MAIN Travel Caribbean U.S. Virgin Islands

With the U.S. dollar recognized as the official currency and English spoken everywhere, the U.S. Virgin Islands boasts some 2 million visitors a year.

Made up of St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John and Water Island, USVI is most popular among Americans looking for an exotic vacation without feeling like they are in a "foreign" country.

Most of them will make the capital city of Charlotte Amalie their home base for the most modern hotels, amenities and swinging nightlife — not to mention that the deep sea harbor is a favorite port of call for the largest cruise ships sailing throughout the Caribbean.

Nearby, the quieter atmosphere of St. Croix also beckons visitors with some of USVI's most spectacular natural beauty, along with historic sites, art galleries, restaurants and lots of duty-free shopping.

For an even more tranquil getaway, St. John has been designated a national park throughout almost its entire extent and remains one of the most undevelopd and laid-back of all the three major islands. Only two resorts exist on the island, with many of its beaches left in their natural state and unspoiled by large hotels.

Independent souls who truly want a quiet getaway should sail (by ferry, from St. Thomas) to the most recent addition to the U.S. Virgin Islands, Water Island. Measuring only 492 acres and sparsely populated, Water Island's only concession to tourism is a number villas and cottages available for rent to visitors.

U.S. Virgin Islands Guide Department of Tourism - The official site with a colorful guide to major attractions on St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John, getting there by air or cruise ship, getting around by car, taxi or inter-island ferry, with hotel directories and guides to restaurants & nightlife, events & festivals.

Virgin Islands Now - Information-packed site with hotels & restaurant guides, activities, attractions, beaches, car rentals, taxi rates, charters, entertainment, fishing, history, shopping, diving & snorkeling, wedding & honeymoon planning, with cruise ship visitor guides, VI relocation maps, photos and weather facts.

Virgin Islands (Caribbean) - Frommer's.com - "Best of" guide to top attractions, beaches, historical sites, hotels & restaurants, nightlife, golf courses, plus general visitor information, practical travel tips and more.

Virgin Islands Travel Information - Lonely Planet guide to insider tips on what to see and do including overviews of St. Thomas, Fort Christian, Virgin Islands National Park and more, with practical travel tips, island history & culture, map, photos & related links.

Virtual VI Guide to St. Thomas - Complete guide to travel services offered throughout the island including boat charters, scuba diving and snorkeling instruction & tours, bars & restaurants, information on taxi rates, ferry schedules and more.

St. John Virgin Islands Beach Guide - Like it says, with directions & photos, and special amenities offered at dozens of top beach locations around the island.

Virgin Islands Maps - Get your bearings in both the U.S. & British Virgin islands with street maps of Charlotte Amalie, Christiansted, Cruz Bay and more.

also see -> Snorkeling & Scuba Diving

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