The US Virgin Islands Uncovered

The 3 islands that make up the US Virgin Islands may all be different - but they are all very American. The islands are St Thomas, St John and St Croix and although they all have an American flavor each also has its own individual character.

Getting there
From the USA there are direct scheduled flights to St Croix and St Thomas from Baltimore, New York, Boston, Miami, Chicago, Atlanta, Detroit, Philadelphia and Charlotte. The main airlines include American Airlines, Delta, United Airlines, Continental and US Air. Cruise ships can be accommodated at St Thomas and most cruise operators in the Eastern Caribbean will have at least one days stopover in the Virgin Islands.

Getting around the islands
There are several flights per day between St Thomas and St Croix ( a brief 18 minute flight costing around $75). The seaplane service flying in over the coral reef off St Croix is an attraction in itself! There are also numerous car and passenger ferries and a thriving boat charter industry including power boats and catamarans to add that little extra to your journey.

Shopping
The US Virgin Islands are a free port so everything is duty free. St Thomas is the best island shopping wise with greater choice and therefore lower prices for tourists. Many visitors purchase locally made crafts such as baskets, brooms, fish traps, dolls and ornaments. Note shops are normally closed on Sundays unless there is a large cruise ship in harbor in which case many local merchants will stay open as they feel it may be worth their while!

Must see attractions for visitors include:

Water Island - This is the smallest inhabited island in the Virgin Isles purchased from Denmark by the US in 1944 as a military base but was relinquished in 1952. located at the west end of St Thomas' main harbor. The name comes from the once plentiful freshwater ponds on the islands - unfortunately they are all saltwater today. The islands ownership is now mostly private island homeowners with charming beachfront buildings available for public use - very popular at weekends with both local residents and charter boat guests.