The US Virgin Islands Vacation for Families

What if it only took three hours 46 minutes to sit on a sugar-white sand beach surrounded by cobalt blue sky and crystal clear Caribbean waters? Your cold tropical fruit cocktail is just a smile away. You don’t even need to bring your passports or think about the exchange rates.

Come discover the US Virgin Islands with Travelmath.

The US Virgin Islands are divided into three main islands- St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John. St. Thomas is the biggest island and has the largest population. Charlotte Amalie is the capital city of the US Virgin Islands. It is located in St. Thomas.

There is uniqueness and beauty in each of these islands. Here are 5 places to visit:

Snorkeling in Trunk Bay at St. John
Stingrays, eagle rays, turtle, butterfly fish, parrotfish and yellowtail snappers are some of the fish and sea creatures found in Trunk Bay. Trunk Bay’s calm waters are suitable for beginners.

It has one of the most beautiful and well-preserved beaches in the US Virgin Islands. Turtle Bay is part of Virgin Islands National Park. Apart from snorkeling and sunbathing, visitors have the option to hike, participate in various water sports like snuba, visit the remains of historic sugar plantations and enjoy the sunset while dining and relaxing in a beach bar or restaurant.

Coral World Ocean Park St. Thomas
Coral World Ocean Park is perfect for those who want to have close encounters with sea creatures all in one place. Pet the South American sea lions or swim with the sea lions and pose with your favorite sea lions. Kids have to be over 50 pounds and accompanied by a participating adult when swimming with sea lions.

The park has green sea turtles rescued program where the whole family can learn more about how to protect these endangered sea creatures. Visit the 100-pound turtles in the Turtle Pool and learn about the environment and habits of a sea turtle.

Another fun activity in Carol World Ocean is the Nautilus Semi Submarine. Families can explore the exotic Caribbean marine life and enjoy a one hour journey on a spacious 40 window panoramic underwater viewing cabin. Here you will see coral reefs, learn about the rich marine life of US Virgin Islands, explore a “pirate” wreck and more.

Read more here.

Magic Ice St. Thomas
Too much of a good thing may leave us taking things for granted. After a day of sunshine, beach and warm water visit the Magic Ice St. Thomas. Your whole family may appreciate the warmth of the US Virgin Islands after freezing in Magic Ice.

This is the place to cool off, enjoy sliding on ice and admire the beautiful ice sculptures that represent the Caribbean. And don’t forget the ice bar for a free shot of Cruzan rum and keep the shot glass. You will be given hooded ponchos, gloves and leg warmers to keep you warm.

Note: The free shot of rum is for adults over 21 only.

Information: Magic Ice

Sandy Point St. Croix
The US Fish and Wildlife Service pointed out that Sandy Point St. Croix was home to prehistoric people and an important archaeological site. The Aklis Site is on the National Register of Historic Places with over 200 years of history that dates back to 400 A.D.

Sandy Point is also a beach area for families where waters are shallow and less crowded. It is the nesting habitat for leatherback sea turtles and a variety of birds. Leatherback sea turtle nesting occurs from March to July.

Note: Sandy Point beach is open on weekends only.

Magens Bay St. Thomas
This is the US Virgin Islands’ most popular and crowded beach. It is less crowded on days when there are no cruise ships. Even if there are cruise ships, to avoid crowds go to Magens Bay after 3-4 pm when the cruise ships prepare to sail off.

Magens Bay is perfect for kids to build sand castles and splash or swim in the calm waters.

Tips for visiting the US Virgin Islands:
1. You don’t need a passport if you are an American visiting the US Virgin Islands. But if you plan to go island hopping or visit the British Virgin Islands you do need a passport. Or if you plan to fly into another country after visiting US Virgin Islands definitely bring a valid passport.
2. Just like traveling anywhere in the world, keep all your important documents and valuables in a safe place. Don ‘t bring them to the beach.
3. Unlike the British Virgin Islands whose drinking age is 18, the legal drinking age in the US Virgin Islands is 21.
4. For time difference check out Travelmath’s Time difference
5. Don’t travel without travel insurance. Check out our article on travel insurance here.