Our long standing, enviable international reputation is not solely based on our pristine beaches, warm weather, and crystal-clear waters -- we're also the most culturally diverse, ethnically rich, and artistically vibrant society in the tropics. Our biggest asset is our sun-kissed people. Our residents are island-spiced, friendly and quick to smile. Contemporary Virgin Islanders are literally from everywhere. We are as diverse as the peaceful Arawak and fierce Carib Indians---and as culturally rich as the peoples of Africa, England, Holland, Denmark, Spain, France, India and the United States.

Nowhere else in the Caribbean offers such a good vacation value as the US Virgins. Secluded beaches. National Parks. Duty-free shopping. Campgrounds. Kayaking. Hiking. Ecological tours. World-class diving. Superb sailing. Tropical forests. Local craftsmen. Island art. Sunbathing. Fine Dining. Nightlife.

And it's all wrapped up in the safety, security, and efficiency of the American flag. The United States Virgin Islands. St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John. Three lively islands -- one gentle people.

Shimmering beaches framing unbelievably clear waters. Posh resorts and intimate villas. Wonderful restaurants serving foods from all over the world. Colorful underwater trails and coral reefs. Friendly people with their own unique music and West Indian cuisine. First-class sailing and challenging sportfishing. Where can you find all of this? In the United States Virgin Islands.

It’s no wonder that millions of vacationers choose the islands of St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas as their destination of choice, year after year. As an American territory, the U.S. Virgin Islands offers United States citizens significant advantages over other Caribbean vacation getaways. Even if you are an international traveler, you will find the American system of laws and customs under which the U.S. Virgin Islands operates to be convenient and trouble-free.

Our islands, located in the Lesser Antilles of the Caribbean, are easily reached by air and sea from any where in the world. The islands are a 3-1/2 hour non-stop flight from New York City; 3-1/2 hours non-stop from Baltimore; 3 hours non-stop from Atlanta; and 2-1/2 hours non-stop from Miami.

Several major airlines offer regularly scheduled flights to the U.S. Virgin Islands, and many smaller airlines also service the islands. Popular cruise lines visit the islands throughout the year. Caribbean cruises regularly run from Miami and San Juan to St. Thomas and St. Croix. Smaller ships are able to dock in St. John. There are also calls by ships from the West Coast.

Vacationers frequently visit all three islands during their stay. St. John is only 20 minutes away from St. Thomas by ferry, and frequent small-plane service, sea-planes, hydrofoil, charter boats, catamaran service and commercial airlines link St. Thomas and St. Croix. The inter-island flight takes approximately 20 minutes. Helicopter service also connects the islands.

Whether you arrive by sea or air, you may choose from among a wide range of beachfront, hillside or downtown accommodations, take advantage of the best shopping in the Caribbean (many say in the world) and make friends with some of the most gracious and hospitable people you’ll ever meet.