A Caribbean Jewel

Words & Photos by Ashley Bowling

With crystal blue waters and mountains rising out of the sea, this Caribbean paradise consists of 50 islands and cays. Though all gorgeous in their own way, exuding unique colonial character, the largest of the islands are St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John.

Natural beauty abounds no matter what island calls your name. Lush mountains, tropical forests, peaceful beaches, and rocky sea coves are sprinkled throughout, where crystal-clear waters and steady winds lure sailors who anchor in the sheltered bays awash with fresh catches, sea turtle sightings, and endless snorkeling options.

Day One

After landing in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, hop in a rental car and get ready to hit the winding road. But first, Charlotte Amalie is a cruise port town and full of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, so stop for lunch and a latte or stroll the street shops. Or, opt to climb the historic 99 Steps up to Blackbeard’s Castle where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the capital city before heading out for a long weekend in nature. We typically stop by the local supermarket to pick up the week’s supply of necessities and then hit the road aimed for an Airbnb on the less crowed side of the island.

Opting for a resort-style condo in Sapphire Bay was on the agenda for our crew. Sapphire Bay arguably has some of the best snorkeling on the island. It’s where patios land on white sand and the ocean gently laps within 20 feet of the sleeping quarters. It’s also a hop, skip, and a jump to some of the island’s best restaurants, and it’s where ferry boats sail to other islands daily. 

After being greeted by the local lizards (aka iguanas), exploring the grounds, and, of course, dipping those toes into the sand, end the day with happy hour at Agave. Their margs and queso alone leave guests craving the island long after returning state-side. 

Day Two

Nature lovers will delight in the island of St. Johns, a 15-minute ferry boat ride away. Both passenger and automobile ferries are available, though bringing your car is wise with so much to explore on this emerald isle. 

Virgin Islands National Park encompasses two-thirds of the island, including protected bays, stunning beaches, underwater sea gardens, petroglyphs, hiking trails, and ruins of sugar mills from centuries past. Jump in the car and go bay hopping, strike up a conversation with local artists who set up on the beach for the day, and grab some grub and a local brew at one of the many beachside stands along the way. Or, opt for the Reef Bay guided hike and learn about the 800 species of plants and 30 species of tropical birds that are found within the park. 

If the itinerary permits, do both! The first day, we explored the national park on foot and even got a few swims in along the way as we stumbled upon several secluded beaches while trekking through the tropical forests. On day two, we bay-hopped and even swam with stingrays, larger than life sea turtles, and tiny lemon sharks that trolled the crashing waves looking for their lunch. Stop highlights include Caneel Bay, Maho Bay, Watermelon Cay, Cinnamon Bay, and Trunk Bay. Trunk Bay, in particular, has an underwater snorkeling trail where swimmers can spot up to 30 different fish species and underwater signs label features of the active reef.     

Before you leave, grab a bite at the yacht-filled harbor of Cruz Bay at The Longboard prior to catching a ferry that leaves the island promptly at the top of every hour. If time is of the essence, no worries, a light bite at Raw Sushi & Sake Bar or a hearty dinner at Pesce iTALiAN back in Red Hook are not to be missed on this trip.

Day Three

If time permits, an excursion to the snorkelers and divers paradise of beautiful Buck Island, 1.5 miles off the coast of St. Croix, is pure bliss. One of the best dive sites in all the Virgin Islands, Buck Island Reef is a protected marine sanctuary. The reef features elkhorn coral grottoes and is home to numerous fish species. St. Croix also boasts a Heritage Trail, a 28-mile self-guided driving tour that guides visitors around the island’s historical, cultural, and natural attractions. 

If the itinerary is limited for time, be sure to get lunch at Sangria’s Beachside Bistro then venture on to Magens Bay on the way back to the capital city of Charlotte Amalie. With its green hills, creamy sands, and coconut palm-lined waters, it’s no wonder why Magens Bay frequently graces the lists of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Visitors can opt to explore the bay by kayaking the calm waters or explore by foot on a two-mile hike through the preserve maintained by the Nature Conservancy. 

No matter the type of beach-goer, from shoreside-loungers, to deep sea divers, to eco-forest enthusiasts, Virgin Islands has a little something for everyone to feel right at home accompanied with the local’s down to earth, friendly smiles. Yet, St. Thomas also has the ability to carry its visitors so far away from home that they may never want to return after gazing into its sun-drenched turquoise waters, catching glimpses of its sea life in their natural habitat, watching its tangerine sunsets dancing over its rocky landscapes.