Virgin Islands Wedding Association

The US Virgin Islands consist of 4 islands. St Thomas is the busiest with the most options for dining and shopping, St John is known for its beauty and relaxed nature--and St Croix is the biggest with large beaches and vista views. ST Croix is off to the south and is accessible by plane or by "fast ferry" (which only runs in season and takes about 90 minutes). Buck Island off the coast of St Croix is well known in the diving world and Magen's Bay on St Thomas was listed as one of the "10 Best Beaches in The World" by National Geographic. Water Island, which is mostly residential, became our 4th official Virgin Island in 1997. It is located a stone's throw south of St Thomas's west end.

This simple map image should give you a rough idea of the distance between the islands and how they are positioned.Map of the USVI

St John is also accessable only by boat (or public ferry) from St Thomas (unless you are privileged to have a helicopter to land at one of the major resorts) and is about 20 minutes (each way) across Pillsbury Sound, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea.

St John Ferry Dock

Water Island is mostly a residental island with it's own secluded spot known as "Honeymoon Beach" as the main thing to see here. Water Island is only accessable by small boats from the shores of St Thomas.

Honeymoon Beach

St Thomas and St Croix both have fully functional airports with arrivals from hundreds of destinations both foreign and domestic.

St Thomas' airport is Cyril King Airport (airport code=STT) and the St Croix airport is named "Henry E Rohlsen Airport" (airport code=STX).

St Thomas Airport

Major airlines serving these airports include Delta, American, and US Air. Some flights route travellers through San Juan Airport in Puerto Rico, to get you to St Thomas, but there are a few direct flights to be found (mostly out of Florida).

When hopping from St Thomas to St Croix, another popular way to travel is on SEABORNE AIRLINES using a seaplane. A very safe, inexpensive and comfortable way to go, as long as you aren't toting too many bags.

If you don't have a lot of luggage, you can also take the Seaplane from Puerto Rico---to and from St Thomas.

Seaborne Air

You can find them online at: http://www.seaborneairlines.com/

St Thomas is the most populated of all the islands and considered the "big city" by most of the islanders who live in the Caribbean. In truth, it's lack of high buildings and abundant beautiful beaches will make most urbanites laugh at this term. The only real "city like" issue in St Thomas is heavy traffic downtown at rush hour times. Other than that, you'll find this island stocked with plenty of diversions, the best shopping in the Caribbean and any luxuries you may be seeking---such as spas, restaurants, bars and nightlcubs. St Thomas also is home to the most advanced hospital in the region. Crime also isn't a major problem for tourists as long as they don't go walking into dark back alleys at night, sticking to the shopping districts and resort areas.

Referred to mostly as "Downtown" on the island of St Thomas is the town of Charlotte Amalie, located on the south side of the island. It is here where you will find most of your shopping, especially for items such as jewlery.

Charlotte Amalie

Another area of St Thomas is "Red Hook" located on the East End of the Island. It consists mostly of a sprinkling of bars and restaurants, and has a large marina known as "American Yacht Harbor". You can catch a public ferry to St John or Tortola, in the BVI (or British Virgin Islands) from here. Game fishing boats and several day-tripping sail- and powerboats also like to dock in Red Hook because of its proximity to the BVIs.

Red Hook

The town of "Tutu" is mostly for locals, with no real sights to see. There is a small sized mall with a few stores like K-Mart, Office Max, and several shoe stores.

If you're staying more than 3 weeks on St Thomas, it might be worthwhile to get some supplies at the Tutu Mall and make the journey to the middle of the island where Tutu is located. If you're not staying that long, don't bother--you can usually find what you need within the resorts, downtown, or Red Hook and escape our version of city life.

Tutu Park Mall

Magen's Bay is just one of our breathtaking beaches on St Thomas. It's a mile long and has everything you need to make your day perfect (public restrooms, a bar, a beach store, chair rentals...) For more information on which beach has what you're looking for (snorkeling, bodysurfing, doing nothing) check out DJ Snow's beach page.

Magens Bay, St Thomas

in 1956 John D Rockerfeller donated this island to the National Parks Department with the understanding that the land be protected from any future development. 70% of this island cannot be built upon, which is what makes it so magical. Sweeping views, unspoiled beaches, and old sugar mill ruins are what makes St John a must do on your stay to the Virgin Islands. 

The major town on St John (note we didn't use the word "city" here) is known as Cruz Bay. This is where the ferry departs and arrives from St Thomas. 

"Day Tripping" here from St Thomas is very easy and inexpensive ($12.20 for a round trip ticket -seriously. Don't try to negotiate the 20 cents!) and the ferries leave every 30 minutes (from 7am until 11pm at night).

 Cruz Bay, St John

On the other side of St John is "Coral Bay" a very remote small town with just a couple restaurants & bars, some nice homes and a lovely bay used for sailing, fishing and small recreation.

Church in Coral Bay, St John

There really isn't much to see or do on Water Island, save for an excursion to "Honeymoon Beach". You can catch a small boat (we mean boat, not ferry!) from Crown Bay Marina in St Thomas which will take you there and back (mostly for locals). This fare was under $10 a person last time we checked.

 Ferry to Water Island

Need a Map to get your Bearings? CLICK HERE for Maps of St Thomas, St John and Water Island.