For its acronym (USVI), the majestic Virgin Islands of the United States are a favorite place for nature lovers and for all those who want to spend an unforgettable vacation.
It is a group of islands located in the Caribbean, which are part of one of the unincorporated territories of the United States (such as the Northern Mariana Islands, the islands of Guam, Puerto Rico, and American Samoa). Geographically, the Virgin Islands archipelago is located in the Leeward Islands. In total, they cover an area of 346.36 km² made up of more than 50 islands, some of them well-known such as Saint Thomas, Saint Croix, and Saint John. Maybe Saint Thomas is the busiest because this island is the “headquarters” of many companies providing tourist services. On average, they offer day trips to nearby islands. There is a floating bar, Lime Out, which is usually a mandatory visit on these trips.
The exotic group of islands in the Caribbean Sea, formerly part of the kingdom of Denmark and Norway, were in fact known as the Danish West Indies. But in 1916 the United States decided to buy them, making it currently part of one of its non-autonomous territories.
It is now where in North America they are called the “Paradise of the United States”, a name that does justice to the natural beauty that surrounds this archipelago. The characteristic tropical atmosphere of the Caribbean and its impressive dreamlike landscapes never cease to surprise its visitors, who can enjoy some of the best beaches in the world.
Let’s look at some of the most popular places to visit in the Virgin Islands that you should consider for your vacation.
Magens Bay
At the tourist level, Magens Bay is one of the most sought-after places. It is a dream island where you will find white sand beaches with waters that radiate an intense blue. One of the peculiarities of the Bay is that it is surrounded by an impressive garden of forest trees and palms, and the waves on its beaches are not so strong, so you can swim calmly or take a kayak ride. To get to the island you must cross the top of a mountain before arriving. We recommend stopping at this place to contemplate the fascinating landscape, observing the rectangular and unusual shape of the Bay and the enormous stretch of coast that will give you a panoramic view of this tropical paradise.
Hassel Island
It was previously part of a peninsula, but the Danish government made the decision to separate this territory from St Thomas, in order to create better water circulation in the port. This decision made in 1860 gave birth to what we know today as Hassel Island. By 1919 the United States hired a corps of engineers to expand a new canal that further separated this island from St Thomas.
Caneel Bay
Caneel Bay is the first beach you will see as you approach the north coast of the port of San Juan, Cruz Bay. Although an important part of the Bay is monopolized by a tourist complex, access to it is completely guaranteed. As it could not be otherwise, the tourist services here are incredibly varied, finding restaurants, bars, and many services for fun activities in the Bay.
Coral World
We arrive at one of the most interesting tourist proposals to see in the Virgin Islands of the United States. This is considered to be the best family attraction on the islands. The park will allow you to contemplate the variety of marine species of the Virgin Islands, in an environment integrated with two outdoor observation facilities, so you can see the abundant and diverse aquatic nature of the area.
Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge
Virgin Islands is not just about beaches, coral reefs or resorts. If you like natural ecosystems, Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge should be on your list. The highlight is the leatherback turtle, however you can find various species of Caribbean seabirds there.
Lovango
If you are discerning, you can choose a trip service to Lovango, a private island with a Resort and Beach Club which occupies an area of approximately 120 hectares. Lovango is perhaps the ideal image of a beach resort with its clear waters and beach clubs bustling with tourists from the surrounding islands.
Mangrove Lake.
It is well known that Saint John is one of the virgin islands with the greatest natural attraction, but without a doubt Mangrove Lake located in Saint Thomas, takes all the honors in a concentration of flora and fauna, making it the number 1 destination in ecological tourism. The Mangrove Lake adventure is enjoyed in kayaks, crossing small tropical mangrove islands with intense color contrasts between green and red. The turquoise blue of the lake’s waters makes the tour a visual delight, where expert guides will explain the diversity of species in the place, especially highlighting the variety of birds, such as herons, ducks, and egrets.
Annaberg Sugar Plantation
At first, visiting a sugar plantation does not seem like a very interesting idea. But the Annaberg Sugar Plantation has a very striking past and is one of the best ways to learn about the traditions, culture, and history of the United States Virgin Islands.
Remote Buck Island
Buck Island is another of the best places to see in the Virgin Islands of the United States. If you want to get to a remote island away from everything, this is the right place. Located in the Buck Coral Reef National Park, this island dazzles with its beautiful crystal-clear waters full of all types of tropical fish.
Visiting these places will guarantee you take advantage of the best of the United States Virgin Islands. Don’t you want to try?
