The U.S. Virgin Islands offers the traveler a chance to experience tropical island life with an American touch.

Located only 80 miles east of Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands are near the "top" of the Caribbean chain, and offer some of the shortest air flights from Miami or other stateside departure points.

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The US Virgin Islands consist of three main islands: St. Thomas, which is the capital; St. Croix, and St. John. Each island is unique. St. Croix has a rainforest on the west end and a developing Agricultural scene. It also boasts the easternmost point in the United States - Point Udall - a terrific photo opportunity. St. John is best known for its National Parks and breathtaking beaches. St. Thomas has a sophisticated modern port  with world famous duty-free shopping, breath taking vistas, rich history and amazing beaches.  Travel between the three islands is easy with regular Ferry and Sea Plane service. 

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English is the main language spoken, with some Spanish and Creole. From its British roots, the islands retain driving on the left side of the road.

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A Brief History of the Islands

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The U S Virgin Islands have been inhabited for thousands of years by early settlers who migrated from South America. The three most prominent groups were the Ciboneys, Arawaks and Caribs. In 1493, Christopher Columbus landed in St. Croix and, since then, seven flags have flown over the islands including Spain, Knights of Malta, France, England, Holland, Denmark and the United States. Early in the island's history are tales of the great pirates, Bluebeard and Blackbeard.

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In 1917, during World War I, the United States bought the Virgin Islands from Denmark to prevent the Virgin Islands from becoming a German submarine base in the Caribbean. During World War II, St. Thomas was developed as a military base.

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In the 1950s the Virgin Islands started to become a preeminent tourist destination for Americans. Today, the Virgin Islands economy is a mix of tourism, agriculture, and light and heavy industry.

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Politically, the Virgin Islands is a Territory of the United States. The Territory was managed by the Departments of Defense and Interior until the passage of the Organic Act (our Constitution) in 1936. Today, the people of the Virgin Islands elect a governor, lieutenant governor, fifteen senators and one non-voting delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives every four years. Virgin Islanders are U.S. citizens but do not vote in national elections.

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Money and Banking

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Currency:

U.S. Dollars. Credit cards (Visa & Mastercard) are generally accepted. Taxis are generally CASH ONLY. ATMs are readily available. Local Banks include Banco Popular, FirstBank and Oriential Bank

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Taxes and Service Charges

Hotel tax: 12.5%. Service charges: 15-20%. No sales tax. Tips or gratuities are "American style" and usually not included in your charges (unless specifically included)

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Geography & Climate of the US Virgin Islands

St. Croix, the largest (82 sq. miles) is the easternmost point of the United States and is surrounded by the Caribbean Sea. St. Thomas (32 sq. miles) and St. John (20 sq. miles) are next to each other 35 miles north of St. Croix. They lie between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Highest points above sea level are: St. Croix, Mt. Eagle 1,165 ft. St. John, Bordeaux Mountain 1,277 ft. St. Thomas, Crown Mountain 1,556 ft. Average daytime temperature 78 degrees in winter and 82 degrees in summer. June-November is considered Hurricane Season, though all major storms have hit the area between the end of August and September. Many businesses close during this time.

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All US Virgin Islands Time Zone

Atlantic Standard Time. No daylight savings time. Generally, sunrise is between 5:30am and 6:30am and sunset 6:30pm-7:00pm, all year around.