John and the British Virgin Islands. This means that you will be able to take day trips to nearby attractions and really spread your wings. Thomas also has more dining and entertainment options than St. Croix, but it is not as culturally diverse or historically interesting as its larger sister. Croix is the largest of the U. Virgin Islands and is located about 42 miles south of St. The island has been influenced by the French, the Dutch, the British, the Spanish and even the Knights of Malta, which could explain its rich cultural diversity.
Rum distilleries, sugar mills and once majestic plantation houses can be seen all over St. Croix, and arts, crafts and music festivals are held throughout the year. While not as glamorous as St. Thomas, St. Croix still has plenty of entertainment options including a casino, amazing restaurants, several golf courses and, of course, stunning beaches.
Croix vacation rentals. American visitors will need a passport to visit the British Virgin Islands, but that is a small price to pay to experience all that these incredible islands have to offer. Tortola and Anegada are two islands that are as different as St. Thomas and St.
Croix, but they both have a lot to offer. Tortola is by far the largest of the two islands, and it may be the ideal choice if you just want to relax and unwind. You could even grab a surfboard and catch some waves at Cane Garden Bay! Explore Tortola vacation rentals. Anegada is to the BVI what St. John is to the USVI. While a lot flatter than its American counterpart, Anegada matches St. John in many ways. The other Virgin Islands were formed by volcanic activity, but Anegada is made out of coral and limestone.
Its numerous reefs are considered some of the best scuba diving spots in the Caribbean, and the island is also home to a dizzying array of wildlife including flamingos and rare rock iguanas. Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke are a study in contrasts. One is known for luxury and sophistication while the other has a reputation for being a party paradise. Known for its fabulous beaches, secluded coves and meandering nature trails, Virgin Gorda attracts both the adventurous and those who just want to rest and soak up the sun.
If you fall into the latter category, you may want to set aside a day or two to hike up Gorda Peak and visit the Baths. The top of Gorda Peak offers up some of the best views in the Caribbean, and the Baths are a natural wonder featuring picturesque grottos formed by massive granite boulders.
Explore Virgin Gorda vacation rentals. The town of Christiansted is another top sight to see during a visit to St. Tortola is the largest of the British Virgin Islands and perfect for beach lovers. Lounge on white-sand beaches like Lambert Beach to the east, or enjoy the waves of Apple Bay, one of the best places to surf in the Caribbean. Road Town, the capital of the British Virgin Islands, is a lively beach town where you can go swimming, windsurfing, and diving. Stop by the Callwood Rum Distillery just off the beach at Cane Garden Bay, and discover the year-old history of rum distillation on the island.
Tortola is also the jumping off point for one of the most famous shipwreck dives in the Caribbean. RMS Rhone sank because of a powerful hurricane in the late 19th century. Scale to new heights with a hike up Mount Sage to the tallest peak on the island, which offers a panoramic view of lush green islands in the distance and the sweeping ocean below. Take a day trip from Tortola to the gorgeous island of Jost Van Dyke, which is known for its casual atmosphere.
Jost Van Dyke is also home to natural wonders unlike anywhere else in the Caribbean. Another worthwhile day trip from Tortola is to the nearby island of Virgin Gorda, just a minute ferry ride away. According to legend, Christopher Columbus named the island because he believed its shape resembled a woman.
Massive granite boulders eroded over thousands of years to create secluded, shallow pools complete with sugar-white sand. Locals love swimming and snorkeling here for the practically see-through waves and the fact that these beaches are a little more secluded than the always-popular baths.
Browse cruise itineraries online and start planning your luxury cruise to the Virgin Islands today. Share: Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email. Thomas Magens Bay, St. Magens Bay, St. Honeymoon Beach, St.
Cruz Bay, St. Buck Island, St. Fort Frederiksted, St. Road Town, Tortola. Sage Mountain National Park, Tortola. What this means is that they present two very different beach vacations — one more peaceful; the other more exciting. Both have unique histories, and both have sparkling beaches. Read on to learn more. Want to escape to the tropics without the inconvenience of boatloads of other tourists bogarting your beach space?
The British Virgin Islands is your hook-up. Much more laid-back than most resort islands, a bit more expensive, but with way less high-rise condos, chain restaurants and cruise ships, the British Virgin Islands harken back to a time and lifestyle of the Caribbean before tourists descended upon every luxury beach they could get their claws on.
The BVIs are peaceful, with sails dotting the horizon on the forefront of a marvelous sunset; elsewhere, the land is strewn with dirt paths, scattered residents, local stores and markets — in fact, save for certain luxury brands, most international chain retailers are banned by law. Local culture thrives in small boutiques, brightly painted West Indian houses, bars and market stalls selling island crafts and baked goods.
The BVI are for beach purists — no boardwalks, few amenities although certain beaches, especially near resorts or ports will have their own beachside bars or underwater snorkel trails , just a long strip of heaven to dig your feet into while the sun washes over.
Its attractions: Those who sail will find their element between the BVI, the most popular area for sailing in the Caribbean, and scuba divers can explore the wreck of the RMS Rhone, as well as a variety of other shipwrecks — if they can take their eyes off of the vast array of sharksuckers, remora, barracudas and other gorgeous reef fish. Its resorts: Littered all over the smaller islands, luxury resorts are aplenty.
Peter Island Resort and Spa was once home to the rich and famous, the heavy-hitters of history like Christopher Columbus, Sir Francis Drake, the pirate Blackbeard and others far before "tourism" had a name. For more exciting family vacations or days spent walking around a diverse range of attractions with some of the comforts of home, the USVI will do quite nicely.
Croix is home to European-style historical buildings housing art galleries, local crafts markets and authentic Island restaurants mixed with traditional American restaurants. The resorts are less expensive than their British counterparts, while the night comes alive in upscale restaurants, clubs and hopping bars.
0コメント