GENERAL INFORMATION
GETTING THERE: There are many direct flights from the US mainland, from cities such as Miami, New York, Houston, and San Francisco. From the east coast, flights are around 2.5 to 4 hours, and about 11 hours from the west coast. All the major airlines offer flights - Delta, American, United. There are 2 major airports: St. Thomas (STT) and St. Croix (STX). There is no airport in St. John, so visitors must fly into St. Thomas, and then take a ferry across.
HIGH SEASON: Most of the year is quite busy and popular. With steady average temperatures, no rainy season, and so many events, the USVI are in constant demand. The pandemic has greatly renewed interest in the USVI, as no passports are required, and the islands typically have the same testing requirements as the mainland. Due to high demand and low supply, it is most ideal to book 12 months in advance. The highest season is November to May, with May being the best time to visit USVI. The temperatures are perfect, and the winter/spring break crowds have usually dissipated. Another nice time to visit is October, toward the end of hurricane season, but before the busy holiday season begins.
LOW SEASON: August and September - the only months for a real chance of hurricanes, though still unlikely. These late summer/early fall months tend to be hottest and wettest but may offer slightly better deals and availability.
LANGUAGE: The primary language spoken in the USVI is English.
TIME ZONE: Atlantic Standard Time.
CLIMATE: Consistently mid 70s to mid 80s. Average temp is 77º F in the winter and 83º F in the summer. Water temperatures are between 79º F and 83º F. There isn’t an official “rainy season,” though they are in the hurricane belt.
MONEY/CURRENCY (CREDIT CARDS, DEBIT CARDS, TIPPING, ATMS): Since the US Virgin Islands are a US territory, the US dollar is their currency. All major credit cards are accepted, though we always suggest letting your banks know when and where you’re traveling. Even though most places accept credit cards, if purchasing things in small shops, cash is best. ATMs are easily found throughout the islands. As far as tipping, it is customary to tip waitstaff, porters, drivers, etc., just as you would at home. Tips are typically in the 10-20% range.
HIGH SEASON: Highest season is November to May, with May being the best time to visit USVI. The temperatures are perfect, and the winter/spring break crowds have usually dissipated. Another nice time to visit is October, toward the end of hurricane season, but before the busy holiday season begins.
LOW SEASON: August and September - the only months for a real chance of hurricanes, though still unlikely. These late summer/early fall months tend to be hottest and wettest but may offer slightly better deals and availability.
TOURS/EXCURSIONS
- Take a day trip to Buck Island in St. Croix - go snorkeling, hike around the island, and relax on the beach.
- Take a day-sail charter. The USVI are best experienced from the water!
- Visit Point Udall, the easternmost point of the US, and catch a sunrise.
- Take a day hike through the National Park on St. John, then pick a beach (any beach, they are all amazing!) to cool off in the sea.
- Spend the day exploring Charlotte Amalie - shop, dine, and climb the 99 Steps!
- Take a tour to Mountain Top to view Magen’s Bay from above, followed by an afternoon at the beach.
PACKING LIST
There’s a saying by frequenters of the USVI and residents as far as packing:
“Put everything you want to take on the bed, but before you pack it, put half of it away!"
"You won't need it!”
Visitors should focus on "tropical climate friendly” wear, things like shorts, tank tops, sun dresses, flip flops, and beach wear. Be advised: it’s frowned upon by locals to enter public places in swimsuits or basic pool/beach wear. Pull on a top and shorts or a coverup when venturing out. If you are staying at a 4-star or higher property, there may be specific requirements for restaurants, like collared shirts, dresses, no beach wear, etc. Otherwise, comfy and casual is key!
If you only have ONE day as a cruise stop
All of the major ocean lines, as well as many minor lines, visit the busy port of Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas. It is the most popular port for Eastern Caribbean itineraries! Here’s our suggestion for how to make the most of your one-day-only visit.
First things first: get ready for a busy day! There’s so much to see and do. We recommend two different tours/excursions, timed well. Start out with a boat tour from the harbor out to Buck Island. Enjoy a few hours exploring, snorkeling, and relaxing on the gorgeous beach.
Once you’re back on land, make your way to the Paradise Point launch site. Tickets are about $25 per adult, and trams run every few minutes. Have your camera ready, because as soon as you begin your ascent, you will have incredible 360-degree views of paradise! Once at the top, grab some lunch, along with a famous banana daiquiri. Spend the afternoon (just make sure you get back to your ship on time!) strolling through the shops and taking in the views.
If you are visiting for a week
Spending 7 days in USVI is the average amount of time spent on visits, but we promise, it won’t be long enough! We’ve put together a list of the best of the best, our can’t miss sights and activities so you can make the most of your trip.
DAY 1
Most flights from the mainland tend to arrive midday, so your first day is dedicated to travel and getting acquainted with your resort. If it’s your first visit, we recommend making St. Thomas your base for the week. The island is small enough to get about and reach most things within a day. Grab dinner at your resort, then wrap up the evening with a stroll on the beach.
DAY 2
To ease into the adventure, day 2 is about getting your bearings. Spend this day exploring Charlotte Amalie, the capital city and cruise port. Start the day by taking the tram to Paradise Point - enjoy some shopping and grab a banana daiquiri while taking in the breathtaking vistas. Stroll about the old city, climb 99 Steps, and venture over to Bluebeard’s Castle for a little pirate lore. End the day with a delicious dinner in town before returning to your resort. Rest up for tomorrow!
DAY 3
Get up with the sun, grab an iced coffee, and catch your shuttle toRed Hook. From there, you’ll take a water taxi over to St. John! Start with a hike in the National Park and take some great pics from the vistas of neighboring British Virgin Islands. On your way back to
town, stop by one of the many incredible beaches for a dip in the ocean and a bite to eat. Spend the afternoon wandering around Cruz Bay, taking in the sights, sounds and smells of local cuisine. Follow your nose for dinner- there are so many great options in
both Cruz Bay (St. John) and Red Hook (St. Thomas) and enjoy the sunset and tropical vibes - you can even dance the night away!
DAY 4
After a busy day in the sun, day 4 will take it back down a bit. Sleep in, and then head out for an incredible midday excursion to Little Buck Island. Snorkel, swim and take in the natural beauty! Head back to your resort to get freshened up for dinner - tonight is the night for your sunset sail!
DAY 5
Up and at it, there’s still so much to see and do! We’re starting day 5 with a hike to Drake’s Seat! The climb is oh-so-worth-it once you catch that first glimpse of Magen’s Bay from above! From here, we suggest a taxi/shuttle to Mountain Top for a fun zip line adventure, before returning to sea level. Spend the afternoon relaxing on world-famous Magen’s Bay!
DAY 6
t’s gone by way too fast, so to make the most of your last full day in the USVI, we’re pulling out all the stops. We suggest taking a food tour around the island, followed by a day sail to Water Island for the perfect afternoon having fun in the sun! After dinner, make your way to Frenchman’s Cove for the grand finale - tonight you are going bioluminescent kayaking for a unique perspective of the exquisite USVI marine life.
DAY 7
After a busy week, you’ve got our permission to sleep in on your last day, maybe even order room service breakfast while you pack up to head home. Take one last stroll along the beach before checking out and heading to the airport.
Whether you plan to visit America’s Caribbean Destination for a few hours or a few days, we’ve got you covered!
Only one question remains: When are you going to book YOUR trip to the USVI?
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