United States Virgin Islands
The United States Virgin Islands is a territory of the United States of America since 1917. It is an exotic group of islands located in the Caribbean Sea. The United States Virgin Islands is comprised of three principal islands – St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas – plus 50 smaller islands, cays and islets that are part of the Caribbean archipelago.
The U.S Virgin Islands are just a short flight from the continental United States. The dreamy land and seascapes have earned it the nickname “America’s Paradise.” A year-round destination that has no real “off” season.
If you want to relax and swim, you will be spoilt for choice for beaches while on your Virgin Islands yacht charter. Popular choices are the following: Honeymoon Beach and the beaches along Caneel Bay, Salt Pond and Lameshur. Leinster Bay and Watermelon Cay offer awesome opportunities for snorkeling too with abundant coral.
For seafood, try the Mahi Mahi and fresh tuna when dining out. You can also have fun visiting floating restaurants, from pizza to tacos. If you want entertainment, Water Island is known for its lively events program.
Go beyond Virgin Islands National Park’s stunning white-sand beaches. Hike to historic plantation sites to learn about a challenging past when sugar and enslaved labor dominated life on the island. Visit the Indigenous Taino’s ancient petroglyphs. Snorkel coral reefs to discover hidden marine life. Two-thirds of the island of St. John is national park, making it a unique destination for visitors.
Experience the highest point on St. Thomas for spectacular views and photo opportunities. You will have time to do some duty-free shopping and sample banana daiquiris, before you move on to explore and enjoy the world-famous Magen’s Bay.
For the most part, the weather here is nearly perfect. Average daytime temperatures range from 29 Celsius in winter to 32 Celsius in summer, with average night-time temperatures ranging from 21 Celsius to 25 Celsius, respectively. Ocean temperatures at mid-day range from 27 Celsius in February to 30 Celsius in September.
The hurricane season is between June and October, but in nearly all case after a tropical shower, the sun will pop back out within minutes.
Winds:
The defining characteristic of weather in the Virgin Islands is trade winds. These are very dependable, blowing from a bit south of east in the summer months, and a bit north of east in the winter. The trade winds slacken a bit to 5 – 10 knots in late summer, and pick back up to 10 – 20+ knots in winter.
General:
The language spoken in the US Virgin Islands is English.
Visas may be required for citizens from other countries of origin – check with the tourist board.
Banking:
The currency is the US Dollar (USD).
Internet:
Add an international package to your cell phone account with your provider so you can hotspot. There is internet access in some cafes and Wi-Fi hotspots, but you may need to pay.