7 Reasons to Schedule a Virgin Islands Vacation NOW!!
Ahoy! Thinking about planning a trip to the Virgin Islands but haven’t pulled the trigger just yet?
Well, welcome aboard and read about seven good reasons not to delay those plans!
Easter signals one of the busiest weeks of the year in the Virgin Islands. Good Friday, Easter Sunday and even Easter Monday are public holidays, so schools and many businesses are closed. On Good Friday, No Alcohol can be served until 6pm. So, be mindful of that when planning ahead.
Both the general public and tourists flock to the beaches during the Easter holiday season, so be prepared to deal with crowds and parking issues. It’s also the time of year when the endeared “Puerto Rican Navy,” a large contingent of boaters (between 300 – 400) sail over from Puerto Rico to spend time in the Virgin Islands. Since Easter falls in late April this year, the off-season doesn’t officially begin until May 3rd when most of the holiday crowds have returned home. If you’re looking for a “sweet spot” to enjoy the region’s beautiful beaches and stunning scenery, this is your time to take advantage of less crowds, more opportunities to get into restaurants and better prices on rentals. Here’s a run down of what to expect.
#1. Fair Skies
“April showers bring May flowers” may hold true on the mainland, but it’s far from accurate in the Virgin Islands. In fact, azure skies and sunshine are the norm for spring in this part of the world. While showers are normal anytime throughout the year, the wettest months tend to be in the fall. Hurricane season does start June 1st, but typically the danger from storms doesn’t arrive until later in the summer with August and September being the prime months for dangerous weather. Sunny days without a lot of humidity are the norm so lather yourself in reef-safe sunscreen and idle away the hours on your favorite beaches. Because the number of tourists will be smaller than usual, you’ll have plenty of options of where to plant your beach chairs and umbrellas.
#2. Bursting with Color
By April, the islands are bursting with an array of colorful plants and trees, including the brilliant hues of hibiscus, bougainvillea, and frangipani. If the winter months had ample rainfall, the islands are as green as fresh mint and the aroma of jasmine adds a touch of sweetness to the air. To take advantage of the beauty, bring your camera and head to some of these iconic locations for postcard-like photos that will forever remind you of why the Virgin Islands are considered one of the most beautiful places on the planet.
- Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden is a two-acre oasis of tropical foliage, including orchids, palms, bromeliads, and succulents located on St. Thomas. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 to 4, it offers visitors views of Magens Bay, Tortola and St. John while providing an array of tropical plants that splash with colors of the rainbow.
- Plantation Crown and Hawk Botanical Garden, also on St. Thomas, was developed by Jackie, a graduate of Florida Southern with a BA in horticulture and landscape design, and her husband Klaus. The property consists of 5 ½ acres that once was a sugar plantation set in the rainforest that now is a premier wedding venue. Open from 8:30 to 4 most days, the botanical garden is as refreshing as cold lemonade on a hot day.
- Annaberg Sugar Plantation on St John is a great place to stroll through history while being surrounded by a lush tropical landscape. It also offers beautiful views of the sea so the palette of colors is stunning.
- Virgin Islands National Park on St. John offers a little bit of everything from lush forests to cacti-laden hillsides. Stop by the Visitor’s Center in Cruz Bay and grab a map to get a handle on all of the hiking trails and colorful scenic overlooks that are available.
#3. Perfect Temperatures
While temperatures can drop to the low 70s during the winter months, springtime ushers in more warmth with average temperatures in the low 80s. Add to that lower humidity than the summer months, which makes sunbathing and outdoor activities positively pleasant. If there were a Reader’s Choice Award for perfect weather, springtime would definitely win the honor.
Weather, of course, is unpredictable. Back in 2023, the warmest year on record in the Virgin Islands due to a high pressure system that was situated over the area, temperatures were well above average. The National Weather Service actually issued 67 Excessive Heat Warnings and 142 Heat Advisories that year, and St. Croix broke records when the temperature soared to 95 degrees two days in a row. Not to be outdone, a few years earlier St. Thomas recorded 99 degrees at Cyril E King Airport on June 23, 1996. But this year looks to be a banner year, so take advantage of the ideal conditions and book that flight to paradise.
#4. Deals on Airfare
An added bonus for traveling in spring is that airlines tend to lower fares. Do a quick search on Google and you can see average prices for the entire month of whatever dates you’re interested in. Kayak, Expedia and Priceline.com all have bargains of their own so do your research, but you’re sure to find prices lower than during the peak winter travel period. American Airlines, Delta, Frontier, Jet Blue, United, Spirit, and Sun Country Airlines (out of Minneapolis/ St. Paul) all fly into Cyril E. King Airport on the southwest side of St. Thomas. Inter-Island and cargo Airlines servicing St. Thomas include: Air Cargo Carriers, Cape Air, and Seaborne Airlines.
#5. Water Temperatures
With air temperatures in the 70s and water temperatures about 78 degrees during the winter months, spending a lot of time in the sea can feel a bit chilly, but by April the air and water temperatures are rising. Ranging from 82 to 84 degrees, the water is much more comfortable from April to June. By summer, dipping into shallow water can feel like stepping into a hot tub. The warmer waters of spring also means more fish are swimming about compared to the winter months, so grab your snorkel gear and be amazed at the beauty beneath the surface of the sea.
#6. Rental Discounts
Off-season rates for villa rentals typically run from May through early December. A plush, 6-bedroom villa could cost you over $20,000 during the holiday season, but by May that same villa drops to about $11,000. A nice 2-bedroom villa typically drops from $5000/week to $2500. All that savings means there’s more money to spend on eating out and fun adventures like booking a boat day with Stormy Pirates. Add to that the money you’re saving on flights plus the added bonus of good weather and it’s a no-brainer that springtime in the Virgins is a win-win deal.
You also might try one of the newest hotels that opened on St. John – SAINT RESORT. This beautiful resort with a day club is located in the heart of Cruz Bay and it specializes in wellness and relaxation, offering sound therapy, massage, sauna, and other spa treatments. Several pools with waterfalls, a cold plunge pool, rock climbing wall, steam shower, gym, and library are all accessible to guests. Learn more at: saintstj.com.
#6. A Full Slate of Outings with Stormy Pirates
Perfect weather and money saved means only one thing – There are no excuses for not booking a boat day with Stormy Pirates! From snorkel adventures to sunset sails and day trips to the British Virgin Islands, Stormy Pirates can help you make memories that will be the highlight of your trip. No one knows the islands better than their seasoned captains & crew and making sure you have a fabulous time is their specialty. Reach out today to see what special outings are offered by Stormy Pirates during the off-season.
End Notes: Hopefully, you’ve read enough to understand that booking a trip to the Virgin Islands during the off-season is a win-win bargain. Start planning your next visit soon and don’t forget to reach out to us at Stormy Pirates – we’ll put the gang plank down and escort you in style. We’ll also make sure to have a cold brew or tropical libation ready to place in your hands. “Fair winds” and “Godspeed” from our pirate crew to yours!