The US Virgin Islands are a blissful tropical destination which are home to some of the best white-sand beaches in the Caribbean and fascinating marine life that have made them a perfect getaway for families. Let us experience the warm hospitality and natural beauty of the three prime islands of St Thomas, St John and St Croix, through its forts, historic plantations and quaint colorful towns, which are just begging to be explored.
Apart from the beaches, what the three islands have in common are lush tropical landscapes, divine dining and the cultural tapestry woven from Caribbean, European and African influences that make a cruise to USVI so unique.
When to go to the US Virgin Islands
While endless sunshine means the USVI are an year-round destination, when looking for cruise lines operating to the islands, consider the months between November and March, when the trade winds are robust and the time is perfect for sailing. Trade winds are especially strong between December and January, and as this tends to be the dry season when the weather is most comfortable, the four month long holiday season kicks off during this period.
Another factor to consider is carnival time, when each of the three islands hold their annual extravaganza with a burst of color and culture. So if you want to join the party, make sure you book well in advance, even though prices will be high and crowds dense.
How much time to spend in the USVI?
While some travelers prefer moving at a slow pace and spend a week on each island, an island-hopping trip can provide the best of all three in ten days. Seven days in St Croix is enough for unplugging and exploring, after which you can hop on a ferry or seaplane to do a few days on the other two to have a mixed experience.
Top things to do in the USVI
Visiting the US Virgin Islands is an amazing experience, because there are scores of fun things to do on each of these islands.
#Island-hopping the USVI-Each island has its own inherent charm, so you will find a diverse experience and unique activities on each of them. Even better, thanks to widely available ferries and charters, traveling between them is a breeze. Since you want to see as much as possible, streamline your itinerary by booking through a company that offers concierge services that are incredibly helpful in allow logistics, from transport to dining reservations.
#Kayaking adventure– A naturally occurring phenomenon in the Caribbean Sea is bioluminescence in which parts of the ocean get illuminated at night emitting a blue glow. This light comes from the jellyfish and plankton due to a chemical reaction. You can paddle up to see this incredible sight in the Salt River Bay National Park and Reserve in a clear-bottom kayak to witness the vibrant marine world below you.
#Duty-free shopping-St Thomas is widely considered to be the best shopping destination in the Caribbean, especially for luxury watches, diamonds and jewellery, prices of which are much low with no sales tax. The duty-free allowance of $1600 per person, including children, extends to other purchases as well, making it worth your while to do shopping in downtown Charlotte Amalie and Yatch Haven Grande.
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