US Virgin Islands Travel Guide a cruise ship docked in a harbor next to a city

Quick Navigation show

US Virgin Islands Travel Guide: Caribbean Bliss, History & Island Escapes

Intro to US Virgin Islands Travel Guide

The US Virgin Islands are the Caribbean’s easy-access paradise — where you can snorkel coral gardens, sip rum beneath palm trees, and explore colonial forts without a passport. Comprising three main islands — St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix — this unincorporated US territory offers a mix of beach bliss, eco-adventures, Afro-Caribbean culture, and American convenience.

Whether you’re diving shipwrecks in St. Croix, hiking through Virgin Islands National Park on St. John, or shopping duty-free in St. Thomas, the USVI offers something for every traveler.

Start planning with our complete US Virgin Islands Tours — including regional highlights, travel tips, cultural etiquette, costs, and the best things to do on each island.

Territories of United States Virgin Islands

Saint Croix | Saint John | Saint Thomas

💡Quick Facts:
Territory: United States Virgin Islands (USVI) — an unincorporated territory of the United States in the Caribbean.
Area: 346.4 km² / 133.7 mi² — official USVI Bureau of Economic Research
Population: ~87,000 (2024 est.) — US Census Bureau
Capital: Charlotte Amalie (St. Thomas).
Main Islands: St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John; plus minor islets.
Official Language: English.
Currency: US Dollar (USD).
Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time (UTC –4), no daylight savings.
Climate: Tropical maritime; warm year-round, wetter Aug–Nov.
Known For: Beaches, coral reefs, Virgin Islands National Park, Danish-Caribbean history.
Major Religions: Predominantly Christian.

🛂Arrival Info:
Entry Requirements:
• US Citizens: No passport required; government-issued photo ID suffices.
• Non-US Travelers: Must meet US entry rules; visas processed via US State Department
Customs: Follows US CBP regulations
Border Notes: Direct flights from US mainland treated as domestic routes; international arrivals enter through CBP.

🏥Health Info:
Vaccines: No mandatory vaccines; consult CDC USVI Travel Health.
Health Risks: Mosquito-borne illnesses (dengue, chikungunya, Zika) may occur.
Medical Care: Modern hospitals on St. Thomas and St. Croix; smaller facilities on St. John.
Water: Tap water treated but mineral-heavy; many visitors prefer bottled water.
Insurance: Recommended, especially for evacuation from smaller islands.
🚑 Check travel insurance options for travel emergencies, delays, and medical needs abroad — Get coverage here
💉 Stay Informed with Official Updates: WHO – International Travel & Health | CDC – Travel health updates

🚨Travel Advisory:
Local Considerations: Hurricanes possible June–Nov.
Crime: Petty theft exists in tourist zones; exercise routine caution.
🌍Track Real-Time Official Updates: US Travel Advisory | UK Foreign Travel Advice | Government of Canada | NZ SafeTravel

💰Visitor Info:
Currency Use: USD; cards widely accepted.
Tipping: Similar to US norms (15–20%).
Taxes: Hotel/stay tax applied; see USVI Bureau of Internal Revenue
Cost Benchmarks:
• Coffee: $3–6
• Taxi (per person): $5–15 depending on island/distance
• Mid-range restaurant meal: $18–30

🛫Airports:
The USVI has two main international airports:
Cyril E. King Airport (STT) – On St. Thomas, the busiest airport.
Direct flights from mainland U.S. and Puerto Rico.
Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX) – On St. Croix.
Water-based transport: Inter-island ferries and cruise ship terminals are active year-round.
🧳 Delayed or canceled flight? Check if you’re eligible for compensation

🚍Transports:
Local Transit: Limited public buses; schedules via VITRAN: (Department of Public Works).
Inter-Island: Ferries operate between St. Thomas ↔ St. John; to St. Croix varies seasonally — check V.I. Port Authority
Driving: Left side of the road (unique in US territories); US driver’s license accepted.
Taxis: Fixed-route/shared taxis common; regulated by USVI Taxi Commission.
🚗 Book reliable airport transfers and in-city rides in advance. Reserve your ride here

🛰️Connectivity:
SIM/eSIM: US carriers typically roam seamlessly (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile).
Local Carrier: VIYA
Power: US standard plugs Type A/B, 110–120V.
🛜 Stay connected abroad with affordable eSIM data packs. Get your eSIMS here

📜Laws & Etiquette:
Alcohol: Legal drinking age 18; open-container laws vary by island — via USVI Legislature
Beaches: All public by law.
Environmental Rules: No sunscreen containing oxybenzone/octinoxate — USVI law details.
Cannabis: Medical use permitted with restrictions; recreational use illegal.

👮Safety & Contacts:
Emergency Numbers: 911 (territory-wide).
Police: Virgin Islands Police Department — https://vipd.vi.gov
Hospitals:
• Schneider Regional Medical Center (St. Thomas)
• Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital (St. Croix)
Embassies: As a US territory, diplomatic services come from US agencies; foreign nationals should consult their embassy in the US mainland.
🗺️US/UK Embassies Abroad: US Embassies | UK Embassies
🏛️ Embassy locator tools: Embassies Worldwide

🌞Weather:
Seasons:
• Dry (Dec–Apr): 24–28°C / 75–82°F
• Wet (Aug–Nov): 27–31°C / 80–88°F
Hurricane Season: June–Nov — National Hurricane Center
🌦️ Meteorology: US National Weather Service (USVI):

US Virgin Islands by Region – Where to Go

St. Thomas (Gateway & City Life)

Charlotte Amalie – Historic capital with cobbled streets, colonial forts, and luxury shopping.
Magens Bay – One of the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches with calm waters.
Red Hook – Lively marina town with ferries to St. John, nightlife, and restaurants.
Drake’s Seat – Lookout point with panoramic views of the bay and islands.

St. John (Nature & Seclusion)

Virgin Islands National Park – Covers over half the island; home to lush trails and historic ruins.
Trunk Bay – Famous for its underwater snorkeling trail.
Cruz Bay – St. John’s main hub with shops, ferry access, and relaxed dining.
Coral Bay – Laid-back alternative with local charm and fewer crowds.

St. Croix (Culture & Diving)

Christiansted & Frederiksted – Twin colonial towns with Danish architecture and waterfronts.
Buck Island Reef National Monument – Premier snorkeling and scuba site.
Salt River Bay – Bioluminescent bay and kayaking hotspot.
Cruzan Rum Distillery – Historic rum producer offering tastings and tours.

Smaller Islands & Day Trips

Water Island – Off St. Thomas, known for Honeymoon Beach and quiet hideaways.
Hassel Island – Historic ruins and hiking trails near Charlotte Amalie harbor.
Culebra & Vieques (Puerto Rico) – Optional day trips via ferry or charter from St. Thomas.

Top Places to Visit in the US Virgin Islands

Beaches & Bays

Magens Bay (St. Thomas) – Calm, scenic, and family-friendly.
Trunk Bay (St. John) – Known for its iconic snorkeling trail.
Sandy Point (St. Croix) – A seasonal beach and sea turtle nesting site.
Honeymoon Beach (Water Island) – Quiet escape with kayak and chair rentals.

Nature & Adventure

Virgin Islands National Park – 20+ hiking trails, historic sugar plantations, and unspoiled beaches.
Buck Island Reef (St. Croix) – One of the few underwater national monuments in the US.
Ram Head Trail (St. John) – Cliffside hike with stunning coastal views.
Kayaking Bioluminescent Bays (St. Croix) – Glowing nighttime paddle adventures.

History & Culture

Fort Christian (St. Thomas) – 17th-century red fort and museum in Charlotte Amalie.
Estate Whim Plantation (St. Croix) – Preserved sugar estate showcasing colonial life.
St. George Village Botanical Garden – Set on old plantation ruins, with native flora and local art.
St. Thomas Synagogue – The second oldest synagogue in the Western Hemisphere.

How to Choose Where to Go in the US Virgin Islands

For first-time visitors & shopping: Base in St. Thomas.
For couples & nature lovers: Stay in St. John for remote beaches and national parks.
For culture, history & diving: Explore St. Croix with its towns and marine sites.
For beach getaways & peace: Visit Water Island or Coral Bay (St. John).

You can island hop easily via ferries, making multi-island trips ideal for 5–10 day stays.

How to Get Around the US Virgin Islands

Ferries – Regular service between St. Thomas and St. John; less frequent to St. Croix (air preferred).
Taxis – Shared taxis are common on St. Thomas and St. John; negotiate or confirm fare.
Rental Cars – Best for exploring St. John and St. Croix independently; drive on the left.
Safari Trucks – Open-air public transport on St. Thomas (routes marked by signs).
Domestic Flights – Cape Air, Seaborne, and Silver Airways connect St. Thomas ↔ St. Croix.

Tip: St. John has no airport — fly into St. Thomas and take the ferry.

Travel Budget & Costs in the US Virgin Islands

Average Daily Costs:

Budget: $80–120/day (guesthouses, local food, public transport)
Mid-range: $150–250/day (hotels, car rental, excursions)
Luxury: $300–600+/day (resorts, sailing, fine dining)

Sample Prices:

Inter-island ferry: ~$7–12 (St. Thomas ↔ St. John)
Taxi ride (short): ~$5–10/person
Snorkel tour: $50–100
Hotel (mid-range): $130–250/night
Local meal (roti, seafood): $12–20

Ways to save:

Stay in Airbnbs or local inns
Eat at food trucks or beach bars
Use shared taxis and ferry combos

Explore top-rated stays near major tour hubs for easy access to the US Virgin Islands’ best excursions. We may earn a commission if you book through our links — at no extra cost to you.

Best Time to Visit the US Virgin Islands

High Season (December–April):

Best weather, lowest humidity, and lots of events.
Higher prices, especially during holidays.

Shoulder Season (May–June, November):

Fewer crowds, lower rates, and pleasant weather.

Hurricane Season (July–October):

Risk of storms, but great deals on flights and hotels.
Many restaurants and tours may close or limit hours.

Must-See Experiences in the US Virgin Islands

Snorkel the underwater trail at Trunk Bay, among coral and fish
Hike to Ram Head Point for sunrise over the sea
Tour Cruzan Rum Distillery, sampling small-batch local blends
Island hop by sailboat, anchoring in hidden coves
Visit Fort Christiansvaern and walk the colonial lanes of Christiansted
Watch a steelpan band perform live during sunset happy hour
Experience Carnival in April (St. Thomas) or July (St. Croix)
Kayak through a glowing bioluminescent bay at night

Explore curated US Virgin Islands tours and discover the most authentic things to do in USVI across all three main islands. We may earn a commission if you book through our links — at no extra cost to you.

Best Travel Itineraries in the US Virgin Islands

Classic Island Hop – 7 Days

St. Thomas → St. John → Water Island
Perfect balance of beaches, city, and quiet.

Adventure & Culture – 8 Days

St. Croix → Buck Island → Christiansted → Salt River → St. Thomas
For diving, history, and offbeat charm.

Luxury Escape – 5 Days

St. John villa + St. Thomas yacht charter
Ideal for honeymoons or special occasions.

Family Fun – 6 Days

St. Thomas → Coral World Ocean Park → St. John hikes + ferry day trips
Easy and educational for all ages.

Local Cuisine & Culinary Experiences

Fijian cuisine is a flavorful blend of Afro-Caribbean, Creole, and American Southern influences.

Must-Try Dishes

Conch Fritters – Crispy seafood bites served with dipping sauce
Roti – Indian-style flatbread wrap with curried meat or veggies
Pates – Fried pastries stuffed with beef, saltfish, or cheese
Callaloo Soup – Leafy green stew made with okra and meats
Fungi & Fish – National dish of cornmeal mush and stewed fish

Drinks:

Bush Tea – Herbal infusion made with native plants
Painkiller – Rum, pineapple juice, cream of coconut, nutmeg
Cruzan Rum – Try local flavors like coconut, mango, or dark spiced

Enjoy a rum-tasting, beach barbecue, or seafood night market to experience island flavors.

Travel Safety & Cultural Etiquette in the US Virgin Islands

Safety Overview

USVI is safe and welcoming to visitors.
Petty theft can occur — lock valuables, especially on beaches.
Water currents can be strong — heed beach warnings.

Cultural Etiquette

Greet locals with “Good morning” or “Good afternoon” — it’s a sign of respect.
Tipping is expected (15–20%).
Swimwear is for the beach — cover up in town or shops.
Respect slow island time; things don’t always run on schedule.

Where to Go Next – Pair the US Virgin Islands with These Destinations

British Virgin Islands – Just a boat ride away (passport required).
Puerto Rico – Quick flight or ferry to continue the Caribbean journey.
St. Martin or Anguilla – More island-hopping with great beaches and food scenes.
Dominican Republic – Combine remote beaches with bigger resorts and adventure.
Barbados or Antigua – Longer-haul pairings for multi-island Caribbean trips.

Where to go next – Explore our Vibrant Puerto Rico Vibes, Sail the British Virgin Islands, Anguilla’s Hidden Beaches, St. Martin Island Fusion, Dominican Republic Escapes, Barbados Coastal Bliss, and Antigua’s 365 Beaches to build the perfect Caribbean itinerary.

Final Planning Checklist for the US Virgin Islands

No passport required for US citizens
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Drive on the left, even though it’s a US territory
Sunscreen must be reef-safe (oxybenzone- and octinoxate-free)
Reserve ferries, rental cars, and tours in advance during peak season
Pack light clothing, sun protection, water shoes, and bug spray
Island Wi-Fi can be slow — download offline maps ahead
Bring your National Park pass if visiting other US parks

Explore the US Virgin Islands with confidence using our trusted tips, local insights, and region-by-region planning tools. For more expert travel tips, practical strategies, and trusted tools — visit our Homepage and get inspired for your next trip.