US Virgin Islands Travel Guide

Though part of a single US territory, St Thomas, St John and St Croix each offer a distinctly different experience of the Caribbean, shaped by their individual landscapes, histories and rhythms. Together, they form a richly varied destination that combines natural beauty with cultural depth.

St Thomas, the most developed of the three, is a lively hub where the capital, Charlotte Amalie, draws visitors with its bustling harbour, colonial architecture, and reputation for exceptional duty-free shopping. Visitors can expect a cosmopolitan island that's well-connected and well-equipped, and whose white-sand beaches lie within easy reach of fine restaurants and luxury resorts.

Just a short ferry ride away, St John provides a striking contrast, as much of the island is protected within Virgin Islands National Park, preserving its forests, pristine bays and coral reefs. With no airport and limited development, St John remains remarkably unspoilt and is a sanctuary for hikers, snorkellers, and those seeking quiet connection with nature.

Further south, St Croix is the largest and most independent of the islands, and its relative distance gives it a slower pace and a distinct identity. The towns of Christiansted and Frederiksted reflect the island's Danish colonial heritage, while inland, the landscape ranges from rolling hills to arid plains. Offshore, Buck Island Reef National Monument has one of the Caribbean's few underwater snorkelling trails, set amid protected coral formations.

Across all three islands, the natural beauty is undeniable. However, beyond the scenery, it's the cultural layering (Caribbean, African, European, and American) that gives the US Virgin Islands their richness.

Visitors will discover that while the territory is a popular cruise destination and can be busy at times, there are still quiet bays and shaded hiking paths that feel remote and untouched. The islands invite both exploration and stillness, and reward travellers who seek a deeper sense of place.