MAIN Beaches US US Virgin Islands Beaches

First "discovered' and named by explorer Christopher Columbus who happily went off course to discover the New World in 1492, today millions of tourists can lose themselves every year in the exciting nightlife of steel bands and pina coladas in the US Virgin Islands..

The major island of the three, St. Thomas is where most tourists will land -- more specifically in the capitol, Charlotte Amalie, which is also the main port of call.

After a long day at the beach, souvenir shopping and the night life in St. Thomas is arguably the next best attraction. For adventure travelers, the next morning can find you swimming or snorkeling to your heart's content on St. Croix, or exploring the flora and fauna on St. John.

Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, often the first stop on a tour of the US Virgin Islands.

And, did we mention the spectacular sunsets?

Island hopping has never been more fun, or easy, than in the US Virgin Islands.

Best snorkeling: Trunk Bay

DID YOU KNOW? US Virgin Island fun facts:

• There are about 550,000 people that travel to or are tourists every year to the US Virgin Islands, about 5 times more than the actual population.

• The underwater trail in Trunk Bay, St. John is considered one of the best places to snorkel in the Caribbean, and is marked with underwater signs.

• The U.S. Virgin Islands is the only location in the United States where you drive on the left side of the road.

• People from St. Thomas are called St. Thomians. People from St. John are St. Johnians. People from St. Croix are called Crucians.

also see -> Caribbean tourism

More about US Virgin Island beaches around the Web:

St. Thomas, Virgin Island Beaches - Take the 'round the island tour with stops at Coki Point, Sapphire, Bluebeard Beach, and more with child-friendly ratings, amenities, beach descriptions.

Virgin Islands Map - Get to know the islands via interactive maps showing resorts, shops, restaurants and more along with related links to additional info.

The Best Beaches in the Virgin Islands at Frommer's - The travel experts give their top choices on St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John, with related photo slideshow and map.

Virgin Islands National Park - The area covering most of St. John, and nearly all of Hassel Island in the Charlotte Amalie harbor on St. Thomas with info on activities, visit planner, maps, photos.