Why Not Go to the Virgin Islands

When traveling to the Virgin Islands, visitors have the option of going to the British Virgin Islands (BVI), the US Virgin Islands, or both. There are seven main islands between the two halves, each with a distinct style all its own, allowing every type of vacationer the ability to find the perfect vacation spot for them.

Geography and Weather

The Virgin Islands are a part of the Greater Antilles, and are the easternmost islands in the chain. The British Virgin Islands are located to the northeast of the US Virgin Islands. With a total area of 59 square miles, the British Virgin Islands are comprised of four main islands and 32 smaller ones while the US Virgin Islands has three main and 50 small islands, encompassing 133 square miles. Each island is unique, and topography ranges from lush and hilly with miles of beaches, to rugged and rocky with jutting mountain peaks. Mount Sage in the British Virgin Islands has the highest elevation, at 1,710 feet above sea level.

Like many other Caribbean islands, the Virgin Islands are situated in a subtropical climate zone. This means that the Virgin Islands experience warm winters (averaging temperatures between 69 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit) and hot summers (with temperatures running from 75 to 89 degrees Fahrenheit). May through November is the rainy season, and the islands see approximately 54.4 inches of rain during the entire year.

Around the Islands

Tortola is the largest and most visited island of the British Virgin Islands. That being said, the atmosphere of the island is laid back and calm. Visitors will find every type of accommodation imaginable here, from campgrounds to apartments, villas to five-star resorts. Attractions on the island are outdoors in nature, including Sage Mountain National Park, and J.R. O'Niel Botanical Gardens.

Seclusion is the name of the game in Virgin Gorda, BVI. Exclusive resorts and private beaches are what draw visitors to the island, allowing those who seek a peaceful, quiet, and calm vacation to revel in privacy. Featured attractions here are The Baths and Coppermine Historical Site. The Baths are one of the most popular destinations on Virgin Gorda. This mysterious site houses a collection of enormous granite boulders, which are rarely seen this far south. The rock formations collect pools of refreshing water when the tides change, and provide an excellent spot for taking a relaxing dip or snorkeling adventure.

If you plan to do some scuba diving on your Virgin Islands vacation, Anegada, BVI is where you'll want to stay. The treacherous coral reefs that surround the coast laid waste to numerous ships in previous centuries. That misfortune provides scuba enthusiasts the opportunity to explore the haunting structures and the marine life that has since made its home there.

Jost Van Dyke, BVI serves mainly as a place to stop and rest for yachters and a port-of-call for cruise ships. As such, shopping and eating are two of the most popular pastimes. Scuba diving has increasingly becoming a draw to the island, though because the island is so remote (there are no ATM machines or drug stores), many divers prefer to stick to Anegada.

Meanwhile, in the USVI chain, St. Croix is the largest island. St. Croix is brightly colored by its many pastel buildings that were influenced by the Danish settlers, and is famous for its Cruzan Rum Distillery. Christiansted is really the hub of all activity in St. Croix – shopping, walking history tours, and a lively nightlife keep the city busy. Vacationers in St. Croix can partake in a number of thrilling activities like sailing trips to Buck Island, diving adventure at The Wall, visiting historic plantations and exploring the Christiansted National Historic Site.

St. John, USVI is the perfect destination for any outdoor enthusiast. Two-thirds of the island has been designated as the Virgin Islands National Park, making hiking and camping here a particular treat. Check out the Annaberg Sugar Plantation Ruins for a bit of history, or spend a day shopping in Mongoose Junction to pick up some handmade souvenirs. Other ideas include beach hopping along the North Shore Road, exploring the snorkeling trail at Trunk Bay, shopping at Cruz Bay and more. Tourists seeking a tranquil stay will enjoy the undeveloped atmosphere of St. John, where the dirt roads lead to humble shops operated by pleasant locals.

Finally, St. Thomas, USVI boasts one of the most visited ports in the Caribbean, and the island itself is always alive with the comings and goings of new vacationers. On a consistent basis, cruise ship travelers descend upon the city of Charlotte Amalie for shopping, dining and sightseeing. Fort Christian and the Butterfly Farm are the island's must-see attractions. Alternative vacation destinations on St. Thomas include yacht charters, golfing at the Devil’s Triangle, and relaxing seaside at Magen’s Bay.

Eat Up!

Adventuring through the Virgin Islands is sure to build up a hefty appetite. Vacationers will be tempted by the many local dishes that give a true taste of island flavor. While more traditional Continental fare is available for picky tourists, it is highly recommended that you check out some of the local eateries. Travelers can sample unique dishes like salt-fish salad, cornmeal dumplings called ‘fungi’, fresh seafood concoctions and the region’s famous johnnycakes. Before or after a delicious meal, adults should sample the infamous Cruzan rum that is sure to knock your socks off. Click here to read more about the culinary styles of the Virgin Islands.

If variety is the spice of life, the Virgin Islands have enough to entice even the pickiest palate. Whether you are looking to relax on a private beach, explore the sites, or learn about local flora and fauna, there is an island for everyone.