Share the article
Last updated
What if I told you that you can visit a beautiful Caribbean hotspot without having to pack your passport?
The US Virgin Islands boast breathtaking, world-famous beaches, swimmable turquoise waters and charming historic towns.
And according to the latest figuresthe islands welcomed unprecedented visitor numbers in 2024, breaking the islands’ arrival record in December alone.
The three US Virgin Islands of St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John lead the way as top destinations.
But why are these iconic islands worth a visit now?
No passport required for the US Virgin Islands
Despite its idyllic location in the heart of the Caribbean, the US Virgin Islands (as the name suggests) is actually a US territory.
This means that if you are a US citizen traveling from the US mainland or Puerto Rico, you don’t need a passport to enter the US Virgin Islands. Instead, you can use another government-issued photo ID instead, such as a driver’s license.
This means the US Virgin Islands are a good option if your passport has expired or you don’t have time to apply for a new passport but still want a tropical getaway in the sun.
Another benefit of choosing a getaway to the US Virgin Islands is that US citizens do not need a visa to visit the destination. That means: less hassle and fewer costs.
Another added benefit worth mentioning?
The official and most widely spoken language in the US Virgin Islands is English, although you may also hear French Creole and Spanish spoken here.
This means you don’t have to worry about a language barrier, making the US Virgin Islands a great first overseas trip or a great destination if you’re looking for maximum fun with minimum stress.
Visit Saint Croix
The largest of the US Virgin Islands in St Croix, with a length of 45 kilometers and a width of 11 kilometers. St Croix is a beautiful island with a rich history, and it is the most populous island in the chain, while also being incredibly popular with tourists.
If you are interested in history, St Croix has so much to offer. One of the most fascinating sights is Fort Frederik, a fortress built in the 18th century to protect the island from smugglers and pirates.
The fort is open on weekdays from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM and on Saturdays from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Besides enjoying the architecture itself, you will also find a museum and an art gallery here. Admission is $3 per person.
Downtown Christiansted is also a great place to explore. You can stroll along the beautiful promenade, enjoy the views of the pastel-colored historic buildings lining the streets, and shop for souvenirs in the bustling shopping area. And the entire area is also wonderfully safe.
Finally, but perhaps most importantly, St. Croix is home to breathtakingly beautiful beaches. Davis Bay and Northstar Bay are considered the two most popular and picturesque.
Why not go underwater and visit Buck Island Reef National Monument? This is an iconic mile-long reef teeming with marine species and a handy underwater trail, ideal for snorkeling and diving.
Caribbean Adventures offers Buck Island snorkeling tours, and you can choose from a half-day or full-day tour. Prices start from $95 per person.
Visit Saint Thomas
Although St Croix is the largest of the US Virgin Islands, St. Thomas is the most popular island for tourists.
St Thomas is home to a major cruise port and a vibrant waterfront shopping area. But the main draw here is that it is home to some of the best beaches in the US Virgin Islands.
Snow-white sand and calm, gentle water make this a perfect spot for a beach day.
If you don’t have time to explore all the beaches of St Thomas, make sure you don’t miss Sapphire Beach and Magens Bay. Magens Bay is especially popular for water sports such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding thanks to its exceptionally calm waters.
And if you like shopping? You must visit St. Thomas tax free shops!
Tourists flock to Main Street in Charlotte Amalie for duty-free alcohol and tobacco, but the real standout shops here are handmade goods like handcrafted jewelry and watches.
Visiting Sint-Jan
If you’re looking for incredible views and exceptional natural attractions, St John should be your first choice.
This island is in fact a large national park with a pristine environment.
But the payoff for this beauty? St John is a little more difficult to reach, because the island is only accessible by boat. Ferries run to and from the island to St Thomas, so you’ll need to fly to the main island and catch a boat from there.
This journey takes between 20 minutes and 40 minutes depending on the route you choose, and ticket prices start from $6.
In addition to the natural scenery and incredible walks through the tropical rainforest, St John also boasts beautiful beaches.
Visit Maho Bay for calm waters and the chance to spot sea turtles in their natural habitat.
Or try Trunk Bay, the most popular beach in St John for tourists thanks to its location and beautiful stretch of sand.
✈️Join our Travel Off Path community forum: Where travelers come together, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel companions!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to the latest Travel Off Path breaking travel news, delivered straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
