My Clay Tablets

U.S. Virgin Islands in 2022

US Virgin Islands are a group of Caribean volcanic islands famous for their white-sand beaches. This is my travel log from a trip in January of 2022

St. Thomas
St. Thomas

St Thomas

St Thomas is the entry point for most of the visitors of USVI who enter the territory by plane or on cruise ships.

The island is very expansive and hilly and renting a car is a must for visitors who want to explore it. Many major car rental companies have kiosks at the airport where one can pick up the car right outside of the airport entrance.

Unlike most of the U.S., in USVI driving is on the left side of the road and it takes some time to get used to that. I highly recommend renting an SUV here if you are planning to visit spots outside of the capital Charlotte Amalie.

Points of interest

  • Magens Bay Beach - well protected by the bay, has clean waters, plenty of parking space, and facilities like showers and picnic tables.

    Magens Bay Beach
    Magens Bay Beach
  • Sapphire Beach - located in front of multiple resorts and hotels

    Sapphire Beach
    Sapphire Beach
    Sapphire Beach Iguana
    Sapphire Beach Iguana
  • Drake's Seat is a vista point with Panoramic views of the island

  • Cost U Less - is a local equivalent of Costco

St John

St John is considered to be the pretties of USVI. It can be reached from St Thomas’s by the Red Hook Car Ferry. The round trip will cost about $60.

Ferry ride
Ferry ride

Most of the island is occupied by Virgin Islands National Park which means the nature here is well protected and taken care of.

Beaches

Maho Bay Beach is a beautiful beach perfect for snorkeling. I was able to spot a turtle, a stingray, many different kinds of fish and mollusks. Beware of sea urchins!

Maho Bay beach, boats
Maho Bay beach, boats

Trunk Bay view

Trunk Bay
Trunk Bay

Watermelon Cay hike pictures

Watermelon Cay hike, yachts
Watermelon Cay hike, yachts
Watermelon Cay hike, rocky beach
Watermelon Cay hike, rocky beach