Sun, warm bright blue waters, soft white sand with a beach towel shaded by a beach umbrella…. the dream Caribbean holiday and if the Virgin Islands are on your itinerary, you can make it come true. Even though finding your own little place under the sun may mean that there are a several others to share it with you! One of the most beautiful beaches is Magnes beach, St. Thomas, sprinkled with sparkling soft white sand washed over by calm blue waters that are safe for even young ones to splash about in. Even among the 44 beaches of St. Thomas tranquillity is a rare commodity especially during the peak season, so if its peace you’re looking for, head for one of the islets that surround the mainland.

Given the diversity of underwater marine life, snorkelling is a favourite sport among most visitors. There are lots of colourful tropical fish, coral, shipwrecks and caves set in the background of underwater gardens to admire all around the Island. Coki Beach on the northeastern coast of St. Thomas, is a great spot for snorkelling both during the daytime as well as for watching the nocturnal marine life. There are several other snorkelling sites all around the Island such as the Andreas Reef, Cow and Calf Rocks (in Jersey Bay) and Grassco Junction. St. John has an underwater snorkelling trail maintained by the National Parks Service in the waters of Trunk Bay.

After the underwater explorations, you can relax on the beach that is the prettiest on St. John. Reef Bay and Pond are other sites worth exploring or just lazing around on. There are some isolated beaches though the flip side is that you need to carry food and water along with you. The best snorkelling site is Buck Island that is about 3 km off the northeastern coast of St. Croix. A natural reserve, the Island not only offers peace and quiet but plenty of pretty beaches to relax on and an amazing array of underwater life though unfortunately the variety of coral is slightly restricted. On St. Croix itself, there are a number of beautiful beaches to laze about on with waters that are a snorkeler’s delight.

With more water around than land, water sports are very popular on all Islands. Windsurfing, water skiing, jet skiing, parasailing, sea Kayaking, sailing and even crewed yachts – you name it and there are a number of agencies offering you just what you want (especially on St. Croix). Take your pick!

For the sailors, there are annual regattas held in St. Thomas during April and in St. Croix during May.