DK Travel : Virgin Islands

Mere specks in the Caribbean, the US and British Virgin Islands sit within eyesight of each other. The Stars and Stripes flutters over St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas and the Union Jack over Tortola, Virgin Gorda, and the outer islands, but all offer tropical sun, soft sand beaches, and turquoise sea. In both territories motorists drive on the left, a decidedly British practice, while the US dollar serves as legal tender. However, each island has its own ambience, from the bustle in St. Thomas to downright sleepiness in the outer BVIs.

Royalty Visits the BVI

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip visited Tortola on February 23, 1966 and again on October 26, 1977, riding in a motorcade through the island’s streets. The late Princess Margaret visited on March 8, 1972.
Ruins Rambles, St. Croix

Join St. Croix Landmarks Society members on their monthly rambles through the many ruins that dot the island. The easy 1- to 2-hour guided walks run November through May. Members finish the day with a wine and cheese party. You need to book in advance.
Rum Runners

This local favorite provides an attractive waterfront ambience and excellent food. Try the Greek salad.
Saba Rock Resort, Virgin Gorda

Saba Rock, a mere speck reached only by boat, has special rates for boaters who need a break from the nautical life. Those without a private yacht are picked up by ferry. Nice bar and restaurant.
Sailing in the British Virgin Islands

Year-round balmy weather, gorgeous scenery, and pristine anchorages just a day’s sail from each other make this one of the top sailing destinations in the world (seeSailing in the British Virgin Islands).
Salt Island

Islanders still harvest salt from the three natural ponds that dot this tiny cay. You’re welcome to come ashore to inspect the salt ponds, stroll the beach, and enjoy the solitude. A popular dive site, the Wreck of the Rhone National Park sits just offshore. TheRhone, a 310-ft (94-m) royal mail ship, split in two when it hit Salt Island during an 1867 hurricane. The captain and most of the crew perished.
Salt River Bay National Historic Park & Ecological Preserve

Almost undeveloped, this 948- acre seaside park is where Christopher Columbus sent a party ashore to look for fresh water on his second trip through the New World in 1493 (seeChristopher Columbus Arrives in USVI & BVI). A skirmish with the Carib Indians resulted, with Columbus’s men getting the worst of it. A small hill on the eastern side of the parking area is what remains of an old Dutch earth fort. For more historical information, follow the signs to the Visitor’s Center.
Samuel Hodge, Tortola

The first black man to receive Britain’s Victoria Cross, this Tortola native fought in the 1866 Ashanti wars.
Sandcastle, Jost Van Dyke

Spend your days in the hammock at the sandy beach at White Bay, snorkeling in the clear waters, hiking over to Great Bay, or socializing with other guests at this casual spot. There are only six units (including two on the beach), so you won’t feel crowded.
Sandcastle, Jost Van Dyke

Superb beachfront location, with your choice of fish, fowl, or beef done Caribbean style.

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