Adventure Awaits

By John M. Smith

The U.S. Virgin Islands push visitors out of their comfort zones with land and sea activities for the timid and the fearless

Now that the winter season is here, my thoughts turn to a Caribbean escape, even if just for a brief change of scenery and temperature. One of my favourite destinations for this is the U.S. Virgin Islands, made up of three major islands – St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix, plus several tiny islets and large rocks that merely jut out of the water, about 50 islands and cays altogether. They’re a magnificent destination, not only because of the numerous spectacular beaches you’ll find but also for the fantastic variety of activities offered.

BOATING

Whether you wish to rent a power boat or a day of touring, charter a sailboat, enjoy some leisurely kayaking, or try your luck at deep-sea fishing, the U.S. Virgin Islands have it all. Fishermen often find tarpon, mackerel, grouper and snapper near the islands, but they need to go further out to pursue wahoo, tuna and marlin.

CYCLING AND MOUNTAIN BIKING

St. Thomas offers a gentle, self-guided cycling trip along the waterfront to Lindbergh Bay Beach. For a strenuous, challenging mountain biking route, featuring both double and single track, cycle uphill on mountainous St. Croix. For a gentler cycling trek on this latter island, you can ride from Frederiksted along the coast to the remote Hams Bluff.

SNORKELLING

At St. John’s Trunk Bay, you’ll discover a fascinating underwater trail with submerged markers. An even better snorkelling area is found near St. Croix at Buck Island Reef National Monument, featuring a well-marked underwater trail and a spectacular coral reef.

SEA TREKKING

Sea Trekking is a guided underwater journey, an experience that allows participants to walk right on the ocean floor, available at St. Thomas’ Coral World Ocean Park. It’s a wonderful way for even non-swimmers to get an up close and personal view of the spectacular aquatic life and magnificent coral beds of Coki Bay. Wearing a specially designed sci-tech helmet to keep your head and face dry, you’ll walk along the underwater trail while hanging on to a railing.

HIKING

Since Virgin Islands National Park covers two-thirds of the island of St. John, this is the best destination for the serious hiker. You’ll find several trails in the park, including routes to Bordeaux Mountain, Reef Bay, Caneel Hill and Francis Bay. On St. Croix, a rather challenging trek will take you through lush rainforest to the Carambola Tide Pools, another popular hiking destination. Upon arrival at these large, naturally formed pools, reward yourself with a swim or a snorkel.

ZIPLINING

The adrenaline-charged Tree Limin’ Extreme Zipline Tour is located high up in the rainforest of St. Peter Mountain on St. Thomas. It offers participants breathtaking views of Magens Bay. “Limin” means “hanging out” in the local jargon. Here, you’ll literally “hang out” in the trees as you soar through the air from eight different platforms.