The Virgin Islands, whether you are on the British (BVI) or US islands (USVI), is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean.  Lucky for us, St. Thomas in the USVI is a short  2.5-hour flight whether you choose to fly from Miami or Ft. Lauderdale.

St. Thomas is the perfect hub to discover the rest of the islands.  The St. Thomas airport offers flights to the other islands as it is the main airport.  There is regular ferry service to get to the neighboring islands of St. John (USVI), Tortola (BVI), Virgin Gorda (BVI), Jost Van Dyke (BVI), Anegada (BVI), and even St. Croix (USVI). You can plan  few days in the other islands or take a day trip. Make sure you bring your passport if you’re going to venture to the nearby British Virgin Islands. Consider getting on a boat charter to do some island-hopping all in one day!

You may have been to St. Thomas or to the nearby islands as a cruise passenger but cruising barely scratches the surface!  Trust me you haven’t had the full experience until you come for a few days! There are over 90 islands in these pristine waters!

I have been fortunate to frequent these islands regularly for the past seven years.  Shortly after our first visit my boyfriend bought a condo in St. Thomas.  We fell in love with gorgeous island and water views and the possibility of visiting so many beach-filled islands in a snap! Beach hopping has become our passion! We can swim some of the most crystal-clear waters and snorkel coral reefs filled with colorful marine-life just off the beach! We also enjoy visiting seaside bars with live music and relaxing in the evenings to the sound of the waves.

Annette’s Top Beach Picks in the VI’s

The Baths or Devils’ Bay National Park in Virgin Gorda: This beach has natural pools built out of the volcanic rock where the water is transparent and super calm. This beach offers impressive snorkeling opportunities. Getting down to the beach through a path with steps and caverns makes this beach that much more fun!

• Hawksnest Beach in St. John: As St. John is predominantly a national park, it’s beaches, and coral reefs remarkably well preserved. I’ve seen sea turtles, squid, and tons of fish in its waters! This beach is great for swimming and simply relaxing! You may also want to try Trunk Bay nearby with an underwater snorkeling trail, though much busier, especially when cruise ships are in town.

• Coki Point Beach in St. Thomas: This is my favorite beach in St. Thomas! This beach has perfect waters for swimming and a small coral reef filled with fish of all types and colors. Visitors like to bring little dog biscuits to feed the fish and get quickly surrounded by them. You’ll also find several bars with music, a scuba diving center that also rents snorkels, and chaise lounge rentals.

• White Bay in Jost Van Dyke: This beach recently wowed me! You’ll find calm turquoise waters where you can enjoy the delicious “painkiller” cocktail from the world-famous Soggy Dollar Bar. If you go on a Sunday, you can even enjoy their delicious BBQ plate. White Bay makes for a perfect day trip from St. Thomas.

Soggy Dollar Bar

If you are looking for a spectacular and relaxing vacation. I recommend you pack your snorkel gear and get on the first plane to St. Thomas.. When you arrive,  rent one of the many available vacation rentals and go for one with a beach view!

Based on experience, the best time to travel is in the low season (between May and October). You will find that there are fewer crowds, prices are more reasonable, and the beaches are beautiful and warm. It is paradise as you can enjoy swimming, and all water sports year-round in the Virgin Islands.

Happy beach-hopping!