Also note that while the hike is gentle, it is rocky, so good shoes are essential.
- Region/City Name
- St John
- Address
- Trails starts at the end Salt Pond Bay beach, St John island
St Croix SCUBA
St Croix Ultimate Bluewater Adventures (see the pun on SCUBA?), operated by Ed and Molly Buckley, has been called 'the friendliest dive shop on earth' - and offers a fantastic opportunity to anyone who wishes to become a fully-certified diver while on vacation in the Virgin Islands. While experienced divers will find their every need catered for (try the night dives!), the real beauty of the Buckley's operation is the ease with which complete novices - under the expert guidance of highly-qualified dive staff - can obtain their PADI Open Water Diver certification. Over and above experiencing the beautiful underwater sights of the Caribbean Sea, thanks to St Croix Ultimate Bluewater Adventures, visitors to the island will also leave with a skill that they'll cherish for the rest of their lives.
- Region/City Name
- St Croix
- Address
- 81 Queen Cross Street, Christiansted
- Email Address
- info@stcroixscuba.com
- Website
- www.stcroixscuba.com
- Hours
- Open 364 days a year (closed on Christmas), from 7.30am to 6pm
- Admission
- Rates vary considerably, depending on what you're looking for. Check website for details.
Buck Island
A few miles off the north eastern shore of St Croix lies the tiny paradise of Buck Island, one of the best excursions in the Virgin Islands. The entire island and its surrounding coral reefs is a protected nature reserve and includes a beautiful beach, an incredible coral marine garden, and two major underwater snorkeling trails with signs that introduce snorkelers to the types of coral and its sea life. Turtle Bay Trail and East End Trail together have become one of the most popular attractions in the US Virgin Islands. There is also some excellent diving off Buck Island Reef.
- Region/City Name
- St Croix
Christiansted
One of the prettiest towns in the Caribbean, Christiansted has a perfect harbor setting and is the capital of St Croix. Dominating the waterfront is the large yellow building, Fort Christiansvaern, built in 1774 to protect the town's harbor against pirates during its days as capital of the Danish colony when it served as an important trading center for sugar and rum. Much of the original Danish colonial architecture remains, including the Old Custom House, government buildings and the atmospheric wharf area lined with pastel-colored warehouses. Original Danish streets signs survive among modern enterprises like tourist shops, courtyard restaurants and a spirited bar scene on the waterfront. There are plenty of beach activities nearby and a popular excursion is to Buck Island, offering superb beaches and coral reefs.
- Region/City Name
- St Croix
Charlotte Amalie
Charlotte Amalie, named in honor of the wife of King Christian V, is the Danish-flavored capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands, a busy port and important merchant center since the 18th century. The beautiful harbor is ringed with whitewashed houses and painted villas, their red roofs a splash of color against the green hillside. Cobbled, Danish-signposted streets and alleyways lead down to the waterfront, lined with shops, boutiques and colonial architecture. The old Danish merchant warehouses form a world-famous shopping district, selling imported goods from around the globe. The harbor is usually filled with cruise ships, ferries, yachts and fishing vessels, and is the most visited port in the Caribbean, creating a town that is vibrant and multinational, but often overcrowded. For those weary of duty-free shopping, Charlotte Amalie offers numerous other attractions, as well as elegant restaurants and an exciting nightlife. Blackbeard's Castle on top of Government Hill offers superb views over the harbor, and is said to have been the lookout tower for the legendary pirate, Captain Blackbeard. The red brick Fort Christian is the oldest standing building on the island, where Danish soldiers stood guard against pirates and invaders, and has since served as a jail, church, government house, community hall and today houses the Virgin Islands Museum.
- Region/City Name
- St Thomas
Virgin Islands National Park
The Virgin Islands National Park comprises more than 7,000 acres of the island of St John, along with spectacular underwater sites as well. Perhaps the best place to begin a visit to the park is the Cruz Bay Visitors Center, which provides historical, cultural and geographical exhibits as well as guidebooks, maps and other information. There, rangers can assist visitors in planning their stay at the park. While the Annaberg ruins and Trunk Bay beach remain the most popular destinations, the park also offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the Taino people, who inhabited the island before Columbus' arrival. Their remarkably well-preserved petroglyphs can be seen carved along the Reef Bay hiking trail, and a wealth of artifacts, some dating back 500 years, have been uncovered at Cinnamon Bay, where visitors can tour the archaeology lab. Cinnamon Bay is also a popular camping spot, with bare campsites, raised tents and cottages. Its beautiful sandy beach has a rental facility for sailing, windsurfing and kayaking in the large bay. The Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument can be reached by land only at Hurricane Hole. This three-mile belt off the southern end of the island contains 12,708 acres of submerged land, the waters of which support a complex system of coral reefs, as well as shoreline ecosystems of mangrove forests and seagrass beds.
- Region/City Name
- St John
- Phone Number
- (340) 776 6201
- Website
- www.nps.gov/viis
- Hours
- Cruz Bay Visitors Center: daily from 8am to 4.30pm; other site hours vary
- Admission
- Most sites are free. Trunk Bay: $4 (adults); Free for children aged 16 and under. Overnight anchoring or mooring in park waters: $15. Cinnamon Bay camping/rental costs vary
St Thomas Skyride
The best way to appreciate the stunning beauty of Charlotte Amalie and the St Thomas Harbour is from above. The idea for the tramway, which carries visitors over Flag Hill to Paradise Point, 700 feet (213m) up, began in the 1980s, when two ambitious businessmen bought more than 30 acres of Flag Hill from the Queen of Denmark. After a few setbacks, including Hurricane Hugo, the tramway opened in 1994 and has been a favorite activity ever since. If visitors are fortunate enough to catch one of the last trams of the day, they will witness a magical vista of twinkling lights against the soft Caribbean twilight. At the top, there is a collection of unique shops as well as a casual restaurant perfect for watching sunsets while sipping a cocktail and listening to a local band. Paradise Point has been voted the best live entertainment venue and the best tourist attraction multiple times.
- Region/City Name
- St Thomas
- Address
- Directly across from Port of $ale Mall, Charlotte Amalie
- Phone Number
- (340) 774 9809
- Website
- www.stthomasskyride.com
- Hours
- Whenever cruise ships are in port, bi-weekly; Week one: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday 9am to 5pm; Wednesday 9am to 9pm; Week two: Monday, Thursday, Saturday 9am to 5pm; Tuesday 9am to 8pm; Wednesday 9am to 9pm
- Admission
- $21 (adults), $10.50 (children 612)
Coral World
Coral World Ocean Park is arguably the island of St Thomas' premier tourist attraction - and has been enormously popular with visitors of all ages for almost 40 years. The marine park is built on two levels: an over-water floor, with interesting exhibitions, a touch pool, restaurants, and a gift shop; and an underwater observatory, located 15 feet below the surface, where visitors can gape at exotic marine life in its natural surrounds. Coral World also boasts Sea Trek technology - that is, 'helmet diving technology' - allowing you to walk along the ocean floor for up to half an hour with no need for an oxygen tank or a snorkel. This technology was successfully used to stage the first-ever underwater wedding, which took place at Coral World in January 2001.
- Region/City Name
- St Thomas
- Address
- Coki Point, St Thomas
- Website
- www.coralworldvi.com
- Hours
- Open daily from 9am to 4pm, November to March. From April to October, opening times vary (consult website for up-to-date information)
- Admission
- General admission: $19 (adults), $10 (children). Other options and combination tickets also available
Ram Head Trail
There is no better way to experience St John's appreciable natural beauty, than by walking the Ram Head Trail (also called the Ram's Head Trail). This mile-long (about 1.5km) hike starts at Salt Pond Bay beach, and continues along the shoreline, going past the extraordinary Blue Cobblestone beach, before climbing the hillside and ending at a crest, 200 feet above the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Along the trail, you'll see all kinds of interesting flora and fauna, including pipe organ cactus, and - if you're lucky - American kestrel, and there are any number of great lookout points to stop and picnic. Visitors are advised to take a lot of water along, and to start out early - as it can get very hot on the trail, very quickly, and there isn't a lot of shade around until you start climbing. Also note that while the hike is gentle, it is rocky, so good shoes are essential.
- Region/City Name
- St John
- Address
- Trails starts at the end Salt Pond Bay beach, St John island
St Croix SCUBA
St Croix Ultimate Bluewater Adventures (see the pun on SCUBA?), operated by Ed and Molly Buckley, has been called 'the friendliest dive shop on earth' - and offers a fantastic opportunity to anyone who wishes to become a fully-certified diver while on vacation in the Virgin Islands. While experienced divers will find their every need catered for (try the night dives!), the real beauty of the Buckley's operation is the ease with which complete novices - under the expert guidance of highly-qualified dive staff - can obtain their PADI Open Water Diver certification. Over and above experiencing the beautiful underwater sights of the Caribbean Sea, thanks to St Croix Ultimate Bluewater Adventures, visitors to the island will also leave with a skill that they'll cherish for the rest of their lives.
- Region/City Name
- St Croix
- Address
- 81 Queen Cross Street, Christiansted
- Email Address
- info@stcroixscuba.com
- Website
- www.stcroixscuba.com
- Hours
- Open 364 days a year (closed on Christmas), from 7.30am to 6pm
- Admission
- Rates vary considerably, depending on what you're looking for. Check website for details.
PlanetWare.com Travel Guides
- United States Virgin Islands: United States Virgin Islands Hotels | Attractions
