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On Land & At Sea on St. Thomas

By Carol M. Bareuther, RD

St. Thomas is a paradise for sports lovers who enjoy active adventures both on land and sea. Some pursuits, such as bird watching, hiking and snorkeling, can be enjoyed on your own and anytime. Other activities, such as kayaking, day sails and golf, require advance reservations. Still other sports like scuba diving and kiteboarding, necessitate some prior skills — such as being able to swim — in order to fully and safely enjoy.

On Land…

Bird Watching. There are over 160 species of birds in the U.S. Virgin Islands including brown pelicans, white cattle egrets, brown boobies, frigate birds, mangrove cuckoos, yellow-breasted bananaquits, warblers, herons and more. Some of the best birding spots are at salt ponds on the east end of the island. The Audubon Club of St. Thomas conducts regular bird watching tours. For more information, call (340) 774-3745.

Golf. Former U.S. President Bill Clinton played golf at the Mahogany Run Golf Course, and you can too. The course is reputed to have some of the most beautiful 18 holes in the Caribbean, with breathtaking vistas that tempt even the most serious golfer to take their eyes off the ball and mind off their play. The real challenge here is the spectacular "Devil's Triangle," a trio of holes that is so challenging that those who play all three without a penalty stroke receive a special, "I Survived The Devil's Triangle" certificate from the Club's Pro Shop. For current rates and booking, call (800) 253-7103, ext. 1 or (340) 777-6006, ext. 1.

Hiking. Serious hikers will want to head to the VI National Park on St. John, where some 26 easy and arduous trails await. On St. Thomas, there's a short steep self-guided nature trail atop Paradise Point that leads to an incredible view off the south side of St. Thomas, with St. Croix visible on a clear day. At the St. Peter Mountain Greathouse, follow an 800-foot nature trail past nearly 200 varieties of tropical plants, including through an amazing orchid jungle. VI Ecotours offers a combination kayak-hike-snorkel that lets you explore the 15-acre deserted island of Cas Cay, a part of the Virgin Islands Park System. The trip takes three hours. Cost is $75 adults and $35 children under age 12.

Animal and Sea Life Encounters. For children and the young of heart, a visit to Coral World Ocean Park is guaranteed to be an entertaining day. With over five acres of aquariums, sea-life pools, nature trails and a unique undersea observatory you can appreciate beautiful and mysterious sea life while staying dry on land. Learn about and interact with sharks, turtles, sea lions, stingray, iguanas and tropical birds. For a truly uncommon experience, take a 45-minute narrated underwater tour in a real (air-conditioned) semi-submarine. For reservations and information call (340) 775-1555, ext. 233.

On the Sea…

Parasailing. Caribbean Parasail and Watersports at (340) 775-9360 offers a 10-minute ride in the sky for $60 per person. Waters are so clear that you'll be able to see the outlines of coral reef from your sky-high perch. Ten locations around the island and free pick-up from hotels.

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving. The many reefs, wrecks and drop-offs that rim the U.S. Virgin Islands offer countless hours of underwater exploration for both beginners and experienced snorkelers and divers. Visibility is excellent — up to 80 feet in many locales — especially in the fall and summer. Even night dives are awesome when nocturnal sea creatures voraciously lap up microscopic morsels with their tendril-like tongues. For snorkeling at night, all you need is a flashlight and strong lungs — and you can also enjoy the wonders of the underwater world in the dark. St. Thomas has several full-service PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) dive shops that offer everything from introductory dives to certification courses and beach or boat dives for seasoned divers. For more information, call Coki Beach Dive Club at (340) 775-4220, Chris Sawyer Dive Center at (340) 777-7804 and Blue Island Divers at (340) 774-2001.

Diving Goes Turbo. Put some zip into your snorkeling with a guided, Power Snorkeling tour. Ultramodern, motorized, handheld snorkeling units are fun, safe and easy to use for both adults and children. Your guide whisks you above and below the surface of the water to see coral reefs up close. Not quite ready to try SCUBA, but being drawn to USVI's sparkling water? Check out Snuba for underwater tours, free from cumbersome dive gear. Or try a fascinating helmet dive for a walk along an underwater trail in the shallow, crystal clear water off St. Thomas. Your helmet supplies air and keeps your head dry while you are fully submerged. Expert guided tours accommodate small groups of just ten people. Contact Coral World Ocean Park in St. Thomas for reservations and information; (340) 775-1555, ext. 233.

Boat Rentals. Renting a powerboat for a day is a great way to island-hop at your own pace. Most rental companies are located on the east end of the island, making it a breeze to zip to the British Virgin Islands for the day — just remember your passport. Customs and Immigrations fees to enter the British Virgin Islands are $20 per person, with a $5 per person departure tax.

The rental fleet on St. Thomas includes 25- to 28-foot Makos, 25-foot Boston Whalers and 26-foot Prowler Catamarans. Boats are usually equipped with a VHF radio, basic safety and navigational equipment, an anchor and a cooler for ice and snacks. Some also are outfitted with a swim ladder and bimini for shade. Rental companies do prefer if you've had previous boating experience; however, you can hire a captain for the day. Prices range from $225 to $480 for a half day and $240 to $570 for a full day, in addition to fuel. Captains cost $115 to $130 per day. For information, call Nauti Nymph at (340) 775-5066, Awesome Powerboat Rentals at (340) 775-0860 or See & Ski at (340) 775-6265.

For the ultimate in luxury, rent a fully crewed power yacht for the day. Magic Moments Luxury Excursions at (340) 775-5066 and Waters Edge Sports at (340) 771-7356 offer 45- and 50-foot Sea Rays, respectively. These sleek cruisers have ample space for dining, lounging and tanning and carefully selected itineraries that include destinations on St. John, the British Virgin Islands and even a few deserted isles. An open bar, gourmet breakfast and lunch, and limit of six guests or less makes for five-star treatment.

Kayaking. VI Ecotours at (340) 779-2155 offers 2 1/2-hour guided kayak tours through the protected Mangrove Lagoon on St. Thomas' southeast side. The whole experience is otherworldly as you paddle deep in the mangroves, away from any man-made noises, and see endangered brown pelicans, blue herons and egrets fishing and sunning. A snorkel stop lets you see a mangrove nursery at work nurturing the next generation of small fish and other sealife. Tours depart at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. daily. Cost is $65 adults and $35 children under age 12. Bring a swimsuit, water shoes, towel and sunscreen.

Kiteboarding. Also called kitesurfing, this extreme water sport combines elements of windsurfing, kite flying and wakeboarding. You can learn to kiteboard in a series of four lessons that take you from basic boarding skills and body dragging, to water starts, riding and re-launching. Each lesson averages two hours. Rates are $125/hour for private lessons or $75/hour for semi-private lessons. The most popular spot for kiteboarding on St. Thomas is False Entrance, off the island's southeast side. Beyond this, any uncrowded beach with side-shore wind and flat water will do. For more information and to arrange lessons, call Island Sol at (340) 776-WIND.

Sailing. Calm seas, crystal-clear waters and close-by islands perfect for picnicking, snorkeling and exploring make St. Thomas a favorite jumping-off spot for half-day, full-day and sunset sails. Full days launch off with an exhilarating cruise across Pillsbury Sound to St. John. There are two snorkel stops, one mid-morning and the other mid-afternoon, with a noontime stop for lunch served in the cockpit while anchored in a quiet cove. In addition to lunch, an open bar, snorkel equipment and other water toys are provided. Per person rates average $100-120. Sunset sails and sunset dinner cruises typically are two to three hour trips priced from $50-85 per person. The itinerary isn't the highlight here, as captains plot a course that takes you just offshore; it's all about romantic ambience. Nightwind at (340) 775-4110, Alaunt at (340) 771-8044 and Winifred at (340) 775-7898 are excellent choices for couples, families or small groups.

SportFishing. The Virgin Islands is a sportfisherman's paradise. Inshore, anglers will find kingfish, mackerel, bonefish, tarpon, amber jack, grouper and snapper any time of the year. Offshore, through the fall, wahoo can range up to 60-80 pounds. Wahoo and yellowfin tuna keep the catching action exciting in the winter. Come spring, dolphin (mahi mahi) appear in large schools during April and May, and individual fish can easily run up to 50 pounds. However, it's big bountiful blue marlin and other billfish species like white marlin and sailfish that attract an international delegation of anglers to Virgin waters come the summer. These billfish bite best along the deep-water drop-off just north of the islands. Called the "North Drop," this is where cool waters and ocean currents bring a bevy of baitfish. Today's conservation-minded anglers always release their catch; they never boat it.

Rates for a half-day of sportfishing average $700 for a party of four to six. Three-fourths day or six-hour trips cost $1,000, while full days are priced at $1,200. Many captains offer a "marlin-only" trip that speeds you directly to the North Drop with no in-shore trolling. These trips are priced at $1,450 to $1,500. All fishing charters do include tackle and baits, and beverages such as bottled water, sodas and beer. Some of the most experienced charterboats are Marlin Prince at (340) 693-5929 and Abigail III at (340) 775-6147.

Windsurfing. Year-round trade winds make this a popular sport. Many beachfront resorts and seaside surf shops rent windsurfers — which are basically surf boards with a single sail attached — in sizes for kids and adults. Some rental shops also offer instructors and lessons. Private lessons are $75/hour and semi-private lessons cost $50/hour. For lessons, call Island Sol at (340) 776-WIND or West Indies Windsurfing at (340) 775-6530. Sapphire Beach, Bluebeard's Beach (in front of the Ritz-Carlton) and Vessup Bay are popular windsurfing spots.

Land Activities

AMERICAN YACHT HARBOR
Red Hook
(340) 775-6454
www.ayhmarina.biz
An Island Global Yachting Property located in the heart of Red Hook on St. Thomas' East End, American Yacht Harbor is a center for boating, dining and shopping. AYH includes 134 slips for vessels up to 110 feet; restaurants and bars (check out the Menu Samplers in the St. Thomas Dining section); and duty-free shops selling boating and fishing supplies, diving equipment, apparel, home furnishings, gifts, spa services, mail services, art and jewelry. Dozens of charter boats, crewed and bareboat, sail from AYH.

A Whale of a Tale: Overlooking the marina, this seafood and pasta eatery is the ultimate in Caribbean dining. (340) 775-1270

Burrito Bay Deli: Mexican and specialty sandwiches, local fare and nightly bar specials. Boat provisioning and catering available. (340) 775-2944

Caribbean Steakhouse & Saloon: Specializing in steaks, pasta and seafood in a fun, casual Caribbean atmosphere overlooking the marina and St. John. (340) 775-7060

Chris Sawyer Diving Center: Two-tank boat dive every morning, one-tank boat dive every afternoon. Famous RMS Rhone dive every Friday. (340) 775-7320

Dolphin Dreams: This eclectic boutique features artisan jewelry, hand-painted clothing and glassware, resort-wear and home accents. (340) 775-0549

Elizabeth Jane's: The Silver Source since 1994 and the original home of the hook bracelet in St. Thomas. (340) 779-1595

Keep Left: A roadside surf-tique featuring tropical clothing, surf-wear, accessories, footwear and gifts for life in the left lane. (340) 775-9964

Lattes in Paradise: Enjoy gourmet coffee and espresso drinks on the deck overlooking the harbor and St. John. (340) 642-4790

Molly Molone's: An Irish pub on the dock serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night snacks. (340) 775-1270

Pure'ly Paws: This shop carries all-natural dog and cat foods and treats, toys, collars, shampoos, beds and gifts. (340) 715-PAWS

Water Activities

BERRY CHARTERS
Hullbay, Northside
(340) 774-7606
www.berrycharters.com
Berry Charters brings you the best of both worlds, above the water and below. Specializing in quality service for small groups, Berry Charters offers some of the best fishing, scuba diving and snorkeling in the Virgin Islands. Explore virgin reefs, fish the waters of St. Thomas or visit uninhabited islands where no other charter boats venture. Whatever you want to do, wherever you want to go, Berry Charters will take you there.

BIG WAVE CHARTERS
Frenchtown
(877) 774-7306, (340) 244-6013
www.bigwavecharters.com
Discover what the Virgin Islands have to offer aboard the "Big Wave." The knowledgeable captain and crew will take you on a day of adventure that can be fully customized. Big Wave Charters offer a wide variety of options including inshore and offshore fishing, snorkeling, sightseeing, access to secluded beaches and island hopping throughout the USVI and BVI. The excursion packages come complete with all necessary equipment and refreshments, and conveniently depart from a location near you.

B.O.S.S. UNDERWATER ADVENTURE
Havensight & Crown Bay
(340) 777-3549
www.bossusvi.com
Experience the ultimate thrill of a lifetime with your own underwater motor scooter! The B.O.S.S. will allow you to view the marvels of the sea with no diving experience necessary… and you are the driver! As you are driving underwater, you will explore the brilliant undersea world and enjoy a guided tour of the stunning colorful fish and tropical reefs of the Caribbean. Join the staff of Aqua Adventures for a truly unforgettable experience!

CARIBBEAN WATERSPORTS & TOURS
6501 Red Hook Plaza, Suite 201, Red Hook
(340) 775-9360
www.viwatersports.com
Are you ready for the unforgettable thrill ride of a lifetime? Experience a high-speed tour on The Screamin Eagle 700 HP turbo-charged jet boat and enjoy fun commentary, beautiful scenery, clear waters, warm sea spray and exhilarating speed with breathtaking 180-degree spins, wild fishtails and power brake stops that will have you yelling for more! Or go parasailing and experience the thrill of powerboating, hot-air ballooning, hang gliding and parachuting all in one.

CHARTER BOAT CENTER
American Yacht Harbor, Red Hook
(340) 775-7990
www.charterboat.vi
Your free personalized service connecting you with an extensive selection of chartering options throughout the Virgin Islands. Whether you are looking to explore the luminous grottos at The Baths on Virgin Gorda, hook a blue marlin at the infamous North Drop or simply sail off into the sunset, their charter specialists are dedicated to matching you with the perfect day.

ELIXIR CHARTERS
Sapphire Beach Resort & Marina
(340) 344-3336
www.elixircharters.com
Elixir, a sixty-foot custom Hatteras, is the largest and finest day charter yacht in the Virgin Islands. A maximum of six guests allows the staff to pamper you with an eggs Benedict breakfast and a filet mignon and lobster tail lunch. Enjoy three fabulous snorkel/beachfront stops, as well as the kayak, double hammock, giant sun pad, air-conditioned salon with a Bose Home Theater System and the open top-shelf bar, which includes vintage wine and champagne. Unforgettable!

MARLIN PRINCE SPORTFISHING CHARTERS
American Yacht Harbor, Red Hook
(340) 693-5929
www.marlinprince.com
Head out on the beautiful blue waters surrounding the Virgin Islands aboard Marlin Prince. This 45' Viking is equipped with tournament-grade tackle to afford you and your family the best fishing experience ever. Captain Eddie Morrison has fished the local waters for 21 years; he will find you the fish. The first mate will assist the beginner or challenge the most seasoned anglers. Cold beverages, A/C interior, cushioned bridge area and great fun are standard.

SEE & SKI POWERBOAT RENTALS
A Dock, American Yacht Harbor, Red Hook
(866) 775-6268, (340) 775-6265
www.seeski.com
See & Ski provides a wide variety of superior-quality, twin-engine 26-foot to 34-foot powerboats, including Prowler Cats, Deck Cats and Scarabs, all top of the line. All are powered by the new fuel-efficient four-stroke Yamaha engines, are Coast Guard approved and come fully equipped with radios, ice chests, large Bimini tops and built-in freshwater showers. See & Ski offers exclusive waterskiing trips, fully rigged fishing boats and sightseeing excursions.

VIRGIN ISLANDS ECOTOURS
Mangrove Lagoon, St. Thomas
Caneel Bay, St. John
(340) 779-2155
info@viecotours.com
www.viecotours.com
Kayak & Snorkel Adventure — A unique, guided multi-eco experience awaits you! Kayak the picturesque Mangrove Sanctuary. Explore a deserted island, mangrove forests, breathtaking views, cliffs and a spectacular blowhole. Snorkel clear protected waters. Award-winning guides identify marine life and interpret the diverse ecosystem. Also offering tours in St. John. "It's fun. It's beautiful. And from the professional guides that lead the tours, it's also educational. It's ecotourism at its best." - Caribbean Travel & Life.

WATERS EDGE SPORTS POWER BOAT & YACHT CHARTERS
American Yacht Harbor, Red Hook
(340) 771-7356
www.stthomasboatrentals.com Experience the Caribbean first-class aboard a Waters Edge powerboat. Choose from an all-inclusive 50-foot luxury yacht or 31- to 35-foot powerboats. Experienced captains will guide you through the islands of the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. Waters Edge now offers all-inclusive sport fishing charters. You can also go tubing, wakeboarding or waterskiing on an extreme charter. Just a short ride to the calm waters of Magens Bay — then let the fun begin!

The Great Outdoors on St. John

By Lynda Lohr

While St. John's beaches are the island's main attraction, the island has lots more to offer when it comes to being active.

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

Water sports are a big draw. You can rent snorkel gear for an easy way to view St. John's stunning undersea world. The underwater trail at Trunk Bay, which has lifeguards, comes complete with explanatory signs. You can rent snorkel gear at Trunk and Cinnamon Bay, as well as at water sports shops located at hotels and in Cruz Bay and Coral Bay.

Get your diving feet wet with an introductory resort course at any one of the island's dive operators. It teaches you the basics, and for a minimal investment of your time and money, gives you a glimpse into the wonderful world of diving. Experienced divers who hold certification cards can explore the colorful reefs off St. John with a dive boat trip.

Windsurfing, Kayaking and Boating

Go windsurfing with or without lessons at Cinnamon Bay, or paddle around in a kayak rented at Cinnamon Bay, Cruz Bay or Coral Bay. From Cruz Bay, you can take a guided kayak or sailing tour to offshore cays.

Powerboats can be rented for longer excursions in Cruz Bay and Coral Bay. If you're unsure of your boating skills, you can hire a captain for the day.

If you prefer bigger boats, set sail on a captained sailboat for a daylong trip. Most boats drop anchor for lunch and snorkeling in St. John's warm and welcoming waters. A few even go to the nearby British Virgin Islands.

Fish for the big one on a boat that departs St. John. Boats head to the North or South Drops or an inshore reef.

Hiking

Folks who prefer to have their feet on firmer ground will enjoy hiking St. John's many trails. Reef Bay is the most popular, and Virgin Islands National Park runs frequent trips down the 2.1-mile path. Meet at the park's Visitor's Center in Cruz Bay for the $6 ride to the trail head on Centerline Road. A park ranger explains the flora, fauna and history as you head downhill. A $15 boat trip brings you back to the Visitor's Center. Of course, you can hike the Reef Bay Trail by yourself, but you'll have an uphill trek to get back to Centerline Road.

If you're without a car, a trail to Lind Point and Solomon Beach starts right behind the Visitor's Center. Another, which can eventually bring you to Caneel Bay Resort, departs from near Mongoose Junction shopping center in Cruz Bay.

Other Sports

In Coral Bay, visitors can hop on a horse for a trip down country lanes.

Tennis aficionados will find several courts to play on. Caneel Bay Resort and the Westin Resort and Villas both have tennis courts, but the public court located near the fire station in Cruz Bay is in good condition and open to all.

And, if you just have to get your golf fix, St. John has a mini-golf course, located on Centerline Road about a five minute drive out of Cruz Bay.

MIXED BAG SPORTFISHING
St. John/St. Thomas
(340) 513-0389, (340) 776-6730
www.sportfishingstjohn.com
Kick off your vacation with the sportfishing experience of a lifetime. A day with Mixed Bag is a MUST. Specializing in LIVE BAIT, Captain Robert Richards and his crew offer year-round offshore and inshore sportfishing. Offshore species include marlin, dorado, tuna and wahoo. Inshore action offers opportunities to catch snapper, kingfish, jacks, shark and more. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned angler, we will exceed your expectations. Pick-ups in St. John/St. Thomas.

The Sporting Life on St. Croix

By Chris Goodier

Visitors discover that St. Croix's wide-open spaces, gently rolling terrain and year-round comfortable air and water temperatures make it an outdoor sports-lover's dream. Golfers can choose from two 18-hole courses — the tournament quality Carambola Golf Club or the Buccaneer Golf Course overlooking the Caribbean. Tennis courts, some lighted for nighttime play, are available at public parks and several hotels.

No experience or equipment is necessary for escorted horseback rides through tropical forests down to the beach or for guided hikes. During winter months, the St. Croix Landmarks Society offers easy-going "Ruins Rambles" into tumbled down 18th-century plantations usually closed to the public.

When it comes to water sports, St. Croix really shines, with its coral reefs accessible to snorkelers right off the beach, steady breezes ideal for kitesurfing and calm waters custom-made for Jet Skis. The island is known by scuba divers around the world for its spectacular Cane Bay wall that drops thousands of feet along the north shore. And if you've never tried diving, experienced instructors will get you under the water quickly with an introductory course and rental gear.

Kids as young as 6 can join guided kayaking excursions through the Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve, and learn about the hostile Indians who greeted Christopher Columbus with bows and arrows when he arrived at this spot in 1493. Paddling past mangrove forests, you'll see dive-bombing pelicans, nesting white egrets, blue herons and green-throated hummingbirds.

Sportfishing is in season here for all local species throughout the year, so anglers can head into the deep to scout out a record-setting blue marlin or reel in a wahoo, dolphin (mahi mahi) or tuna. Even if you don't bring home dinner, your day will be unforgettable.

CARAMBOLA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
Kingshill, St. Croix
(340) 778-5638
www.golfcarambola.com
The Carambola Golf Club is a challenge to golfers of all skill levels and a treat for photographers and sightseers. The secluded driving range and practice green, the swimming pool surrounded by the ruins of an ancient sugar mill, the championship Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed course, and the al fresco restaurant and bar overlooking the 18th green are a treat for friends, family and the serious golfer. Call for tee times, gift certificates, special events and promotions.

CHARIS+
Teague Bay
(340) 773-9027
Take a fast and exciting sail with local sailing legend and calypso recording artist Llewellyn Westerman, now aboard his new 37-foot locally designed and built six-passenger performance trimaran Charis+. He's been sailing to Buck Island National Monument since 1960. Departing at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. from Teague Bay, Westerman assures a fast, comfortable arrival at the underwater trail and beach. Snorkel gear is provided. Personalized sails available. For more information and reservations, call Llewellyn at (340) 773-9027.