Tourism In The U.S. Virgin Islands
Comprised of three main islands, St. John, St. Croix, and St. Thomas, as well as a few other minor islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands have some of the best beaches in the world, making them ideal for vacationing. Tourism in the U.S. Virgin Islands accounts for the majority of the islands' economic activity, with an estimate of just over two million visitors each year. Two million people can't be wrong and with so much to see and do, it's no wonder the U.S. Virgin Islands are a vacation hot spot.
The U.S. Virgin Islands have been a United States territory since 1917. For U.S. citizens traveling from the contiguous United States, Alaska or Hawaii, there is no need to obtain a passport for entry into the U.S. Virgin Islands. The currency used is the U.S. Dollar and the primary language of the islands, though with a distinct local dialect, is English.
Tourism is comprised largely of visitors arriving by cruise ship but many people elect to fly in and stay at one of the numerous island resorts and hotels for the duration of their visit. Each island has something unique to offer but as a whole, the islands experience a steady, warm, tropical climate, with the average temperatures ranging from 77 to 83 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. Unlike many tourist destinations, travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands is often discounted in the summer months.
One of the best way to experience all three islands is to take a U.S. Virgin Islands cruise, many of which port at all three main islands, making island hopping convenient and easy. If you can't choose which island you'd like to visit, a cruise may be the ideal way to experience more of the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, if you truly want to immerse yourself in the islands, choose a single destination and experience the local flavor and culture of that island.
St. Croix is the largest of the three main islands. The beaches of St. Croix are widely renowned, including Turtle Beach on Buck Island, a national monument. This beach is accessible by chartered boats and is a key spot for snorkeling. Another snorkeling hot spot, considered to be one of the best spots in the Caribbean, is Cane Bay Beach which also offers kayaking and horseback riding. If you prefer solitude, Coakley Bay Beach is said to be mostly deserted throughout the week and a great beach for swimming.
Deep-sea fishing is another favorite activity for visitors to the island of St. Croix. Record-size catches have been reported in the waters surrounding St. Croix and everyday catches can include tuna, wahoo, and marlin. St. Croix is also home to beautiful golf courses, the Divi Carina Bay Casino and resort, and numerous nightlife destinations that feature live music and entertainment.
St. Thomas is roughly 32 square miles of Caribbean cosmopolitan experiences. From beaches like Coki Beach and Magens Bay to attractions such as Coral World Ocean Park and St. Thomas Skyride, the island of St. Thomas is considered the most adventurous and family-friendly of island paradises. A perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, coupled with magnificent shopping and entertainment, St. John's is a favorite destination of many visitors.
If peace and relaxation are your top priorities, then perhaps a visit to the island of St. John is in order. Though it is the smallest of the three main islands and accessible only by ferry from the others, over half of the land area of St. John is designated as a national park, making it a pristine and organic experience for visitors. Considered to provide the most exclusive Caribbean get-away, St. John offers relaxing beaches and wonderful opportunities for exploring the flora and fauna of the islands.
Whether you choose just one or visit all three main islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands provides the ideal island getaway. A popular destination choice for not only tourists and vacationing families, the U.S. Virgin Islands is an equally popular wedding and honeymoon destination as well. St. Croix offers numerous beach resorts, many of which work with wedding coordinators to take care of the entire wedding. So whether you're considering a romantic wedding in the tropics, a honeymoon in paradise, or are ready for a well-deserved family vacation like no other, a visit to the U.S. Virgin Islands will undoubtedly show why this choice destination is so popular.
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