Activities -
Things to See
British Virgin
Islands
Yost Van Dyke
Activities: sunbathing, snorkeling, nightlife, dining,
drinking, swimming. Lying just four miles off Tortola's west
end, this quiet and mountainous island only has a handful of
places to stay, several dining choices and some great
beaches for snorkeling.
The Baths, Virgin Gorda
Activities: scuba diving, snorkeling, rock climbing,
swimming, group tours/walking tour, sunbathing. The most
well-known attraction on the island, these giant boulders or
batholiths, brought to the surface by volcanic eruptions,
are scattered about forming a beautiful grotto and tranquil
pools.
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Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
Activities: snorkeling, sunbathing, swimming, scuba diving,
wind-surfing, dining, drinking, nightlife, volleyball
(outdoor), shopping, fishing, motor-boating, kayaking,
water-skiing. Centrally located on Tortola's north side,
this is probably the busiest beach since its beauty is often
compared to Magen's Bay on St. Thomas.
Cooper Island
Activities: sailing, snorkeling. A small, isolated and
charming island that serves as a mooring haven for yachts.
Salt Island
Activities: scuba diving. This tiny and welcoming island is
home to the last of the sea salt harvesters.
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St Croix
Buck Island Reef National Monument,
St. Croix
Lying 1.5 miles off the northeast coast of St. Croix, this
880-acre national monument includes 176 acres of land surrounded
by 704 acres of water and coral reef system; it is a paradise
for snorkerlers, and the deep grottos and labyrinths are perfect
for experienced scuba divers to explore.
Attraction type: Island; Nature reserve; Reef; National park;
Monument
St. George Village Botanical Garden,
Frederiksted, St. Croix
You can stroll amid the ruins of this 17-acre estate, a former
19th-century sugarcane plantation village, which contains varied
ecosystems from semi-arid cactus to lush green rain forest.
Attraction type: Garden; Historic site
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St. Croix Leap,
St. Croix
In the heart of the rain forest, this is a workshop where you
can purchase a wide variety of mahogany crafts including
furniture, jewelry boxes and mirrors.
Attraction type: Factory tour; Specialty shop
Mount Pellier Domino Club,
Frederiksted, St. Croix
Also known as the "Jungle Bar," this club is renowned for its
beer-drinking pig.
Attraction type: Bar/club
St John
Trunk Bay,
Virgin Islands National Park, St. John
The good news: this world-class stretch of white sand and
turquoise water is St. John's most photographed beach, which
features a marked underwater trail for beginning snorkerlers.
The bad news: because of its popularity, it can get very crowded
with cruise ship passengers and members of sightseeing tours.
Attraction type: Bay; Beach; Reef
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Reef Bay Trail,
Virgin Islands National Park, St. John
This 2.2-mile hiking trail is one of the best on St. John:
descend through a shady, moist forest and a dry forest, through
visible remains of four sugar mills, pass by pre-Columbian
petroglyphs, and end at a beautiful, pristine beach.
Attraction type: Trail; Hiking trail
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Salt Pond Bay, Virgin Islands National Park,
St. John
This scenic bay on St. John offers a secluded beach with good
swimming and snorkeling, plus a graded hiking trail leading to
and from the beach and picnic area.
Attraction type: Bay; Beach
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Coral Bay,
St. John
A home decidedly away from home for a number of U.S. expats
who now reside in this eclectic community.
Attraction type: Bay; Neighborhood
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Annaberg Sugar Plantation,
Virgin Islands National Park, St. John
The most accessible and best preserved of its type, this
once-working sugar plantation (circa 1870) was the site of
boiling molasses and hardworking slaves harvesting sugarcane,
and which now offers visitors regular tours and living-history
demonstrations.
Attraction type: Historic home; Historic site
Cruz Bay,
St. John: Many visitors spend time at Cruz Bay, where the ferry
docks. This village has interesting bars, restaurants,
boutiques, and pastel-painted houses. It's a bit sleepy, but
relaxing after the fast pace of St. Thomas.
Most
cruise-ship passengers dart through Cruz Bay and head for the
island's biggest attraction, Virgin Islands National Park (tel.
340/776-6201). The park totals 12,624 acres, including submerged
lands and water adjacent to St. John, and has more than 20 miles
of hiking trails to explore.
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St Thomas
St. Peter Greathouse Estate & Gardens,
Magens Bay, St. Thomas
Follow a nature trail that leads you through nearly 200
varieties of tropical plants and an orchid jungle, wander
through a gallery displaying local art, or take a sip of
complimentary rum punch when you visit these scenic botanical
gardens that are perched on a mountainside 1,000 feet above sea
level.
Attraction type: Garden; Tour; Historic home; Observation
deck/tower
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Magens Bay,
St. Thomas
Hailed as one of the world's most beautiful, this breathtaking
bay along St. Thomas' rugged north coast is ideal for swimming
and snorkeling with all the conveniences of parking, lifeguards,
equipment rental, freshwater showers, restaurants and bars.
Attraction type: Beach; Bay
Coki Beach,
East End, St. Thomas
Located next to Coral World, this little beach is popular
among locals and tour groups, where the waters offer excellent
snorkeling and a great opportunity to learn scuba diving.
Attraction type: Bay; Beach
Chris Sawyer Dive Shop,
East End, St. Thomas
Go night snorkeling at Hull Bay and greet octopi and schools
of squid.
Attraction type: Tour; Specialty shop
Mountain Top,
St. Thomas
This cafeteria and bar claims not only spectacular views from
its 1,500 feet perch on the summit of St. Peter Mountain, but is
the inventor of the famous banana daiquiri.
Attraction type: Mountain; Lookout; Observation deck/tower
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