Taken together, all three U.S. Virgin Islands - St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John - create the ideal West indies vacation package. Charlotte Amalie, capitol of the islands, typifies the Caribbean town with it's delightful shops and patios, winding streets and Old World, Continental flavor. It's picturesque harbor is among the busiest cruise ports in the Caribbean. Varied nightlife and a resort atmosphere make St. Thomas the liveliest of the U. S. Virgins. The largest of the islands, St. Croix is dotted with the ruins of plantation great houses and secluded beaches. St. Croix also offers shopping and amusement opportunities, but at a slower, less hectic pace.For those seeking peace, quiet and natural beauty, St. John is the archetype of the remote and undeveloped Caribbean isle. The beautiful Virgin Islands National Park covers about two-thirds of the island.
All of the Virgin Islands are havens of lovely beaches and pools, providing excellent scuba diving and snorkeling. Buck Island Reef, 6 miles ( 10 km ) northeast of Christiansted, St. Croix, is the only underwater U.S. national monument. Beginning divers enjoy investigating the more than 300 reefs around the islands; the experienced usually head for spots in Drake's Passage northwest of St. John. In a protected cove near Buck Island off the south shore of St. Thomas is the 190-foot World War I cargo vessel Cartenser Sr. On St.Thomas and St. John, dive shops operating through major hotels offer equipment rental, diving excursions and lessons; there are independent shops as well.
For swimming and sunbathing, Maegans Bay on the north coast of St. Thomas is considered one of the top 10 beaches in the world, as is Trunk Bay on St John. On St. Croix, some of the out-of-the-way inns and hotels have superb beaches and plenty of privacy. Popular beaches include Half Penny, Cramer's Park and Jack's and Isaac's Bays.
|
  |
