Those who travel to the Virgin Islands can anticipate all the customary delights of the Caribbean: coral reefs, silky shores, romantic hideaways and reagee rhythms. It's not uncommon to see brightly hued parakeets, pelicans and canaries.

Vacationers also expect warm, balmy weather in this region. Day temperatures range in the 80s and rarely does it rain. All this is conductive to a remarkable variety of plant life, from lichen and mosses to fruit trees and orchids. The main islands of St. Thomas and St. John display an abundance of tropical foliage with St. Thomas having 1,220 different plants in 32 square miles. St. Croix just may be the most fragrant isle with 42 varieties of orchids and almost double that amount of morning glories.

The terrain of the Virgin Islands is a marvelous mixture of rugged coasts and satiny shorelines created long ago from volcanic explosions. Some of the beaches, Magens Bay, Trunk Bay, and Hawk's Nest are ranked among the very best. With its crystal blue water and gentle palms swaying in the breeze, this little corner of the world is a breathtaking sight to behold.

Water sports enthusiasts seem to agree that the waters of the Virgin Islands offer some of the greatest sailing, boating and fishing in the world. Both power and sail vessels are plentiful in the Caribbean to ensure its visitors get exactly the adventure they're seeking. St. Thomas is considered the charter boat hub of the Caribbean, while adjacent islands offer serene coves for sailing or anchoring. Tradewinds, wave action and warm water all contribute to an enjoyable day at sea. The range of trips by boat includes day sails, high-speed ferry rides and sundown cruises.

Beneath the water is a whole new world to explore. For snorkelers and scuba divers, those turquoise waters provide a glorious look at the life below the sea. Beautiful and mysterious creatures of the deep feed on spectacular coral reefs of violet, yellow, orange and red. Reefs of elkhorn and brain coral are home to an entire underwater civilization including some of the most challenging sport fish anywhere. Saltwater anglers are likely to have blue marlin, wahoo, kingfish and tuna among their catch. Well-seasoned sailors and novice seafarer alike will find unlimited pleasure on and below these waters.

Saint Thomas

The ever-popular Magens Bay of St. Thomas is surrounded by luxurious villas of the wealthy. Its world-renowned pristine beaches from a mile-long horseshoe around the bay. Its an excellent place to sink your toes in the velvety sand or take a refreshing swim in placid waters. From the top of Magens Bay lies Dreake's Seat, so named for Sir Francis Drake who reportedly used this panoramic spot for his lookout.

The Morning Star Beach is a very public place to which the resident population flocks on weekends. While there's little peace or privacy here, the many bars, restaurants and water sports make this a lively retreat for those seeking fun in the sun.

A breathtaking 360 degree view of marine life awaits visitors of the Coral Word, an underwater observatory. Guests are invited to pet a starfish, observe shark feeding, shop or dine at this popular attraction.

An eclectic mix of architecture rests on St. Thomas where the structures have withstood the influences of Danish and German settlers, French refugees, pirates, slaves and military forces. Bluebeard's Castle, a stone fortress perched above the town, was built as a watchtower at the onset of the Danish settlement on St .Thomas. The complex now houses hotel and restaurants. Blackbeard's Tower dates to 1679 when it served as a lookout to alert forces at Fort Christian of enemy attacks by sea.

The history, and heritage od St. Thomas is evident from its tiny store fronts to the grandiose mansions of dignitaries. The shops originally were pirate warehouses and signs affixed to them are both English and Danish. The finest shops and boutiques that line Main Street and Palm Passage cater to a clientele interested in fine-quality goods. Because the merchandise is duty-free in the Virgin Islands, the savings to consumers can be substantial. To many, shopping here is superior to any place in the world.

Surely one of the most stunning views to see in St. Thomas is its capital Charlotte Amalie. Named 1691 for the Queen of Denmark, this natural deep water port is harbor to the many cruise ships that docks near Havensight Mall. Most of the St. Thomas 51,000 residents live in Charlotte Amalie.

If you like St. Thomas by day, you'll be nothing short of enchanted by its sunsets. The warm evening sun casts a picture-perfect glow over the island. As nightfall progresses, thousands of twinkling lights luminate the ships in harbor and shimmer across the bay.

Saint Croix

The sugar cane plantations and ruins may well be St .Croix's most fascinating attraction. Knowledgeable tour guides of the St. Croix Landmark Society relate stories of 18 th century plantation life. Over 150 windmills circled in these parts for more than a century. Virtually every inch of soil fit for cultivating was used to grow sugar cane, which the planters revered as "gold". The Estate Whim sugar mill operated a Duch-type windmill and an animal mill powered by oxen, mules or horses. Once the steam engine was introduced, however, these mills were no longer used. The giant steam-powered mill required a towering chimney to create a draft for the engine.

The Whim Greathouse constructed in the 1700s is an oval building nearly 100 feet long and 35 feet wide. Its neoclassical style features walls almost three feet thick built of limestone ..

Visitor to the estate are welcome to view other points of interest such as museum, gift shop, caretakers cottage, watch house, distillery and apothecary.

St Croix. largest of the Virgin Islands, offers romantic vistas of rolling hills and gorgeous island blooms - so lush it's virtually unforgettable. The shallowness of its harbor prevents cruise ship from docking, but a fleet of yachts is always anchored in the wharfs. Across the way is the Hotel on the Protestant Cay. The isle's name dates to the late 1600s when non Catholics refused to be buried on the main island and were thus laid to rest here.

Christiansted, the larger of the two towns here, is known for its well-preserved historical sites. Jaunt over two King Street if shopping strikes your fancy. This is one of the major shopping locales where hand wrought jewelry, exotic perfumes, Cruzan rum and other island specialties are available, all duty.free! Also on King Street is the Government House, landmark public building of the island.

Fort Christiansvaern was erected by the Danes in 1774 to shield the harbor. The National Park Service manages the fort which is thought to be one of the best-preserved 18 th century forts in Caribbean.

Magnificent lawns and flora captivate audiences at the St. George Village Botanical Gardens on St. Croix. There is so much to be admired here: delicate hibiscus, the showy pink and purple blooms of bougainvillea that sprawl across this old sugar mill and brilliant red and orange petals that adorn the flamboyant. The 16-acre estate features a Crucian Rain Forest along with the restored great house, rum factory, baker's shop and dam od the St .George Village sugar plantation.

Guests of the Virgin Islands will be hard-pressed to find more accommodating inns, villas and hotels than on St. Croix.

The finest amenities and seaside views await at Carambola Beach Resort at Davis Bay Beach. Those who enjoy a challenge should partake in a round of golf at its lush and expertly manicured course.

Likewise , the Buccaneer Hotel, a powder pink beauty fringed with palm trees, offers golf and tennis facilities with an ocean of blue as a backdrop. After a day of sporting here, consider indulging an a meal of sumptuous island cuisine served in the elegant banquet room.

The easternmost point of St .Croix is at Point Udall where cactus and other succulents thrive in the warm, dry climate. When Christpher Columbus sailed his second voyage in 1493, Point Udall is the part of the Virgin Island he sighted first.

Trek down a seaside path to a white sand beach and inviting blue-green waters at Grape-tree Bay. Graceful palms and seagrape trees will be swaying to a constant tropical breeze.

The coral reefs off Buck Island are a nature lower's dream. Sailboats and power cruisers deliver the adventuresome to this isle. Once below the water, marked trails guise snorkelers and divers to some of the most prolific coral in the Caribbean. Spectacular green, yellow and purple branches exist in what is America's only underwater monument. On land, a one-mile nature trail spans the course of the island where over 40 species of birds inhabit more than 60 species of trees.

Grassy Point, on St. Croix's south side, is one of the few shores that does not have sand. Here the green blades of grass are washed by gentle ocean waves.

Saint John

St. John, smallest and most tranquil of the Virgin Islands, has been called "an emerald set in sparkling seas". When you see it, you will know why. Put the beaches of St. John your "must-see" list. Beaches of sugar-fine sand framed by lush foliage are ideal for lounging beneath these tropical skies. Hawksnest beach rims the north shore and is a favorite among the locals, especially at the height of the tourist season.

Cinnamon Bay is just one of the glistening bays managed by the National Park Service. Two-thirds of St.John is protected by the Park Service, and that includes everything from the neon fish along coral reefs to the campgrounds.

The slow-motion lifestyle of Cruz Bay embraces travelers who want to relax and unwind. The town is so laid back, in fact, that t-shirts and sneakers are about as "formal" as one dresses. Unlike other islands, there's no frenzy to "shop,shop,shop!". Besides the very modern Mongoose Junction shopping center, there are just handful of shops. Cruz Bay is just right if all one desires is peace and serenity.

Thanks to a meticulous Park Service, the beaches on St. John are special places indeed. Jet skis and and deep draught vessels are prohibited and the shores are free from commercialization.

Trunk Bay, the island's most popular and surely one of most stunning, is ideal for swimming. Visitors can lounge in the sun, frolic in the water or picnic beneath the shade of the sea grape tree.

Farther east lies Maho Bay, a waterside campground designed to maintain this region's natural beauty .and beautiful it is!

Canel Bay is with the utmost in upscale accomodations, the well-to-do make reservations at its luxurious hotels and villas. The elite clientele here has access to posh gardens, tennis courts and seven beaches spread over 170 acres.

Perhaps one of the more curious sights along the way is is that of the Christ of the Caribbean. This giant concrete statue of Jesus towers over the ruins of the Denis Bay Plantation. It was commissioned by a mainlander and erected about 40 years ago. It was donated to the Virgin Island National Park in the 1975. The enormous sculpture sets on an area called "Peace Hill" as a symbol of "inner and outer peace".

 

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