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Gardeners all over the islands usually prune the pink- or white-flowered oleander into rows as a hedge. The wood is poisonous to animals so folks often plant them near more fragile plants to keep foraging goats and donkeys away.

From tall coconut-bearing trees to shorter feathery varieties, palm trees are found all over the USVI and BVI.

Many companies take you about 400 ft (120 m) over the Caribbean Sea in a parasail. Most hotels and villas can help with arrangements for pick-ups at a waterfront hotel.

An enchanting spot with fine views in three directions reached by a short walk uphill, this is just right for a picnic.

Called trushies by locals, these common brown birds will make moves on your picnic lunch if you’re not careful. You’ll hear them craw-crawing all over the islands. They’re particularly prevalent at beaches where people carelessly discard food.

With a big splash, these broad-billed brown sea birds dive under the water’s edge for a fish dinner. Watch out if you’re snorkeling over schools of small fish. They seldom crashland on snorkelers’ heads, but when they hit the water, the noise can give you a good scare.

Zip around the harbor and beyond on a wave runner, but be careful around the boats. You can rent watercraft from Bolongo Bay Beach Club (seeBolongo Bay Beach Club, St. Thomas) and Sapphire Beach Resort (seeSapphire Beach Resort, St. Thomas).

A short trail heads off the Reef Bay Trail to pools rimed with petroglyphs, possibly inscribed by Taino Indians.

Walk 1 mile (1.6 km) uphill from Salt Pond Bay across a rocky beach and hills of cacti to a spectacular view. A local favorite on full-moon nights.

While you can trek the 2.2 miles (3.5 km) from Centerline Road to the ruins at the Reef Bay Plantation by yourself, a Virgin Islands National Park trip provides a boat ride back to Cruz Bay (seeReef Bay Hike).