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.

Skyworld, Tortola

Lunch best for kids, more elegant later (seeSkyworld).
Slave Rebellion in 1733, St. John

In their first attempt to gain freedom, slaves used cane knives to attack the Danish garrison at Coral Bay. They subsequently held the island’s planters hostage for six months, killing many of them. The siege ended with help from French soldiers based in Martinique.
Smugglers, St. Thomas

Jazz or classical music most nights, with jazz at Sunday brunch.
Smuggler’s Cove

Put your Jeep in four-wheel drive for a ride down a rutted dirt road to this gorgeous beach. Just keep going past Long Bay Beach Resort (seeLong Bay Beach Resort, Tortola) on the North Coast Road. Taxi drivers will drop you off with a promise to pick you up at the appointed hour. While it’s a bit of an adventure getting there, the pristine beach and great snorkeling await you. Bring a picnic lunch.
Snorkel Trunk Bay, St. John

With lifeguards on duty and underwater signs pointing out the features of its underwater trail, Trunk Bay provides easy snorkeling for novices. Kids with a bit more experience can snorkel off Trunk Cay. Rent snorkel gear near the snack stand, where you can get burgers if you haven’t brought lunch (seeVirgin Islands National Park, St. John;St. John).
Snorkeling

If you don’t have your own gear, you can easily rent mask, snorkel, and fins from water-sports centers all over the island. Look for dark patches near the shore that indicate rocks, reefs, or seagrass beds.
Snorkeling

Rent equipment from watersports centers and shops for undersea exploration.
Snorkeling

With pristine waters and deserted beaches, this region provides some of the world’s best snorkeling. At Flash of Beauty in Loblolly Bay, Anegada, dive down to explore caves.
Snorkeling

There’s nothing simpler than snorkeling. Put on a mask, snorkel, and fins, plop into the water, and away you go over reefs and fish.
Snorkeling

Just stroll off the beach and head for the rocks or the reefs to see colorful fish and sea life. Practice first in knee-high water to get the hang of it.