Virgin Islands British Virgin Islands The British Virgin Islands have retained some of their languid, laid-back charm in part due to the fact that there is no direct air service with the continental United States. Additionally, building regulations require that no structure can be taller than the surrounding palms, so there are no high-rises on the islands. Sailing, snorkeling, and diving to the wreck of the RMS. Rhone (sunk in 1867) are among the pleasures offered on the British Virgin Islands. Tortilla, at 10 square miles, is the largest in the group. Most of the hotels, shops, and eateries are located there. Virgin Gored, 8 miles square, is the second largest. Those who want a taste of the flashier tourist existence can take a boat or plane to the U.S. Virgin Islands located nearby. There are about 50 islands in the British Virgin Islands. Most are volcanic in origin. Although tourism is important to these islands, the most important industry is offshore banking. The islands still have political ties to the government of Great Britain. Official language: English. U.S. Virgin Islands The U.S. Virgin Islands have most of the amenities of home for American visitors in that it has burger joints and familiar hotel names. However, its beaches and tropical ambiance are 1,000 miles from the American mainland. There are three main islands -- St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix -- and many smaller ones that were controlled by Denmark until the United States bought them in 1917. Official language: English. St. Thomas The harbor at Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas is one of the most beautiful in the world. This harbor permitted the city to become an important trading port during the colonial period and allows it to be a popular cruise ship destination today. There are 44 beaches on St. Thomas, and all are open to the public, though some can be accessed only by passing through hotel property. Those who wish to sail the clear waters around St. Thomas have their choice of dozens of charter boats. Parasailing, snorkeling, windsurfing, and scuba diving are also popular pastimes. The wreck of the World War II cargo vessel Cartanser Sr. is an especially popular diving spot. On land, visitors may want to explore Fort Christian, the oldest structure on the island, now the home of the Virgin Islands Museum. St. Croix The largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands has a slower way of life than that of St. Thomas. The island's major industry was once sugar cane, though it now depends on industry and tourism to support its economy. The western edge of the island has a dense rain forest; the east is fairly dry. Sunbathing, snorkeling, diving and cycling are all popular tourist pastimes. The towns of Christiansted and Frederiksted are especially picturesque. St. John Two-thirds of this island is taken up by Virgin Islands National Park, and so St. John remains relatively unspoiled. The island has many beaches, and while some can be crowded at times, most are clean and inviting. The National Park has many trails suitable to all skill levels. The Reef Bay Trail, which passes through the property of the old Reef Bay Plantation, is especially interesting. |
