First Time Visitor’s Guide – US Virgin Islands
First-Time Visitor’s Guide to the U.S. Virgin Islands
Everything You Need to Know Before You Arrive
“Your vacation starts here.”
Imagine stepping off the airplane into warm Caribbean air, turquoise water stretching to the horizon, palm trees swaying in the breeze, and knowing you’ve arrived somewhere special.
Whether you’re visiting for a week or just a few days from a cruise ship, this guide will help you make the most of your first trip to paradise.
St. Thomas
The busiest island with shopping, nightlife, restaurants, beaches, cruise ships, and ferries.
Best for:
- First-time visitors
- Shopping
- Dining
- Boat charters
- Nightlife
St. John
Two-thirds National Park.
Known for:
- Incredible beaches
- Hiking
- Snorkeling
- Relaxed atmosphere
Before You Leave Home
✔ Passport?
Not required if you’re traveling directly from the U.S.
Only Required if:
- Visiting the British Virgin Islands
- Arriving from another country
✔ Currency
US Dollars
Credit cards accepted almost everywhere.
Bring cash for:
- Beach bars
- Taxis
- Tips
- Small shops
- to Save on Credit Card transaction fees!
✔ Cell Phones
Most U.S. carriers work normally.
No passport or international plan needed (for most U.S. carriers), but it is a good idea, because you may ping off of BVI towers.
✔ Electrical Outlets
Same as mainland USA.
120 volts.
No adapters needed.
Note: Power Outages are frequent, so make sure your accommodations have a generator or solar and batteries to be off self sufficient when the current if off.
When Should You Visit?
| Season | Weather | Crowds |
|---|---|---|
| December-April | Beautiful | Busy |
| May-July | Warm | Moderate |
| August-October | Hot | Quiet |
| November | Great value | Building season |
Getting Around
We drive on the LEFT side of the road.
Most rental cars still have the steering wheel on the left.
Take your time.
Transportation options:
- Rental cars
- Safari taxis
- Regular taxis
- Ferries
Which Beaches Should You Visit?
St. Thomas
- Magens Bay
- Sapphire Beach
- Secret Harbour
- Lindquist Beach
- Brewers Bay
St. John
- Trunk Bay
- Cinnamon Bay
- Hawksnest
- Maho Bay
- Francis Bay
Best Local Food
Don’t leave without trying:
- Fresh Mahi
- Lobster (seasonal)
- Conch Fritters
- Johnny Cakes
- Pates
- Callaloo
- Fungi
- Coconut Tart
Drinks to Try
- Painkiller
- Bushwacker
- Pirate’s Punch 😉
- Rum Punch
- Lime in the Coconut
What Should You Pack?
✔ Reef-safe sunscreen
✔ Swimsuits
✔ Sunglasses
✔ Hat
✔ Water shoes
✔ Beach towel
✔ Light rain jacket
✔ Phone charger
✔ Dry bag
Island Etiquette
People are friendly.
Say:
“Good Morning” or “Good Afternoon” before asking any question.
You’ll be amazed how far simple manners go. You may also be surprised how rude someone can be if NOT greatly properly.
Cover up!! Do not wear a bathing suit when not on a beach. This is disrespectful of the island culture. If you are not on a beach wear proper clothing.
Wildlife You’ll See
Keep an eye out for:
- Sea turtles
- Dolphins
- Stingrays
- Eagle rays
- Tarpon
- Pelicans
- Iguanas
- Goats
- Donkeys
- Whales (January – March)
Weather Tips
The sun is much stronger than most visitors expect.
Even on cloudy days you’ll burn quickly.
Drink lots of water.
Wear reef-safe sunscreen.
Island Time
Things move slower here. Do not rush things.
Relax.
Enjoy the view.
Nobody comes to the Caribbean to rush.
A Day You Won’t Forget
Many visitors spend their entire vacation on land…
…only to discover afterward that the highlight of everyone else’s trip was getting out on the water.
The Virgin Islands are truly experienced by boat.
Hidden beaches, snorkeling with sea turtles, floating taco bars, beach bars accessible only by water, and the breathtaking British Virgin Islands are what make this destination unlike anywhere else.
If there’s one excursion to prioritize during your stay, make it a day on the water.
Stormy Pirates Local Tips
As locals who spend nearly every day exploring these islands, here are a few insider recommendations:
- Book your boat day early—popular trips often sell out well in advance.
- Schedule your boat excursion near the beginning of your vacation so you have flexibility if weather requires adjustments.
- Visit the British Virgin Islands if your itinerary allows; destinations like Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke are unforgettable.
- Bring a waterproof phone case—you’ll want photos all day long.
- Don’t try to see everything in one trip. Most first-time visitors start planning their return before they even leave.