The Virgin Islands in January

Visiting the Virgin Islands for the first time as a 28-year-old was a great way to get a taste of everything that the islands have to offer.  I was able to partake in anything and everything available, but thankfully I did so without quite as many of the youthful follies that can, in younger years, befall a well-planned trip. 

We had 11 days in the Virgin Islands to do everything.  Arriving on New Year’s Eve and leaving January 11.   I had decided two days before arriving that I would get to my destination the hard but fruitful way – through a combination of walking and public transit.  That method, I find, forces a better understanding of the place you in, the surroundings, and at least a general sense of direction.  Not to mention you might actually get to meet someone.  

Upon arriving on St. Thomas, we settled in to our friends’ house and made our way immediately over to St. John for the New Years' Eve celebrations happening there.  

Through the evening we visited Joe’s Rum Hut, Motu, and a few other bars located right in Cruz Bay – a perfect place to spend the evening, though it was certainly tourist-heavy.  After a big night out, we finally rolled out of bed and headed to the beach through one of St. John’s many vast national parks that cover the majority of the island.   After hiking on the Lind Point Trail, we spent that afternoon in Caneel Bay, a 20 - 30 minute hike away from the ferry landing, which was a perfect little oasis with other tourists also present, but it was by no means overcrowded, but contained just a smattering of other people relaxing, reading, and swimming. 

Here in Caneel Bay, we went snorkeling which despite lower-than-usual visibility, was superb.  The water was the perfect temperature and fish were out and about in the two spots we were told to go by our excellent guides at Virgin Islands Eco-Tours.  VI Eco-Tours has several locations throughout the USVI and they are a great resource for activities on any given day, from snorkeling to walking tours, to kayak rentals, they really know the area, the flora, the fauna, and everything in between. 

Back on St. Thomas, we spent that evening in Red Hook, a great little community on the Southeast side of the island with shops, restaurants, and bars. It’s a great place to go out and be social without being overwhelmed by other people.  It is also known to be one of the safer locations on St. Thomas.

It should be noted that our trip consisted primarily of visiting St. John and St. Thomas – two islands that are closely connected by a ferry which you can take for $6 in either direction.  It runs every hour, on the hour, and is a really convenient way to see a bit more of the USVI's without breaking the bank.  

Next up on our agenda is to plan a camping trip to the British Virgin Islands for the weekend.  The ferry from the USVI to the BVI is approximately $70.  You can also rent boats, either with or without a crew, for much more.  The British Virgin Islands is a whole other adventure, but for now, at least you can consider St. John and St. Thomas as two great destinations for a relaxing week or two.