Activities in the Virgin Islands

If all you've done during your Virgin Islands vacation is soak up sun on the beach while sipping fruity drinks and letting the ocean lull you into a trance, your vacation was a success.  For many travelers, however, this isn't enough.  Luckily, there is much to do when you awaken from your beach coma.

Water Sports

It is hard to avoid water sports when staying on an island in the Caribbean – you are surrounded by it, after all.  Participating in water sports is a great way to spend your vacation days.  Most resorts offer their guests equipment for snorkeling and other non-motorized water sports free of charge, but if you aren't staying at one, you can rent everything you need at a dive shop.  To get started snorkeling, it can cost you as little as $10 (USD).  You can also train with a dive shop and gain certification to take a dive and explore a ship wreck or the colorful coral reef.

The Virgin Islands is one of the top sailing destinations in the world.  Whether you are an expert sailor or not, you can enjoy getting out on the waters by chartering a boat for a tour of the Virgin Islands, or a day of fishing.  Typically the cost of a fishing tour includes bait, tackle, food, beverages, and equipment for water sports.  June through October are the best months to fish, when the waters are teeming with trophy winning catches such as blue marlin.

Sports

If you are the active type, there are plenty of ways to remain so in the Virgin Islands.  Hiking trails, lap pools, beach volleyball, and tennis courts are all places to get your heart rate up.  Meanwhile, the avid golfer won't want to pass up a chance to hit the links.  For a real challenge, schedule a tee time at Mahogany Run Golf Course on St. Thomas to play the "Devil's Trio," a series of holes located cliff-side. Click here to read more about golf in the Virgin Islands.

The Virgin Islands are not particularly well known for their spectator sports, but enthusiasts can still find opportunity to catch a live sporting event. Golf opens, regattas, and equestrian sports are some options.

Events and Festivals

To get a real taste of what life is like for islanders, try attending an event or festival.  A few of note include the Mardi Croix, Valentine Jump Up, and Arts Alive series in the U.S. Virgin Islands and BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival and the BVI Music Festival in the British Virgin Islands.  Events and festivals are a great place to sample regional cuisine, dance to local music, and buy souvenirs made by the island's artists.

Shopping

Shopping in St. Thomas is considered to be some of the best in the world.  Not only can luxury items be purchased at deeply discounted rates, but shopping is duty free in the U.S. Virgin Islands.  Shopping in St. Thomas is especially popular among cruisers, whose ships make port in the island's waters.  St. Croix has some great shopping locales as well, Christiansted for example, but the less developed St. John is more eco-driven than shopping friendly. 

Nightlife

St. Thomas and St. Croix are the top spots in the Virgin Islands to visit if you want to spend your nights out partying.  Though it is possible to find a bar or club on most any island, the atmosphere tends to be more laid back. Read more about nightlife in the Virgin Islands here.

The fun doesn't stop here.  As you explore the Virgin Islands you are certain to discover more activities that spark your interest.  Get out there, do the things you enjoy, try new things, and make the most of your vacation  The memories you make during this time will last a lifetime.