Virgin Islands (US)
The Three islands of St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John constitute what is known as the US Virgin Islands. Stunning beaches, spectacular attractions, interesting haunts for outdoors and a wide array of sites, museums and parks make The US Virgin Islands perfect for an ideal Caribbean holiday complete with sun, sand, and crystal clear waters. The popularity of these islands can be gauged from the fact that nearly 2.5 million visitors flock here annually to relax in its powdery beaches, indulge in water sports or savour the fine cuisine.
Things to see and do on the US Virgin Islands
- St. Croix: The Island with its varied terrain provides numerous options for hiking, kayaking and kite boarding. Scuba diving is a popular pastime with many scuba divers claiming that this is the only place in the Caribbean where you can dive a wall, a reef, a wreck all in one day. The best snorkelling trail on the island is in the Buck Island Reef National Monument.
- St. Thomas: St Thomas is a major port of call from where you can board a cruise ship and take in the spectacular vistas of the surrounding islands from the sea. Some of the cruise ships are fitted with underwater cameras to let you peek into the colourful world under the sea. The island is also a shoppers paradise where the duty free shops overflow with perfumes, cameras, watches, fine porcelain and crystal ware. You can take back shopping worth $1,600 worth from the U.S. Virgin Islands to the United States without having to pay duty. As an added bonus, there is no sales tax.
- St. John: St John is a natural paradise with unspoilt beaches and is perfect for soaking up the Caribbean sun away from the crowds. Two-thirds of the island is part of the Virgin Islands National Park.
Dining in the US Virgin Islands
Whether you are looking for fine dining restaurants, small family restaurants, or open air shacks for casual dining, the US Virgin Islands have it all. Equally varied are the cuisines on offer, Caribbean, Italian, Mexican, Chinese, Thai and Indian, you can choose your pick.
Entertainment and nightlife in the US Virgin Islands
The central hub of entertainment and nightlife in St Thomas is Charlotte Amalie, along the waterfront. Here you'll find many restaurants and bars to chill out. French Town near Charlotte Amalie, also has some great pubs all within walking distance of each other.
St. John is a haven for those seeking relaxation away for the glitter and glamour and all night partying. For a out, you can head to Cruz Bay to dine, drink, and dance.
There is a lively casino, Divi Carina Bay Casino, in St. Croix's which is highly popular with the tourists and locals. During the high season, you can also enjoy live music. The lights of Christiansted and Frederiksted reflected in the waters are brilliant. You can hear reggae, rock and jazz in the beach bars, boardwalk bistros and balcony cafes.
Golfing in the US Virgin Islands
- Golfing in St Thomas
Mahogany Run Golf Course: Golf Digest proclaimed this golf course which opened in 1980, as an engineering marvel because this course had to be carved and blasted into an area of land just less than 110 acres. The course offers beautiful ocean views and is open seven days a week. - Golfing in St Croix
Buccaneer Golf Course: Located in Christiansted, this golf course was designed by Long Island PGA professional Bob Joyce. The challenging par-70, 18 holes golf course is set amidst the shimmering blue waters of the Beauregard Bay. In fact the waters of the Caribbean Sea can be seen from 13 holes.
Carambola Golf & Country Club: This 18 hole golf course was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. A winner of Golf Magazine's Gold Medal Award, Carambola hosts the American Airlines Golf Classic featuring major league baseball players.