The U. S. Virgin Islands are incredible. But, before you can enjoy them, you have to get to them. Several options are available whether you're traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands, including plane, cruise, and yacht.
Air travel is always popular because it's fast and convenient. The U.S. Virgin Islands have plenty of direct or nonstop flights. Although it's best to book well in advance, last minute deals can also be found when you are able to be more flexible. Another option to save is to choose off-peak times: mid-week, Saturday stay overs, or off season. You will land at either St. Thomas' Cyril E. King Airport, west of Charlotte Amalie or St. Croix's Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, southwest of Christiansted. Getting around the U. S. Virgin Islands is easy because a number of airlines travel within and among the islands. And, if you can afford the high fees associated with them, helicopters are certainly viable options too!
Cruises stop at both St. Thomas and St. Croix. Charlotte Amalie and Christiansted are both popular cruise ports. Many ships pass through and stop in the U. S. Virgin Islands before heading on.
Yachting is highly popular in the U. S. Virgin Islands. Plenty of yachts are rented. You can even rent one outside of the Virgin Islands and arrive by sea on your own schedule. The U. S. Virgin Islands are known for the gorgeous stretches of sea that surround them. People sail around these islands for the fishing, sailing, and beauty. The U. S. Virgin Islands are known around the world for their incredible sailing and fishing. The water is always warm, and conditions are nearly always perfect. Many travel via yacht each year to explore, race, or just enjoy the Caribbean's wintertime warmth. You can choose power boats or sailboats, unmanned or with full crew. Many scheduled group tours are easy to join. These are usually only day-long or half-day trips but provide great opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and deep-sea fishing.
Ferries are a relatively easy way to reach some of the more out of the way islands. Ferries leave from St. Thomas' Charlotte Amalie and travel to Cruz Bay, St. John, and Fajardo, Puerto Rico. Red Hook, St. Thomas, on the eastern end, also has a number of ferries to Cruz Bay. Fortunately, ferry rides are inexpensive. They're also reliable, and the choice of vacationers and locals alike. Rates range from $5-$45, depending on where you travel to and from. Last time I went, Red Hook to Cruz Bay was only $7 per person. All ferries offer reduced rates for children 3-11, and some offer discounts for senior citizens. Although, I think for the senior discount, you need to have a special card, or be a resident. Why people don't just check licenses or identification, I don't know!
As perfect as the waters are, you should watch for coral reefs. Unfavorable (not the usual northeasterly) trade winds aren't common, but are nuisances. Northeastern sides of the islands will face the rough Atlantic, and if you travel from January to March, you will experience the best conditions, and the highest prices. Summer vacation may find rains and hurricane season getting in the way. Of course, the Caribbean has been hit by many a hurricane, yet they still stand. Don't let it distract you. I prefer going in the May to July quarter, anyways. (Although my next visit will be in early November, and by cruise ship for the first time. But for the 11th vacation to St. Thomas! :D)
To get to the U. S. Virgin Islands personally, come to my website:
http://kingarthur.traverustravel.com/index.asp
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