The Virgin Islands are a paradise for those who love the water. Whether you're looking to kayak through the blue waters, snorkel with tropical fish, or charter a private boat, there is something for everyone in the USVI.
Enjoy the USVI Water!
The waters in the Virgin Islands can best be described as azure blue and crystal clear and are a perfect temperature for swimming and snorkeling all year round. Here, we've provided an overview of the best aquatic activities in the USVI to help you choose which one is right for you.
Catamaraning in the USVI
Catamaraning is a popular activity in the USVI, and spending a day on the gorgeous waves of the Caribbean Sea is a highlight for many visitors. It's a fast and comfortable way to see the treasures the islands hold, and there are plenty of catamaran companies that offer leisurely sails around the islands with stops for swimming and snorkeling.
Snorkel with Tropical Fish
The clear waters of the Virgin Islands offer visibility of up to 100 feet, so you can see a wide variety of tropical fish and coral reefs. For instance, colorful schools of parrotfish abound all around St. John, and you'll likely spot them at snorkel locations at Hawksnest Bay and Trunk Bay. These colorful little guys are responsible for making much of the sand that is all around St. John.
Go Sunset Gazing
One low-key water activity is simply to go wading or rafting and take in a Virgin Islands sunset glistening across the water. Some of the best places to do this are from Cruz Bay Beach, Maho Beach and Cinnamon Bay. All of these beaches have unique qualities that make them ideal for enjoying a Virgin Islands sunset.
Charter a Sailboat
If you're looking for a breezy, chill time on the water, chartering a sailboat is an excellent option. You can find a variety of charter companies in the USVI that offer both half-day and full-day sails. This is a great way to relax and enjoy the Virgin Islands at your own pace.
Take a Sports Fishing Trip
Sport fishing is an activity in the USVI that fishing enthusiasts can participate in. Anglers will find that there are many different types of fish that you can catch on a trip, including mahi-mahi, wahoo and marlin. You can also grab some bait and tackle and go saltwater fishing from the shore
Swim to Lime Out
One of the top St. John water activities is visiting Lime Out, a swim-up taco bar that features tasty tacos and hand-crafted libations. Guests have the option to sit at the bar, remain on their boat or lounge in one of their circular green floats while enjoying the beautiful Virgin Islands scenery. Another cool thing about Lime Out is that they are very eco-friendly and power their establishment with solar power.
Take a Guided Kayak Eco-Tour
Speaking of being eco-friendly, taking a guided kayak eco-tour is a great way for the environmentally conscious to learn about the Virgin Islands and its history from the water. These tours are led by experienced guides who will take you to see some of the best sights on St. John, including the ancient petroglyphs which lie along the outskirts of a spring-fed body of water.
Try a Spa Experience at Salt Pond
Experiencing Salt Pond is one of the more decadent and lesser known of the St. John Virgin Islands activities. Why? The mineral-rich mud of Salt Pond is on par with a luxury spa experience but not everyone knows about it. You can just climb in the pond, rub the mud on and let it dry. The detoxifying, exfoliating and beautifying benefits of the mud work will then work its magic. Afterward, take a dip in the sparkling ocean to rinse off. Don't forget to visit Ms. Lucy's Beachfront Restaurant for lunch while you're nearby.
Take Some Instagram-Worthy Pics of the Water
The Virgin Islands offer some of the most Instagram-worthy water views in the world. So, don't forget to take some pictures! Some of our favorite spots to snap a pic include Caneel Bay, Trunk Bay and Maho Beach.
Go Jet Skiing
Jet skiing is another great way to enjoy the water in the USVI. The sport allows you to see the wonderful sights and get a little adrenaline pumping from the back of a private watercraft while you’re doing it. There are different watersports companies in St. Thomas that offer jet ski rentals, and you can find them all around the island.
Free Dive for Caribbean Spiny Lobsters
If you're looking for a truly unique experience, free diving for Caribbean spiny lobsters is it. These hulking crustaceans are found in the reefs and crevices around St. John and can be cooked and eaten once they're caught. Some of the area cooks along the beach may throw them on the grill for you too. Just be sure to check the regulations before you go, as there is a limit on how many lobsters you can catch, along with other rules you must follow.
Go for a Parasailing Excursion in St. John
Parasailing is a great activity for those who want to get a bird's-eye view of St. John beach areas. Parasailing outfitters in St. John will let you fly high over the turquoise waters and you can choose whether you want a dry take-off and landing or a dip and freefall.
Visit the Coastal Wetlands
Last but not least, the Virgin Islands are home to a variety of coastal wetlands, and these ecosystems are vital to the health of the local environment. The wetlands provide a habitat for many different types of animals, including birds, fish and reptiles. You can learn more about these habitats by taking a guided tour or visiting one of the nature centers on St. John.
These are just a few of the many water activities that you can enjoy in the USVI. No matter what your interests are, you're sure to find something that you'll love. Meanwhile, St. John is only 19 square miles, so if you want to go exploring simply book a taxi or rental and you can get to almost anywhere you want to go.
Book Your Stay at Marketplace Suites Today
Market Place Suites is a boutique hotel in Cruz Bay, St. John. It is central to just about everything, including exciting water activities. Additionally, our stylish, modern suites come with amenities that will make your stay even more enjoyable, such as refreshing air conditioning, concierge service, flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi.
Be sure to book a stay at Marketplace Suites today, so we can go over all the fun St. John, USVI, water activities available to you. Alternatively, you can contact us at +1 (800) 727-6610 to discuss the specifics of our suites.
