When you go island hopping in the U.S. Virgin Islands it is a golden opportunity to experience over fifty islands and cays of pure Caribbean goodness. The islands are very committed to sustainable tourism and eco-tourism, and have taken steps to protect their environment. This has created a pristine tourism product that is loved and appreciated by all. For instance, visitors can lounge on the best beaches in the Caribbean; explore spectacular coral reefs on snorkelling adventures or stroll through historic cities of the islands and gaze in amazement at colourful colonial architecture.
The main benefit of island hopping in the U.S. Virgin Islands is that you can enjoy several islands in a single tour. Each island is memorable with specific traits and charms that make them unique. The main islands are Saint Croix, Saint John, Saint Thomas and Water Islands; and the capital city, Charlotte Amalie is located on Saint Thomas. Additionally, some of the minor islands and cays are privately owned, but are still under the rule of the United States Virgin Islands government.
Booking.comIsland Hopping in the United States Virgin Islands
It is very easy to travel between the US Virgin Islands for short or extended trips. There are frequent daily plane and ferry services which make island hopping a breeze. All travellers must possess a valid government identification (for example, a passport) in order to travel among the islands of the United States Virgin Islands. Travel by plane is facilitated by Seaborne Airlines and Cape Air who operate short shuttles between St. Thomas and St. Croix. Average flying time is twenty-five minutes.
Travel by ferry between the islands varies and can be as little as ten minutes up to thirty minutes. Ferry schedules are operated between Red Hook and Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas and Cruz Bay, St. John. There is a car barge service that runs from Red Hook, St. Thomas to Cruz Bay, St. John. There is also a ferry service from Crown Bay, St. Thomas to Water Island. Travellers can also depart Frenchman’s Reef Resort at the Frenchman’s Reef Dock and transfer to Charlotte Amalie at the Charlotte Amalie Waterfront.
Inter-Island Tour Providers in the United States Virgin Islands
Research schedules for island hopping in the United States Virgin Islands using the links below:
Bohlke International Airways | Cape Air | Caribbean Buzz Helicopters | Dolphin Water Taxi | QE IV Ferry | Sea Flight | Seaborne Airlines | Seahorse Land & Water Taxi | St. Thomas Water Taxi
The Saint Croix Experience
Saint Croix measures 28 miles long and 7 miles wide and is the largest of the United States Virgin Islands. Its many archaeological sites and ecological preserve complement the island’s rich history. One of the innovative experiences on the island is the farm to table movement, which educates on the importance of locally grown, organic food. In addition, the island is home to the Estate Whim Plantation Museum, Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve and the Christiansted National Historic Site. Some of the top activities on St. Croix are scuba diving, golf, sports tourism and sport fishing and art and craft.
The Saint John Experience
Saint John is a small island that always amazes visitors with its natural beauty. It was once a sugar producing nation and this allowed the island’s economy to flourish. Saint John has several gorgeous beaches which have caught the eye of many. Hawkesnest Bay and Trunk Bay, some of the beach highlights on the island, are two of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Points of interest on the island include the Virgin Islands National Park, Cruz Bay, the Cinnamon Bay Nature Trail and the Reef Bay Trail. Popular activities on the island are snorkelling, scuba diving and off-road explorations.
