Overview

Along with beautiful beaches, first-rate snorkeling, Caribbean culture and easy accessibility from the states, the U. S. Virgin Islands come with a reassuring sense of familiarity; after all, English is the primary language, the U.S. dollar is the currency and U.S. citizens do not need passports. St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John constitute the three principal islands. Tiny, residential Water Island -- a good place for bicycling -- is the "4th Virgin."

Starting with Columbus’ arrival in 1493, seven nations claimed these islands: Spain, England, France, Malta, France (for a second time), Denmark for 251 years and now the U.S., which makes USVI residents citizens of the U.S.

St. Thomas, home to the busy port and USVI capital Charlotte Amalie, bustles with cruise passengers and other vacationers drawn as much to the island’s beaches as to its abundant shops. Some criticize St. Thomas as overbuilt while others like the variety of lodgings, restaurants, activities and nightlife. When exploring St. Thomas by car, allow plenty of time for traffic snarls.

St. Croix, the largest of the USVI in land mass, remains less developed than St. Thomas. On St. Croix you can drive through 15 acres of dense vegetation dubbed a “rain forest” by islanders and spot the stone ruins of more than 100 once-thriving sugar plantations in the countryside. A former Danish stronghold, Christiansted, a pretty town with pastel painted 18th and 19th century buildings, also features a restored fort.

St. John is our favorite of the “virgins.” Two-thirds of the 28-square-mile island -- 9,500 acres of land plus surrounding reefs -- are protected as the Virgin Islands National Park, part of the U.S. National Park Service. The park is not only St. John’s main attraction, but it’s also the jewel of the USVI for its snorkeling, beaches and natural scenery. Trails wind up and over hills, through tall, tropical trees and some end at the island’s white sand beaches. At Trunk Bay, a popular snorkeling site, you can follow an underwater trail through the reef.

Whatever island you choose, each offers a range of accommodations from plain to fancy and each island keeps kids happy with gorgeous sand and great snorkeling.

Written by Candyce H. Stapen