Welcome

On behalf of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, I welcome you to our islands. Whether you are visiting for business or pleasure, we are delighted you have selected the U.S. Virgin Islands and wish you a most pleasant day.

As you are sure to discover, the U.S. Virgin islands offer four unique islands in one appealing destination. Cultural St. Croix, idyllic St. John, cosmopolitan St. Thomas and tranquil Water Island each have their own special personality. I invite you to experience the distinct and varied offerings in each of our islands. And thanks to their proximity and an array of transportation options, island hopping could not be easier.

On picturesque St. Croix you will step back in time to experience the rich heritage and culture alive in the architecture, cuisine and traditions of the island’s residents. A walk through the charming towns of Christiansted and Frederiksted, a tour of Estate Whim Plantation Museum and a visit to Salt River National Park are just a few of the many remarkable historical places to explore during your stay. A sailing trip to Buck Island National Monument, one of only two underwater monuments in the United States, is an exceptional experience for those who enjoy snorkeling, while the island’s north shore offers many opportunities for spectacular wall diving.

If you seek beautiful beaches and a peaceful, laid-back atmosphere, then look no further than St. John. Two-thirds of the island is a National Park, where you’ll find dozens of pristine white-sand beaches for sunbathing and watersports, and miles of hiking trails for bird-watching and exploring nature. Be sure not to miss the pre-Columbian petroglyphs found along the Reef Bay trail, or a visit to the Annaberg Sugar Mill ruins. Two quaint towns with eclectic shops and restaurants complete the one-of-a-kind St. John experience.

Home to superb dining, an exciting nightlife and duty-free shopping, St. Thomas is the most cosmopolitan of our islands. Our capital, Charlotte Amalie, is the most visited port in the Caribbean and boasts one of the most magnificent harbors in the world. Whether soaking up the sun on one of St. Thomas’ many beautiful beaches, shopping along the downtown waterfront, enjoying panoramic vistas, or visiting island attractions, you will find plenty to fill your days and nights on the island.

Just within the Charlotte Amalie harbor you’ll find Water Island, the smallest of the U.S. Virgin islands. Relax at romantic Honeymoon Beach, roam the island’s hillsides and get to know a few of the 200 residents who call this tiny island home.

Whatever way you choose to spend your vacation in the U.S. Virgin Islands, it is sure to be memorable.

Thank you for choosing the U.S. Virgin Islands, and enjoy your stay.

Sincerely,

Beverly Nicholson-Doty
Commissioner of Tourism

THE UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS
DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM
Post Office Box 6400, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands 00804
Telephone: (340) 774-8784     Facsimile: (340) 774-4390

Dear Very Special Guest:

Welcome to the beautiful U.S. Virgin Islands — St. Croix, St. John, St. Thomas and Water Island. Thank you for choosing our exotic yet familiar destination to rejuvenate your spirit, conduct business or for family fun. Let our guide walk you through the history, culture, foods and colorful characters that make our islands unique.

So many things make our location intriguing, and charting a course for your daily activities depends on whether you choose to relax or be more adventurous. For a more serene vacation, plant an umbrella on one of our amazing white-sand beaches and enjoy a best seller. Alternatively, award-winning spas can take you to a place of tranquility and complete relaxation. Or better yet, enjoy a spa service on the beach.

The excitement of swimming with sea lions, diving a wreck teeming with marine life, parasailing high above the lush landscape, or treasure hunting is sure to get the adrenaline pumping. Kayaking in pristine mangroves, riding the Caribbean's only tramway or exploring the historic towns are also excellent options. Your concierge is a great resource for helping you plan your itinerary.

No visit to our beautiful destination would be complete without a shopping excursion. With no sales tax and a duty-free allowance of $1,600, it will be hard to leave all the bargains behind. Deep discounts, as much as 40 percent off, can be found on electronics, semiprecious stones, crystal, watches, spirits and much more. Make sure you take home some of our locally produced, award-winning Cruzan Rum, available in aged and flavored varieties.

Remember to take time to enjoy our world-class restaurants and unique eateries. Menus offer a range of global cuisines and feature the freshest seafood from our surrounding waters and desserts that are sure to tempt every palate. Our local fare is equally as appetizing. Try our street food like pates (fried dough stuffed with beef, chicken or seafood) and johnnycakes, or have a sit-down meal of fish and fungi (similar to polenta), conch or stewed chicken.

While on island, be sure to catch a show or festival. International artists and groups perform throughout the year, and our local productions are always entertaining.

Thank you choosing to vacation in the U.S. Virgin Islands. It is our pleasure to make sure you have the best experience.

Lisa Hamilton
President, USVI Hotel & Tourism Association

Dear Visitor,

Welcome to this island paradise!

It's my pleasure to partner with the USVI Hotel & Tourism Association and the St. Croix Hotel & Tourism Association as the publisher of Discover. Together with our USVI partner Media Marketing, Inc., HCP/Aboard Publishing is dedicated to providing you the most up-to-date information to help you plan a wonderful stay on St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix. In this guide, we have included sections on sightseeing, dining, entertainment, accommodations, sports and shopping for these enchanting sister islands — everything you need for the perfect travel experience.

Need some ideas on places to explore? Play a round of golf while marveling at the views. Enjoy the thrill of kiteboarding. Go sportfishing for mackerel, bonefish, tarpon, grouper and snapper any time of the year. Savor a delicious meal of locally caught fresh fish with an island twist. Lie on a world-famous beach while sipping a cocktail and forgetting about the world. Or browse the duty-free shops for unique jewelry, handicrafts, liquor and apparel.

Visit www.DiscoverUSVIMagazine.com to make your travel arrangements in advance and plan all the details of an amazing vacation. We know that you'll find Discover both entertaining and helpful. Thank you for choosing the U.S. Virgin Islands as your travel destination. We're sure that you'll want to return over and over again!

Have a great time!

Garry Duell Jr.
Publisher
HCP/Aboard Publishing