Just 90 miles from Puerto Rico are the U.S. Virgin Islands, a group of islands in the Caribbean that are a major vacation destination due to their pristine beaches and top diving locations. The U.S. Virgin Islands consist of the major islands Saint Croix, Saint John and Saint Thomas, as well as many small islands—all of which are volcanic in origin.
Each island embraces its history—with ancient burial sites and national parks—as well as its flourishing tourism including sailing safaris and an array of family water sports. Scuba diving and boating are among visitors’ favorite water activities that are offered through local shops like Cane Bay Dive Shop on St. Croix, which organizes daily trips to popular destinations such as Cane Bay and Annaly Bay.
For stunning panoramic views of the islands’ natural scenery, tourists can embark on a Skyride adventure from St. Thomas to Paradise Point or hike to Drake’s Seat on St. Thomas, the former lookout spot of Sir Francis Drake, an English privateer in the 1500s who kept watch for enemy ships of the Spanish fleet.