US Virgin Islands

Introduction

Each of the three major islands has a unique character all its own. St. Croix's Danish influence is perfect for visitors who prefer a laid-back experience. The historic towns of Frederiksted and Christiansted offer quaint shops, charming pastel buildings and refreshing cultural diversity. Two-thirds of St. John is a national park. Its comfortable pace is perfect for enjoying the island's world-renowned beaches such as Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay and Salt Pond Bay. A nature lover's favorite, St. John offers hiking, camping, specialty shopping and breathtaking views. St. Thomas boasts one of the most beautiful harbors in the world. As the most visited port in the Caribbean, downtown Charlotte Amalie offers elegant dining, exciting nightlife, duty-free shopping and even submarine rides. Though it's full of energy, especially in Charlotte Amalie, this island also possesses numerous sublime natural splendors, such as stunning views of the Caribbean from 1,500 feet above sea level.

History

The U.S. Virgin Islands are located in the eastern Caribbean, just 1100 miles southeast of Miami. During the 17th century, the archipelago was divided into two territorial units, one English and the other Danish. Sugarcane, produced by slave labor, drove the islands' economy during the 18th and early 19th centuries. In 1917, the US purchased the Danish portion, which had been in economic decline since the abolition of slavery in 1848.Today tourism is the primary economic activity, accounting for 80% of GDP and employment. The islands normally host 2 million visitors a year, many of whom visit on cruise ships.

Culture

The U.S. Virgin Islands is a paradise with so much more to offer than the traditional beach vacation. Visitors wishing to immerse themselves in a profound cultural experience can enjoy historical tours, culinary encounters, artisan fairs, parades, storytelling and other special presentations.

Map

us virgin islands map

To See

The largest of these islands at 84 square miles, St. Croix (pronounced CROY) features a varied terrain from dry cactus-studded hills out east to lush tropical forests in the west. Hiking, kayaking and kite boarding are popular pastimes, and the island boasts two 18-hole golf courses. Some scuba buffs claim this is the only place in the Caribbean where you can dive a wall, a reef, a wreck and a pier all in the same day.
St. Thomas, the best known of the U.S. Virgin Islands, is the most bustling due to passengers arriving almost daily on cruise ships and mega-yachts that steam into Charlotte Amalie harbor. Trade is a St. Thomas specialty dating back to 18th-century pirate days. There are plenty of postcard-perfect beaches like popular Magens Bay. Snorkel, scuba dive, fish offshore, or take a boat excursion. St. Thomas’ only golf course, Mahogany Run, is known for its challenging trio of cliffside holes called the Devil’s Triangle.
St. John, the smallest of the trio at 20 square miles, is a favorite of nature-lovers. Two-thirds of St. John falls within the boundaries of the 9,485 acre Virgin Islands National Park. More than 800 plant species grow in hilly tropical forests that drop down to beaches bordered by coral reefs. The National Park Service added even more federally owned submerged acres in 2001 to create the underwater Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument. St. John is also known for lovely beaches along the north coast and quieter ones to the south.

Useful information

Airports: St. Croix: Henry E. Rohlsen International Airport. St. Thomas: Cyril E. King International Airport.

Area: 350 sq km Terrain: Mostly hilly to rugged and mountainous with little level land.

Business: Some banks offer automatic teller machines compatible with stateside bank cards.  If you visit the bank be sure to bring along 2 pieces of Identification.

Capital: Charlotte Amalie (on St. Thomas).

Climate: subtropical, tempered by easterly trade winds, relatively low humidity, little seasonal temperature variation; rainy season September to November.

Clothing: Dress is casual, but proper attire (shirts and shoes) should be worn in public areas. Bathing suits are worn at the beach and pool only.

Currency: US Dollar (USD).

Customs: The U.S. Virgin Islands are duty-free ports, and as a result, luxury goods are priced very well here.

Economy: Natural resources: Sun, sand, sea, surf; Agriculture products: Fruit, vegetables, sorghum; Senepol cattle; Industries: Tourism, petroleum refining, watch assembly, rum distilling, construction, pharmaceuticals, textiles, electronics.

Electricity: 110 volts, 60 cycles.

Entry & Departure requirements: Please refer to the official tourist office website link below or contact us.

Health: Although this varies depending upon which island you are on, almost every island has 24 emergency service available.  St. Thomas' Roy Lester Schneider hospital is available for any problems that may occur during your holiday.  There are also many walk in clinics on St. Thomas at locations all over the island.

Holidays: New Year’s Day (01JAN), Three Kings’ Day (06JAN), Martin Luther King Day (19JAN), Presidents’ Day (16FEB), Good Friday, and Easter Monday (MAR-APR), Memorial Day (25MAY), Emancipation Day (03JUL), Independence Day (04JUL), Hurricane Supplication Day (28JUL), Labor Day (SEP), Columbus Day (OCT), Liberty Day (01NOV), Veterans’ Day (11NOV), US Thanksgiving Day and Virgin Islands Thanksgiving Day (NOV), Christmas (25DEC).

Language: English. Some Spanish.

Political status: Organized, unincorporated territory of the USA with policy relations between the Virgin Islands and the US under the jurisdiction of the Office of Insular Affairs, US Department of the Interior.

Population: 109 000.

Religion: Baptist, Roman Catholic, Episcopalian.

Security: Of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Thomas has the highest crime rate. Most problems occur in Charlotte Amalie, so be particularly careful with valuables. Store them in a hotel safe if possible. Furthermore, don't wander around at night, and make sure to lock car and hotel room doors. Women should avoid going to bars alone after dark in Charlotte Amalie. Compared to St. Thomas, both St. John and St. Croix are relatively safe.

Shopping: The U.S. Virgin Islands is a paradise of shopping.  Duty free items include; fine jewelry, linens, liquor & spirits, cigars, cigarettes, coffees, island made hot sauces, designer clothing,  imported soaps and perfumes, designer beauty care products, watches, cameras, and island made items.

Taxes & Service charges: There are no sales or luxury taxes. In the USVI, tip as you would on the U.S. mainland. In restaurants, it is customary to leave at least 15% of the total bill.

Telecommunications: The international dialling code for US Virgin Islands is +1-340

Time: Standard Time Zone: GMT – 4 hrs. The Virgin Islands do not observe daylight savings time.

Transportation: Motorists drive on the left side of the street. Driver and front seat passengers must wear seat belts at all times.

 

MORE INFORMATION: http://www.usvitourism.vi/

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