Destination Guides

The Big 4 of the U.S. Virgin Islands

One territory, four completely different worlds. Choose your base — or island-hop them all — with local guides who know every beach, trail and happy hour.

Best for Nightlife & Shopping

St. Thomas

Best for Nature & Hiking

St. John

Best for History & Diving

St. Croix

Best for a Slow Day Trip

Water Island

Charlotte Amalie harbor on St. Thomas
Island 01 · "The Hub"

St. Thomas

The cruise capital of the Caribbean. Duty-free treasure hunting through 1700s storefronts in Charlotte Amalie, world-class sand at Magens Bay, snorkeling glory at Sapphire Beach and the underwater observatory at Coral World Ocean Park — all with the liveliest dining and nightlife in the USVI.

Charlotte Amalie Magens Bay Sapphire Beach Coral World

Trunk Bay on St. John
Island 02 · "The Green One"

St. John

Two-thirds of this island is Virgin Islands National Park — rainforest trails, petroglyphs and bays so clear they built an underwater snorkeling trail with explanatory plaques on the seabed at Trunk Bay. Cruz Bay is a small, mighty waterfront of grill rooms and art galleries. Leave the car behind and ferry over.

National Park Trunk Bay Trail Cruz Bay Dining Lameshure Ridge

Coral reef fish at Buck Island, St. Croix
Island 03 · "The Soul"

St. Croix

The largest and most local of the three. Danish-colonial color blocks in Christiansted and Frederiksted, a moat-like barrier reef around Buck Island Reef National Monument, and Point Udall — the easternmost point of the United States — where the sun rises first. Pashir beer, Cruzan rum, and world-class wreck diving.

Danish Towns Buck Island Point Udall Cruzan Distillery

Biking the quiet roads of Water Island
Island 04 · "The Hideaway"

Water Island

Five minutes by water taxi from Charlotte Amalie, four square miles of "don't rush me." Honeymoon Beach is postcard perfect, cars are optional (golf carts and bikes rule), and half the island is Virgin Islands National Park too. The perfect day trip — or the perfect reason to do nothing.

Honeymoon Beach Water Taxi Golf Carts National Park

Not sure which island fits your trip?

Tell us your dates, your crew and your vibe — our team will map the perfect multi-island plan.

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