United States Virgin Islands – Let’s explore here
What’s it like in the US Virgin Islands?
The United States Virgin Islands are a set of around 80 volcanic islands located in the Caribbean Sea in North America. The islands are territory of the USA. The population of around 87,000 people (2020), about 10% of whom live in the capital city, Charlotte Amalie on the island of Saint Thomas.
The largest island is St. Croix, which is around 22 miles (35 km) long and 7 miles (11 km) wide. The total area of all of the islands is about the same as that of Malta or the Isle of Wight, England, UK. The terrain on the islands consists mostly of hills and forests, with some lovely beaches. The US Virgin Islands’ highest peak is Crown Mountain, at 1,555 ft (474 m) above sea level.
The US Virgin Islands rely heavily on tourism like many other Caribbean islands.
A bit about the history of the US Virgin Islands
The US Virgin Islands have a history marked by indigenous cultures, European colonisation, and their eventual acquisition by the United States.
Indigenous and European Discovery
Before European arrival, the islands were inhabited by the Carib and Arawak peoples. Christopher Columbus arrived in 1493, claiming the islands for Spain. Over the next few centuries, the islands were contested by various European powers.
Danish Colonisation
In the mid-1600s, Denmark established a colony on the islands, naming them the Danish West Indies. The Danish relied on sugar plantations worked by enslaved Africans, which shaped the islands’ economy and society for centuries.
U.S. Acquisition
During World War I, the United States sought to secure the islands for strategic reasons. In 1917, the US purchased the Danish West Indies for $25 million, renaming them the US Virgin Islands. The islands were formally transferred to US control in March 1917.
20th Century and Modern Era
The US Virgin Islands were made an unincorporated US territory, meaning residents are US citizens but do not have full voting rights in Congress. The islands developed a tourism-based economy, attracting visitors due to their natural beauty and historical sites. The islands have also faced economic challenges, including reliance on federal assistance, limited local industry, and periodic natural disasters like hurricanes.
Current travels
The United States Virgin Islands is our 21st planned stop on our tour through the islands of the Caribbean. Having explored the British Virgin Islands, our next stop is the Puerto Rico.
Travelling overland between the islands is quite prohibitive due to the lack of transportation options. Travelling between different island countries via ferry is possible, however, ferries only operate between some islands. Chartering private boats between islands is also possible, although travelling with a car in this way is prohibitive. Flying is another option, although again, flights only operate between some islands.
Map of our road trip around St Thomas, St John and Little Saint James in the US Virgin Islands
This is a map of our planned road trip around St Thomas, St John and Little Saint James in the US Virgin Islands, starting and ending at the capital city, Charlotte Amalie on the island of Saint Thomas.
Map of our road trip around St Croix in the US Virgin Islands
This is a map of our planned road trip around St Croix in the US Virgin Islands, starting and ending at the Airport.
Weather in the United States Virgin Islands
When is the best time to visit the US Virgin Islands?
The best time to visit the US Virgin Islands is from December to April. During these months, the islands have 8-9 hours of sunshine per day and rainfall of 1.9 – 2.9 inches (47 – 74mm) per month. The temperature ranges from 23 – 30°C (74 – 86°F).
When is the worst time to visit the US Virgin Islands?
The worst time to visit the US Virgin Islands is from July to November. During these months, the islands still have 8-9 hours of sunshine per day. However, humidity rises and it rains an average of 2.9 – 6.1 inches (74 – 154mm) per month. The temperature ranges from 25 – 32°C (77 – 90°F).
Hurricane Season in the Caribbean
Hurricane season in the Caribbean runs from June 1 to November 30. Storms tend to be more frequent and more severe in the latter half of the season.
Hurricanes are least likely during December, January and February.
Travel in and around the United States Virgin Islands
Ferries to other islands within the US Virgin Islands
Inter Island Boat Services, Transportation Services of St John and Varlack Ventures travel between the US Virgin Islands.
Love City Car Ferries can transport both passengers and cars between St John and St Thomas.
Ferries to other Caribbean island countries from the US Virgin Islands
Aquatic Rentals Ferry Services, New Horizon ferry Service, Road Town Fast Ferry, Smiths ferry Services and Speedy’s Ferry Services all travel between the US Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.
The ferry between the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico is no longer operational (2024).
What’s it like to drive in the United States Virgin Islands?
They drive on the left hand side of the road in the US Virgin Islands. The majority of the roads in US Virgin Islands are in fairly average to poor condition, although some more minor roads are little more than dirt tracks.
We’ve also created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which you might find helpful 🙂
What currency do they use in the United States Virgin Islands?
In the US Virgin Islands they use the US dollar. Cash is widely used. The use of credit / debit cards is widely accepted in tourist areas. Travellers cheques are not generally accepted. There are many ATMs in tourist areas, although not all accept foreign issued cards.
You should make yourself aware of the amount that your bank charges you for using credit and debit cards abroad. Often credit cards are cheaper for purchasing items directly, and for withdrawing cash from ATMs.
What language do they speak in the United States Virgin Islands?
They speak English and Creole in the US Virgin Islands. Spanish is also spoken by some.
What time zone is the United States Virgin Islands in?
Remember, when you’re planning your next trip to take a look at what time zone it’s in.
Do I need a visa to visit the United States Virgin Islands?
We’ve created a dedicated, more comprehensive page on visas, which you should find helpful. Check it out!
Is wild camping legal in the United States Virgin Islands?
No, wild camping is illegal in the US Virgin Islands.
What plug / socket type do they use in the US Virgin Islands?
In the US Virgin Islands they use plug / socket types A and B.
Health issues in the US Virgin Islands
Is it safe to drink water in the US Virgin Islands?
Yes, it is safe to drink tap water in the US Virgin Islands. Bottled water is also readily available across the country.
What vaccinations are required for the US Virgin Islands?
This NHS website is kept up to date with all relevant information on vaccinations in the US Virgin Islands.
Phones in the US Virgin Islands
What is the country calling code for the US Virgin Islands?
The country calling code for the US Virgin Islands is +1 340
What are the emergency phone numbers in the US Virgin Islands?
- The emergency number for police in the US Virgin Islands is: 911
- In the US Virgin Islands, the emergency number for ambulance is: 911
- The emergency number for fire in the US Virgin Islands is: 911
If you’ve got some useful info that you’d like to share, let us know!
And don’t forget to check out all the other pictures!