Things To Do
in Virgin Islands
The Virgin Islands are a group of Caribbean islands divided into two main territories: the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and the United States Virgin Islands (USVI). Known for their stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life, these islands are popular destinations for tourism and sailing. The BVI is famous for its sailing culture and the beautiful island of Tortola, while the USVI includes notable islands like St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, each offering unique attractions and natural beauty.
The rich history and diverse cultures of the Virgin Islands are influenced by indigenous peoples, European colonization, and African heritage, making the islands a tapestry of traditions and experiences.
- "Good morning" - Good morning
- "How are you?" - How are you?
- "Thank you" - Thank you
- "Please" - Please
- "Excuse me" - Excuse me
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $150 - $400
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $60 - $120
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $100
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of Cinnamon Bay. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a beachside café.
Spend your afternoon sunbathing on the white sandy beach and exploring the nearby snorkeling spots. Don't forget to indulge in some local cuisine for lunch.
As the sun sets, take a stroll along the beach and enjoy the mesmerizing view. Wind down with a tropical drink at a beachfront bar.
Join a snorkeling tour to explore the vibrant underwater life around the Virgin Islands. Early risers can spot sea turtles and colorful fish.
Enjoy a picnic lunch on a secluded beach after a thrilling snorkeling experience. Take some time to relax and soak up the sun.
Return to your resort and freshen up before heading out for a dinner at a local seafood restaurant. Savor fresh catch while listening to live music.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural beauty with pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters.
- Warm climate year-round, perfect for outdoor activities.
- Rich history and culture with numerous festivals and events.
- No sales tax, which can make shopping more appealing.
- Strong sense of community and friendly locals.
- Higher cost of living compared to the mainland United States.
- Limited job opportunities and slower economic growth.
- Vulnerability to hurricanes and tropical storms.
- Infrastructure challenges, including transportation and healthcare.
- Limited access to some goods and services found on the mainland.
Best Activities in Virgin Islands
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the vibrant underwater life of the Virgin Islands by snorkeling at famous locations like Trunk Bay and Waterlemon Cay.
Hike the lush trails of Virgin Islands National Park, offering stunning views, tropical flora, and historical ruins.
Experience sailing around the islands, visiting secluded beaches and enjoying the beautiful Caribbean Sea.
Kayak through the clear waters and mangroves, allowing for close encounters with local wildlife.
Enjoy a peaceful day on the water paddleboarding in calm bays and along the picturesque coastlines.
Relax and explore the stunning beaches, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and collecting unique shells.
Try your luck at fishing, with options for deep-sea fishing, shore fishing, or chartering a boat.
Experience the diverse wildlife, including birds, sea turtles, and marine life, in their natural habitats.
Tours
Uncover the best of Virgin Islands with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Virgin Islands
Visit one of these nice places.
A scenic viewpoint that offers panoramic views of Charlotte Amalie and the surrounding islands. Ideal for sunset photography.
The highest point on St. Thomas, providing stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and the neighboring islands. The observation deck is perfect for breathtaking photos.
Known for its stunning beach and clear blue waters, Magens Bay is a popular spot for landscape photography and capturing sunrises and sunsets.
Offers unique marine life photography opportunities, including underwater views, sea turtles, and colorful coral.
Famous for its vibrant coral reefs and shallow waters, providing excellent opportunities for underwater and beach photography.
Renowned for its beautiful white sand beach and picturesque surroundings, making it perfect for both landscape and wildlife photography.
A unique geological formation with giant boulders and hidden beaches, offering stunning photo opportunities both above and below water.
A vast area filled with stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and beautiful beaches, ideal for capturing the natural beauty of the islands.
Food in Virgin Islands
Virgin Islands Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional dish made with leafy greens, often cooked with okra, coconut milk, and spices. You can find it at local eateries like 'My Brother’s Workshop' and 'The Banana Tree'.
Must-Try!
Freshly caught fish grilled or fried and served in a soft tortilla with a variety of toppings. Check out 'Duffy's Love Shack' for some of the best fish tacos.
A flatbread typically filled with curried meat or vegetables, roti is a popular street food item. Sample it at 'The Roti Shop' in St. Thomas.
Deliciously crispy and golden, these fritters are made from conch meat mixed with a seasoned batter. Visit 'Magen's Bay' beach bars for freshly made conch fritters.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Virgin Islands better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Located in St. Thomas, this market features a variety of fresh produce, local crafts, and prepared foods, perfect for experiencing the local culinary culture.
In St. John, the vendor stands offer an assortment of quick bites including local snacks, fresh fruit, and traditional dishes that capture the essence of island life.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In the Virgin Islands, a warm greeting is important. It is customary to say hello and engage in small talk. When meeting someone for the first time, a handshake is common, while close friends may greet each other with a hug or a kiss on the cheek.
While the Virgin Islands have a relaxed atmosphere, it's important to dress appropriately, especially when visiting religious sites or attending formal events. Swimwear should be reserved for the beach, and casual attire is preferred in social settings.
Engaging with local customs and traditions shows respect for the culture. Participating in local festivals or understanding the importance of historical events can help foster positive interactions with residents and display appreciation for their heritage.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Virgin Islands with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Virgin Islands
Ensure a smooth experience
In the Virgin Islands, tipping is generally expected in the service industry. It is customary to tip around 15-20% of the total bill in restaurants if gratuity is not included. For bartenders, rounding up to the nearest dollar or leaving a couple of dollars per drink is common. Taxi drivers usually receive a tip of 10-15% of the fare. Some resorts and hotels may have added service charges, making it good practice to check the bill before tip.
In the Virgin Islands, payment is commonly accepted in US dollars, as the territory uses the same currency. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most establishments, including hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller vendors and outdoor markets. ATMs are available, and travelers can often use their bank cards to withdraw cash.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Virgin Islands.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
This is considered the peak tourist season in the Virgin Islands due to the pleasant weather, lower humidity, and minimal rainfall. Expect sunny skies, warm temperatures, and a bustling atmosphere with many events and activities.
The weather remains warm and pleasant, but the crowds begin to thin out. This is a great time for budgeting travelers as prices for accommodations start to drop. Expect occasional rain showers and a quieter experience.
This season can be hotter and more humid, with a chance of tropical showers and hurricanes late in the season. Expect fewer tourists, which often means better deals on accommodation and activities. Popular with families taking summer vacations.
This is the low season, with potential for hurricane activity, especially in September. Rates are at their lowest, and crowds are minimal. Expect warm temperatures but also the chance of rainy weather, particularly during tropical storm season.
Virgin Islands at Night
Hiking in Virgin Islands
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A national park located on St. John, featuring numerous hiking trails with stunning views of the Caribbean, tropical forests, and historical ruins.
A scenic trail in Virgin Islands National Park that leads through lush forests to Cinnamon Bay, offering beautiful beach views and a chance to explore ancient petroglyphs.
This hike descends through tropical forest to the Reef Bay, where you can discover petroglyphs and enjoy breathtaking views of the bay and surrounding areas.
A moderate hike that takes you to Mary's Point for panoramic views of the Virgin Islands and the Atlantic Ocean, perfect for birdwatching and experiencing local flora.
A less-traveled trail offering a unique experience with views of the coastline, dense mangrove forests, and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Virgin Islands through these rare and unique activities.
Airports
How to reach Virgin Islands by plane.
Located in San Juan, Puerto Rico, approximately 40 miles southwest of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Located on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, is the main airport serving the area.
Located on St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, providing international flight services.
Located on Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, approximately 60 miles from the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Located in Antigua and Barbuda, about 120 miles east of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Located in Barbados, approximately 200 miles southeast of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in the Virgin Islands, comprising a significant majority of the population.
The second-largest demographic group in the Virgin Islands, including individuals of European descent.
A smaller but notable demographic proportion, including individuals from Latin America and the Caribbean.
Individuals with ancestry from multiple racial or ethnic backgrounds, representing a diverse segment of the population.
A smaller demographic group, including individuals of Asian descent living in the Virgin Islands.
Includes a variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds not categorized in the above groups.
The Soul of Virgin Islands
Discover the essence of Virgin Islands through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular sport in the Virgin Islands, cricket is played widely, especially in the British Virgin Islands, where it enjoys a strong following and local league competitions.
Soccer has grown in popularity in the Virgin Islands, with various leagues and community teams encouraging young players to participate.
Basketball is one of the most popular sports among youth in the Virgin Islands, with many local leagues and a significant number of players.
Rugby is played casually and in organized leagues in the Virgin Islands, attracting a dedicated following and participation.
Given the islands' maritime culture, sailing is a popular recreational sport, with numerous regattas and sailing events held throughout the year.
Track and field events are popular in schools and community competitions, with an emphasis on sprinting and long-distance running.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants in the Virgin Islands offer vegetarian options, including salads, vegetable curries, and pasta dishes. The Greenhouse and Aqua Bistro cater to vegetarian diners.
Vegan dishes are available at several eateries, particularly those focused on health-conscious cuisines. Check out 'Natural Foods' or 'Second Floor' for plant-based selections.
Gluten-free options can be found in many places, particularly seafood dishes and salads. It's advisable to confirm with restaurant staff about specific allergens.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Virgin Islands with these cultural adventures.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Virgin Islands.