U.S Virgin Islands Itinerary
Planning your U.S. Virgin Islands itinerary? The islands are a fabulous destination, perfect for a quick cruise stop or a leisurely week-long stay. Having celebrated my honeymoon there, I’m thrilled to share some pro tips to help you dodge the usual tourist pitfalls and discover the real gems of the islands.
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From the best snorkeling coves to top-notch local dining, this guide covers the essential stops and hidden spots. If you have a one-day stop or a full week in the US Virgin Islands, there is plenty to see and enjoy.
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If You Only Have ONE Day As a Cruise Stop
St. Thomas
All of the major ocean lines, as well as many minor lines, visit the busy port of Charlotte Amalie in St. Thomas. It is the most popular port for Eastern Caribbean itineraries!
I wouldn’t spend a full day on a beach. There’s just too much to see and do. Plus, if your ship was like ours…you are NOT going to be the only ship in port. The beaches will be super crowded. We recommend going on two different tours/excursions, with multiple activities. This way you avoid the crowded beaches and head out to more secluded spots!
Start out with a boat tour from the harbor out to Buck Island. Enjoy a few hours exploring, snorkeling, and relaxing on the gorgeous beaches that none of the other cruise passengers are on! Just make sure you get back to your ship on time!
Once you’re back on land, make your way to the Paradise Point launch site. Tickets are about $25 per adult, and trams run every few minutes. Riding the Skyride to Paradise Point in St. Thomas is like stepping into a postcard. It takes less than 10 minutes before you are 700 feet above the harbor, with a complete view of Historic Downtown Charlotte Amalie. On a good day, you can even catch a glimpse of Puerto Rico and St. Croix in the distance!
Once you reach the top, you can grab a bite at one of the restaurants, enjoy a drink at the bars, or browse through some local souvenirs. And you’ve got to try the Baileys® Bushwacker—it’s a local favorite for a reason, with over a million served! Make sure to check out the new Skywalk too. It offers a unique vantage point that’s perfect for the gram.
St. Croix
If your ship will be docked in St. Croix, I recommend you skip the beach! Yes, they are beautiful, BUT if you are docking with a cruise ship, the best beaches are going to be overrun. Remember, this is a small island, so I wouldn’t want to fight for a spot on the beach.
Instead, I recommend doing a food or rum tour! St. Croix has a unique food scene. There are French, African, and Caribbean flavors mixed together to create a foodie’s dream. I would spend my day with a walking food tour in the main city of Christianstead. Then finish it up with some shopping!
Or you can visit the Cruzan Rum distillery! Tickets are only $25/adult and of course, you can sample all of the different flavors made right on the island. A taxi ride is wonderful to take to get there and back!
If You Are Visiting For a Week
If you are going to be taking your time in the USVI, then you’ll be able to venture out and see some more historic sites. The history nerd in me would make it a point to stop at Alexander Hamilton’s mother’s grave! But a 7-day trip will allow you to spend some time in each island and experience the best each has to offer. Here is the itinerary that I would recommend.
US Virgin Island Itinerary-Day One
Make sure you fly into St. Thomas. It has the largest airport and will have the most flights available. Most flights from the mainland tend to arrive midday, so your first day should be dedicated to travel and getting acquainted with your resort.
Just keep in mind, that most of the USVI do NOT have all-inclusive resorts. On the same note, there aren’t that many large resort-type places to stay. You will more than likely stay at a smaller, more boutique hotel unless you want to stay at an upscale resort. If you are planning a destination wedding in the USVI, then St. Thomas might have more options for you.
If it’s your first visit, we recommend making St. Thomas your base for the week. The island is small enough to get about and reach most things within a day. Grab dinner at your resort, then wrap up the evening with a stroll on the beach.
Day 2
Spend this day exploring Charlotte Amalie, the capital city and cruise port. Start the day by taking the tram to Paradise Point – enjoy some shopping and grab a banana daiquiri while taking in the breathtaking vistas. Stroll about the old city, climb 99 Steps, and venture over to Bluebeard’s Castle for a little pirate lore. We like checking out historical sites, so we highly recommend it. End the day with a delicious dinner in town before returning to your resort.
Day 3
Catch a shuttle to Red Hook. From there, you’ll take a water taxi over to St. John! Start with a hike in the National Park and take some great pics from the vistas of the neighboring British Virgin Islands. On your way back to town, stop by one of the many incredible beaches for a dip in the ocean and a bite to eat. Spend the afternoon wandering around Cruz Bay, taking in the sights, sounds and smells of local cuisine.
Definitely stop here for dinner. There are so many great options in both Cruz Bay (St. John) and Red Hook (St. Thomas) and enjoy the sunset and tropical vibes – you can even dance the night away!
Day 4
After a busy day in the sun, day 4 will take it back down a bit. Sleep in, and then head out for an incredible midday excursion to Little Buck Island. Snorkel, swim and take in the natural beauty! Head back to your resort to get freshened up for dinner – tonight is the night for your sunset sail!
Day 5
Today is a great day for a hike to Drake’s Seat! The climb is oh-so-worth-it once you catch that first glimpse of Magen’s Bay from above! From here, we suggest a taxi/shuttle to Mountain Top for a fun zip line adventure, before returning to sea level. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the world-famous Magen’s Bay!
This is one of the best places I recommend for my honeymoon couples. The US Virgin Islands are my preferred place to send clients who want to travel without needing a passport!
Day 6
Make the most of your last full day in the USVI by taking a couple of tours. We suggest taking a food tour around the island, followed by a day sail to Water Island for the perfect afternoon having fun in the sun! After dinner, make your way to Frenchman’s Cove for the grand finale – tonight you are going bioluminescent kayaking for a unique perspective of the exquisite USVI marine life.
Day 7
After a busy week, you’ve got our permission to sleep in on your last day, maybe even order room service breakfast while you pack up to head home. Take one last stroll along the beach before checking out and heading to the airport.
What If You Want To Extend Your US Virgin Island Itinerary
I think 7 days is more than enough, but if you want to extend your stay I have the perfect option. Head on over to Puerto Rico. You can get from St. Thomas to San Juan in a couple of ways (by ferry or small plane). You can even take a ferry to the island of Vieques off the coast of Puerto Rico to have an amazing experience on some seriously underrated beaches.
Which US Virgin Island Itinerary Is For You?
In crafting your U.S. Virgin Islands itinerary, we hope you take our advice and avoid the typical tourist routes and introduce yourself to the authentic charm of the islands. Even if you’re making a brief stop during a cruise or spending a full week exploring, there are plenty of things for you—from tranquil snorkeling adventures to rich local culinary tours.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the options or need a little extra help tailoring your trip to perfection, I’m here to help. Book a free consultation call today, and let’s map out your perfect U.S. Virgin Islands adventure together.