Located in the beautiful space between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, the U.S. Virgin Islands are some of the most visited destinations in the Caribbean. These islands, now under the territory of the United States, have fascinating histories and a lot of beautiful Neoclassical architecture. One thing these regions are blessed with is untouched beauty. The U.S. Virgin Islands are among the top-visited locations because of their stunning natural assets and plenty of fascinating things to do. Pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters, lush forests, tropical landscapes, rocky plains, and bright sunny days—these islands have all the attributes of a tropical paradise. Each has a unique character. While some are large and filled with modern amenities such as galleries, malls, restaurants, etc., others are wholly uninhabited and unspoiled by the actions of humans. Planning to visit this place for your next vacation? Check out these best places to visit in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Travel advisory:
Passport requirements: U.S. citizens do not need a passport to visit this group of islands, as it’s a US territory. However, non-US citizens will need one.
Weather: You can visit the islands at any time of the year as it is pleasant even during winter. However, the summertime is the best period if you’re after deals on hotels and attractions. The islands boast sunny weather, so sunscreen is a must. An important thing to note is that only mineral-based sunscreens are legal here. This is to protect the waters and ecosystem from the harmful oxybenzone, octinoxate, and octocrylene chemicals.
1. Water Island
Enjoy the feeling of a relaxing vacation on the beautiful Water Island. This laid-back residential island gives you a perfect chance to get away from all the stress of your everyday life and enjoy relaxing on the beach, kayaking, fishing, and many more pleasurable activities. With a population of just about 200 people, Water Island is not usually crowded, which I’m sure solitude seekers will appreciate. Spend your days off unwinding with friends, watching a movie on the beach, exploring the former military installations, or just savoring a delicious lunch.
Good to know:
There are no public transportation options on the island. St. Thomas, located 0.5 mi (0.80 km) away is the main source of resources.
You can travel to Water Island from St. Thomas via a ferry that can be availed from Crown Bay Marina.
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2. Charlotte Amalie
Charlotte Amalie is the capital city of the U.S. Virgin Islands. One of the famous cruise ports in the Caribbean, this amazing city is named after a Danish queen, and it is one of the best places to visit in the area. The city is blessed with beautiful landscapes, as well as a large number of things to do.
Apart from trendy boutiques, restaurants, bars, jewelry shops, and several other entertainment options, Charlotte Amalie also offers a lot of pretty beaches to relax, swim, and go snorkeling. You can take a full-day guided tour of the island and see all its main attractions.
Good to know:
The city is divided into three sections, the Kongens (King’s) Quarter, the Dronningens (Queen’s) Quarter, and the Kronprindsens (Crown Prince’s) Quarter, each boasting a unique charm. All three parts of the city have the quintessential step streets it’s famous for.
Visit Charlotte Amalie’s natural harbor to enjoy a stunning city view.
Stay here:
Budget: Galleon House Hotel
Book Tours : Charlotte Amalie: Self-Guided Audio City Tour
3. Hassel Island
I’d suggest visiting Hassel Island to all history buffs, as it’s home to many historic structures and military fortresses from the Napoleonic era. The region offers you the opportunity to discover historic sites such as the world’s largest steam-engine-powered marine railway, Danish military houses, barracks, British garrison houses, and several exhibitions of how the island was under the control of the Danish and British governments.
Aside from these, Hassel is also blessed with numerous pristine beaches and exciting hiking trails for all outdoor lovers to enjoy.
Good to know:
Some sections of the island are unavailable for touring due to damage caused by a hurricane in 2017. However, you can still tour major sites and some trails with the help of a knowledgeable guide.
To know more, visit the official website of the island.
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4. Waterlemon Cay
If you love snorkeling, I think Watermelon Cay should be your number one destination. Not usually on the top of the list of places to visit in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Watermelon Cay is a hidden gem. This beautiful place is blessed with diverse marine life, a scenic landscape, and crystal-clear aqua-blue waters.
The shoreline of Watermelon Cay is protected from heavy winds and high waves, making it perfect for snorkeling. See a diverse animal population like rays, green sea turtles, yellow starfish, an incredible coral reef, and more.
Good to know:
If you’re planning to snorkel here, be aware of the weather and tides and make sure you’re not snorkeling alone. The western edge of the Cay is known for having strong currents, so it’s best to be careful.
The cay can be best enjoyed in the early morning around sunrise. This is also the best time to capture beautiful pictures.
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5. Inner Brass
One of the Virgin Islands undisturbed by man’s activities, Inner Brass is a place to see. This 130-acre (52.6-hectare) tropical island is undeveloped and still has its natural beauty. Sitting to the north of Saint Thomas, the region offers you a place to relax away from all the disturbing actions of civilization.
It is blessed with white-sand beaches, tropical reefs, and lush greenery and has a resort site with a helipad. You can access the island only by boat or kayak from Saint Thomas.
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6. Savana Island
Sitting toward the west end of Saint Thomas, Savana Island is one of the lesser-known islands in the region that I think is a must-visit for nature lovers. This small islet is uninhabited, but it has all the characteristics of a unique tropical paradise. When you think of sunny beaches, green forests, tropical vibes, crystal-clear waters, and total privacy, then you should think of this gorgeous place.
It is easily accessible by boat from the nearby islands and provides you with all the facilities of a private island.
Good to know:
- The island features a lighthouse that you can visit for photo ops.
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7. Lovango Cay
Lovango Cay is a beautiful self-sustaining tropical paradise to the south of Congo Cay. This quiet and private location is in the district of Saint John and offers its visitors a lot of fun experiences. I would love to explore its calm, clear waters and sandy beaches and admire its unrivaled natural beauty, among other things.
Here, you get to engage in activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, and so much more. And on top of all that, the island produces its energy from natural sources.
Good to know:
If you’re lucky, you can spot resting nurse sharks on the north side of the cay, which is accessible only by boat.
You can visit the island by chartering a boat from St. John or St, Thomas and try snorkeling on the southern side.
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8. Thatch Cay
Featuring over 5 miles (8 kilometers) of stunning coastline, this elegant island is spread over an area of 230 acres (93 hectares) in the middle of the Caribbean Sea. This island sits high up, at an elevation of up to 500 feet (152.4 meters), offering you beautiful views of the surrounding coastlines and landscape.
The region sits off the southeastern coast of Saint Thomas and is divided into different sections—the residential subdivision, the middle section, and the parts that are being developed for broader tourism purposes.
Good to know:
The island is easily accessible from the neighboring St. Thomas. You can take a flight to the latter’s airport, and then drive for 30 minutes across scenic landscapes to reach the marina. From the marina, you can take a speedboat to the island. Thatch Cay can also be accessed via a helicopter from St. Thomas or Puerto Rico.
The island derives its name from thatch or Tyre palms that grow here abundantly.
For more information about the island, visit the official website.
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9. Cas Cay
Also known as Happy Island, Cas Cay is a small remote islet that I’m sure will make you happy. This island can be reached only by boat or a kayak tour through a lagoon. There are several things to experience in this incredible region. Aside from its lovely beaches and snorkeling spots, the place also has some exciting inland experiences to enjoy.
One of the main attractions in Cas Cay is the volcanic blowhole at Red Joint that takes small waves and blasts them over tidal pools. It is a fantastic sight and makes for perfect photos too.
Good to know:
This island is protected by the Department of Natural Resources, so expect a pristine environment rich in biodiversity.
The island is home to “Death Apple” trees, which are known for their poisonous fruits. If you go on a guided tour of the island, you can learn more about these trees.
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10. Capella Island
Capella Island is a beautiful unoccupied island owned by the U.S. Virgin Islands. The massive island is spread over 230 acres (93 hectares) of pristine Caribbean land sitting south of the famous Saint Thomas island. Capella is part of a three-island archipelago also named Capella Islands.
It is a great place to explore and offers many exciting activities to indulge in. The island is easily accessible from Saint Thomas by boat or kayak, and here you can enjoy many watersports and beach activities too.
Good to know:
- Nature lovers can cross a minor channel and visit the neighboring Buck Island to explore Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge.
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11. Protestant Cay
An oasis of beauty with sandy beaches, I feel Protestant Cay is a lovely place to indulge in some recreation. An all-around location, this small oval cay is home to a beautiful family resort with a private beach and bar. There is also a watersports center where you can rent all the necessary gear for your outdoor and water-fun activities. Protestant Cay is the perfect place for snorkeling, kayaking, and leisure sailing on boats.
Good to know:
Protestant Cay can be easily reached via a two-minute ferry ride from Christiansted. The ferry offers 24-hour service.
The beach here is kid-friendly with calm waters and a shallow depth.
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12. Whistling Cay
Whistling Cay is a quiet islet located west of Mary Point on St. John. This U.S. Virgin Island sits on 19 acres (7.7 hectares) of land, and it’s filled with green vegetation, high cliffs, and rocky outcropping plains. The highest point on this island is 130 feet (40 meters), where I’d love to climb up and enjoy spectacular views of the surroundings.
The location has a gravel beach on its southeast side, and only a small passage of water separates it from St. John.
Good to know:
If you plan on snorkeling on Whistling Cay, visit the western tip of the island. The underwater canyons in this area provide a magical experience.
The best way to reach the island is by renting a kayak on Maho Bay.
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13. Turtledove Cay
Turtledove Cay, a rock-strewn islet located north of Saba Island, is one of the most incredible places to visit in the area, and I think wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy it the most. This U.S. Virgin Island sits on 3.78 acres (1.54 hectares) of land covered with tall green grass and has an elevation of 50 feet (15.4 meters).
Designed as a wildlife reserve, it is home to several native animals and birds. It even provides shelter to unique seabirds, giving its visitors a chance to enjoy the spectacular sights of the wildlife.
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14. Leduck Island
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Leduck Island, alternatively spelled as LeDuck, is one of the largest offshore islands around St. John. The islet is situated toward the eastern region of St. John and is blessed with the beautiful Coral Bay. Divers, snorkelers, and aquatic animal lovers will love to stay in this place with its many water-fun opportunities.
Leduck is within the Virgin Islands National Park area, so it is home to a large number of diverse flora and fauna. Indeed it is an excellent place for a getaway.
Good to know:
- The area boasts many spur and groove reefs, which are home to a variety of endemic fish species. You may spot species such as mangrove snapper, blue chromis, or squirrelfish.
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15. Ruth Island
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The U.S. Virgin Islands is not only comprised of natural islands; there are also some human-made islets within its territory, which I’m sure you’ll fall in love with. Ruth Island is one of the most beautiful artificial islands in the region. It was created in the mid-1960s from dredging the bottom of Krause Lagune and is quite extensive.
The place is about 40 acres (16.2 hectares) and is home to the endangered St. Croix ground lizard. Not yet entirely inhabited, the island is an excellent place to enjoy peaceful moments.
Good to know:
The island allows dogs, so feel free to bring your canine companions along.
There are limited amenities on the island due to its pristine nature, so it’s best to travel with enough preparation.
Stay here:
Budget: Caravelle Hotel, Christiansted
16. Congo Cay
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
A popular destination for visitors who love snorkeling is Congo Cay. This fantastic islet situated north of Lovango Cay is unoccupied by people, which, according to me, makes it a perfect place to enjoy nature’s gifts to the fullest. The shoreline of Congo Cay is filled with vibrant and colorful coral reefs and diverse marine organisms.
Swim with the fishes and sea turtles, bask in the sun on the islet’s sandy beaches, or enjoy the views of the lush vegetation. No matter what you do, you’ll always have a great time in this serene environment.
Good to know:
Congo Cay is also home to Taino rock carvings called petroglyphs on its platform cliffs. Although weathered down, these carvings are unique pieces of history that you shouldn’t miss.
Birdwatchers will be glad to know that the island is a major nesting area for various seabirds, including brown pelicans.
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17. Steven Cay
Small and covered in rocks and green shrubs, Steven Cay is a stunning Caribbean island. Also called Meeren Cay or Steven May, the islet is about 28 feet (8.6 meters) high. It is one of the most visited places for tourists and offers exciting activities to do, such as swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving.
The waves here are moderate, and like the rest of the Caribbean, it boasts favorable weather conditions year-round. Whether you are visiting with friends or family, this place has all your needs.
Good to know:
- Snorkelers and divers will be glad to know that the island offers rich flora and fauna, including star corals, sea fans, nurse sharks, and more.
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18. Flanagan Island
Flanagan Island, formerly called Witch Island, is an uninhabited region perched to the north of St. John. As part of the Virgin Islands archipelago, this place has a lot to offer its visitors.
Although it is not a part of the Virgin Islands National Park, this unoccupied piece of land is more like a forest reserve, and it therefore boasts luxuriant forests, green vegetation, and many exotic wildlife and birds. The island is frequently visited by tourists looking to enjoy its serene beauty.
Good to know:
- Prior to 1977, Flanagan Island was claimed by both the UK and US, as it fell between the two countries' maritime boundaries. However, the UK later withdrew its claim.
Stay here:
- Luxury: Sea Cave, Calabash Boom
19. Henley Cay
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Henley Cay, formerly called Women’s Cay, is a tropical island in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The cay, which is about 11 acres (4.45 hectares), is the biggest of all the Durloe Cays in the Virgin Islands National Park. The southernmost islet of all the cays, Henley Cay sits northwest of St. John.
It is blessed with white-sand beaches and is most visited for its impressive snorkeling and kayaking, swimming, and other fun-filled outdoor activities. Even if snorkeling is not your favorite watersports, this island gives you an unforgettable vacation experience.
Good to know:
This island can be accessed from St. John by boat or kayak. The kayak route can be thrilling, thanks to the strong current of Durloe Channel, so it’s best to be careful.
The cay’s shallow waters make it a great place for snorkeling with excellent visibility of all the underwater wonders.
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20. Mingo Cay
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Set in the middle of three cays of St. John, Mingo Cay is an attractive place to see. Accessed by a short boat ride from Cruz Bay, this island has a well-developed coral reef, which is excellent for snorkeling and scuba diving. Its clear waters make diving one of the most popular activities to enjoy here. The beaches on this cay are beautiful and offer amazing views of the Caribbean Sea.
Good to know:
The island was donated to a land conservation trust in 2021 by its erstwhile owner.
The island stretches for 48 acres (19.42 hectares) and is 2 miles (3 kilometers) from the island of St. Thomas.
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Enjoy the Caribbean lifestyle
The U.S. Virgin Islands makes a great place to live—like you are in paradise. This archipelago has several breathtaking islets, numerous long sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and stunning beach resorts that you can use as your home base. Check out these exciting places to visit in the U.S. Virgin Islands—all blessed with stunning scenery and picturesque landscapes.
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