I am always surprised when speaking about the Virgin Islands to other people, how many have absolutely no idea where the Virgin Islands are, that there are, in fact, U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as British Virgin Islands, or that they are a really cool place to go. Here are some of the best reasons why the USVI and the BVI might be considered America's best kept secret.
I am always surprised when speaking about the Virgin Islands to other people, how many have absolutely no idea where the Virgin Islands are, that there are, in fact, U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as British Virgin Islands, or that they are a really cool place to go.
Virgin Islands 101If you are one of the many that don’t know much or anything about the Virgin Islands, I’ll get you up to speed... First, the Virgin Islands comprise of 4 U.S. Virgin Islands, and 4 main islands, with another 50 or so smaller islands and cays. The U.S. Virgin Islands Islands are St. Thomas (Commerce center, an airport, etc.) St. John, which is mostly National Park Property, Water Island, and St. Croix (Situated 40 miles South of St. Thomas). The British Virgin Islands include Tortola (Commerce center, airport), Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke.
The Virgin Islands are located in the Caribbean, about half way between Florida and Venezuela. In Fact, St. Thomas is only 78 miles from Puerto Rico, the U.S.’s other Territory in the area.
Caribbean Feel, No Passport Needed OK, enough with the geography lesson, what makes the Virgin Islands so cool? Well, they are Caribbean Islands, with the really clear, warm water associated with the caribbean, but they are also U.S. Territories, which means if you are an American citizen, you don’t need a passport to go there, they speak English, and use U.S. Dollars. So, you get the caribbean island vibe, feel, and lifestyle, but still have the U.S. support.
Virgin Islands Dotting The HorizonOne of the things I like most is being able to look out from the east end of St. Thomas, and seeing St. John, as well as some of the British Virgin Islands as well. Some places, like the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, and The Cayman Islands are really flat, and when you out to sea, it’s pretty much just the water line in view. The Virgin Islands are very hilly, and close together...great views and some protection from hurricanes.
Virgin Islands Boat RentalsThe other huge benefit of the close proximity, is that you can fly into St. Thomas and get a Virgin Island boat rental that will take over to the British Virgin Islands. One for the bib draws to the British Virgin Islands are the really cool Beach Bars. Jost Van Dyke is host to a number of the bars that are literally, right on the beach. And what a beach! White bay is home to the Soggy Dollar bar, named for the fat that there are no boat docks for the Virgin Islands boat rentals to dock, so patrons have to swim ashore with their “Soggy Dollars.”
Norman Island, believed to have been the inspiration to the novel Treasure Island, is home to Pirate’s Bight, bar and also the Willy T, which is a floating pirate party barge.
So if you like snorkeling with turtles, rays, beautiful fish and coral, or like pristine beaches, or fun beach bars, consider the Virgin Islands for your next vacation. Don’t forget to get a BVI boat tour to really experience the best of the Virgin islands.
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Source: http://www.articlesfactory.com/articles/travel/virgin-islands-boat-rental-are-the-usvi-americas-best-kept-secret.html
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Grey Beard runs "Pirates Paradise Adventures," a powerboat charter company specializing in taking families and friends on fun and exciting day trips to the best beaches, beach bars and snorkeling sites of the USVI and BVI. www.PiratesParadiseAdventures.com.
Seeing the virgin islands by boat is the absolutely best way to see them, especially if you only have a short time! For more information, photos and videos about the U.S. Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands, go to www.PiratesParadiseAdventures.com.
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