4 Things You Should Know Before Visiting the US Virgin Islands (St. Thomas and St. John)
Thinking about visiting the US Virgin Islands? If you’re headed to St. Thomas or St. John (I didn’t make it to St. Croix—pa la próxima, mijita), here are four things you should know to make your trip smoother and more enjoyable, aside from wearing lots of sunscreen, of course! Porque el sol sí está bravo allá.
1. Transportation Can Be Tricky
There’s no Uber or Lyft, so if you want to get around, you’ll need to rent a car or rely on taxis. Keep in mind that they drive on the left side of the road (si, a la británica), and the roads are windy and tight. Tantas curvas y yo sin frenos, mi amor, pero not like that—they can be scary.
If you plan on drinking, just don’t drive. Mejor un taxi, but be aware that taxis can be hard to find in certain areas and are sometimes unreliable. Plan ahead! Jot down phone numbers or taxis you see or take during the day, or hire a private driver. And no, outside of downtown, it’s not really walkable—New Yorkers, I’m looking at you.
2. Timing Is Everything at Magens Bay
Magens Bay is a must-visit—it’s absolutely stunning. But here’s the tea: avoid going when cruise ships are docked. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself on a crowded beach full of cruise passengers, and whether that’s good or bad is up to you. Porque yo no dije nada eh. To enjoy the peace and beauty of the beach, check the cruise schedule and plan accordingly. We went on a no-cruise day Thursday and the beach was fairly empty and super peaceful.
3. Many Places Close Early or Aren’t Open on Sundays
One thing I loved about the islands is how much locals value family time and work-life balance. But this also means that many places close early or don’t open at all on Sundays. So, if there’s a specific restaurant or spot you want to visit, double-check their hours of operation or call ahead. It’s a good reminder for all of us to slow down and appreciate slowing down para vivir una vida tranquila con nuestros seres queridos.
4. You’ll Likely Pass by Epstein Island While Snorkeling
If you go snorkeling or diving, you might end up near Little St. James Island. On one of the boat tours, the crew mentioned that bad things happened there but didn’t get into specifics. Turns out—it’s Epstein Island! Ay no, qué horror. So yeah… just keep that in mind while enjoying the beautiful waters.
The Lesson: Plan Ahead and Take It Easy
The US Virgin Islands offer stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and a slower pace of life that’s perfect for relaxation. But to make the most of your trip to St. Thomas and St. John, plan ahead for transportation, check schedules, and embrace the island vibe. Whether it’s relaxing on Magens Bay or snorkeling in the turquoise waters, pa’ que disfrutes, plan wisely.
Let me know if you’ve been or if you’re planning a trip—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
