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DiscoverUSVIMagazine.com
Enjoy the Outdoors on St. Thomas
St. Thomas is a paradise for sports lovers who enjoy active adventures both on land and sea. Some pursuits, such as bird-watching, hiking and snorkeling, can be enjoyed anytime on your own. Other activities, such as kayaking, day sails and golf, require advance reservations. Still other sports like scuba diving and kiteboarding require some prior skills in order to fully and safely enjoy.
On Land…
Bird Watching. There are over 160 species of birds in the U.S. Virgin Islands, including brown pelicans, white cattle egrets, brown boobies, frigate birds, mangrove cuckoos, yellow-breasted bananaquits, warblers, herons and more. Some of the best birding spots are at salt ponds on the east end of the island. The Audubon Club of St. Thomas conducts regular bird-watching tours. For more information, call 340-774-3745.
Golf. Former U.S. President Bill Clinton has played golf at the Mahogany Run Golf Course, and you can too. The course is reputed to have some of the most beautiful 18 holes in the Caribbean, with breathtaking vistas that tempt even the most serious golfers to take their eyes off the ball. The real challenge here is the spectacular “Devil’s Triangle,” a trio of holes that is so difficult that those who play all three without a penalty stroke receive a special, “I Survived the Devil’s Triangle” certificate from the club’s Pro Shop. For current rates and booking, call 800-253-7103, ext. 1 or 340-777-6250, ext. 1.
The Herman E. Moore Golf Course is located at the University of the Virgin Islands and open to the public. Golfers use the course mainly to practice putting and driving, as there are no holes or other facilities.
Hiking. Serious hikers will want to head to the V.I. National Park on St John, where some 26 easy and arduous trails await. On St. Thomas, there’s a short steep self-guided nature trail atop Paradise Point that leads to an incredible view off the south side of St. Thomas, with St. Croix visible on a clear day. At the St. Peter Mountain Greathouse, follow an 800-foot nature trail past nearly 200 varieties of tropical plants, including an amazing orchid jungle. V.I. Ecotours offers a combination kayak-hike-snorkel tour that lets you explore the 15-acre deserted island of Cas Cay, a part of the Virgin Islands Park System. The trip takes three hours. Cost is $79 for adults and $49 for children under age 12. Please call 340-779-2155.
On the Sea…
Parasailing. Caribbean Parasail and Water Sports at 340-775-9360 offers a 10-minute ride in the sky for $75 per person. Ten locations around the island and free pickup from hotels.
Boat Rentals. Renting a powerboat for a day is a great way to island-hop at your own pace. Most rental companies are located on the east end of the island, making it a breeze to zip to the British Virgin Islands for the day — just remember your passport. Customs and Immigration fees to enter the British Virgin Islands are $20 per person, with a $5 per person departure tax.
The rental fleet on St Thomas includes 25- to 32-foot Fountains, 26-foot Twin Vee and Prowler catamarans, and a 36-foot Scarab. Boats are usually equipped with a VHF radio, basic safety and navigational equipment, an anchor and a cooler for ice and snacks. Some also are outfitted with a swim ladder, bimini for shade and fishing poles. Rental companies prefer previous boating experience - or you can hire a captain for $80/half day or $115/full day. Prices range from $325 to $620 for a half-day and $375 to $670 for a full day, in addition to fuel. For information, call Nauti Nymph at 340-775-5066, Awesome Powerboat Rentals at 340-775-0860, See & Ski at 340-775-6265 and Water Edge at 340-771-7356.
For the ultimate in luxury, rent a fully crewed power yacht for the day. Magic Moments Luxury Excursions at 340-775-5066 and Waters Edge Sports at 340-771-7356 offer 45.6- and 50-foot Sea Rays, respectively. These sleek cruisers have ample space for dining, lounging and tanning, and carefully selected itineraries that include stops on St. John, the British Virgin Islands and even a few deserted isles. An open bar, gourmet breakfast and lunch, and limit of six guests makes for five-star treatment. Prices range from $1,700 to $2,600 for the day.
Kayaking. V.I. Ecotours (340-779-2155) offers a 2.5-hour guided kayak tour through the protected Mangrove Lagoon on St. Thomas’ southeast side. The whole experience is otherworldly as you paddle deep in the mangroves, away from any man-made noises, and see endangered brown pelicans, blue herons and egrets fishing and sunning. A snorkel stop lets you see a mangrove nursery at work nurturing the next generation of small fish and other sea life. Tours depart at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. daily. Cost is $69 for adults and $39 for children under age 12. Bring a swimsuit, water shoes, towel and sunscreen.
Kiteboarding. Also called kitesurfing, this extreme water sport combines elements of windsurfing, kite flying and wakeboarding. You can learn to kiteboard in one three-hour lesson that takes you from basic boarding skills and body dragging to water starts, riding and re-launching. Rates are $385 for a private lesson or $475 for two. The most popular spot for kiteboarding on St. Thomas is False Entrance, off the island’s southeast side. Beyond this, any uncrowded beach with side-shore wind and flat water will do. For more information and to arrange lessons, call Island Sol at 340-776-WIND.
Sailing. Calm seas, crystal-clear waters and close-by islands perfect for picnicking, snorkeling and exploring make St. Thomas a favorite jumping-off spot for half-day, full-day and sunset sails. Full days launch off with an exhilarating cruise across Pillsbury Sound to St. John. There are two snorkel stops, one mid-morning and the other mid-afternoon, with a noontime stop for lunch served in the cockpit while anchored in a quiet cove. In addition to lunch, an open bar, snorkel equipment and other water toys are provided. Per-person rates average $85 to $120. Sunset sails and sunset dinner cruises are typically two-to three-hour trips priced from $75 per person. The itinerary isn’t the highlight here, as captains plot a course that takes you just offshore; it’s all about romantic ambience. Contact CharterBoat Center at 340-775-7990.
SportFishing. The Virgin Islands is a sportfisherman’s paradise. Inshore, anglers will find kingfish, mackerel, bonefish, tarpon, amber jack, grouper and snapper any time of the year. Offshore, through the fall, wahoo can range up to 60–80 pounds. Wahoo and yellowfin tuna keep the catching action exciting in the winter. Come spring, dolphin (mahimahi) appear in large schools during April and May, and individual fish can easily run up to 50 pounds. However, it’s big bountiful blue marlin and other billfish species like white marlin and sailfish that attract international anglers to Virgin waters come the summer. These billfish bite best along the deep-water drop-off just north of the islands. Called the “North Drop,” this is where cool waters and ocean currents bring a bevy of baitfish. Today’s conservation-minded anglers always release their catch.
Rates for a half-day of sportfishing average $900 for a party of four to six. Three-fourths-day or six-hour trips cost $1,300, while full days are priced at $1,500. Many captains offer a “marlin-only” trip that speeds you directly to the North Drop with no inshore trolling. These trips are priced at $1,600. All fishing charters do include tackle and baits and beverages such as bottled water, sodas and beer. Some of the most experienced charterboats are Marlin Prince at 340-693-5929 and Mixed Bag at 340-513-0389.
Windsurfing. Year-round trade winds make this a popular sport. Many beachfront resorts and seaside surf shops rent windsurfers, which are basically surfboards with a single sail attached, in sizes for kids and adults. Some rental shops also offer instructors and lessons. Rates for lessons are $85/hour for one person or $120/hour for two. For lessons, call Island Sol at 340-776-WIND or West Indies Windsurfing at 340-775-6530. Sapphire Beach, Bluebeard’s Beach (in front of the Ritz-Carlton) and Vessup Bay are popular windsurfing spots.
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving. The many reefs, wrecks and drop-offs that rim the U.S. Virgin Islands offer countless hours of underwater exploration for both beginners and experienced snorkelers and divers. Visibility is excellent — up to 80 feet in many locales — especially in the fall and summer. Even night dives are awesome to catch a glimpse of nocturnal sea creatures voraciously lapping up microscopic morsels with their tendril-like tongues. St. Thomas has several full-service PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) and/or NAUI (National Association of Underwater Instructors) dive shops that offer everything from introductory dives to certification courses and beach or boat dives for seasoned divers. The cost for a one-tank dive starts at $99. Two-tank dives start at $120. For more information, call Blue Island Divers at 340-774-2001.
BLUE ISLAND DIVERS
Crown Bay Marina, Suite 505
340-774-2001 • www.blueislanddivers.com / www.scuba.vi
Blue Island Divers is St.Thomas’ wreck diving specialist, located within minutes of many well-known wrecks. The five-star PADI dive center caters to everyone from the very experienced to the brand-new diver. Enjoy small groups and personalized service from the professional, friendly staff. No experience? Try DISCOVER SCUBA! With just 30 minutes of instruction you will enjoy two dives in the ocean along with our certified divers in shallow water.
B.O.S.S. UNDERWATER ADVENTURE
Havensight & Crown Bay
340-777-3549 • www.bossusvi.com
Experience the ultimate thrill of a lifetime with your own underwater motor scooter! The B.O.S.S. will allow you to view the marvels of the sea with no diving experience necessary… and you are the driver! As you are driving underwater you will explore the brilliant undersea world and enjoy a guided tour of the stunning colorful fish and tropical reefs of the Caribbean. Join the staff of Aqua Adventures for an unforgettable experience!
CARIBBEAN WATERSPORTS & TOURS
6501 Red Hook Plaza, Suite 201, Red Hook
340-775-9360 • www.viwatersports.com
Caribbean Water Sports & Tours – Your Adventure Tour Company. Experience a breathtaking, high-speed tour on The Screamin’ Eagle 650 HP turbo-charged jet boat with fun commentary and beautiful scenery. Go parasailing and experience the thrill of powerboating, hot-air ballooning, hang gliding, and parachuting all in one. Have an adventure on Captain Nautica’s Ultimate Snorkeling Excursion or take a Captain Nautica Mini-Boat Tour where you are your own captain on a 14’ boat. Full-day, half-day and private charters available. “A World of Fun Under the Sun.”
CHARTER BOAT CENTER
American Yacht Harbor, Red Hook
340-775-7990 • www.charterboat.vi
Your free personalized service connecting you with an extensive selection of chartering options throughout the Virgin Islands. Whether you are looking to explore the luminous grottos at The Baths on Virgin Gorda, hook a blue marlin at the infamous North Drop or simply sail off into the sunset, their charter specialists are dedicated to matching you with the perfect day.
DOLPHIN WATER TAXI
Red Hook, East End
340-774-2628 • www.dolphinshuttle.com
Enjoy an easy and affordable day trip to White Bay on Jost Van Dyke, arguably the most beautiful beach setting in the world. Dolphin departs every day to this jewel of the British Virgin Islands from St. Thomas and St. John at 9 a.m. and return at 5 p.m. Reservations are required. They offer group discounts, and can accommodate up to 28 people. Serving St. Thomas, St. John and all the British Virgin Islands.
MARLIN PRINCE SPORTFISHING CHARTERS
American Yacht Harbor, Red Hook
340-693-5929 • www.marlinprince.com
Head out on the beautiful blue waters surrounding the Virgin Islands aboard Marlin Prince. This 45’ Viking is equipped with tournament grade tackle to assure you and your family the best fishing experience ever. Captain Eddie Morrison has fished the local waters for 21 years; he will find you the fish. The first mate will assist the beginner or challenge the most seasoned anglers. Cold beverages, AC interior, cushioned bridge area and great fun are standard.
MIXED BAG SPORTFISHING
St. John/St. Thomas
340-513-0389, 340-776-6730 • www.sportfishingstjohn.com
Kick off your vacation with the sportfishing experience of a lifetime. A day with Mixed Bag or Mixed Bag II is a must. Specializing in live bait, Captain Robert Richards and his crew offer year-round offshore and inshore sportfishing. Offshore species include marlin, dorado, tuna and wahoo. Inshore action offers opportunities to catch snapper, king fish, jacks, shark and more. Whether you are a novice or seasoned angler, we will exceed your expectations.
SEE AND SKI POWERBOAT RENTALS
A Dock, American Yacht Harbor, Red Hook
340-775-6265, 866-775-6268 • www.seeski.com
See and Ski provides a wide variety of superior-quality, twin-engine 26-foot to 34-foot powerboats, including Prowler Cats and Scarabs, all top of the line. All are powered by the new fuel-efficient four-stroke Yamaha engines, are Coast Guard-approved and come fully equipped with radios, ice chests, large bimini tops and built-in freshwater showers. See and Ski offers exclusive water skiing trips, fully rigged fishing boats and sightseeing excursions.
VIRGIN ISLANDS ECOTOURS
St. Thomas, Mangrove Lagoon
St. John, Virgin Islands National Park, Caneel Bay
Historic Hassel Island,
Virgin Islands National Park, Frenchtown, St. Thomas
Caneel Bay, St. John
340-779-2155 • www.viecotours.com
Kayak, Hike and Snorkel Adventure of Cas Cay. Kayak past many small islands in St Thomas’ Mangrove Lagoon. Enjoy a hermit crab race, a 10-minute walk to tidal pools, volcanic cliffs and a rare geologic blowhole. Snorkel in a mangrove nursery following an underwater trail to part of a shipwreck surrounded by colorful marine life. It’s guaranteed fun for the entire family. Five hour (including lunch), three hour and two and a half hour tours available. Reservations required. info@viecotours.com
WATERS EDGE SPORTS POWER BOAT & YACHT CHARTERS
American Yacht Harbor, Red Hook
340-998-8433 • www.stthomasboatrentals.com
Experience the Caribbean first-class aboard a Waters Edge powerboat. Choose from an all-inclusive 50-foot luxury yacht or 31- to 35-foot powerboats. Experienced captains will guide you through the U.S. and British Virgin Islands or choose to bareboat with up to 11 people. Waters Edge now offers all-inclusive sportfishing charters. You can also go tubing, wakeboarding or waterskiing on an extreme charter. Just a short ride to the calm waters of Magens Bay, then let the fun begin.
Enjoy the Outdoors on St. John
While St. John's beaches are the main attraction, the island has lots more to offer when it comes to being active.
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
Water sports are a big draw. You can snorkel to view St. John’s stunning undersea world. The underwater trail at Trunk Bay, which has lifeguards, comes complete with explanatory signs. Rent snorkel gear at Trunk and Cinnamon Bay, as well as at water-sport shops located at hotels and in Cruz Bay and Coral Bay.
Get your diving feet wet with an introductory resort course at any one of the island’s dive operators. Experienced divers who hold certification cards can explore the colorful reefs off St. John with a dive boat trip.
Windsurfing, Kayaking and Boating
Go windsurfing with or without lessons at Cinnamon Bay, or paddle around in a kayak rented at Cinnamon Bay, Cruz Bay or Coral Bay. From Cruz Bay, you can take a guided kayak or sailing tour to offshore cays.
Powerboats can be rented for longer excursions in Cruz Bay and Coral Bay. If you’re unsure of your boating skills, you can hire a captain for the day.
Prefer bigger boats? Set sail on a captained sailboat for a daylong trip. Most boats drop anchor for lunch and snorkeling in St. John’s warm and welcoming waters. A few even go to the nearby British Virgin Islands.
Sportfishing
Head out to sea for a chance to catch the big one. Boats like Mixed Bag and Mixed Bag II leave from St. Thomas and St. John for points north and south on full, half and three-quarter day trips. They depart from resorts, marinas and public docks located around the islands. If you’re headed out to sea for either the North or South Drops, throw a line overboard for marlin, dorado, tuna, mahimahi, blue marlin and wahoo. Closer to shore, catch snapper, kingfish and skip jacks, blackfin tuna, shark and barracuda. Boat sizes run in the 30- to 40-foot range with a few a bit smaller and some a little larger. Prices vary depending on the length of the trip and the season, with the summer season rates cheaper. The boats provide all the equipment, bait and usually drinks, but some ask you to bring your own lunch. Don’t forget your hat and sunscreen.
Hiking
Folks who prefer to have their feet on firmer ground will enjoy hiking St. John’s many trails. Reef Bay is the most popular, and Virgin Islands National Park runs frequent trips down the 2.1-mile path. Meet at the park’s Visitor Center in Cruz Bay for the $6 ride to the trail head on Centerline Road. A park ranger explains the flora, fauna and history as you head downhill. A $15 boat trip brings you back to the Visitor Center. Of course, you can hike the Reef Bay Trail by yourself, but you’ll have an uphill trek to get back to Centerline Road.
If you’re without a car, a trail to Lind Point and Solomon Beach starts right behind the Visitor Center. Another, which can eventually bring you to Caneel Bay Resort, departs near Mongoose Junction Shopping Center in Cruz Bay.
Other Sports
In Coral Bay, visitors can hop on a horse for a trip down country lanes.
Tennis aficionados will find several courts to play on. Caneel Bay Resort and the Westin Resort and Villas both have tennis courts, and the public court located near the fire station in Cruz Bay is in good condition and open to all.
BAD KITTY and CALYPSO CHARTERS
St. John / Red Hook
340-777-7245 / 340-998-5564 • www.calyspovi.com
Four Islands, Five Stops. “BEST OF THE VIRGINS” on Bad Kitty. Includes the top destinations in the BVI: Virgin Gorda, The Baths, Cooper, Norman and Jost Van Dyke Islands. Enjoy sailing and snorkeling on Calypso catamaran: Choose either full-day to Foxy’s and The Soggy Dollar Bar or around St John. We also offer half-day and magical sunset sails with open bar and hors d’oeuvres. Explore 12 St. John beaches on your own, with full and half-day center consol dinghy rentals.
HIDDEN REEF ECO-TOURS
St. John/
887-KAYAK-SJ (877-529-2575) • www.hiddenreefecotours.com
Explore as Hidden Reef Eco-Tours naturalist guides let you discover the best that St. John has to offer. Experience and knowledge enables Hidden Reef’s guides to introduce you to this island’s ecology, surrounding waters and many wonders. You’ll enjoy the experience of kayaking on turquoise waters and snorkeling in a clear Caribbean bay, while discovering exotic fish and pristine coral reefs. Schedule a tour today to make your tropical dreams come true!
VIRGIN ISLANDS ECOTOUR
St. Thomas, Mangrove Lagoon
St. John, Virgin Islands National Park, Caneel Bay
Historic Hassel Island, Virgin Islands National Park,
Frenchtown, St. Thomas
340-779-2155 • www.viecotours.com
Kayak, hike and snorkel! Find adventure at St. John’s Virgin Islands National Park.
Kayak over fabulous turquoise waters and past sandy beaches. Hike along a picturesque tropical forest trail with breathtaking views. Snorkel a colorful coral reef teeming with marine life. Professional guides identify bird, plant and marine species. Fun for the entire family! Two-person, easy-to-paddle sit-on-top kayaks. Limited space. Tours depart from the dock at Rosewood’s Caneel Bay Resort. Reservations required. info@viecotours.com www.viecotours.com
Enjoy the Outdoors on St. Croix
Visitors discover that the wide-open spaces of St Croix, with its gently rolling terrain and year-round comfortable air and water temperatures makes it a sports lover’s dream. Golfers can choose from two 18-hole courses — the tournament-quality Carambola Golf Club or the Buccaneer Golf Course overlooking the Caribbean. There’s also a nine-hole public course toward the island’s east end. Tennis courts, some lighted for nighttime play, are available at public parks and several hotels.
Bikes are available for rent, or take a tour on a jeep or all-terrain vehicle. No experience is necessary for escorted horseback rides through tropical forests down to the beach, or for hikes led by local naturalists. Join St. Croix Landmarks Society members during winter months on escorted “Ruins Rambles” into plantation ruins usually closed to the public.
St. Croix has coral reefs accessible to divers and snorkelers right off the beach. Scuba divers come from around the world for the spectacular Cane Bay wall that drops thousands of feet along the north shore. If you’ve never tried diving, an introductory course will get you started. For more water sports, try kitesurfing in the steady breezes along the north shore. Rent a kayak at the Salt River or in Cane Bay for an escorted tour or independent paddling at your own pace.
Sportfishing is in season here throughout the year, so anglers can head into the deep to scout a record-setting blue marlin or reel in a wahoo, mahimahi or tuna. Even if you don’t bring home dinner, you’ll have a great day at sea.
CARIBBEAN SEA ADVENTURES
59 Kings Wharf, East End of Christiansted Boardwalk
340-773-2628 • www.caribbeanseaadventures.com
Discover the essence of serenity and splendor with Caribbean Sea Adventures, offering an impressive range of St. Croix water-sport activities for the experienced and novice. Their fleet of seven vessels range from intimate and private six-passenger vessels, to 49-passenger vessels, sail or power, and can accommodate groups up to 200 people. If you are planning to see Buck Island, or enjoy a sunset sail, you will love St. Croix and Caribbean Sea Adventures. They look forward to your call.
CARAMBOLA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
Kingshill, St. Croix
340-778-5638 • www.golfcarambola.com
The Carambola Golf & Country Club is a refreshing challenge for golfers and a treat for sightseers. The driving range and practice green, the swimming pool surrounded by the picturesque ruins of an ancient sugar mill, the spectacular championship Robert Trent Jones Sr. course and the open-air restaurant and bar overlooking the 18th green are a perfect treat for one of St. Croix’s perfect days! Call for tee times, gift certificates and special deals.
ISLAND FLIGHT ADVENTURES- JET SKI RENTALS/HARBOR BOAT CRUISES
Take off on Jet Ski tours, harbor boat cruises, sunset cruises, snorkeling, wakeboarding, tube rides and fishing excursions, all customized and catered to your needs. The tours are custom trips by lush green mountains, white-sand beaches, and colorful reefs rich with marine life. Voted the Best Virgin Islands Jet Ski Tours and Water Sports Activities, 2008/2009 (VI Daily News). Open 7 days a week from 9 - 5 p.m. Go see them in Christiansted on the boardwalk next to Stixx.
ST. CROIX WATER SPORTS CENTER
Hotel on the Cay, Christiansted
340-773-7060 • www.stcroixwatersports.com
Experience a Jet Ski ocean excursion on top-of-the-line cruisers: Enjoy magnificent vistas, snorkel at secluded coral gardens. All Jet Ski tours/rentals customized for you. Activities for the entire family: the island’s only professional windsurfing school, snorkeling, paddleboats, kayaks, sunfish sailing. Excellent service, best equipment, competitive prices! Owned and operated by internationally known, multi-award winning guitarist and windsurfer Yener Korkut. Located at Christiansted’s ONLY beach.
Shark encounter, turtle encounter, sea lion swim and dive photos supplied by Coral World Ocean Park, St. Thomas.
Visiting the United States Virgin Islands and want to go fishing or diving, charter a yacht or sailboat for a week, or rent a boat or sailboat for the day? Check out the Activities Guide for contacts and information.
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