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Riding a bike through the Virgin Islands lets visitors relax and enjoy the view
Peaceful Pedaling
The Virgin Islands are the perfect place to slip off the beaten path for a more personal adventure travelers will never forget. Bicycles and motor scooters provide a great opportunity to explore while soaking up the sun and scenery for which the islands are known. Every island is a unique experience, however, and travelers should not assume that all islands are suitable for biking.
Visitors who would like to rent a bike should always check first with their concierge. Many of the hotels in the area conveniently have bikes available for guests to rent. If yours does not, the hotel staff should be able to recommend a nearby rental car agency (many have bicycles and mopeds) or even a local tour guide that may carry them.
British Virgin Islands
Tortola is a perfect spot for bikers who would be bored by flat terrain. The island itself is a mountain with plenty of hills to challenge riders and provide amazing views. A paved road around the island ensures bikes can be used for getting from point A to point B, but bikers may also choose several paths up the mountain, some to its peak, nearly 3 miles above sea level. Rental rates are somewhat higher in Tortola than on other islands, with mountain bikes starting at $30(USD) per day or $120(USD) per week. Rates for motor scooters can vary quite a bit, and calling in advance will allow travelers to get the most accurate estimate.
| Company Name | Telephone Number |
| Last Stop Sports | 284-494-0564 |
| Shane's Super Cycle | 284-494-0976 |
U.S. Virgin Islands
St. Croix, the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, is a great place for biking. The island's rain forests and beaches are excellent for guided tours or independent exploration. Expect to spend approximately $35(USD) per day for bicycle rental rates. Travelers should bear in mind, however, that more affordable weekly rates may be available. To rent bikes or mopeds on St. Croix, contact Endurance Sports at 340-719-1990.
St. John is a small island, 7 miles long by 3 miles wide, but every last inch of it is packed with beautiful views. Visitors who rent bikes and motor scooters are able to roam across the tiny island and make the most of every sightseeing opportunity. Hotels are the major supplier of rented bicycles and mopeds and, though rates tend to fluctuate, daily costs should hover around $30(USD) for bikes and $45(USD) for mopeds.
St. Thomas, home to the capitol city of Charlotte Amalie, is a very busy island and is therefore not as bike- or scooter-friendly as other Virgin Island destinations. The urban areas often are clogged with heavy traffic that makes it very difficult for foreigners to navigate. On the less-traveled country roads, poor visibility and narrow roads without shoulders for stopping make biking dangerous. A few guided tours are offered and are a fairly good, safer alternative to independent riding. Most of these tours run about $50(USD) per person and include a bike and all the appropriate safety gear.
The Virgin Islands are beautiful, and the freedom allowed by bikes and mopeds enables many vacationers to explore the area in a relaxing, environmentally friendly way. Travelers who ride with caution and courtesy will find that the best view of any island is from atop a bicycle seat.
The Virgin Islands' bus service allows vacationers to travel like locals.
Take advantage of all the gorgeous water nearby when looking for a unique way to get around.
This overview will prove helpful to many travelers who are not familiar with the history of the Virgin Islands.