Vacationing in the United States Virgin Islands is amazing. That’s because no matter where you go there, you’ll be treated to a tropical paradise full of pristine beaches, welcoming locals, and scores of fun things to do! Even better, you don’t have to limit the fun to just one of the islands since you can easily travel from one of them to another via ferry or charter.
Why Should You Consider Island Hopping?
You’ll find diverse experiences, plus the convenience of not needing a passport. Each island offers unique landscapes, activities, and cultural vibes. You’ll also be able to explore more of the region’s natural beauty and local culture. Even better, you can easily travel between the islands, thanks to the many available ferries and charters available.
Planning Your Itinerary
Island hopping sounds like a blast, but without a plan, it can become overwhelming. After all, you want to see as much as you can while you’re visiting, right? Start by deciding how much time you have and what’s most important to you. Are you looking to relax on secluded beaches, snorkel vibrant reefs, or explore historical landmarks? Once you’ve nailed your priorities, you can figure out which islands to visit and how long to stay on each.
Another great way to streamline your itinerary is by booking with a company that offers a complimentary concierge service. These services can be incredibly helpful in handling logistics, from arranging inter-island transportation to securing reservations at top restaurants and activities. A knowledgeable concierge can also provide insider tips on the best times to visit certain spots, helping you avoid crowds and make the most of your time. With their expertise, you can enjoy a stress-free island-hopping adventure, knowing that every detail has been thoughtfully planned out for you.
Wondering what the seasons are like in the USVI before heading there? Check out the following article Reading the Seasons: When to Visit the USVI to find out.
What Are the Main Islands to Visit?
The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) have three main islands to explore—St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. Let’s take a closer look at what each of these gems has to offer.
St. Thomas
St. Thomas is often referred to as the ‘Gateway to the Caribbean.’ The island offers the perfect blend of excitement and relaxation. Take Charlotte Amalie, the island’s capital of the USVI, for example. The city positively brims with colorful markets, duty-free shopping, and hopping nightlife.
Other fantastic opportunities include snorkeling at Coki Beach, ziplining, and visiting historical sites such as Blackbeard’s Castle. Additionally, St. Thomas is a popular destination for scuba diving, and you’ll enjoy magical underwater experiences like no other. Families will love parks like Coral World Ocean that have interactive exhibits that let you meet sea turtles and other marine life up close.
Another must-do is the Skyride to Paradise Point, which offers the best view of the island and great photo ops. It’s a scenic tram ride offering breathtaking views, and at sunset, it paints the area in brilliant color. At the top, you can ride over the island’s picturesque harbor while enjoying a tropical cocktail—an ideal way to end the day!
St. John
St. John’s tranquil settings let anyone from honeymooning couples looking for romance to nature enthusiasts looking for adventure take a well-deserved breather. Known for its natural beauty and eco-tourism focus, it features beaches with crystal-clear water for snorkeling, hiking trails, cultural phenomenon, and more.
If hiking is your thing, there are several amazing trails that wind through the island. In fact, Virgin Islands National Park covers approximately 60% of the island. If you want to experience some beautiful snorkeling while hiking, you can take Lind Point Trail to Honeymoon Beach on the North Point of St. John. You can also enjoy Trunk Bay’s underwater snorkeling trail, along with pristine beaches such as Cinnamon Bay.
Likewise, Reef Bay Trail, lets you trek through Caribbean forests to see unique sights like the partially restored Reef Bay Sugar factory and ancient stone carvings by the early peoples of St. John—the Tainos. After hiking Reef Bay Trail, you can take a dip in the ocean at Genti Reef Bay.
Regardless of which activities you choose, you’re certain to love the relaxed, laid-back vibe of St. John.
St. Croix
St. Croix, the largest of the USVI islands, offers a vibrant mix of activities, dining, and stunning scenery. Its two main towns, Christiansted and Frederiksted, each have their own appeal. Christiansted draws visitors with its historic colonial architecture, pastel-colored buildings, and cobblestone streets. Meanwhile, Frederiksted offers a tranquil atmosphere, featuring a scenic waterfront and easy access to quiet beaches.
There are many recreational opportunities in St. Croix, from kayaking through mangroves to paddleboarding in calm bays. You can go diving at Buck Island, take a rum distillery tour, or participate in cultural festivals such as the Crucian Christmas Festival and St. Croix Carnival.
Sailing enthusiasts can set sail on a catamaran to explore the island’s scenic coastline. On the other hand, stargazers can paddle through the bioluminescent bay at night, where glowing waters light up with every stroke, creating an enchanting and otherworldly experience.
Beyond the beaches and water, St. Croix also boasts a thriving art scene. Galleries and artisan shops peppered throughout the island showcase locally crafted jewelry, paintings, and ceramics, offering visitors a chance to take home a piece of its vibrant culture. With its unique blend of history, nature, and vibrant nightlife, St. Croix is a must visit.
How to Get Around Between Islands?
After you’ve arrived at St. Thomas Cyril E. King Airport, or at St. Croix Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, you’ll be pleased to discover how many ways there are to travel between the islands.
Ferries
Hop on the regular ferry services between St. Thomas and St. John. It’s only a 20-minute trip, yet you’ll have ample time to get a look at the beautiful ocean waters. Alternatively, you can book a seasonal or longer ferry ride to St. Croix.
Private Charters
A private charter may cost more than a ferry, but it provides an easy way to island hop. Whether you join a larger group or choose a personalized experience, you can also benefit from their flexible schedules and direct routes.
Seaplanes
If you really want to live it up on your vacation, you can book a seaplane to take you between the islands. These quick and scenic flights are available between St. Thomas and St. Croix.
Tips
It’s vital to check the ferry schedules in advance as they often change seasonally. It’s also imperative to budget for inter-island transportation costs. For example, taking the ferry from St. Thomas to St. John costs $8.15 each way.
What Should You Pack for Island Hopping?
Packing for the U.S. Virgin Islands means preparing for sun-soaked beaches, outdoor adventures, and the warm, tropical climate. Read on to find out what to pack for a day trip between the islands.
Day Trip Essentials
When you set off for St. Thomas from St. John or take a day trip to St. Croix, it’s important to bring:
- Swimsuits
- Towels
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle
- Snacks
- Comfortable, lightweight clothing
- Good walking shoes
You’ll also want to pack the following waterproof gear if you’re planning on swimming or snorkeling:
- Dry bags
- Waterproof phone cases
- Snorkel gear
Finally, be sure to bring documents and various payment types with you, including:
- Valid ID
- Cash (certain ferries and charters may prefer cash, so keep some on hand)
- Credit/debit cards
What Activities Can You Enjoy on Each Island?
Kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing is available from each island. If you prefer to go snorkeling or diving, you’ll find great opportunities like Trunk Bay (St. John) and Buck Island (St. Croix).
Prefer to stay on land? You can taste local cuisine such as conch fritters and johnnycakes. After you’ve enjoyed eating, you can go to:
- St. John to visit plantation ruins
- St. Thomas to shop at local markets
- St. Croix to see historic forts
Are relaxation and scenic views your thing? You can go beach hopping to more secluded spots like St. John’s Honeymoon Beach, St. Thomas’ Mermaid’s Chair, and St. Croix’s Shoys Beach. Furthermore, you can take in a truly stunning sunset from vantage points like Drake’s Seat (St. Thomas).
What Are Some Lesser-Known Gems to Discover?
If you’re looking for even more lesser-known gems, be sure to check out the following options.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Beaches
Aside from Honeymoon Beach, Mermaid’s Chair, and Shoys Beach, you might also enjoy Salt Pond Bay and Lameshur Bay (St. John), or Secret Harbour and Hull Bay (St. Thomas). There are 40 beaches on St. Thomas alone, so you’ll find plenty of places to relax.
Unique Attractions
- Cruzan Rum Distillery (St. Croix)
- Annaberg Plantation ruins (St. John)
- Coral World Undersea Observatory Tower (St. Thomas)
Hidden Snorkeling Spots
The USVI is home to several wonderful snorkeling spots. If you want to leave large crowds behind, though, you should check out:
- Watermelon Cay (St. John)
- Sandy Point Wildlife Refuge (St. Croix)
- Thatch Cay (St. Thomas)
When Is the Best Time to Island Hop?
Each season has its own pros and cons. For instance, the high season (December to April) is known for having ideal weather, vibrant festivals, and events. However, it also features higher prices and more crowded ferries. Meanwhile, the offseason (May to November) has fewer tourists and more affordable accommodations. Yet it also has the potential for hurricanes, so be sure to monitor weather updates.
One way you can help minimize the crowds on the ferries is to plan an early morning ferry ride. As an added bonus, the water is typically calmer in the morning too.
Tips for a Seamless Island-Hopping Experience
- Maintain a flexible mindset as weather or other delays can happen.
- Take time planning your itinerary to enable you to maximize time on each island.
- Be sure you book your ferry or charter rides in advance during peak season.
- Pay close attention to the ferry schedule so you can avoid getting stranded.
- Always take more water than you think you’ll need, especially if you’ll be hiking at the Virgin Islands National Park.
Plan your Dream Island-Hopping Adventure
As you can see, USVI offers an adventure you’ll never forget! You’ll be able to hike, hang out on beaches, shop, and take in the vibrant nightlife. Don’t restrict yourself to just one island—instead, try to fit in at least a day trip to a nearby destination.
Plan your dream island-hopping adventure with insights from The Hills St. John’s local expertise, along with their knowledgeable concierge service. Book your trip today!
