The American Virgin Islands are located in the Caribbean and are inhabited by almost 110,000 people. The Virgin Islands National Park attracts many thousands of visitors each year. The coral reefs off the islands are also protected. In 2001 the coral reef of St. Johns in the immediate vicinity of the national park was named the Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument and is therefore under special protection. United States is a country located in North America according to NATUREGNOSIS.COM.
On the largest island, St. Croix, there are many historic buildings from the 18th century that tell of the island’s colonial history. The island of St. John is a wonderful natural paradise, where you can admire the rainforest on many guided tours or take a trip to the reef area. From here it is also possible to cross an underwater educational trail and get to know the region’s underwater world.
From the island of St. Thomas you have a wonderful view of Magens Bay, where one of the most beautiful beaches in the world is located.
The Lesser Antilles archipelago, where the Virgin Islands are located, are just the right setting for the most beautiful excursions in the world. There is plenty to do in the US Virgin Islands for vacationers. In addition to numerous activities on the beach (snorkeling, diving or just swimming), there are also long hikes over the area of the Virgin Islands. This is the best way to discover and explore the breathtakingly beautiful landscapes.
Tourism is the main source of income for the population in the US Virgin Islands. More than 70 percent of the total income comes from tourism. Every year more than 2 million people come to the islands to spend their holidays and enjoy the wonderful nature.
Another important industry in the US Virgin Islands is the refining of crude oil, as well as textiles, electronics and pharmaceutical products. Since there is almost no agriculture in the Virgin Islands, most of the food has to be imported.
US Virgin Islands – Country Travel
Airplane: Two companies offer flights within the US Virgin Islands. Cape Air flies between St. Thomas and St. Croix. Seaborne Airlines flies seaplanes between Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas St Croix and Christiansted. Flights depart almost every hour.
Ship: The islands are connected by frequent and inexpensive ferries. The timetables can be found in the free publication St. Thomas / St. John This Week. This magazine is available in many places in the US Virgin Islands.
St. Thomas to St. Croix
VI Seatrans operates year-round between St Thomas and St Croix. 776-5494 ($ 90 round trip, 90 minute journey time). The ferries run twice a day, Friday through Monday. In St. Thomas the departure is at the Charlotte Amalies Marine Terminal. In St. Croix the ferry leaves Christansted (Gallows Bay Terminal). In winter it is quite possible to see humpback whales on the ferry passage.
St. Thomas to St. John
There is a daily ferry from Red Hook to Cruz Bay (20 minutes, $ 5, every hour from 6:30 a.m. to midnight). From Cruz Bay, departures are daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The ferry service between Charlotte Amalie and Cruz Bay (one journey US $ 10, journey time 45 minutes) leaves Charlotte Amalie every two hours, as does Cruz Bay.
Boyson Inc operates daily car ferries between Red Hook and Enighed Pond at Cruz Bay ($ 50 round trip, 20 minute journey time, 6am to 7pm).
Cars: Cars are the most convenient way to get to know each island, but be prepared for the driving conditions. It is driven on the left side, signs remind the inexperienced driver again and again. The streets of the islands are narrow, winding, steep and often not in the best condition. Often cows, goats and chickens have to be avoided.
Many of the major international car rental companies and local companies offer rental cars in the US Virgin Islands. Most car rental companies require that you are at least 21 years old and have a credit card and a valid driver’s license. Several car rental companies have branches at the airports on St. Thomas and St. Croix.
Buses: Vitran operates air-conditioned buses on St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix. The prices are low, the daily departure times are approximately every hour from 5.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m.
Taxi: The taxi prices for standard routes are set by law, taxi drivers must carry an overview of these prices with them, they can also be found in St Croix This Week or St. Thomas / St John This Week. Taxis are often shared by multiple passengers.
There are many pickup trucks with bench seats that can carry around 12 passengers. These pickups can simply be stopped on the street by waving.
Money US Virgin Islands
National currency: US dollars, 1 US dollar equals 100 cents
Currency abbreviation: US $, USD
Banknotes: are in circulation to the value of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 US $ (although the 2 US dollar banknote is very rare). Coins are used to the value of US $ 1 and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cent. In 2006, new $ 10 bills were issued, depicting the Statue of Liberty torch in red. However, the older $ 10 notes remain valid.
Currency converter at OANDA
Currency Exchange: numerous exchange offices exchange the common currencies.
Credit Cards: AmericanExpress, Eurocard and Visa are accepted almost everywhere.
Travelers Checks: Accepted almost everywhere, US dollars are recommended.
Exchange regulations: No restrictions. However, when entering and leaving the country, amounts of more than 10,000 US dollars (including stocks, money orders and travelers checks) must be declared. Furthermore, gold coins and gold quantities must be specified upon entry.
Bank opening times: Mon – Thu 9 a.m. – 2.30 p.m., Fri 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. and 3.30 p.m. – 5 p.m.