A Caribbean Adventure on U.S. Soil: U.S. Virgin Islands

Photo credit: Bigstock

Leave your passport, pack your swimsuit and experience beautiful white beaches, swaying palm trees and refreshing cocktails when you head over to U.S. Virgin Islands, which is composed of three distinctly different islands: St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. A trip to “America’s Caribbean Paradise” is not just accessible and convenient – it is also affordable with cheap flights departing daily. You can shop, dine, bathe in the sun, and enjoy various watersport.

St. Thomas: The Rocky City

Called “Rocky City” due to its hilly horizon, St. Thomas is a famous luxury getaway. It is one of the Caribbean’s major sailing centers with numerous yachts tied up in the harbor throughout the year. St. Thomas is accessible by both cruise ship and airplane. Contrary to the other islands, St. John and St. Croix, that cultivated their plantations, St. Thomas became a thriving seaport and later one of the world’s most beautiful harbors. You can charter a yacht to cruise between islands or just book a regular day sail to get your sea legs. You can also put your dancing shoes on with St. Thomas’ bustling nightlife.

Choose between hundreds of beach bars, sports bars, karaoke and dance bars, etc.  You can go dancing, listen to live music or DJ’s or even play some team trivia. You can go drinking with friends even as you are soaking up the sun. Bring home shopping bags as you trail the duty free shops lined in the streets and alleys of St. Thomas. You can also put on a water jetpack for a unique experience – strap a marine engine on your back courtesy of St. Thomas Jetriders to hover and fly 30 feet above water. You’ll feel like one of the Jetsons in a Caribbean paradise. Don’t miss climbing the famous 99 Steps of Charlotte Amalie to get a breathtaking view of the Caribbean. You’ll definitely feel alive when visiting St. Thomas.

St. John: The Love City

Honeymooners and nature lovers will enjoy St. John as it has more than 7,000 acres of dedicated parkland and plenty of pristine beaches. The “Love City” is the smallest of the three islands with no airport and is accessible mainly by ferry. The beaches of St. John are legendary for its beauty. Cinnamon Bay offers watersports activities, including snorkeling, windsurfing and kayaking. You can also wander the half-mile loop Cinnamon Bay Trail. Cinnamon Bay is also a campground where you can put up a tent for the night and enjoy the solitude with your loved one. Spend the night stargazing as you listen to the sound of the ocean. For a day of picnic and barbeque, you can head over to Hawknest Beach, where you can also enjoy the snorkeling sites a few yards from the shore.

Maho Bay is another popular beach in St. John with its calm and shallow waters attracting families and couples. Perhaps the most popular in the U.S. Virgin Islands is Trunk Bay. It has soft white powdery sand and an underwater snorkeling trail maintained by the National Park. If you are planning to stay more than a day in St. John, then consider staying at Caneel Bay. It is an eco-resort that will not spoil you with today’s technology such as TV or phone lines. But you will be surrounded with luxury with its dreamy bedding, wood furnishings, a bathroom with native stone and every morning there is a big breakfast buffet on the open-air Caneel Bay Beach Terrace. For dinner, bring your date to ZoZo’s at the Sugar Mill. Among the ruins of the sugar mill you will find St. John’s flagship fine dining. Your date and your taste buds will be thanking you afterwards. Truly, it’s hard not to fall in love with the beauty of St. John. 

St. Croix: The Twin City 

This retreat is just a couple of minutes away from the bustling St. Thomas but is also accessible by plane through its own airport. There are two towns situated on each end of the island therefore earning its nickname The Twin City. St. Croix is a U.S. Virgin Island’s cultural heart combining bohemian spirit with a diverse and multicultural population. It is the largest out of the three islands but gives a small town vibe compared to St. Thomas.  It was previously a sugar plantation with organic farms now flourishing in the highlands. It is the best place to visit if you want to see the region’s past with much of the 18-century Danish occupancy reflected in its architecture.

Despite being the largest, it is also the least visited out of the three islands but you will be surprise with what the island has to offer. You can take the St. Croix Heritage Trail to experience 72 miles of the island’s Danish colonial past including a visit to the Estate Whim Plantation Museum. The longest and most pristine white sand beach of U.S. Virgin Islands can be found on St. Croix. The Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge is only open to the public during weekends from 10:00am to 4:00pm since it is the nesting ground for the endangered leatherback turtle. The redemptive scene of “The Shawshank Redemption” was actually filmed at Sandy Point! You can also see the largest mangrove forest in the Virgin Islands at Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve. If you’re looking for premier lodging, book a room at The Buccaneer, the island’s oldest hotel. You will be rewarded with sweeping views and three beaches. You can even book a villa for a more intimate and private experience.

Whichever island you choose to stay, U.S. Virgin Islands will give you that Caribbean experience without the high cost or distance from your home. No need for your passport, all you need is a dose of wanderlust.

Surfing in the VI.... Lets Get Ready!

US Virgin Islands Surf Spots & Information

Surfing season on the US Virgin Islands is November through March. During this time, the waves can reach between six and eight feet in height, with bigger days reaching as high as double overhead. The rest of the year, the waters are pretty flat and unsurfable. The breaks on the US Virgin Islands are all reef breaks, and long coral heads are not uncommon.

Surfing here is generally recommended for experienced surfers, and it’s also advisable that you go out with someone who is familiar with these waters. There are a few windsurfing shops that have shortboards and longboards for rent, but most local surf shops here do not offer board rentals, only sales, so you might want to bring your own board. The steady trade winds off the Atlantic attract a lot of windsurfers, and bodyboarding is also very popular.

Water Island, which is about a 10-minute ferry ride from St. Thomas, has a spot known as Sprat Bay that’s great for swimming and snorkeling. At times, the surf breaks at Sprat Bay can accommodate all skill levels, including beginners. The last of the US Virgin Islands, it’s small (about ½ mile wide and two miles long), with not a lot of development, so it’s a good place to go if you want to escape the crowds at St. Thomas and “lime” (relax, chill). Sprat Bay is about a one-mile walk from the ferry dock. The break is a hollow, fast and fun right reef break that can get long at times. Another spot that sometimes breaks and is okay for beginners is called Santa Maria (in St. Thomas). Santa Maria also attracts a lot of kiteboarders.

Hull Bay on the Atlantic (north) side of St. Thomas is the beach that’s most associated with surfing. When the swells are rolling in from the northeast, Hull Bay will get a four-foot or bigger point/reef break that attracts surfers from all over the island. Other places to surf on St. Thomas include Caret Bay and Botany Bay (which is accessible via boat from Hull Bay), but localism at these spots can be intense. There are problems with theft, violence, and drugs, and in general, it’s not advisable to go off the beaten path. If you decide to explore, keep a low profile, do not bring any valuables with you, and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

You May Be A True Island Girl If....

What makes one earn the title of a true Island Girl, I wonder? I thought long and hard about this question and I came up with a few different attributes and have jotted some of them down below. Whether you were born and raised in the Caribbean like me or decided to make these magical islands your home, you are bound to identify with a few. And if not, you will hopefully at least get a good laugh out of it. There, my good deed for the week is done. You’re welcome.

YOU MAY BE A TRUE ISLAND GIRL IF:

1. You get inexplicably excited when you hear the words happy and hour used together in one sentence.
2. You automatically lift your arms, press your lips together and whine your waist every time you hear a soca song (or any other Caribbean tune for that matter).
3. You think it’s completely acceptable to arrive half an hour late for a meeting or appointment.
4. You continue eating long after you’re full because leaving food on your plate is a big no-no.
5. You stay at a boring party just because they promised that there will be food, cake or rum.
6. Your perfect breakfast must include Johnny Cake and/or saltfish.
7. You are solemnly convinced that jumbies, malediction and obeah are all viable threats.
8. You own and have pride in your flip-flop collection.
9. You try to find ways to justify wearing flip-flops to formal occasions.
10. You are always “sick” around the same time each year, mainly duringcarnival.
11. You prefer to wear a bikini top rather than a bra even though the bikini probably does not offer any support whatsoever.
12. You stop in the middle of the road to have a 5-minute chat with a friend on the opposite side of the street, completely disregarding the dozens of horns blowing you to keep it moving.
13. You grab a cold bottle of beer rather than a bottle of water on a hot day.
14. You come up with excuses not to meet up with friends on the other side of the island (even if the island is tiny) because you do not want to make that “long” drive.
15. You call in sick when it’s raining cats and dogs because honestly, who drives in this weather?
16. You have mastered the art of “chupsing” or sucking your teeth and know when to use it to make a point.
17. You have an extensive shorts collection.
18. You are convinced that the sea cures everything from a simple cold to common STD’s.
19. You find yourself explaining to friends visiting from abroad that you were not arguing with your family but merely exchanging pleasantries.
20. You used to (or still do) wear a shirt and/or shorts over your swimsuit when you go swimming.
21. You are a skilled island driver.
22. You get inexplicably mad if at the end of a party or God forbid, a wedding you do not get a plate of food or cake to take home, let alone plates for your mother, auntie and the sweet old lady down the road.
23. You refrain from going into the ocean from December till about April because the water is simply too cold.
24. You cuss out the bartender that dares using a measurer when making your cocktail.
25. You give up making a deposit because there was no parking in front of the bank.
26. You try to lose weight without losing your sexiest asset, your butt. Let’s face it, it’s all about the butt in the Caribbean.
27. You are fluent in Creole English.
28. You are disappointed and contemplate not attending when you find out a party you are invited to is only serving snacks. Where is the buffet with peas and rice and stew goat?
29. The sight of cows, goats or donkeys blocking the road (or airport landing strip in some cases) does not surprise you.
30. You compare the price against potential lifetime of a pair of shoes or bag before purchasing cause you know it’s going to start peeling in this heat sooner or later.
31. The F-word is the most used word in your vocabulary.
32. You are simply not OK with lizards, centipedes or roaches.
33. You know to block out a whole day when dealing with the census office and most other Government offices.
34. You consider slow internet to be annoying but an unfortunate part of reality.
35. You are quite skilled in creating a parking space where there are none.
36. You eat barbecue at least once a week.

Facts About the US Virgin Islands

Just in case you were wondering....

History: 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 U.S. purchased the Danish portion, which had been in economic decline since the abolition of slavery in 1848.

Location: Caribbean; islands between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of Puerto Rico.

Area: 737 square miles (1,910 square kilometers). Twice the size of Washington, DC.

Population: 103,574 (July 2015 est.)

Capital: Charlotte Amalie

Geography: An important location along the Anegada Passage—a key shipping lane for the Panama Canal. Saint Thomas has one of the best natural deep-water harbors in the Caribbean.

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

Government: Organized, unincorporated territory of the U.S. with policy relations between the Virgin Islands and the U.S. under the jurisdiction of the Office of Insular Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior.

Head of State: President Barack H. Obama (since 20 January 2009)

Head of Government: Governor Kenneth MAPP (since 5 January 2015)

Language: English 71.6%, Spanish or Spanish Creole 17.2%, French or French Creole 8.6%, other 2.5% (2010 est.)

Religion: Protestant 59% (Baptist 42%, Episcopalian 17%), Roman Catholic 34%, other 7%

Time Zone: UTC-4 (1 hour ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Top 5 Beaches in the US and British Virgin Islands

The Best Beaches 

#5

Coki Point, St. Thomas V.I.

#4 

White Bay, Jost Van Dyke B.V.I.

# 3

Cane Garden Bay, Tortola B.V.I.

#2

Magens Bay, St. Thomas V.I. 

#1

Trunk Bay, St. John V.I.

Christmas Cove, Great St. James USVI

Christmas Cove, less than three miles from St. John on Great St. James Island, part of St. Thomas. Christmas Cove combines the best of the National Park on St. John—immaculately clear waters, abundant sea life and a completely undeveloped shoreline.

Santa Claus had nothing to do with the christening of this sparkling blue cove in St. Thomas. What is certain is that Christmas Cove today still provides a scenic safe harbor for boats traveling through the Virgin Islands. Dock your vessel here for an hour or two and have a lobster bake at a waterside restaurant, or spend a night in the many luxury resorts.

New Friends!

Meet Our New Friends!

Aboard Breakaway II !!!

On Our Way to the BVI!!!!

http://www.visitbreakaway.com/

Our Full Day Snorkel Adventure

Snorkel at 2 different tropical islands aboard New Horizons.  Enjoy a continental breakfast of a variety of fresh muffins as you sail over to the National Park in St. John.  Spend several hours snorkeling and exploring these famous pristine coral reefs in the National Park.  New Horizons will provide you with top-of-the-line snorkeling equipment and instruction FOR FREE!

The National Park offers amazingly clear and UNCROWDED waters, hundreds of colorful fish, and spectacular reefs.  This snorkel location presents great opportunities to see angelfish and sergeant majors, as well as the splendid elkhorn and fan coral.

After snorkeling, the crew will present you with a hot Italian Gourmet lunch accompanied by tropical blended drinks.  For the non-meat lovers, a vegetarian or vegan menu selection is also available.  Time for lunch!

*OUR MENU* Hot Italian Meatballs baked in a homemade Marinara Sauce and smothered with melted Mozzarella Cheese Tri-colored Fusilli Pasta mixed with fresh Broccoli, Cauliflower, & Carrots in a Caesar dressing Green Beans tossed with Crumbled Feta Cheese, Onion, Dill, & a creamy Italian Dressing An Assortment of Meats, Cheeses, and French Bread Tropical Fresh Fruit Homemade Double-Fudge Brownies topped with Kiwi, baked right on board And of course, our famous tropical blended "Nooners" (yes, we have a blender on board!)

After lunch we hoist anchor and make our way to a second stop, usually one 

of the uninhabited cays in the Sound, where you can swim and enjoy more 

refreshments

(the Painkillers have made their way topside).

Another chance to snorkel the Coral Reef, and then a leisurely downwind sail back to the dock by 4:00pm.  You will depart happy after a fun exhilarating day with us - the best day of your vacation.

$95 per person - for adults and kids (babies under 2 are free)

BOOK NOW!!!

http://newhorizons.daysails.com/

Its All About Watersports!!

Kayaking

Kayaking is the use of a kayak for moving across water. It is distinguished from canoeing by the sitting position of the paddler and the number of blades on the paddle. A kayak is a low-to-the-water, canoe-like boat in which the paddler sits facing forward, legs in front, using a double-bladed paddle to pull front-to-back on one side and then the other in rotation. Most kayaks have closed decks, although sit-on-top and inflatable kayaks are growing in popularity as well.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling is the practice of swimming on or through a body of water while equipped with a diving mask, a shaped tube called a snorkel, and usually fins. Use of this equipment allows the snorkeler to observe underwater attractions for extended periods with relatively little effort and to breathe while face-down at the surface. The primary appeal is the opportunity to observe underwater life in a natural setting without the complicated equipment and training required for scuba diving.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding 

Stand up paddle surfing and stand up paddle boarding are sports originating in Hawaii as an offshoot of surfing. Unlike traditional surfing where the rider is sitting until a wave comes, stand up paddle boarders maintain an upright stance on their boards and use a paddle to propel themselves through the water. 

Fun Facts about the Virgin Islands

1. Charlotte Amalie is the largest historical town in the United States. Charlotte Amalie is the capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands and is located in St. Thomas. The city offers rich history with the largest historic district in the U.S. and is also a preferred shopping spot on the island. There has been great debate regarding the correct pronunciation of the town, who’s name was originally Charlotte Amalia (with an “a”). Due to an error in historical documents, the spelling was changed to an e – but the official (and original) pronunciation is Charlotte “Amalya.”
2. The USVI has been a “shopping” destination since 1607! Before arriving in present-day Virginia, in 1607 the Jamestown settlers (who built the first successful English settlement in North America) stopped off in Charlotte Amalie to stock up on supplies. The Historic Preservation Office in St. Thomas will soon install a plaque received from the state of Virginia recognizing this historic visit. The plaque will hang on the Liberty Bell platform in Emancipation Garden.
3. The U.S. Virgin Islands is the only location in the United States where you drive on the left side of the road. Although the islands are considered part of the U.S., there are still a few rules and customs that date back to the days of European rule!
4. Point Udall is the Easternmost Point in the United States. This point was named after Stewart Udall, who was the United States Secretary of Interior under both John F. Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson. The Millennium Monument, a sundial, was built above the point in 2000.
5. St. Thomas is the birthplace of Camille Pissarro. Pissarro was an impressionist painter who contributed to the Impressionism and Post-Impressionism styles. He was born on July 10, 1830 and died on November 13, 1903. He lived in St. Thomas until he was 12 and returned there in his later years. His birthplace is open to visitors on St. Thomas and his work is currently on display at the Government House in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas as well as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
6. St. Croix has the oldest Baobab tree in the Caribbean. The tree was brought over from South Africa and planted in the 18th century. It’s known locally as “Guinea Almond” or “Guinea Tamarind.” Baobab trees grow up to 25 meters tall and can live for thousands of years. Every part of the Baobab tree is useful. The bark is used for cloth and rope, the leaves for medicines, and the fruit can be eaten.
7. St. Thomas has the second oldest synagogue with sand floors in the Western Hemisphere. The St. Thomas Synagogue welcomes people from all denominations to visit their historic place of worship. It was declared a National Landmark in 1997 and its menorah dates back to the 11th century.
8. The US Virgin Islands is the only US Territory to be bordered by both the Atlantic and Caribbean Sea. And with all that water, there’s a plethora of water activities to participate in, including diving, sailing, kayaking, sport fishing, snorkeling, windsurfing, parasailing and kite boarding.
9. St. Croix has the largest Agriculture Fair in the Caribbean. The “Agrifest” in St. Croix is a 3-day festival that showcases locally grown produce, locally raised livestock and locally made arts and crafts and cuisine. The festival attracts hundred of visitors from across the region and the world! The next Agrifest takes place February 19-21.
10. There’s an Underwater National Park off the coast of St. John. The Underwater trail in Trunk Bay, St. John is considered one of the best places to snorkel in the Caribbean, and is marked with underwater signs. All levels of swimmers are able to snorkel here making it perfect for the entire family.
11. St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas have nicknames. These islands are also known as Twin City (St. Croix), Love City (St. John), and Rock City (St. Thomas). The combined area of these three islands is about two times the size of Washington, D.C.

Bring the Pain Killer Back Home... For When You Really Need It

Ingredients:

1/4 medium orange, cut into 2 wedges

1 ounce coconut cream

2 ounces fresh pineapple juice

2 ounces Pusser’s Rum

Crushed ice

Whole nutmeg, for garnish

Pineapple stick, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Muddle orange wedges in a shaker until broken up. Add cream of coconut, pineapple juice, and rum.

2. Dry shake (without ice) and pour into a double Old Fashioned glass over crushed ice.

3. Grate a generous amount of nutmeg over top and garnish with a pineapple stick.

If you can't be at the British Virgin Islands' Soggy Dollar Bar itself to enjoy a true painkiller drink, mixing it yourself is the next best thing!!

Reef Bay Trail- Petroglyphs

The Reef Bay Trail petroglyphs are a group of Taino petroglyph carvings found in the Virgin Islands National Park on the island of St. John, USVI. They are located in a part of the park called the Reef Bay Trail.

Some of the carvings are located above a reflection pool of water and were thought to be the symbols for "water". There is no exact way to confirm they are authentic Taíno carvings but the most popular theory is that they are from pre-colombian inhabitants.

A new petroglyph was found in 2011 after several people from an organization called "Friends of the Park" went on a search. This is because an old park photograph showed there was a petroglyph unaccounted for. The newest found symbol is thought to be thousands of years old and artistically similar to the pottery of the Saladoid culture.

The petroglyph site was listed under the name Petroglyph Site in the National Register of Historic Places on July 7, 1982.

Love Is In The Air

Such a romantic place on a beach in St. Thomas

Simple little things in life catching one's breath 

Moonlight glinting of waves breaking off a white sandy beach 

Faraway thoughts brown eyes crying in an ocean dream song 

Silent whispers echoes binding our chain together tides speak 

Spell of romance makes one forget the sense of anything 

Each link in your arm magic walks closer feelings sing inside a joyous choir enchants 
Do you remember the white doves that followed us along the beaches 


Holds deep sea emotions a galloping white steed races home in warm waves kiss 
Nature nurtured by the desire to fulfill dreams makes time stop 

The natures mesmerizing perfume of fragrant flowers 

Jewels needle vision flies without wings heaven sings in a spiral coloring rainbows 
Where destiny paints the joy in butterflies dance on a warm loving breeze 

Such is the passion in the depths of ones soul 

No barriers closed no reasons withstand 

The midnight moon shades blue embraced one shadow two become one dream 




Happy Valentines Day from New Horizons and Breakaway Charters

Please Join us on our Valentines Day Dinner Cruise!!!

Call to make reservations

Carnival Is Almost Here... Almost

The word Carnival brings to mind an assortment of images; for music lovers it might mean heated Calypso shows and for children it brings to mind amusement park rides and cotton candy. To those who enjoy Caribbean delicacies Carnival may mean food fair and food/drink booths at the village. And to anyone who has experienced the Carnival parades the word certainly brings to mind steel drums, bands, colorful costumes, people of all ages dancing in the streets, mocko-jumbies and fireworks. And if none of these images came to mind, perhaps you have never experienced Carnival in the U.S.V.I. Join us now, as we introduce you to Carnival!

There is no denying that Virgin Islanders love Carnival! It is the most anticipated cultural event of the year! Carnival is a festival celebrating freedom through dancing, singing, parades, pageantry, music, drinks, food, friends and fun. It includes nightly displays of talented bands and individual musicians, pageants for Carnival royalty and fairs showcasing local crafts, food and drinks. Carnival however is much more than a large party. It is an exposition of culture and a treasured tradition that is passed down year after year.

It draws on African and European customs including music, dancing and masquerades. Carnival can be found throughout the Caribbean and is celebrated on various islands at different times of the year. In the United States Virgin Islands Carnival events take place on St. Thomas in April/May, St. Croix in December/January and St. John in June/July.

St. Thomas

The carnival tradition in St. Thomas began in 1912, however it would be 38 years before the festival would become an annual event. In 1952 Ron de Lugo revived Carnival in St. Thomas and we have been celebrating every year since. St. Thomas hosts the second largest Carnival cultural celebration in the Caribbean. It is a month long event that includes calypso shows, food fair, queen pageants, steel pan shows, parades and more. St. Thomas’ annual post-Easter Carnival is an incredible spectacle of spirit and tradition.

St. John

Carnival in St. John is a combination of celebrating the traditions of carnival with emancipation and independence. A month long event; festivities include musical venues, the village, food fair, parades and fireworks. St. John Carnival occurs in late June and traditionally culminates on July 4th with a 4th of July Carnival parade. Although St. John has a smaller population then it’s sister islands it certainly comes to life for Carnival. More specifically Cruz Bay comes to life as all the events are centered in the Cruz Bay area. Ferries making trips between St. Thomas and St. John are usually filled as Carnival revelers head over for special events like the opening of the village and the parade.

St. Croix

St. Croix hosts its Carnival Festival events during Christmas through New Year. Christiansted and Frederiksted share responsibilities of having events. Calypso shows, Latin music venues, food fairs, horse races, parades and more contribute to the spectacular month long event. The adult’s parade, often the last big event of Carnival, coincides with Three Kings Day.

Activities, both private and public, come to a slow stop during the month long events anticipated for Carnival celebrations. Preparations start months before Carnival with costume making, rehearsals for the parade and competitions. In the first few days of Carnival there are pageants for king and queen of the band, Carnival queen and prince and princess. The tempo of Carnival picks up with numerous musical events like calypso shows and steel pan venues. The action intensifies with the opening of the village, food fair and j’ouvert. Carnival raps up with parades and often a beautiful display of fireworks.

Under The Sea....

Marine Wonders

Virgin Islands sea life is one of the true wonders of the islands. The marine world is amazingly varied. Colorful animals and plants thrive in the tropical waters surrounding the Virgin Islands.

The fantastic array of underwater life has made the Virgin Islands one of the most popular places for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Without a doubt one of my absolute favorite things to do is to throw on my mask and snorkel and watch the amazing creatures that live just feet from the shore.

You'd need an entire encyclopedia to describe the full range of Virgin Islands sea life! Here are just a few of the animals and plants you're likely to see when you explore underwater. 

Virgin Islands Sea Life: Turtles

There are several species of sea turtles living in the waters of the Virgin Islands. The most common are the Hawksbill, Green, and Leatherback. They come here to nest, laying their eggs on sandy, secluded beaches.

Virgin Islands Sea Life: Corals

The colorful coral reefs surrounding the Virgin Islands are some of the most diverse ecosystems anywhere. They host an almost unbelievable variety of Virgin Islands sea life, from simple single-celled creatures to giant groupers and sea turtles.

There are dozens of different kinds of corals in the waters of the islands.

Virgin Islands Sea Life: Fish

There's a staggering array of fishes living in the waters of the Virgin Islands. They're certainly some of the most noticeable and appealing forms of Virgin Islands sea life.

Just on the coral reefs, there are literally hundreds of different fish species. You'll see small, aggressive damselfish, colorful, coral-munching parrotfish, darting wrasses, and a whole host of species living in and around the coral.

In more open waters, you find schools of fast-swimming jacks, mackerel, and grunts. Many of these swim in from open waters to feed around the reefs, preying on the many smaller fish that make their homes among the corals.

Among Virgin Islands sea life in the deeper open sea, you find large game-fish like marlin, tuna, bonito, and wahoo.

HELPFUL HINTS FOR VISITING THE VIRGIN ISLANDS

The proper greeting.

In the hustle and bustle of State side life, it's easy for proper greetings to be over looked or even considered unnecessary. Things move a bit slower here, and this idle chit chat is part of island culture. When striking up a conversation with a local, always start with "Good morning," "Good afternoon," or "Good night". My parents made this dreadful mistake the first time they came to visit. They walked up to the groundskeeper at their resort and asked where the restrooms where. The local groundskeeper, being offended, simply walked away. Remember to start each conversation with one of these greetings, depending on what time of day it is, and you could even throw in a "How are you today" for extra measure. Locals here are very rooted in the their culture, yet at the same time very eager to help, so a little niceness goes a long way. 

Don't ask for a weather forecast. Just don't do it. 

Now I understand that in most places on our beautiful planet you can turn on the television and watch the weather report and get a pretty good idea of what the weather is going to be like for the next few days. Well, that doesn't happen around here. Tropical conditions are unstable and you never know what's going to happen next, so get used to it. Add our steep mountains into the mix and the weather on a day to day basis becomes a bit of a roller coaster. It could start out as a warm sunny day, then the island gets smacked with a rainstorm, but don't panic wait five minutes and it will be over. A leisure drive around the island could take you to elevations that are far above sea level, and can definitely be felt in the temperature. Just step off the plane with a "You never know" attitude and you should be just fine.

Be prepared for a simpler way of life. 

We have no Wal Marts. We have no major shopping malls. We don't even have any interstates, highways or bridges. (Expect for one bridge - the Bridge to Nowhere. Ask a local the story behind that one. It's good for a laugh.) But that's quite okay with us. You'd be surprised what you don't even miss that you don't have. What we do have here are are mix of interesting people form all over the planet (and a few that claim they are from a different planet, but that's another story). open air markets with fresh fruits and veggies, cheap rum (because it's made here), miles and miles of pristine beaches and sunsets so inspiring that they end up on post cards. 

20 Reasons Why You Should Never, Ever Visit The U.S. Virgin Islands

20. Its airport is basically in the sea. Big deal.

Can you think of a duller way to start a vacation than by landing in an airport that’s surrounded by the Caribbean Sea? And it’s not even a little runway, as the Cyril E. King Airport has one of the biggest reclaimed landing strips in the area. Plus, it’s on U.S. land, so Americans won’t even get a passport stamp. Bummer.

19. Looking for year-round sunshine? Don’t come here.

There’s a pitiful average of just eight hours of sunshine a day in this hellhole, going up to maybe a mediocre nine hours in March and April. Worse still, around Christmas there are only seven hours of sun per day – which is frankly embarrassing, really.

18. Want consistently warm, tropical temperatures? Better go someplace else.

Summer in the U.S. Virgin Islands means wildly unpredictable temperatures ranging from 74° F to 90° F. Then in the winter, that can drop to a downright frosty 70° F. So if you must go here, pack your thermal underwear. And layer up for a dip in the sea, too, as its temperature can get up to a measly 82° F. Brrrr!

17. Do you like your beaches quiet, mile-long and traffic free? Then stay away.

Definitely keep clear of Cinnamon Bay on the island of St. John: nothing but 5,280 feet of unspoiled white sand next to clear blue water. It’s also completely free from tourist-trap resorts and airports, resulting in your ears being subjected to nothing but the constant din of waves lapping against the shore. Torture.

16. Want lots of sunbathing options? Go elsewhere.

Someone wasn’t thinking of the U.S. Virgin Islands when they coined the phrase “variety is the spice of life.” St. Croix, for example, has a measly 23 heavenly beaches on which to get a deep bronze tan. And it gets worse on St. John, where there are just 17 such glorious sunbathing spots. At least St. Thomas makes a bit more effort with its 40-plus paradisical beaches. Could do better, though.

15. It’s not for adrenaline junkies…

Zip-lining through verdant woodlands, jet skiing through the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea, diving off St. Croix and sky diving over St. Thomas – all while drenched in tropical sunshine. Sounds like an adrenaline junkie’s worst nightmare, doesn’t it? Best stay away.

14. Nor the adventurous type…

If participating in challenging hikes surrounded by near-perfect scenery sounds idyllic then, sorry, but St. John is one place to strike off the must-visit list. Take the island’s Reef Bay Trail, for example. One of a mere 20-odd hikes on offer, its rocky route takes in a bit of island history, falls in elevation by 900 feet and ends up near an idyllic beach. Boring, right?

13. Nor people who are fascinated by incredible history.

Yet another thing the U.S. Virgin Islands certainly doesn’t have is an interesting past. Who cares if parts of it at one time or another belonged to the English, Dutch, Spanish and French? Or that you can take in the remains of old sugar farms, a jail and a rum still within just half an hour’s walk of one another? Anyone?

12. Love amazing marine life? Avoid this place like the plague.

The chances of seeing anything interesting underwater are pretty slim, what with the islands’ derisory 500 varieties of fish. Plus, there are loads of colorful coral reefs and seagrass fields getting in the way, so divers may as well have their eyes closed. Don’t know why you’d bother, really.

11. Its exotic bird life is nothing to write home about either.

It’s such a shame for vacationing ornithologists that the U.S. Virgin Islands has just the 144 bird species. And this pitiful variety of avian life hangs around all year, living in a diverse range of environments, from the coasts to the towns. Still, who cares?

10. If you’re a sucker for delicious island cuisine, don’t get your hopes up.

With its mix of Caribbean tradition and influences from no fewer than seven European colonies, St. Croix offers almost nothing good to eat. Ditto St. Thomas and St. John. Unless visitors happen to like fresh seafood. Or curried chicken. Or French food. Or Asian cuisine. Apart from that, though, there’s nothing. Oh, except for Italian and Mexican dishes. So it’s basically a culinary wasteland.

9. If you like beautiful colonial architecture, there’s nothing to see here, folks.

It’s not like Christiansted, the capital of St. Croix, comes complete with a seven-acre National Historic Site that includes five impressive structures and fine examples of Danish colonial architecture. Okay, maybe it does, but does St. Croix have six pre-1850 churches, one of which is on the National Register of Historic Places? Er, yes it does, but… y’know… there could be more.

8. Traditional West Indian art and culture is almost impossible to find.

Visitors walking around the islands of St. John, St. Croix and St. Thomas will hear every type of Caribbean music, from calypso to steel pan. They’ll also probably take in colorful street murals, watch stilt dancers known as Mocko Jumbies and catch a carnival or two. Yeah, not much in the way of culture here.

7. It’s only got one world-renowned rum distillery. One!

If the idea of sipping freshly made rum from a world-renowned distillery appeals, then don’t come to the U.S. Virgin Islands. It’s only got one such remarkable distillery – Cruzan Rum – across the four main islands, so it’s probably best to stay at home.

6. Pampering? Relaxing? No, nothing like that going on here.

Why visit the luxurious Beauty Lounge of Caneel Bay on St. John, or bother to indulge in a heavenly massage at The Buccaneer’s Hideaway Spa on St. Croix? It’s far too much hassle, surely. Crazy idea.

5. Don’t bring your kids here – they’ll be so, so bored.

Kids will be hard pushed to find something to do on the U.S. Virgin Islands – not counting, of course, the marine theme park, arts and crafts classes, swimming, snorkeling, and watersports activities. Seriously, don’t bring them; they’ll get soooooo bored.

4. Basically, if you want to get away from it all, go elsewhere.

Water Island must be the worst place on Earth for peace and quiet. The fact that there are no cabs, no buses, no resorts and no stores on this, the smallest of the four principal U.S. Virgin Islands means that there’s just the relentless racket of its massive 200-strong population, who barely fit on the ample 491 acres. Way too packed for our liking.

3. It’s not for people who want to get their sea legs.

With miles of pristine ocean, relatively clear seaways and a constant easterly trade wind throughout the year, there’s very little here to recommend for people hoping to sail. It’s probably best to stick to the well-trodden British Virgin Islands – because who needs surprises, anyway?

2. It doesn’t have anything remotely like awesome tales of audacious pirates…

Historians have panned the idea that Blackbeard’s Castle, on St. Thomas’ Government Hill, was the 18th-century lookout for the famous pirate. So don’t go there in any way expecting exciting swashbuckling tales, a fascinating history and spectacular views, or anything like that. You’ll be sorely disappointed.

1. Or a bustling waterfront where you can take it all in.

The only things to discover at the Havensight waterfront on St. Thomas are thriving stores and eateries and a cable car ride that ascends 700 feet to the top of Flag Hill. At the hill’s summit, there’s even a bar, a spectacular view and a nature trail. What’s to love? Put the credit card back in the wallet; this year’s family vacation will need to be reconsidered.