St Thomas and St John, USVI

St Thomas and St John, USVI Overview

The US Virgin Islands are the most popular tourist spot in the Caribbean. Their international reputation stems not only from their pristine beaches, warm weather, and crystal-clear waters, but also because visitors see them as the most culturally diverse, ethnically rich, and artistically vibrant society in the tropics - all wrapped up in the safety and familiarity of the American flag. The natives are one of the best assets - island-spiced, friendly, and quick to smile, Virgin Islanders are literally from everywhere - as diverse as the peaceful Arawak and fierce Carib Indians, and culturally rich as the descendants of Africa, England, Holland, Denmark, Spain, France, India, and the United States.

As the most developed of the USVI, St Thomas is proud of its bustling cruise port allure, with a combination of the familiar and the exotic. Charlotte Amalie is the capital of the USVI and is the most popular cruise port in the Caribbean, where ships dock and pastel houses pepper the emerald hills. Colorful sloops dock along the waterfront and old Danish buildings mix with a world-famous shopping center. Don't miss the view from Mountain Top, the engaging spiral of winding streets from the base of Savan, and the quiet countryside on the far side of the island. While being "everything to everyone," the Virgin Islands remain true to themselves, a mixture of metropolitan convenience and island serenity.

Reasons to visit St Thomas and St John, USVI

No quiet retreat, St Thomas is a destination for visitors who enjoy the bustle of fantastic duty-free shopping, stunning diving and snorkeling sites, fine dining, and a boisterous nightlife. The island accommodates budget or luxury spending and is a favorite cruise port. There is only one golf course but it is excellent. Kayaking through a pristine ecosystem is a peak experience and, of course, the 44 beaches are major attractions.