Anyone ever been to the US Virgin Islands?

Question

We're tinking about going there for vacation this year... What tips do you have for us? Which island should we stay on? What was your experience there like? What activities did you do? I want to hear it all!!!

Answer 1

NEVER go there!

Chances are you will end up like Natlie Holloway.

Please read the following excerpt from the daily news from Jaunary 16th, 2008:

Homicides and shootings

Last year, of the 46 homicides in the Virgin Islands, 27 were on St. Thomas, 16 were on St. Croix and three were on St. John. One of those homicides was the result of a police shooting on St. John that was ruled justifiable.

In 2006, there were 44 total homicides - 23 on St. Thomas and 21 on St. Croix - of which four were ruled justifiable, according to Daily News homicide statistics.

The 2007 total means the territory remains one of the most violent places under the American flag.

The Virgin Islands homicide rate per capita is 42 homicides for every 100,000 residents. The national rate is 5.5 slayings per 100,000 residents.

Answer 2

Each on of the US Virgin Islands offer something different depending on your tastes. St. Croix is a great island for rest and relaxation. It isn't as commercial as St. Thomas so there's plenty of wide open space, very little competition for space on the beach, and lots of historic and ecological sites to visit. If you have a taste for shopping there are some stores available. Don't expect much in terms of nightlife though.

St. Thomas is a bit more exciting. It's the big city of the USVI. There are a wide variety of shops if that's your thing. We also have some great beaches. There are more man-made attractions on St. Thomas like the Coral World Marine Park and the Paradise Point Tramway. As for nightlife you can find something going on almost everyday.

St. John is the most ecologically preserved of the USVI because it's mostly National Park. On St. John you can explore the ruins of an old plantation and take a hike on natural and historic trails. The hotels on St. John are kinda pricey but a great vacation is renting space at the Cinnamon Bay or Maho Bay campgrounds. There's also a few inns that are less expensive than the big hotels.

Answer 3

Depends on what you want and if you have kids or not

St. Croix is slower pace not as develped lots more historical sites. Like old plantations and sugar cane mills.  Lots of great beaches and resturants.  nothing to really do at night for tourist besides what the hotel offers

St. Thomas is more developed and very pertty  magens bay was on the top 10 most beautiful beaches several times over.  Lots of shopping and things to do with kids like the aquariam etc.  Also you can go to st. john from st. thomas on a fairy ride as they are really close and do things

St. john the smallest and least devlped. Seveal big resorts and 70% of the island is national park and undevelped.  Lots of great hiking trails. To me Trunk bay and Cinamon bay are the most beautiful beaches ever.  Nothing Nothing to do at night though.

Answer 4

Natalie Holloway went missing in Aruba, not the Virgin Islands.

Answer 5

I think St John is a good choice. Less tourists than St Thomas and the beaches are beautiful and less crowded. Plus the V I National park has an underwater snorkel trail. It has underwater plaques to read as you swim. There is some horseback riding and hiking on the island. Motorscooter rentals can be had at every hotel as well as car rentals. It was just fun to get out and explore.

Answer 6

I have been to St. Thomas and St. John and they are both beautiful islands. I think that is the most perfect place for snorkelling. St. John is more quiet and more expensive. It is also smaller. I would suggest St. Thomas, and take a day trip to St. John. That is what we do whenever we go. Of course, if you want quiet, maybe you want to do it the other way around. It is only a ferry ride to each. St. Thomas has beautiful beaches, lots of shopping, snorkelling, beautiful scenery and a lot more in general to do. We stayed at the Wyndam Sugar Bay, which is an all inclusive resort, when we went. It was a very nice place right on the beach. Have a good time, whichever you choose.