United States Virgin Islands Department of TourismWhat’s New
• Blue Flag Certification: Four of the US Virgin Islands’ beaches have received the prestigious Blue Flag certification by the Foundation for Environmental Education. Blue Flags have been raised at Lindbergh Bay at the Emerald Beach Resort and Great Bay at The Ritz Carlton on St Thomas, Trunk Bay on St John, and Pelican Cove at the Palms at Pelican Cove Beach Resort on St Croix.
• Download The App: The USVI Department of Tourism’s official, free smartphone app is now available to travellers. The app can be downloaded at the App Store to iPad, iPhone and iPod touch devices, Android smartphones and Blackberry smartphones.
Attractions
• Buck Island National Reef Monument: View tropical fish and coral at this underwater National Landmark. St Croix.
• Coral World Ocean Park: Underwater observatory, nature trail, marine gardens, aquarium and coral reef tank. St Thomas.
• Butterfly Farm: Some 30 unique species of butterflies from all over the world fly freely. St Thomas.
• Paradise Point Tramway Ride: The tram climbs 212 metres up Flag Hill for a spectacular view of Charlotte Amalie Harbour. At the top you can shop, eat, watch a bird show, hike or hop onto the ‘Sky Jump’ trampoline. St Thomas.
• The Pissarro Connection: St Thomas was the birthplace of impressionist painter Camille Pissarro. He was born on July 10, 1830 and died on November 13, 1903. He lived in St Thomas until he was 12 and returned there in his later years. His birthplace is open to visitors. Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas.
• Underwater National Park: Just off the coast of St John, visitors will find the Underwater Trail at Trunk Bay. This beautiful bay is considered to be one of the best places to snorkel in the Caribbean, and it is marked with underwater signs. St John.
United States Virgin Islands Department of Tourism
Events
• Food for Your Soul Music Fest (February), St Croix.
• Water Island Classical Music Festival (February), Water Island.
• St John Blues Festival (March), St John.
• International Rolex Sailing Regatta (March), St Thomas.
• US Virgin Islands Carnival (April), St Thomas.
• St John Annual Fourth Of July Festival Celebration (June and July).
• USVI Folklife Festival (August), St Croix.
• St Croix Blue Bay Jazz Festival (November), St Croix.
• St John Christmas Music Festival (December), St John.
• Crucian Christmas Festival (December & January), St Croix.
Places
• St Thomas Marine Sanctuary and Mangrove Lagoon: Naturalist-led kayak tours show the fragility and beauty of the area.
• Annaberg Ruins: Buildings from a Danish sugar plantation. Check out the demonstrations of cultural traditions, music and dance. St John.
• Fort Christian: The oldest standing structure in the US Virgin Islands is home to the Virgin Islands Museum. Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas.
United States Virgin Islands Department of TourismHidden Gems
• Water Island – The Fourth Virgin Island: A naturalist’s retreat with few people and little traffic. Photo opportunities abound at Phillips’ Landing, Fort Segarra, several Indian camp excavations, picturesque Honeymoon and Sprat Bay Beaches, and many well-preserved ruins. Half-day guided excursions include a ferry tour of St Thomas Harbor and bike exploration of Water Island. Rolling natural roads lead to an old hotel site, an 18th century plantation and Honeymoon Beach for a swim. South of Charlotte Amalie.
Did You Know?
• Official Motto: United In Pride And Hope
• Official Flower: Yellow Cedar
• Official Bird: Yellow Breast
Fast Facts
• Region: THE ISLANDS
• Connecting Flights Via: Atlanta, Baltimore, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Detroit, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, New York, Newark, Philadelphia.
• Major Cruise Lines: Azamara Cruiselines, Carnival Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruises Inc, Crystal Cruises, Cunard Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America, MSC Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Oceania Cruise Lines, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Regent Cruiselines, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Seabourn Cruises, Silversea Cruises.
• Sales Tools: Visit www.visitusvi.com/travel_agents to become a USVI Travel Specialist.
• Info: US Virgin Islands Department of Tourism
(800) 372-USVI
www.visitusvi.com