QUICK JUMP TO: Heritage / Other Activities / Diving
Top Things To Do
Three atmospheres, three settings, and three times more activities - there's something for everyone in the USVI, whether you love nature, shopping, history, food, messing about in the water, or simply relaxing - so a little island hopping is strongly recommended to make the most of all the pleasures and adventures the three islands have to offer!
Boasting a very diverse topography, the islands delight with their many scenic nature trails, taking hikers through a variety of landscapes ranging from flat dry terrain to lush, hilly rainforest, all abounding with healthy flora and fauna. If you wish to get closer to the islands' underwater wildlife, you will love exploring the USVI's world-renowned diving sites, snorkelling in St Thomas' Coki Beach, visiting the underwater national monument at Buck Island, or wandering around the Coral World Ocean Park.
BUCK ISLAND - ST CROIX
This St Croix must-do site is one of the United States' three underwater national monuments, and whose underwater trails will delight keen snorkelers. Surrounded by a coral reef ecosystem, the island is home to a great variety of fauna and flora including the hawksbill turtle and brown pelican.
PASTORY BOTANICAL GARDENS - ST JOHN
This site is not only home to a lush botanical garden, but also features an 18-hole miniature golf course and a restaurant.
MAGIC ICE GALLERY - ST THOMAS
The world's largest permanent ice gallery retraces the Caribbean's history and culture through detailed sculptures of shipwrecks, animals, lighthouses, and more. There's an onsite ice bar, and gloves coats and shoes are provided.
ST PETER MOUNTAIN GREAT HOUSE & BOTANICAL GARDENS - ST THOMAS
Originally part of the 150 acre-large St Peter Plantation and situated in the island's volcanic peaks, the gardens offer beautiful trails taking hikers through waterfalls, fish ponds, abundant flora and bird watching spots, whilst the Great House displays examples of West Indian furniture and architecture.
SKYRIDE - ST THOMAS
An attraction taking you 700 feet above the town of Charlotte Amalie, where visitors can enjoy not only breathtaking views over the Caribbean, but also dining and shopping.
MOUNT PELLIER DOMINO CLUB - ST CROIX
Drive westbound towards the tropical forest to find this popular spot, where you can not only enjoy local food and live music, but can buy a beer (non-alcoholic) for the Domino Club "World Famous Beer Drinking Pig".
VIRGIN ISLANDS SUSTAINABLE FARM INSTITUTE - ST CROIX
Located in St Croix's highlands and set over a hundred acres, the VISFI is a great ecotourism spot where you can learn about beneficial farming, organic farming, bush skills, and enjoy a meal made of organic local ingredients.
BUTTERFLY GARDENS - ST THOMAS
Located at the Havensight Mall's WICO cruise ship dock, this beautiful farm is home to a multitude of colourful butterfly species from around the world.
MOUNTAIN TOP - ST THOMAS
A place that is famous for its banana daiquiri, duty-free shopping, and beautiful vistas over Magens Bay, St John and the British Virgin Islands, this popular spot is located at the highest point of the island.
POINT UDALL - ST CROIX
The easternmost point of the United States is marked by a Millennium Monument, a sundial that was inaugurated during the New Year celebrations in 2000, commemorating the first US sunrise of the year.
ST JOHN'S NATIONAL PARK VISITOR CENTRE - ST JOHN
Located near the Cruz Bay dock, the Centre provides information, brochure and maps on all the trails and point of interests to be found around the island's 7,000 acres National Park, including the Annaberg Sugar Plantation Ruins.
CORAL WORLD OCEAN PARK - ST THOMAS
A favourite amongst locals and tourists alike, this site offers visitors the opportunity to swim with sea lions, get acquainted with turtles, stingrays, lorikeets, snuba and sharks, and features a 30 feet underwater Observatory Tower, as well as a Marine Gardens gallery of 21 aquariums.
PHANTASEA TROPICAL BOTANICAL GARDEN - ST THOMAS
Located on a mountain ridge 1100 feet above sea levels, the site offers beautiful views over Magens Bay and Tortola, and boasts a large variety of plants, including heliconias, palms, gingers, bromeliads, and over a thousand orchids.
TILLETT GARDENS - ST THOMAS
This artists' centre created by silkscreen artist Jim Tillett features a potters studio, a community theatre, a gallery with local arts and crafts, and is home to candle makers, painters, jewellers and other artists.
“ ”
HERITAGE
APOTHECARY HALL MUSEUM
Established in the early 19th century by a Danish pharmacist, this pharmacy used to prepare medicines for the Danish military troops in Christiansted.
ESTATE WHIM PLANTATION MUSEUM
The Virgin Islands' oldest sugar plantation museum features original 18th century Great House, factory ruins and windmill.
FRIEDENSTHAL “VALLEY OF PEACE” MORAVIAN CHURCH AND MANSE - ST CROIX
Founded by Moravian brethren in the 1750's, this mission church was ministering to enslaved Africans, conveying both salvation and useful skills.
EAST END MARINE PARK - ST CROIX
With the aim of protecting the local marine life and educating the general public, the park is the home of endangered sea turtles' nestling beds, as well as mangrove forests, sea grass beds, and reefs. Educative tours available with knowledgeable Park Rangers.
STEEPLE BUILDING - ST CROIX
Originally built as a Lutheran church in the mid 18th century by the Danish West India and Guinea Company, this building later became a bakery, hospital and a school.
ANNABERG SUGAR PLANTATIONS RUINS - ST JOHN
The ruins of a 1780 plantation and windmill used for the production of molasses, rum and sugar, located within the island's National Park.
PEACE HILL RUINS
A 10 minutes hike off Northshore road will take you to this scenic grassy site featuring beautiful views and an old sugar mill tower.
BUDDHOE PARK
Located next to the Fort Frederik Museum in Frederiksted, this park is where "General Buddhoe" Gottleib gathered more than 6,000 armed slaves on July 3rd, 1848, to demand freedom. The emancipation of the slaves was proclaimed the same day by Governor Peter von Scholten. The park features a bronze commemorative bust of Buddhoe.
FORT FREDERIK
A 1760 fort recently partially restored and now housing one of the island's art galleries and museums.
HOLY CROSS CATHOLIC CHURCH - ST CROIX
Located on Christiansted's Company Street, this church was originally built in 1755 and was then majorly altered in 1850's
HERITAGE TRAIL - ST CROIX
Grab a free map from the St Croix Landmark Society and follow the trail that takes you all around the island, highlighting its historical buildings, flora and fauna, churches and other special sites. This trail is part of one of 50 Millennium Legacy Trails recognised by the White House Millennium Council.
REEF BAY TRAIL & PETROGLYPHS - ST JOHN
Starting on Centerline Road and descending 937 feet through a shady forest, this popular National Park hike takes you through the remains of four different sugar plantation estates, as well as ancient petroglyph rock carvings, before finishing at the Reef Bay Plantation, located near Genti Bay.
CARIBBEAN MUSEUM CENTRE FOR THE ARTS
The centre not only supports the art and artists of the Caribbean but is also a hub for education, introspection and connection with the various cultures that compose the Caribbean heritage.
FORT CHRISTIANSVAERN - ST CROIX
Built in 1749 to protect the town against pirates and other invaders, the fort later served as a police station and courthouse before it gained the status of National Historic site in 1952. It is now used as a museum displaying 1830's furnishings as well as exhibits documenting the local military past.
GOVERNMENT HOUSE - ST CROIX
Serving as the Governor's official office and housing the Department of Tourism's Visitor Centre, the site is divided between three buildings dated 18th to late 19th century, set around a peaceful courtyard, and linked via walks and steps.
ST GEORGE VILLAGE BOTANICAL GARDEN
Boasting over 1,500 species of native and exotic plants, this botanical garden is set over 16 acres of old sugar plantation land and ruins.
ELAINE IONE SPRAUVE LIBRARY & MUSEUM - ST JOHN
Located in a restored plantation estate home, this site houses a collection of historic artefacts, photographs and documents.
“ ”
OTHER ACTIVITIES
JUMP UP FESTIVALS
Fun for the whole family! Jump Up Festivals happen four times a year… there is loud, local live music on every corner, and the streets are closed. Dancing Mocko Jumbies!
DUFFYS LOVE SHACK
So much fun is to be had on a Thursday night at Duffy's! Here you can feast on Maine lobsters that are flown in the night before & cooked to order. Originated in the alleyways of Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas in 1995, Duffy's Love Shack which is small thatch roof lean-to in Drakes Passage was the birthplace of the first Volcano!
CAPTAIN MORGAN RUM DISTILLERY
An educative hour-long tour where you'll learn not only about the famous rum's creation process, but also about the history of the island and the rum industry. Features educative videos, interactive learning screens, a gift shop and a bar.
ST JOHN FESTIVAL
A festival traditionally starting in late June and culminating on July 4th, celebrating both the heritage of the island and its independence, as a commemoration of the Virgin Island's slaves emancipation on July 3rd, 1848.
ST THOMAS V.I. CARNIVAL
With a tradition dating back to 1912, the Caribbean's second most popular carnival is also St Thomas' first event of the year. Taking place from mid-April to early May, it is a time dedicated to family and friends, with vibrant art, music and dance performances as well as delicious food fairs.
CARIBBEAN ADVENTURE TOURS
These top-rated tours involve a Kayak through the Salt River National Historical Park and Ecological Preserves. The tour lasts for around three hours, and highlights the ecological and historical aspect of St. Croix. You can also take a 2 1/2-hour moonlight tour that takes you out of the bay to explore a reef. This company also rents kayaks for individual exploring.
SUSTAINABILITY
Preserving the islands' beauty by respecting its natural resources is something that the Virgin Islands take seriously. As a result, the region is a great destination for eco-conscious tourists who wish to travel sustainably and enjoy their holiday destination with less impact on its natural surroundings.
CARNIVAL
The Virgin Islands' first carnival took place in 1912, during the final year of the Danish occupation, before prematurely ceasing during World War I. It is not until 1952 that the tradition was brought back to life, but it is now considered to be the Caribbean's second largest festival.
THREE COURSES TO ENJOY! - ST CROIX
For those who want to play a spot of golf on their Caribbean holiday, St. Croix's has three golf courses- the most of any of the United States Virgin Islands. Tee off on one of the two 18-hole courses with a white sand beach and turquoise sea in your view (Buccaneer Golf Club and Carambola Golf Club), or perhaps play quick 9-holes on the West End (Reef Golf Course) before heading off to the beach.
99 STEPS
Well worth the effort to trek up the hill for the magnificent views… those who are counting will realise there are actually 103 steps, rather than the 99 you’re led to believe! These steps lead high above Charlotte Amalie and stone remains of an old fort, now part of the Inn at Blackbeard's Castle complex.
QUELBE
A tradition that goes back to the Virgin Islands' colonial times, Quelbe is a vocal and instrumental musical expression with deep African roots created by the islands' slave community.
CRUZAN RUM DISTILLERY
This tour takes you through the St Croix tradition of rum making, and features a visit of the old sugar mill and the Great House, as well as a Cruzan rum tasting.
CRUCIAN CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
A tradition started born in 1954 featuring flamboyant costumes, irresistible food and mesmerising beats through a variety of events run throughout the twin cities of Christiansted and Frederiksted, and celebrating St Croix's rich culture and heritage.
MAHOGANY RUN GOLF COURSE - ST THOMAS
An 18-hole course culminating with the Caribbean's famous Devil's Triangle, with on site pro shop.
“ ”
Diving
DIVING
The US Virgin Islands are famous for offering the only sites in the world where you can dive a wall, pier, wreck and reef in the same day. With more than 40 types of coral, hundreds of invertebrates and more than 500 species of fish, dive into the abundant marine wildlife of the islands, and swim along hawksbill, leatherback and green turtles, spotted eagle rays, seahorses, octopus and green moray eels, as well as vibrant blue tang, Creole wrasses, spiny Caribbean lobster, silvery horse-eye jacks, cleaner gobies, queen triggerfish and many more colourful fish.
SALT RIVER CANYON EAST & WEST WALLS
One of St Croix's most popular sites for its excellent topography (pinnacles, swim-throughs and mini canyons), with the steep East Wall boasting healthy corals, gorgonians and sponges, while the West Wall features an impressive drop from 30 to 90 feet to then plummet to a 1,000 feet.
EAGLE SHOALS
You'll find this site between Ram Head and Leduck Island, on St John's east end. Known as the Cathedral, this site features arches, tunnels and caves and is so stunning it has hosted a number of underwater weddings.
NAVY BARGES
Trumpetfish, big angelfish, feather dusters and Christmas tree worms, squirrelfish, bigeyes and channel clinging crabs are some of the inhabitants of the twin barges, which used to house St Thomas' men's quarters during World War II, before being demolished at the end of the war.
TUNNELS OF THATCH
Part of Thatch Cay, an island located northwest of St Thomas, this site displays some stunning examples of volcanic topography, with lava tubes and black rock arches home to bright cup coral, gorgonians and sponges, as well as parrotfish, butterflyfish, trumpetfish, moray eels, tarpon, and spiny lobsters.
BOSS UNDERWATER ADVENTURES
B.O.S.S. is an acronym for Breathing Observation Submersible Scooter. BOSS is a unique and very exciting underwater motor scooter which works with the bell theory. Remember in school when you would turn a glass upside down in a sink of water and no water would enter the glass?
FREDERIKSTED PIER
A great day or night diver, this site is renowned to be one of the World's best macro dives and is home to the rare roughback batfish, juvenile smooth trunkfish, sea horses, spotted scorpionfish, parrotfish and golden-eyed shrimp.
CARVEL ROCK
Whilst its South side is covered in gorgonians, sponges abundant with sea life, the site's North side is an impressive 80-feet drop. Expect to spot stingrays and tarpons at this St John site.
WIT SHOAL II
A former Navy tank-landing ship located southwest of the St Thomas airport and sunk in 1985, now serving as a thriving artificial reef that is home to a healthy coral community including sea fans and orange cup coral, as well as barracuda, grouper, and yellowtail snapper.
COKI BEACH
A site for beginner and advanced divers alike, located 50 yards offshore, near St Thomas' Coral World Ocean Park, and featuring two reefs separated by a sandy flat. Expect to see bar jacks, grunts, cleaner shrimp, yellow-headed jawfish, as well as the occasional turtle and stingray.
BUTLER BAY WRECKS
Located on the west end of St Croix, this bay offers two distinct sites with deep and shallow waters wrecks. The deepest of the wrecks is 177-foot steel-hulled freighter Rosa Maria, and is home to colourful sponges, blackbar soldierfish, mahogany snapper and French, queen and gray angels.
CANE BAY
One of the Virgin Islands' only wall dive accessible from the shore and considered to be one of the Caribbean's top sites, with colourful reef on one side and bottomless blue on the other.
TEKTITE
A varied terrain of coral-encrusted tunnels, caves and ledges, which is home to tarpon, squid, triggerfish, mackerel and small reef fish, Tektite is also the location of an experiment led by NASA, the Department of the Interior, and the Navy.
COW & CALF
These two large rocks breaking the surface, off the southeast coast of St Thomas, feature larges caves, wide canyons and impressive ledges.
“ ”