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Island Hopping

By Joanne Curcio-Quiñones

One of the beauties of visiting the US Virgin Islands is that there are a host of other islands to explore that are just a "puddle jump" away. There is regular air and seaplane service between St. Croix and St. Thomas, which connects to Cruz Bay on St. John by ferry from both Charlotte Amalie and West End. Plus, Puerto Rico, Culebra and Vieques, as well as many of the islands and cays of the British Virgin Islands, are all within easy reach by ferry, charter or private boat or plane. Here are a few island hops to ponder:

Puerto Rico: The other more cosmopolitan and action-packed U.S. territory with great shopping, gambling and nightlife is less than 100 miles away from the USVI — and an easy jump by seaplane, fast ferry or plane from either St. Thomas or St. Croix to either Fajardo or the capital San Juan.

Vieques and Culebra: These small yet sophisticated destinations are big on Latin hospitality. The charming sister islands of Puerto Rico are in easy reach by boat or small private airlines to and from St. Thomas and St Croix.

Virgin Gorda: The largest of the BVI is famous for its giant boulder-strewn beaches known as The Baths. It is easily accessible by private airlines that are small enough to land on its tiny airstrip and also by ferry from St. Thomas.

Tortola: The largest and busiest of the BVI is still serene but with much to offer visitors in terms of beaches, hiking and diving. The Beef Island Airport east of Road Town has regular service between St. Thomas. Ferries serve both West End and Road Town from Red Hook and Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas and from Cruz Bay on St. John.

Jost Van Dyke: The tiniest party island, home of the famous Foxy's restaurant and bar and the Soggy Dollar Bar, has no airport. It can be reached by private boats or via Tortola, where ferries run between West End to Jost Van Dyke several times a day.

Peter Island: This private island welcomes non-guests and is famous for its secluded beaches and two ultra-luxurious resorts. Ferries run regularly between here and a dock just east of Road Town in Tortola.

Norman Island: This yacht haven is uninhabited and mountainous with great beaches, snorkeling and diving but is accessible only by private or charter boat.

For useful in-depth destination and travel information about PuertoRico, please visit www.ExperiencePuertoRico.com and for British Virgin Islands, please visit www.ExperienceBVI.com.

Vacationing in 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 Virgin Islands Tours guide for contacts and information.