(LifeWire) - Welcome to the US Virgin Islands
The US Virgin Islands are a United States territory comprised of 50 islands, but there are only three that are major vacation spots: bustling St. Thomas, more sedate
St. Croix and positively idyllic St. John. A former Danish colony, the US Virgin Islands offer charming historic towns, some of the Caribbean's best snorkeling and diving spots, pristine white beaches and the region's primary duty-free shopping hub. West Indian and Danish cultures mix seamlessly here, but expect plenty of American influence, from the language to the food.
Getting There
Direct flights are a sanity-saver for families - especially those with small children - and you're in luck if you're flying to the Virgin Islands from such cities as Atlanta, Baltimore, Detroit, Miami or New York. Flights from other US and international cities usually require a connection in Puerto Rico to continue to St. Thomas or St. Croix. To reach St. John, which has no airport, you must take a ferry (a 45-minute journey from Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas's main city, or 20 minutes from Red Hook, on the island's eastern edge).
Families also appreciate speedy trips from the airport, and both St. Thomas and St. Croix have plenty of taxis to whisk you to the beginning of your stay in paradise. Be aware, though, that the airports on both islands are near the western coasts, and car rides to resorts in the eastern ends can take 30 to 45 minutes. St. John's ferry dock is in the heart of Cruz Bay, the island's main town, within 20 minutes of most of the best hotels and resorts by taxi.
How's the Beach?
Magens Bay, on the north coast of St. Thomas, is a beautiful calm beach, protected in a deep bay; white sand; nearly a mile of beach; entrance fee. To snorkel on St. Thomas, head to Coki Beach, near Coral World Ocean Park in the east end.
St. Croix's best beach for families is actually five miles north of its coast on Buck Island. It's one of the best places in the Caribbean to snorkel.
St. John is known for its pristine beaches, and none is more popular than Trunk Bay Beach, a great spot for snorkeling and equipped with facilities such as a snack bar and lockers. The beaches along the northwestern coast, where Trunk Bay is located, are usually more crowded and lively than those on the other sides of the island.
Family-Friendly Resorts
The US Virgin Islands offer a wide range of resorts, and most will welcome you with appealing family-friendly amenities. Some choices:
The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas: Located on the eastern end of the island, this recently renovated resort offers children's snorkeling and scuba outings, babysitting services, and top-flight Ritz Kids programs (ages 5 to 12) including such activities as sandcastle building and arts and crafts.
Frenchman's Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort, St. Thomas: Near Charlotte Amalie and its harbor, this beachfront AAA three-diamond property is one of the largest in the islands. Amenities include a children's pool, babysitting and pirate storytelling, as well as family scavenger hunts.
The Buccaneer, St. Croix: Just a five-minute drive from historic Christiansted, this family-owned resort is a fine place to combine beach fun with golf. The Kids' Camp (for ages 4 to 12) and special family rates make this one of the preferred options for families.
Chenay Bay Beach Resort, St. Croix: Also on the north coast of the island near Christiansted, this resort has 50 cottages, each with their own front porch and some configured for families of four or eight. The Cruzan Kidz program (ages 4 to 12) keeps the kids busy with outdoor activities.
The Westin St. John Resort & Villas: Close to both Cruz Bay, St. John's main town, and Virgin Islands National Park, this collection of rooms, suites, and villas is located on a private beach. Bath toys and personalized sports bottles are nice children's perks in addition to the Westin Kids Club (ages 3 to 12).
Estate Concordia Eco-Tents, St. John: About 40 minutes from Cruz Bay, this green resort is an environmentally sensitive step up from camping; cottages have private bathrooms and kitchens, and several units are wheelchair-accessible. There are limited children's programs, but kids under age 16 stay free in parent's room during the winter season.
Attractions & Fun Outings
St. Thomas is primarily known for its shopping: Charlotte Amalie is the duty-free hub of the Caribbean. Leave the cruise-ship hordes behind by taking the St. Thomas Skyway to Paradise Point, enjoying the views of the harbor from 700 feet. For a different perspective, head to the island's northeastern shore to visit Coral World Ocean Park, where the underwater observatory allows you to view the coral reef at 15 feet below sea level. Kids also enjoy the shark, turtle and sting ray exhibits.
On St. Croix, the town of Christiansted preserves its Danish heritage as a national historic site featuring attractions such as Fort Christiansvaern and the Danish Customs House. You also shouldn't miss the opportunity to snorkle at Buck Island Reef National Monument, located five miles from the northern coast of the island; special instruction is provided for kids and beginners of all ages.
Two-thirds of St. John lies within the Virgin Islands National Park, with plenty of hiking trails and pristine beaches to explore. Annaberg, a former sugar plantation in the park, features basketweaving and johnnycake cooking demonstrations that children may enjoy. Be sure to take your kids to the park's visitor center for a Junior Ranger workbook - they'll receive a badge if they complete the tasks during their visit.
More US Virgin Islands Tips
- US citizens do not need a passport to travel between the continental US or Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.
- US citizens have a duty-free shopping limit of $1,600.
- For resorts and major attractions, always check recent visitor comments at a site such as TripAdvisor.com.
- Top Things do to in the US Virgin Islands - For Families
- US Virgin Islands Guide at About.com's Caribbean Travel site
