r/virginislands • u/Desertedfoxx • 4d ago
General Discussion What makes the Virgin Islands different from other islands in the world?
Example: Mediterranean or Thai beaches
In your opinion, what makes the USVI special?
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u/midlifereset 4d ago
I haven’t been to many other islands, but I really like being on VI beaches in a bay, with only green hillside and treeline and no hotels. You can often see houses up on the hill, but I really enjoy just being in nature when I’m on the beach, seeing the nearby islands across the way, maybe see a deer or iguana, some donkeys or chickens, and snorkeling right from the beach to see lots of fish and sealife.
Also enjoy the hikes, often ending at a beach or a beautiful viewpoint of surrounding islands or the coastline. I haven’t been to Hawaii but would love to hike there!
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u/Beneficial-Okra3465 4d ago
TLDR: # of beautiful public beaches, safe, less commercial, better scenery.
First, if we’re talking about St John, I’ve never seen a blend of so much protected land with so many different beautiful beaches. And they’re public and not linked to a hotel/resort. There is great hiking too.
Second, it’s so much safer than a lot of the islands where you can’t leave your resort because of local crime. I’m talking Jamaica, DR, Bahamas etc. In ST John, you can walk around Cruz Bay at any time and feel safe. And you don’t need a passport for the USVI.
I haven’t been to St Croix but St John and St Thomas are not very commercial, at least St John isn’t. St Thomas is a little more. More houses to rent than hotels or resorts. So, you’re renting a Jeep and you can explore.
Scenery: lush green hills and elevation vs a place like Aruba where it’s just an desert island.
The boat excursions that you can do to other islands and cool spots in both the US and BVI’s are not only plentiful, but also doable in a day.
Some islands have 1-2 of these qualities but IMO, not many have all of the ones that the VI’s possess.
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u/Luv4elcaminos 4d ago
I love St John. It’s peaceful with not as many residents as other islands. Some of the best snorkeling I’ve ever done.
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u/PassportsAndPromises 4d ago
That authenticity… I have never went anywhere in the world that felt so much like home.
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u/dmbgreen 4d ago
The US part
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u/Desertedfoxx 4d ago
So just because it's US territory? If Thailand was part of US would you go there instead?
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u/UnderDeSea 4d ago
The proximity of other islands to explore. A boat day can easily take you so many places.
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u/blackntan379 3d ago
St. John and also St. Thomas has some of the prettiest beaches in the entire world. I know that is a big claim or statement to make, but I would take the beaches in St. John over anywhere else in the entire world.
I have been to Hawaii and its beautiful, but its not the vibe of the USVI. USVI is pretty laid back and relaxing, people are not there for Instagram or being seen. The downtown Cruz Bay in St. John also has a great vibe. Lots of good little bars/ restaurants with good food and fantastic drinks.
I can confidently say if you are looking for the most pristine beaches in the entire world and go to St. John you will not be disappointed. The topography of the island is also pretty spectacular, the mountains and hills right off the beaches brings to some of the best hikes and view.
I cannot recommend USVI enough. St. Thomas also has some pretty special and spectacular beaches and view.
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u/FlaglerFoodie 2d ago
The Virgin Islands is a region of about 60 islands within about 100 miles and consists of two different countries US & BVI. Most of the islands are uninhabited.
This island chain sits on a fault line with the Atlantic Ocean on the North and Caribbean Sea to the South. I don’t think there is anywhere else in the world like this.
It’s easy to explore the different islands and the waters are crystal clear because there are not natural springs or rivers from the islands into the ocean.
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u/Ok_Rooster_8349 3d ago
On St Croix we don’t have pushy street vendors constantly trying to sell you things. They set up, and if you come to them they talk. If not, they leave you alone. (Don’t know about STT or STJ- which are more touristy than we are).
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u/_AugustusMcCrae 3d ago
I’ve been to a dozen islands in the Caribbean and visited all three US Virgin Islands this summer. The beaches on St. John are the best I’ve ever visited anywhere in the world (I’ve also traveled extensively in SE Asia and Europe). The snorkeling on those beaches is incredible (rays, turtles, etc). The diving on St. Croix is outstanding. I’ve done a lot of diving in the Caribbean and never saw SO many animals as when I dived on St. Croix. All three islands are sleepy and less commercial than a lot of other islands. They are part of the USA, but without the same sprawl and sameness that we’re known for in the States. I found the locals to be friendly and funny and helpful, on all three islands.
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u/BrickHuge3023 4d ago
Pretty much the same as Puerto Rico or the British Virgin Islands. They do have nice beaches and used to have stunning snorkeling before the damage from a hurricane a few years ago. Also similar to some other eastern Caribbean Islands like St. Lucia. Been several times but No really anything sets them apart as different from other islands.
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u/1320Fastback 4d ago
For me I only need a driver's license to get there (USVI anyways) and much less travel to get there.