United States Virgin Islands (USVI) Flag
The U.S. Virgin Islands consists of three islands: St Croix, St John, and St Thomas.
- Coolest Season: January
- Humid & Hottest: June - August
- Peak Season: December - April
- Shoulder Season: April - December
Hurricane Season is June - November, their impact usually occurs between September - October.
- A precious resource on the islands is water. Do your part to help conserve it during your visit!
- Don't take shells, coral, or other marine life from the water as they are part of a fragile, threatened ecosystem. Only pick up shells from the beach.
Villa Margarita St Croix Vacation Rentals, Christiansted, St Croix. Photo Credit: Pixabay
History
- In 1916, the U.S. purchased the islands from Denmark for $25 million with interest in a submarine base to protect Panama Canal interests.
- In 1927, became unincorporated U.S. territory.
- In 1493, Christopher Columbus was greeted Carib Tribe with shooting arrows. Upon his retreat, he named (St Croix) Santa Cruz (Holy Cross).
- Until 1671, St Thomas was largely uncolonized with only a few stopover pirates and settlers.
- In 1694, Denmark finally claimed St. John.
- In 1867, St Thomas was struck by an earthquake, a hurricane, and a 27-ft tsunami.
- In 1956, Laurence Rockefeller donated his land owned to the U.S. with the stipulation it must be protected from development.
- In 2000, the first casino opened Divi Carina Bay Resort (St Croix).
St John. Photo Credit: TallGuyInc/Pixabay
Fun Facts
- The islands are part of the Leeward Islands, Islands of the Lesser Antilles chain.
- Cruise ships visit St Thomas more than any other Caribbean Island. Averaging four to seven ships per day. There's no cruise ship dock on St John.
- While rum manufacturing is significant, Tourism remains its primary economic source.
- Christopher Columbus named the islands for Saint Ursula and her virgin followers.
- For hundreds of years Denmark-Norway, France, Great Britain, and The Netherlands have fought to rule the islands.
- St Croix is the largest and flattest terrain of the islands.
- Charlotte Amalie (St Thomas) was named in honor of the wife of King Christian V of Denmark.
- Virgin Islands are citizens of the U.S.; however, they can't vote in our Presidential elections. As a U.S. territory, they have one delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives.
- In 1830, Camille Pissarro was born. An Impressionist Painter.
- The "International Talk Like a Pirate Day" is hosted on September 19th annually (originated by St Croix) and has evolved to a global affair.
- St John has no traffic lights.
St John. Photo Credit: inactionsolutions/Pixabay
Good to Know
- Trade winds keep both the humidity and temperatures moderate most of the year.
- The only USA jurisdiction to drive on the left side of the road.
- Danish influence can be seen in the island's architecture.
- These islands are prime sailing and yachting destinations.
- Generous American duty-free allowance on merchandise and liquor.
- You may be inspired to visit after watching: Four Season (1981) and The Big Blue (1988).
- You may wish to read: The Pelican Brief (written by John Grisham and Adrift (written by Rebecca Hale).
- Country music singer, Kenny Chesney has a home on St John.
- "Blue Bitch", refers to a local building stone.
- Coral World Ocean Park (St Thomas) has an underwater post-office box.
- USA Citizens are not required to present a passport.
Photo Credit: Scott S Bateman/Pixabay
Why visit St Croix "Twin City"?
Known for beautiful beaches, casinos, culture, diversity, duty-free shopping, endangered sea turtles, history, scuba diving, snorkeling, and water-sports. A popular Honeymoon destination!
Your Must-See & Do
- Historical Sites: Customs House, Fort Christianvaren, The Buck Island Reef National Monument, Government House & Steeple Building
- Museums: Apothecary Museum, Caribbean Museum Center for The Arts, Estate Whim Museum, Fort Frederik, Lawaetz Museum, Little La Grange Farm, Musée du Domaine Whim de Frederiksted, Myron G Danielson Post 85 & The House That Freedom Built
- Popular Attractions: Annaly Bay Tide Pools, Buck Island, Captain Morgan Visitors Center, Christiansted, Christiansted Harbor, Frederiksted, Cruzan Rum Distillery, Gallows Bay Dock, Mount Eagle, Point Udall, Reef Golf & Beach Resort, Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve, Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge & St George Village Botanical Garden
St Thomas. Photo Credit: lhern03880/Pixabay
Why visit St John "Love City"?
Ideal for affluent traveler seeking beautiful beaches, hiking, nature lovers, snorkeling, underwater nature trail, unspoiled landscapes, and tropical flora. Also, a popular honeymoon destination.
Your Must-See & Do
- Historical Sites: Annenberg Plantation & Catherineberg Ruins
- Popular Attractions: Bordeaux Mountain, Caneel, Cinnamon Bay, Coral Bay, Cruz Bay, Maho Bay, North Shore Road, Trunk Bay & Virgin Islands National Park
St Thomas. Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay
Why visit St Thomas ("Rock City")?
One of the U.S. Virgin Island most developed offers beautiful beaches, culture, diving, duty-free shopping, golf, historical buildings, nightlife, and snorkeling. A cruise ship mega-hub with easy access to other surrounding Caribbean Islands.
Your Must-See & Do
- Historical Sites: Fort Christian & St Thomas Synagogue
- Museums: Fort Frederik, French Heritage Museum, Haagensen House Pirates Treasure Museum, Seven Arches Museum, St Thomas Historical Trust Museum, & The Virgin Islands Children's Museum
- Popular Attractions: Blackbeard's Castle, Charlotte Amalie, Coki Beach, Coral World Ocean Park, Crown Mountain, Drakes Seat, Magens Bay, Magens Bay Beach, Mahogony Run Golf Course & Mountain Top.
Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas. Photo Credit: wolseleyrd/Pixabay
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