Top Ten things to do while vacationing in the Virgin Islands

US Virgin Islands Vacation Ideas: Top Ten things to do while in the Virgin Islands

1. Go sailing!

Sailors all over the world regard the Virgin Islands as some of the best sailing on the planet.    

Consistent trade winds, short hops between islands, and gorgeous scenery are what make our islands a sailor’s paradise. There is no shortage of sailboats that can take you out for a day or a week.

the Virgin Islands as some of the best sailing on the planet. Consistent trade winds, short hops between islands, and gorgeous scenery are what make our islands a sailor’s paradise. There is no shortage of sailboats that can take you out for a day or a week.

      2. Go snorkel or dive!

The Virgin Islands have some great reefs to explore. While many resorts and public beaches have impressive snorkeling, most sailing charter boats also stop for a snorkel and provide masks and fins free of charge. There, you can find quieter, more secluded spots where you are apt to find a greater variety of sea life such as turtles, rays, and sea stars. Diving is mostly accomplished via dedicated dive power boats.

3. Go to another island!

If staying in St. Thomas, go to St. John or Water Island for the day. It’s a quick ferry ride each way. When in St. Croix, check out Buck Island. Many sailboat charters can take you to lesser known cays where the snorkeling and views are outstanding. If you’re more adventurous, take a slightly longer ferry ride or rent a power boat to bounce around the British Virgin Islands (Don’t forget your passport!). 

4. Explore nature!

Did you know there are salt ponds and a natural arboretum in St. Thomas? Did you know you can hike through the woods to several different incredible beaches right from Cruz Bay in St. John? Renting a kayak or stand up paddle board are fun ways to slowly explore local waters up close. Ask around St. Thomas and St. Croix for tips on checking out the (sort of) rain forests we have. St. John is known for its fantastic hiking in the National Parks, and the eco camping grounds there offer a fun alternative to resort vacationing. While you’re at it, keep an eye out for iguanas, geckos, mongoose, hummingbirds, agave, frangipani caterpillars, turtles, and so much more. 

5. Eat local food!

Um, be careful about fish you see on the side of the road (that’s a blog unto itself), but by all means order a nice Mahi Mahi dinner topped with mango salsa and served with a side of rice and peas or fungi. Do stop on the road when you see a Rasta with a cutlass and pile of green coconuts so he can set you up with some refreshing coconut water. Farmers markets are on the rise, so ask around to see when the next one is. The VIs are not necessarily known for our plethora of fresh fruits like Jamaica, Trinidad, or Dominica are, but it is possible to find local vegetables on roadside stands and in some of the larger markets (think pumpkins and yams).  And don’t be afraid of the local food trucks. They might not all look as pretty as a big city mainland cupcake truck, but you might find some yummy ital food for a tasty, healthy meal.

6. Sit on the beach!

I didn’t really need to tell you this, but it’s always a good idea to find some quiet time while on vacation where you aren’t hustling about. Relax, look at the boats, do some yoga poses, take a walk, you know the drill. 4:30-6pm is my favorite time to put my feet in the sand and reflect on the beauty around me.

7. Go hear music!

There is some very good music to be found in the Virgin Islands. Steel pan is popular, as are soca and reggae, and it is possible to find local Caribbean music live if you time things just right (Carnivals provide obvious opportunities). Additionally, there is original rock, jazz, and other mainstream bands playing in several locations on any given night. Just ask the coolest looking waiter, hotel clerk, or dive shop employee you are talking with for advice. 

8. Rent a jeep (or a golf cart if you’re on Water Island)!

Gas isn’t cheap, but neither are taxis. Each of the 4 US Virgin Islands have unique attractions and personalities depending on which end of the island you are on. With your own vehicle, you can check out a couple different beaches in the same day, try new restaurants, or find a local bar to hang in off the beaten path. Remember to keep left! 

9. Go shop!

There are quasi-local markets in the bigger town areas where you can purchase sarongs and t-shirts proudly made in China, but the real quality bargains can be had if you’re in the market for jewelry, electronics such as cameras, and of course alcohol. It’s a tax and duty-free zone. Charlotte Amalie and Christiansted are best for higher-end items, while random grocery stores usually offer some of the best deals on liquor, wine, and beer. One of the most memorable and useful gifts I ever received is a set of three nesting baskets made from a local homeless man who has sat on the street for years weaving palm leaves into hats, baskets, and just about anything you can think of. My commissioned baskets were strung together and still hang from the ceiling, filled with delicious fruit. Look for this quiet weaver near the St. Thomas and St. John ferry terminals.

10. Have an adventure!

Want to parasail? Go ahead. Zip lines your style? We’ve got that, too. Want to try kite boarding or surfing? Sure thing, go for it! While you’re at it, rent a Hobie Cat and be your own captain. Hey, maybe renting a jeep and driving on the left is adventurous enough for you, and that’s OK. Whether playing or observing, there certainly is no shortage of good times to be had.

Virgin Islands Weather for Sailing

Bottom line, it’s all about the weather in the Virgin Islands. For me, weather is more than just temperature. As a live aboard sailor and charter operator, temperature is just one piece of the weather puzzle. In fact, I’m routinely thrown off guard when stateside friends and family inquire wistfully about the temperature. I never check the forecast for the temperature, because it’s usually 72-85 degrees. Windy nights can get cool, especially in the winter, but it’s all relative. A local will be freezing in a long sleeve shirt and jeans while the visitor next to her sweats in her tank top and shorts. There is a lot to be said for acclimatization.

Wind is probably the most important aspect of weather in St. Thomas and St. John on a day to day basis.  No wind means it’s tough to sail, and that can mean having to use the engine or move very slowly. That’s fine if you’re not comfortable sailing fast and don’t mind the shift in experience. On the opposite extreme, too much wind can mean you sail very fast, the boat will probably heel, and you might get spray in the face. Sounds good to me, but I chose this as a lifestyle. Wind obviously affects how you perceive the temperature as well, and this varies depending how exposed you are to open water and sky. For land lubbers in the islands, a house that “gets good wind” is highly desirable since natural cool air dramatically cuts down on cooling costs. Similarly, boat moorings that are more exposed can sometimes be subject to wakes from other boats, currents, or choppy seas; however, they feel cooler and are less attractive to mosquitoes and “noseeums.”  Boats have the luxury of changing locations when needed, so there is usually a comfortable solution to be found no matter where you choose to stay.    

Another consideration when sailing in the Virgin Islands (or anywhere for that matter) is wind direction. All captains look at the wind direction when setting a course and raising sails and will sometimes have to advise in favor or not in favor of a particular sailing destination depending on where the wind is coming from. The reason for this is that you really cannot sail directly into the wind. Sailing directly down wind is difficult as well. Your sails will luff (flap around), and you won’t go anywhere. Fortunately, wind in the Virgin Islands is pretty darn consistent, and even if it shifts there are plenty of awesome places to sail to and drop the hook. Virgin Islands wind comes straight out of the east. Sail with Liberty is located on the east end of St. Thomas, so at least 90% of the time the view looking forward from our cockpit is that of St. John and Tortola. And, no, no one is complaining. The wind’s direction and speed are very favorable for sailing most of the year, and this is the reason so many sailors convene in this part of the Caribbean.

When you are planning a Caribbean sailing vacation, consider that your best weather will be any time other than in September, when hurricanes and rain try to make up for the rest of the year’s near perfect weather. Also consider where and how long you plan to sail. For example, if you are planning a term charter and wish to go to St. Maarten, check your charts and weather fax and think again. While it is not terribly far from the US Virgin Islands, wind direction makes it a tough landfall on the way there most of the time. Bashing into the wind is not comfortable, and tacking to get there can take awhile. Consider instead a destination in Puerto Rico or the British Virgin Islands. With favorable wind direction and so many islands and anchorages to choose from, you can sail all day or just for a little while as you choose. The east end of St. Thomas (Red Hook area)and St. John’s west end are, to us, just ideal when you are dealing with weather and a desire for accessible places to sail to and drop the anchor for a couple hours or a couple days. Natural physical beauty aside, when considering the weather in St. Thomas and St. John, I can honestly agree with the government marketing people who coined the US Virgin Islands “America’s Paradise.”