The US Virgin Islands is located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea and has three main islands to explore: St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas. There are also 50 islets and islets. There is so much to discover from stunning beach views to delicious cuisine and rich history. The connection between African and Caribbean roots, along with the historical significance of slavery and emancipation in the region, lends a unique atmosphere to the island. There are plenty of ways to spend your day in the US Virgin Islands including outdoor activities such as snorkeling, diving, hiking and horseback riding.
US Virgin Islands Fast facts about travel
Play: Things to do in the US Virgin Islands
Virgin Island Food Tours
Virgin Island food cruises are a great way to experience authentic St. Croix cuisine from several locally owned restaurants for the price of one. Guided through downtown Christiansted, travelers will get to experience the local cuisine that only the locals know.
On a food tour of the island, tourists will learn about St. Croix’s diverse history that dates back to the early 1500’s. They will also discover the origins of local foods and drinks, which are rooted in sustainability and agriculture.
Tintin Tours
Travelers get a day of off-road fun and Instagram-worthy vacation photos with Tan Tan Expeditions. With colorful four-wheel drive jeeps, this island tour allows them to explore the most scenic spots on the island with ease. There are individual and group tours with flexible times, which makes it easy to plan things out. The company encourages touring with friends and family groups to make the adventure unforgettable.
There are a variety of tour options, including full-day east-west excursions with lunch and swim stops, half-day sightseeing tours of the West End with swim stops, and a three-hour Annaly Bay Tide Pool tour.
Half day sail and snorkel with turtles
This half-day sailing and snorkeling excursion will offer travelers amazing stories to tell once they return home. This beautiful St. Thomas trip is a must see.
Travelers will get the chance to sail and snorkel in the pristine waters of Turtle Cove and see some beautiful sea turtles in their natural habitat. The tour will take them to Buck Island to experience the amazing National Marine Wildlife Refuge. The half-day tour includes snorkeling equipment, showers, and an onboard bar with rum, beer, soda, bottled water, and snacks.
Sunset cocktail cruise
The Cocktail Sunset Cruise is a dream activity for any vacationer. This two-hour boat tour is the perfect way to take in the stunning views of St. Thomas, while sipping on cocktails and nibbling on delicious tapas. Travelers can watch the island’s stunning sunsets from the best possible vantage point on the boat deck. A professional tour guide will also share the island’s rich history, making this an unforgettable experience.
Tropical Bliss Spa and Beauty Bar
Tropical Bliss Spa and Beauty Bar is a luxurious spa experience that is the perfect way to end an island vacation. This spa and beauty bar is black woman owned and operated by Emeka Willis. Its mission is to provide affordable spa and natural skin care services to its community in St. Thomas.
Travelers can enjoy a range of services, such as deep facial cleansing, soothing steam baths, and relaxing massages. They can also enjoy special packages including facial scrubs, body scrubs, sauna, and massage packages.
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Gourmet: The Best Black-Owned Restaurants in the US Virgin Islands
Lareen Chicken Shack
La Reine Chicken Shack was a TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice in 2022 for good reason. The Caribbean-style grill menu features chicken and seafood delicacies such as braised oxtail, pot fish, conch fritters, and king fish. It also features delicious veggie sides like mashed cassava root, sweet plantain (Maduro), and roasted plantain (Tucson). The combination of flavors and textures, along with a relaxed environment, make St. Croix is a must-try experience on the island.
Sixth Bistro
Bistro VI is a charming restaurant that offers a regular breakfast, lunch and drink menu, along with seasonal cantinas and fusion specials. The restaurant offers outdoor seating, indoor air-conditioned dining or express fulfillment services, making it the ideal place for every traveler’s needs.
The baristas and chefs at The Bistro VI are known for their kindness. They make delicious fresh coffee, espresso, daily bread, bagels, pastries, salads, soups, and sandwiches. When traveling to St. Croix with the little ones, this restaurant has perfect healthy menu and kid friendly environment.
blue eleven
Blue Eleven is run by Executive Chef David Benjamin, who has created seven-, nine-, or 11-course tasting menus for the St. Thomas restaurant. It combines the freshest local ingredients and the best technology to create an upscale culinary experience. The menu features sumptuous, island-inspired dishes, such as butter-poached halibut, grilled Caribbean lobster tail, and braised wagyu short ribs. Whether you are traveling alone or on a group trip, reservations are recommended and can be easily booked over the phone or online.
Twist 3440
Twist 3440 is the perfect place for travelers looking to experience something unexpected while visiting St. Thomas. This restaurant serving Caribbean cuisine is located in Yacht Haven Grande’s marina area with stunning water views.
The restaurant takes a unique approach to traditional island favorites, adding its own twist to Caribbean-style recipes and tapas. Comfortable indoor and spacious outdoor seating creates a cool atmosphere perfect for any meal of the day. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus are available Monday through Saturday, featuring meals such as the Saltfish Breakfast Bowl, Twisst’d French Toast, Curry Chicken Sliders, and glass-grilled guava or tamarind wings.
AMA at Cane Bay
AMA at Cane Bay in St. Croix is an upscale seafood restaurant with menus prepared by Executive Chef Faheem Mouloud. He’s a black man on a mission to bring fine local cuisine to everyone.
With a commitment to sustainable seafood, the AMA in Cane Bay is a true seafood lover’s paradise. The appetizer menu is full of seafood delicacies, such as crab soufflé with chef’s bread, slow roasted pork belly and marinated shrimp, and yellowfin tuna. The appetizers don’t disappoint either. Travelers can sample blanched almonds, lobster fettuccine, or a vegetable mix.
For dessert, the AMA at Cane Bay serves delicious dishes, such as Key Western lime pie, Croissant chocolate chip bread pudding, and flourless dark chocolate rum cake.
Stay: Best places to stay in the US Virgin Islands
Beautiful Ocean View Studio – View of Magnes Bay
This black woman-owned Airbnb is located in a quiet residential area on the north side of St. Thomas and has a relaxed Caribbean feel throughout the home. The home is a short drive from Magens Bay Beach, which is less than 30 minutes from the Charlotte Amalie area. There, travelers will find great shopping, dining options, and bars.
After a long day of exploring, this accommodation gives travelers the chance to relax in the comfortable king-size bed, while enjoying high-speed internet and various streaming services. The fully-equipped kitchen is ideal for preparing meals, and the balcony and outdoor space offer great ocean views. It’s a great backdrop to end each day of your stay.
Sea Whisper Beach Condo
The Sea Whisper Beach Condo is a newly renovated condo with stunning views of the ocean and Buck Island National Park. It is 10 minutes from downtown Christiansted, St Croix. It is within walking distance to white sandy beaches, grocery stores, banks and other stores.
The fully equipped kitchen has a beautiful sea tile design and modern stainless steel appliances. This residence also offers an on-site restaurant, an Olympic-size swimming pool, outdoor barbecue, tennis court, and pickleball.
Ocean view condo with pool
The Oceanfront Condo in St. Croix is beautiful and is walking distance to the famous Cane Bay Beach, one of the best spots for swimming and snorkeling in the entire Caribbean. This stay comes with beach essentials including towels, chairs and a small cooler for guests to enjoy on the white sandy beaches.
There are also plenty of local restaurants and nightlife within walking distance, so guests don’t have to go far to enjoy the vibrant culture of the island. With only nine units in the charming community, travelers will feel right at home in this small, welcoming environment.
Red Gate Villas
The Red Gate Villas is a family-owned hotel located on the Black Island in downtown Charlotte Amalie. The charming villas are in the perfect location to explore all the island has to offer. With free Wi-Fi, an equipped kitchen, air conditioning, washer and dryer, guests will feel right at home while they are less than 10 minutes from Magens Bay and several waterfront restaurants.
Getting Away: Getting to and around the US Virgin Islands
by air
Most travelers visit the tropical lands of the US Virgin Islands by flying into Cyril E. King International Airport on St. Thomas Island. At the airport, other islands can be reached by connecting by ferry or small plane. Ferries operate between the islands of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix and are a convenient and affordable way to get around.
by car
The most popular way to get around the US Virgin Islands is to rent a car. It allows travelers the freedom to explore the islands at their own pace. Several car rental companies are located at St. Thomas and St. Croix airports. It is important to know that driving in the US Virgin Islands is on the left side of the road as it follows British driving rules.
public transport
St. Thomas has a VITRAN bus system that provides service to many areas of the island including popular destinations, such as Charlotte Amalie and Maggin’s Bay. Buses are generally safe, reliable and affordable, but service may be infrequent in some areas.
St. Croix owns the Virgin Islands Public Transport System (VIPTS) which runs several bus routes to various areas of the island, including Fredrikstead and Christiansted.
Ferries are another option for getting around the islands. Virgin Islands Ferry operates routes between St. Thomas and St. John. It also has routes to Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. The ferry service is reliable and efficient with beautiful views.
Explore the US Virgin Islands on foot
Exploring any island on foot requires careful planning with an understanding of the topography. It is important to wear appropriate shoes and clothing. The US Virgin Islands has plenty of beautiful hiking trails and scenic spots. There are guided tours of the islands to learn more about the history, culture, and local people.