US Virigin Islands Island Adventures

The capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Charlotte Amalie, is situated on St. Thomas, the most developed of the U.S. Virgin Islands. You will want to allow for plenty of time to enjoy the wonderful buys found in the busy shopping area around Waterfront Highway and Main Street. However, don't get trapped there. Venture to the other parts of town to explore the true beauty of the island.
The island has a vast amount of historical buildings. The imposing, 17th-century Fort Christian is the oldest building in town. The dungeon cells now house the Virgin Islands Museum. One of the oldest synagogues in the Western Hemisphere also calls St. Thomas home. The floor of the St. Thomas Synagogue is still covered in soft, white sand, representing the desert that Moses and the Israelites crossed.
The white-sanded beaches along the coasts are immaculate examples of the Caribbean's best amenity. Limetree Beach is private and relaxing, while locals populate Vessup Beach. Sapphire and Coki beaches are known as snorkeling and diving hot spots. Coral World, an undersea observatory at Coki Point, contains a 50,000-gallon Predator Tank of sharks, barracudas and rays. If you hang around, you may get to watch a diver feed these ferocious animals.

St. John is the smallest and most serene of all the islands. Cruz Bay, the main town on St. John, is quaint with a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. There are several shops near the dock and a local museum to pick up souvenirs.
Two-thirds of St. John is reserved as part of the Virgin Islands National Park. The sanctuary harbors coral reefs, marine life, volcanic mountains, tropical rainforests and wildlife that have been damaged by over development on the other islands.
Shallow reefs surround the islands and offer interesting offshore snorkeling and diving. "Snuba" diving is a popular substitute for scuba diving and uses a long hose connected to an air tank located on a raft above.
The beaches of St. John are postcard perfect. Trunk Bay is lively with big crowds at high noon. For a more private getaway, try the secluded beaches of Hawksnest, Cinnamon, Maho and Francis Bays.

St. Croix, the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, has two main towns: Christiansted and Frederiksted. Both offer a variety of historical sights along picture-perfect beaches.
Christiansted pays homage to its Danish settlers with examples of Danish colonial architecture throughout the north side of the island. The 18th-century Fort Christiansvaern and Government House, the Old Danish Customs House and Post Office, and the Steeple Building are the most popular sites. Alexander Hamilton's house is also a worthwhile tour.
Don't miss the unique chance to sample the delightful tastes of local fruits and vegetables sold at the outdoor market on Company Street. Also, you may want to take this opportunity to shop here rather than along the bustling streets of St. Thomas. Many of the shops are the same and less crowded with visitors.
Frederiksted is typically quiet except when cruise ships arrive. The town's Victorian architecture, as well as the town's main shopping area, can be seen along Strand Street. Another trip well worth the time is Fort Frederick, which was built in the 1750s and the sight of the declaration of emancipation for slaves in the islands.
Head north of the city only to end up in a lush, tropical rainforest populated with wild parakeets, mountain doves and hummingbirds. Take a drive up the hillside or hike the many mapped trails leading to this popular destination. If you are the outdoors type, you can opt to sign up for a bike tour.
Buck Island is a fascinating day trip from St. Croix with pristine beaches and exciting diving and snorkeling. The island has a hiking trail with picnic tables dotted along the way and an underwater park with guided snorkeling trails.