US Virgin Islands
Nov. 26 - Dec. 1, 2020 (6D5N): I was eyeing to visit the Virgin Islands during Labor Day weekend, but the island went into another round of lockdown right before Labor Day. Lucky for me, the virus is now under control at the USVI and I was able to score a cheap flight with Delta. If you are into snorkeling, this is the island to explore. Not to mention, a passport is not required.
*Highly Recommended
Day 1
Afternoon arrival in STT from JFK (via Delta)
Pick up the rental car from Avis
Check-in @ Airbnb* (Sapphire Village Condo; beautiful apartment and a balcony with the marina view)
Coki Beach ($5 parking; good for snorkeling)
Dinner @ Blue Eleven* in Yacht Haven Grande
Day 2
Secret Harbor* (good for snorkeling)
Quick stop @ Drake's seat for the view
Lunch @ Sib's Mountain Cafe
Drink banana daiquiri @ Mountain top* (amazing view)
See both the Caribbean sea and Atlantic ocean @ Mermaids Chair* (30 mins “hike” from the gated entrance)
Dinner @ French Quarter Bistro* in Frenchtown
Day 3
Hike Magens Bay Nature Trail* (30 mins to the beach, make a left when you see a ribbon on the tree - see picture below; bring bug spray and hiking shoes)
Magens Bay Beach* ($5 entrance + $2 parking if not hiking; good for swimming)
Return the rental car @ the airport
Ferry to Water Island ($10 RT)
Catch the free shuttle or walk to Honeymoon Beach
Lunch @ Dinghy’s*
Ice cream @ Scoop & Brew*
Charlotte Amalie, follow the self-guided walking tour (about 2.5 hrs) for the following highlights:
Frederik Lutheran Church (pic only)
Hotel 1829 (pic only)
Government House (pic only)
Climb the 99 steps
Blackbeard’s Castle (pic only)
Fort Christian (pic only)
Happy Hour/Dinner @ Green House Bar & Restaurant* (good happy hour spot)
Day 4
8 am-8:20 am: Ferry to St. John from Red Hook
Breakfast @ Cruz Bay Landing*
Rent a speed boat from Low Key Watersports:
Maho Bay Beach* (good for snorkeling)
Lunch & drinks @ Maho Crossroad*
Trunk Beach (good for snorkeling)
Ahi Tuna Tacos & drinks @ Joe's Rum Hut*
5 pm: Ferry back to Red Hook
Day 5
Lindquist Beach* ($5 entrance + $2 parking; good for swimming)
Check-in @ The Ritz-Carlton*
Lunch @ Sails
Various water sport/water activities
Hot tub & drinks @ Ritz-Carlton Destination Club
Red Hook:
Dinner @ The Easterly*
Drinks @ Duffy’s Love Shack*
Day 6
Breakfast @ The Ritz
Snorkeling @ the bay
Afternoon flight to JFK
Other points of interest:
St. Thomas
Lunch @ Greengos Cantina / Petite Pump Room / Gladys’ Cafe
Dinner @ Frenchtown Brewing company / Sea La Vie / The Pie Whole
Happy Hour @ Fat Turtle
St. John
Lunch @ Woody's Seafood Saloon
Hike from Cruz Bay to Honeymoon Beach on the Lind Point Trail. It has a great look-out point over Cruz Bay harbor.
Tips:
Amex Centurion Lounge opened up in October 2020 - take advantage of it and visit the speakeasy (1850) if you fly out of JFK T4.
I’ve listed the beach entrance fees/parking fees that I researched while planning this trip, but I did not have to pay at all during November 2020.
Stay near Red Hook, there is more dining options/nightlife in that area versus downtown Charlotte Amalie.
If possible, rent a Jeep/SUV from Amalie Car Rental. My experience at Avis was alright, but I did have to wait a while for the car.
While you don’t need a passport to visit USVI, it will help to speed up the process through passport control/immigration when you depart from St. Thomas.
