The cost of a flight always depends on the time of travel. The chart will allow you to compare prices for air tickets from Moscow to the Virgin Islands, track the dynamics of changes in their cost and find the best offer.
Statistics will help determine the season of low prices. For example, in May prices reach an average of 68,393 rubles, and in October the cost of tickets drops to an average of 44,561 rubles. Plan your trip now!
We analyze this information and create charts to make it easier for you to plan your trips.
During periods of high demand, it is recommended to purchase air tickets from Moscow to the Virgin Islands in advance. For example, December searches peak at 79, but September drops to 18 of their peak.
What is more profitable – to buy air tickets in advance, avoiding the general rush, or to take advantage of a “hot” offer closer to the departure date? The chart will help you determine the best time to purchase airline tickets.
See how the price of air tickets from Moscow to the Virgin Islands changed depending on the time of purchase. Since the start of sales, their value has changed by an average of 32%. The minimum price for a flight from Moscow to the Virgin Islands is 34 days before departure, approximately 44,561 rubles. The maximum price for a flight from Moscow to the Virgin Islands is 39 days before departure, approximately 68,393 rubles. In most cases, early booking helps you save money, take advantage of it!
The cost of air tickets from Moscow to the Virgin Islands does not represent a fixed and constant amount. It depends on many factors, including the day of departure. The dynamics of changes are visible on the graph.
According to statistics, the most affordable option for flights from Moscow to the Virgin Islands is on Wednesdays, their average cost is 44,561 rubles. The most expensive flights are on Fridays, their average cost is 65,161 rubles. It is worth considering that flights on holidays are usually more expensive. We hope this information will help you plan your travels more effectively.
The cost of air tickets depends not only on the date, but also on the time of departure. An airline can operate several flights on one day, and they will differ in price category.
The graph shows the cost of departure depending on the time of day. For example, the average cost of a ticket from Moscow to the Virgin Islands in the morning is 60,344 rubles. Evaluate all conditions and choose the best offer.
The graph shows comparative prices for air tickets from Moscow to the Virgin Islands of the most popular airlines. Based on this information, you can plan your trip and buy air tickets from Moscow to the Virgin Islands from the carrier that suits you.
Statistics will help you choose a flight based on your financial capabilities, as well as your wishes in terms of comfort and flight conditions. The lowest prices for air tickets from Moscow to the Virgin Islands are offered by Aeroflot, the highest prices are offered by KLM.
ONLY HERE YOU ARE EXPECTED:
- Some of the most beautiful beaches in the world; luxury hotels and resorts;
- The coastal waters of the islands are a paradise for fans of scuba diving and lovers of active sports. The archipelago is surrounded by marine reserves and is home to the third largest coral reef in the Eastern Caribbean. Especially popular among fans of wreck diving (diving near sunken ships);
- A magnificent spectacle: the annual regatta. The Virgin Islands have long provided calm harbors and bays for mooring ships and yachts of sea travelers
COUNTRY NOTE:
Official name: British Virgin Islands
Capital: Road Town
Code: +1284
Voltage: 110 V
HOW TO GET THERE: One of the most convenient routes is a flight to St. Maarten, then by local airlines to Tortola airport Beef Island Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS). You can also fly via London to Antigua (British Airways) and then on local airlines to Tortola.
GEOGRAPHY: The British Virgin Islands are a group of islands (36) located east of the island of Puerto Rico. The largest islands of this overseas territory are Tortola (the capital of Road Town is located here), Anegada, Virgin Gorda, Jost van Dyke. The relief of the islands is mainly hilly, due to their volcanic origin; The coral island of Anegada is flat.
TIME DIFFERENCE WITH MOSCOW: in summer -8 hours, in winter -7 hours
LANGUAGE: state - English
RELIGION: Catholicism
CURRENCY: U.S. dollar
VISA:
for citizens of the Russian Federation visa required. The British Virgin Islands have the status of a British Overseas Territory.
A detailed list of documents and application form is available on the UK Migration Service website.
CLIMATIC AND SEASONAL FEATURES:
The islands are dominated by a tropical trade wind climate, with average annual temperatures of +24+27°C. The dry season lasts from December to May, the rainy season from June to November. The average annual precipitation ranges from 1500 to 2000 mm. Tropical hurricanes are possible in late summer and early autumn.
FLORA AND FAUNA:
Dense tropical forests cover the hilly interior of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, and Jost Van Dyke, but lack of water means many areas are covered with sparse, hard-leaved vegetation, dry shrubs, cacti, and palm trees. Native flora includes mahogany, tree ferns, various fruit trees and vines. Common animals on the islands include lizards, rats, feral donkeys and various birds.
RECOMMENDED TYPES OF RECREATION: romantic trips, honeymoons, beach holidays, diving tours, sea cruises, eco-tours, business trips and incentive tours.
WE RECOMMEND WATCHING: carnival and horse racing in August, migration of humpback whales, spring regatta and Marine Festival, The Bath - a unique natural monument on Virgin Gorda, numerous nature reserves and national parks, The Ridge Road on Tortola, Mount Sugarloaf.
WE RECOMMEND TO TRY (CUISINE, SPECIALITIES):
Seafood dishes (lobster caught off the coast of Anegada is considered the best in the Caribbean), mussel pie, fish soup, shark soup, shellfish stew, “roti” - flat cakes stuffed with vegetables and meat, “Fungi” - a local dish with seafood, reminiscent of Italian polenta, local fruits - aromatic anons, sugar apple, papaya, guava, tamarinds, pineapples, mangoes and of course rum and rum cocktails and punches.
MAIN NATIONAL HOLIDAYS:
1st of January- New Year
2nd of March- Levity Stout's birthday
March 12- Commonwealth Day
April 22- Good Friday
25th of April- Easter
June 13- Spiritual Day
July 1- Territory Day
October 21- Saint Ursula's Day
December 25 - 26- Christmas
NIGHT LIFE: Moderate, there is 1 cinema in Tortola, several bars with DJs in Tortola and Virgin Gorda, bars and restaurants at large hotels, every month on the new moon there are beach parties on the Apple Bay beach in Tortola.
In the northeast of the Caribbean lies an amazing archipelago, which, according to conservative estimates, includes almost 60 small and medium-sized islands. Rumor has it that the same pirates of the Caribbean used to rampage here, but now this place is a favorite paradise for numerous tourists from Europe and the USA, which is famous for its mild climate, snow-white beaches, and high-quality service. Diving enthusiasts are attracted here by the rich underwater world: vibrant coral reefs, unusual marine life, mysterious caves. Or perhaps desperate adventure lovers dream of finding a forgotten pirate treasure at the bottom of the Caribbean Sea. In a word, the British Virgin Islands are a fabulously beautiful place, shrouded in many mysteries and secrets.
The capital of the British Virgin Islands is Road Town, which is located on the largest island of the archipelago called Tortola. It is curious, but it is on this island that the majority of the inhabitants of the Virgin Islands live, of whom there are only 27 thousand people. The area of the archipelago is 153 km². Geographically, the following states border the Virgin Islands: in the southwest is the island of Puerto Rico, to the south are the US Virgin Islands, in the east are the islands of Anguilla and Saint Martin, and in the southeast is the island state of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
The official language here is considered to be English, since the territory is controlled by Great Britain. However, not all local residents speak it. The language that the islanders use in everyday life resembles a mixture of Danish, Spanish, English, French and even some African languages.
The main religion of the Virgin Islands is Christianity (Catholics - about 10%, Protestants - 84%). But this is not the only belief that the locals adhere to. Among the religious inhabitants of the archipelago there are: Jehovah's Witnesses (approximately 2%), followers of other non-Abrahamic religions and cults (2%), do not identify themselves with any denomination 2%.
Regions and resorts
The territory of the Virgin Islands is divided into 5 districts with an administrative center in each of them:
- Tortola (administrative center - Road Town).
- Anegada (Te-Settlement).
- Virgin Gorda (Spanish Town).
- Jost Van Dyke (Great Harbor).
- other islands.
The main resorts of the Virgin Islands:
- Virgin Gorda.
- Guana.
- Necker.
- Tortola.
Difference in time
Climate
The climate in the Virgin Islands is predominantly trade wind and maritime. In addition, it is characterized by stable weather conditions - there are practically no sudden temperature changes or serious natural disasters. In winter, there are practically no fluctuations on the thermometer. Standard winter temperature range: from +22 to 24 C. In summer, the temperature ranges from +28 to 29 C. The indicators do not change much during the day.
The amount of precipitation in the Virgin Islands does not exceed 1300 mm per year. The rainy season here falls in spring and autumn, and dry weather prevails in winter and summer. Maximum rainfall occurs from early autumn to December. However, the rains last no more than a week. From mid-summer to October, hurricanes occasionally sweep across the Virgin Islands.
The most favorable time to visit the Virgin Islands is considered to be from the beginning of winter to mid-spring (December-April). However, it is worth remembering that it is at this time that the resorts of the sunny archipelago are crowded with numerous tourists, which means that the locals will not miss the opportunity to line their pockets and raise prices to the skies. The best balance between weather and prices is from May to August.
Visa and customs
To freely cross the border of the British Virgin Islands, tourists from Russia will need a visa. However, if your passport contains recent marks about visiting the UK, USA or Canada, no one will detain you at customs, but in this case you undertake to leave the territory of the Virgin Islands after 6 months.
You can apply for a visa to visit the Virgin Islands for tourism at any British consulate or embassy. To obtain a visa you will need a number of documents:
- a valid international passport at the time of travel with a blank page for affixing a visa;
- a copy of the page of the international passport with the personal data of its owner;
- a completed application form on the UK Migration Service website (filled out in English);
- photo of a tourist measuring 3.5x4.5 cm;
- documents that confirm the tourist’s sufficient financial well-being to travel to the Virgin Islands;
- a certificate from the place of work indicating the position and salary of the tourist;
- old passport (if you had one);
- invitation from a local resident or hotel reservation for the period of the trip;
- round trip plane tickets.
To obtain a visa, pensioners will need a certificate from work indicating the salary of the person who undertakes to pay for the trip. An extract from the person's bank account is also suitable. Students will need a student card, a certificate from the place of study, a certificate from the place of work of the person who is financing the trip and an application confirming the voluntary financing of the trip by this person. Pupils will need the same documents as students.
There is no restriction on the import of any amount of currency into the Virgin Islands, but a declaration may be required. Persons over 18 years of age at the time of entry may bring with them:
- up to two hundred cigarettes;
- 50 cigars;
- up to two hundred grams of tobacco;
- up to 1 liter of wine/other alcohol.
It is prohibited to import:
- ammunition;
- perishable products;
- weapon;
- narcotic substances;
- food products of animal and plant origin.
It is prohibited to export:
- objects found in the sea;
- native plants;
- local animals.
You can travel to the Virgin Islands with your pets if your pet has an international veterinary passport, which will contain information about vaccinations against rabies, canine distemper, and other dangerous canine diseases. The animal must also be identified using an electronic chip that is implanted under the skin.
How to get there
It is impossible to get from Russia to the Virgin Islands by direct flight. Therefore, the trip is usually carried out with two transfers: in the USA and Puerto Rico. You can also route through the US Virgin Islands. It is noteworthy that ferries and boats regularly go to the archipelago. This means that with just one transfer, you can reach your destination by water.
Excursions
- Aristocat Charters (Road Town): Boat Tours.
- Sunchaser Scuba Ltd. (Virgin Gorda).
- Sail Caribbean Divers (Road Town): Stand up paddle boarding.
- Island Surf and Sail (West End): water sports.
- Celtic Powerboats (Tortola): boat tours.
- Diving (Virgin Gorda).
- Patouche Charters (Tortola): Sightseeing tours.
- Gumption's Tours BVI (North Sound): Boat Tours.
- GroundSea Adventures BVI (Road Town): equipment rental.
- Silmaril Sailing (Peter Island): boat tours.
- Foxy's Charters & Water Taxi (Jost Van Dyke): Boat Tours.
- Speedy's (Virgin Gorda): ferries, boat tours.
- Original Virgin Canopy Tour (Road Town): Ziplines and ropes courses.
- Ocean Surfari Fishing Charters - British Virgin Islands (Tortola): Fishing tours and boat rentals.
- Carib Kiteboarding (North Sound): Surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing.
- Antilles Helicopter Services (Road Town): Helicopter tours.
- The Right Charter (Tortola): swim with dolphins, boat tours.
- Caribbean Fly Fishing Outfitters (Tortola): Fishing tours and boat rentals.
Transport
Transport links on the archipelago are rather poorly developed. This is due to the fact that many of the inhabited islands are of volcanic origin. This means that, no matter how hard you try, it’s not easy to lay smooth trails here. Tourists prefer to travel by taxi and rented cars. The total length of the archipelago's roads is no more than 200 km. The markings are not present everywhere. Therefore, it is better to use the services of local taxi drivers.
Another challenge to driving a rental car is that the traffic in the Virgin Islands is on the left, like in the UK, but most cars have a left-hand drive, like in the US. Therefore, driving such transport will be extremely inconvenient for tourists.
In addition, the British Virgin Islands has a well-developed airline network. Airplanes can easily transport tourists from one island of the archipelago to another. Terrance B. Lettsome is considered the main international airport in the Virgin Islands.
The main port on the archipelago is located in Road Town. Passenger ships and intercontinental cruise ships regularly depart from here. Here tourists can rent a boat, yacht or jet ski.
Communications and Wi-Fi
You can call home while on the islands by using payphones, which are located throughout the archipelago. A payphone card can be purchased at any newspaper or tobacco kiosk. Cellular communications are developed on all inhabited islands of the archipelago. There is roaming with the largest Russian operators. Internet access points are mainly concentrated in large cities: cafes, hotels. Access to the network is usually paid and amounts to about 8-20 USD per hour of use.
Money
The main currency of the British Virgin Islands is US dollars. In the capital and major cities of the archipelago, you can easily pay by credit card.
Approximate prices for products:
- Lunch at a cheap restaurant - 15.59 USD.
- A full meal for two persons (first, second, third) - 95.5 USD.
- Lunch at McDonald's - 15.07 USD.
- Local beer (0.5 l) - 3.01 USD.
- Imported beer (0.33 l) - 4.02 USD.
- Cappuccino – 5.03 USD.
- Bottle of Cola (0.33 l) - 3.01 USD.
- Bottle of mineral water (0.33 l) - 2.51 USD.
- Milk (1 l) – 4.02 USD.
- Bread (400 g) – 4.02 USD.
- Rice (1 kg) – 5.03 USD.
- Chicken eggs (12 pcs.) – 3.01 USD.
- Locally produced cheese (1 kg) - 12.06 USD.
- Chicken fillet (1 kg) – 6.03 USD.
- Apple (1 kg) – 2.2 USD.
- Tomatoes (1 kg) – 4.43 USD.
- Potatoes (1 kg) – 4.43 USD.
- Bottle of water (1.5 l) - 3.01 USD.
- Bottle of wine - 15.07 USD.
Transport prices:
- City transport ticket – 20 USD.
- Taxi services (1 hour) - 6.24 USD.
- Gasoline (1 l) - 1.23 USD.
How to avoid problems
Since the population of the British Virgin Islands is formed from former black slaves, who were brought here by the colonialists to work on plantations, and European residents, there is practically no talk about local special customs and traditions. Local residents are very tolerant of foreign culture and the behavior of tourists, since they are completely devoid of British stiffness. They love cozy pubs, cheerful crowded festivals, football and cricket.
Among local residents, it is customary to politely shake hands. In the Virgin Islands you will not find the cheeky behavior that is often attributed to the islanders. Residents of the archipelago are mostly polite, reserved and modest in their interactions. It is quite normal for islanders to show up for a visit in a bright beach shirt and shorts. But under no circumstances should you walk down the street in a swimsuit. At business meetings here, as elsewhere in Europe, it is customary to wear a formal suit.
Big cities
- Road Town.
- Te Settlement.
- Spanish Town.
- Great Harbor.
Shopping
Souvenir shops offer tourists a wide selection of gifts for family and friends. From here, every year, many liters of the pirates’ favorite drink are taken away - rum, wide-brimmed straw hats, bright clothes of the islanders, knitwear, liqueur, and exotic fruits.
Kitchen
Caribbean cuisine has absorbed the best traditions of recipes from American, European, Asian and, of course, local chefs. However, most of the archipelago's food supply is imported. The local cuisine includes numerous seafood and fruits.
If you want to taste what real “pirate” food tastes like, try lobster, charcoal-grilled fish seasoned with vegetables, shark soup and the highlight of the program – the famous mussel pie. Roti, stuffed with minced meat and vegetables, is served as an appetizer for the main course. As a dessert, we recommend trying delicious local fruits: pineapples, mangoes, passion fruit, and Indian dates.
Entertainment and attractions
- Old Main Street (Road Town).
- Folk Museum.
- Old Government's House.
- Fort George.
- Fort Recovery.
- Mount Healthy's Wind Mill.
- Sage Mountain Nature Preserve.
- Callwood's Rum Distillery.
- J.R. Botanical Garden O'Neal.
- Josias Bay Plantation.
Holidays and Events
- January 1 - New Year.
- Monday 1st March is Levity Stouts' birthday.
- 2nd Monday of March is Commonwealth Day.
- March-April (date varies) - Easter.
- End of May - beginning of June (date varies) - Spiritual Day.
- June 11-12 is the Queen's birthday.
- October 21 is St. Ursula's Day.
- December 25—Christmas.
- December 26th is Boxing Day.
Historical facts
- I century BC. — the territory of the archipelago was occupied by the Arawak Indians.
- XV century - settlement of the islands by Carib tribes, conquest of local Indian tribes.
- 1493 - Christopher Columbus landed on the shores of the Virgin Islands. First attempts at colonization.
- 1672 - Tortola is captured by the British.
- 1680 - capture of the islands of Anegada and Virgin Gorda by English troops. Colonization policy of the British authorities. The beginning of crossings to the colony islands of dark-skinned slaves.
- 1834 - Slavery abolished in England. Ending the use of slave labor in cane fields.
- While in the Virgin Islands, you should not rent a car. The terrain here is quite uneven, and the traffic is on the left, which will significantly complicate your movement.
- The best way to get around the island is by taxi, and between the islands of the archipelago - ferries.
- Among the locals, it is customary to greet people politely by shaking hands.
- The best time to visit the Virgin Islands is from early winter to mid-spring.
- It is not customary to bargain in shops and souvenir shops in the Virgin Islands.
- The British Virgin Islands are considered to be the offshore capital of the world (there is no income tax for businesses and individuals).
- Road Town is called the center of yacht chartering in the Caribbean.
- The literacy rate of the Virgin Islands population is 98%.
- About 80% of the islands' population are black (descendants of former slaves from British plantations).
- Economically, the Virgin Islands are considered the most developed in the Caribbean.
Currency: US dollar
Call code: +1-284
Interesting features of the Virgin Islands
- The British Virgin Islands were discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493.
- For citizens of the British Virgin Islands there are no income taxes, both for individuals and legal entities.
Tortola is the most populated of the BVI. This extraordinary island, of volcanic origin, is home to one of the friendliest peoples in the Caribbean, making this Caribbean island a true tropical paradise. British influence can be seen throughout Tortola. The most obvious British influence is in the language - English is the country's official language.
White sandy beaches surround this island, gracing Tortola's coastline making it one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean. These white beaches that you will find on the island of Tortola are the perfect means of relaxation, rejuvenation of your mind and soul, fishing, sunbathing and much more.
In 1493, Christopher Columbus discovered the Virgin Islands. Spain declared the Virgin Islands its possession, but did not begin to develop it. The British, Dutch, French, Danes, and also pirates showed interest in the islands. The Indian population was practically eliminated.
After the Dutch attempted to settle the island of Tortola in 1648. it was captured by England in 1672. Then, in 1680. The British occupied the islands of Anegada and Virgin Gorda. The British began to develop sugar cane plantations. For this purpose, black slaves were imported from Africa.
In 1834, slavery was abolished in England, and contract workers from India and Portugal began to be hired to work on plantations instead of blacks.
Geography [edit | edit source text]
The islands are mostly hilly, some are flat: the highest point of Tortola Island is 530 m, and the Anegada Islands is only 8 m.
There are no rivers or lakes, and the groundwater is deep. Previously (and to this day) rainwater was collected in reservoirs; now, where possible, desalination plants are used.
The flora and fauna of the islands have been largely destroyed by people.
The climate is tropical, trade wind, hot and humid with two dry seasons. Hurricanes are quite frequent (from July to October).
Political system [edit | edit source text]
The government body of the BVI is the Executive Council, headed by the governor. appointed by the British Foreign Office and consisting of the Chief Minister, three Ministers and the Attorney General.
The legislative body is a unicameral Assembly, consisting of 13 members elected for 4 years and 1 ex-officio member (Prosecutor General).
Political parties: Virgin Islands Party and National Democratic Party. Not represented in the Assembly are the Movement of Concerned Citizens and the United Party. In the parliamentary elections on November 7, 2011, 49.4% of the British Virgin Islands voted for the National Democrats, and 42% voted for the Virgin Islands Party. In the Assembly, the National Democratic Party won 9 seats, while their main competitors won 4. Orlando Smith became Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the British Virgin Islands.
Administrative division [edit | edit source text]
The United States Virgin Islands (US Virgin Islands) are an archipelago in the West Indies, including the islands of St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix and other smaller ones (about 60 in total), occupying the western part of the Virgin Islands. These islands are an unincorporated organized territory of the United States and border Puerto Rico and the British Virgin Islands. The territory is washed by the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
The basis of the relief is hills. The highest point is 475 meters above sea level.
Total area – 346.36 sq. km, the population is about 106,500 people, of which blacks make up 76%, whites 13%, mulattoes 4%, others 6%. Among the total number of residents, 42% are Baptists, 34% are Catholics, 17% are Episcopalians, 7% are others. The official language is English.
The administrative center of the property is the city of Charlotte Amalie (St. Thomas Island).
Cities of the US Virgin Islands
The port city of Charlotte Amalie is named after the Queen of Denmark and is located on the island of St. Thomas. The city is famous for its historical sites, duty-free shops, gardens, parks and picturesque beaches.
The city of Red Hook, also located on the island of St. Thomas, is inferior to the capital only in its small size. From here you can go to sea on a yacht, enjoy the grandeur of nature in city parks, go shopping and simply try the masterpieces of local chefs in numerous cafes and restaurants.
The city of Cruz Bay, located on the island of St. John, is famous for its nightclubs, shops and restaurants.
The city of Coral Bay is modern and fast-growing, with shops, restaurants and an excursion program. A local landmark is the Emmaus Moravian Church, built in 1733. A stunning seascape can be seen from the observation deck of Ram's Head Rock.
The town of Christiansted is located on the most peaceful island of Santa Cruz and is named after the King of Denmark. The city has many historical attractions and a famous distillery where excellent quality rum is produced.
The city of Frederiksted was once destroyed by a severe fire, but was restored and reconstructed.
How to get to the US Virgin Islands
There are no direct flights between Belarus and the US Virgin Islands.
The best option would be to fly on the route Minsk - Charlotte - Amalie with two connections (for example, in Moscow and New York) with Aeroflot and Delta Air Lines. The travel time will be about 16 hours (excluding connections), the cost of a round-trip ticket is from 1,100 US dollars per person.
When planning a trip to the US Virgin Islands, contact the travel company “Spasibo Travel” - our managers will make every effort to make your trip memorable for a long time.
Climate of the US Virgin Islands
The territory of the islands is influenced by a tropical marine climate.
The average air temperature in summer is +28 - +29 degrees, in winter - +22 - +24 degrees. There is virtually no daily temperature difference on the islands.
The average annual precipitation reaches 1300 mm. It rains, as a rule, from September to November - December. Tropical storms are possible between July and October.
The best time to travel to the islands is from mid-December to mid-May. The best conditions for diving are from May to August.
US Virgin Islands Hotels
The hotel base of the islands is replete with its diversity, but accommodation here is quite expensive. In resort hotels with well-developed infrastructure and quality service, a night’s stay will cost at least 250 US dollars. In more modest hotels - from 150 US dollars per night.
Economy - accommodation options include boarding houses (from $80 per night), motels, campsites and tent camps (not available everywhere).
Renting an apartment (from $1,000 per week) or a villa on the seashore is popular.
Tips are the classic 10% of the total amount if service is not included in the bill.
Beaches of the US Virgin Islands
Almost all the beaches here are covered with clean white sand, entry to them is free, with the exception of private areas and some hotel complexes.
Saint Thomas Island
Not far from the city of Charlotte Amalie are the beaches of Water Island, beloved by local residents. White sand, clean clear water, protection from the winds - all this merged together on Honeymoon Beach.
Magens Bay Beach, located at the foot of Mount Drakes Seat, is considered one of the most beautiful on Earth.
You can not only passively relax on the coast, but you can also go snorkeling at Coki Beach, located in the city of Red Hook.
No less popular on the island are the beaches of Hull Bay (surfers love to come here), Sapphire Beach, Wessup Bay and Brevers Bay and many others.
Saint John Island
Favorite beaches of this island are the coast of Leinster Bay, the beaches of Maho, Francis Bay, Watermelone - Cay. For lovers of active pastime there are Great - Leimshaw - Bay, Little - Leimshaw - Bay - for diving and snorkeling, Trunk, Caneel - Bay, Hawksnest, Cinamon - Bay - the center of nightlife.
Santa Cruz Island
The quality of Santa Cruz beaches is not inferior to all others. The beaches of Cane Bay Beach, Buccaneer Beach, Cheney Bay Beach and others are popular. There are also excellent conditions for diving and snorkeling.
Banks, money, exchange offices
The currency of the US Virgin Islands is the US dollar, equal to 100 cents. There are paper bills in circulation in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 dollars and coins in denominations of 1 dollar, 1 cent (penny), 5 cents (nickel), 10 cents (dime), 25 cents (quarter), 50 cents ( half - dollar).
Banking hours:
From Monday to Thursday - from 9.00 to 14.30 (some - until 15.00 - 16.00)
Fridays – from 9.00 to 14.00 and from 15.30 to 17.00
Currency exchange can be done in banks and specialized exchange offices. ATMs are located everywhere in major cities.
Credit cards from the world's major payment systems are accepted for payments almost everywhere on large islands; on small islands they are accepted, but to a limited extent. Travel checks (preferably in US dollars) can be cashed at any bank by presenting a passport, credit card or driver's license.
There is no VAT charged on the islands.
Tourist safety
The US Virgin Islands is a region that is practically safe to stay in, but following basic rules will protect you and your loved ones from minor and major troubles:
- It is advisable to leave valuables, large sums of money and documents in the hotel safe
- In crowded places, it is recommended to monitor personal belongings and not leave them unattended
- You should not walk alone in the dark in deserted areas and outskirts
- Fishing is only possible with special permission.
- Before traveling, you should take preventive measures against diphtheria, typhus, tuberculosis, hepatitis B
- It is recommended to drink only bottled water
- Before going outside, it is recommended to use sunscreen, wear sunglasses and a hat.
Transport
Internal flights connect all the major islands.
Urban transport in the large US Virgin Islands consists of buses and taxis.
Water transport links the American and British Virgin Islands.
You can rent a car in American territory. Rental prices start from $80 per day and from $500 per week. When moving independently, please note that the traffic here is on the left (the steering wheel is on the right).
The service of renting a bicycle, scooter, scooter, yacht or boat is also popular.
Entertainment, excursions, attractions
The most important attraction of the city of Charlotte Amalie is the old Fort Christian, which served as an obstacle to pirates. The Virgin Islands Museum maintains useful historical information. Blackbird Castle, which also guarded the city in the 17th century, is shrouded in ancient legends. Architectural landmarks include the Legislative Assembly building, the Frederick-Latheran-Church Gregorian Church, the Government House mansion, and the Beracha-Veshalom-Vegimilat-Hasidim synagogue (the oldest in the United States). A visit to the city’s museums – the Art Museum, the Danish Museum, the Weible Museum, and the Camille Pissarro Gallery – will be very informative. The main attractions here are diving on the Atlantis submarine to a depth of 30 meters and taking the Skyride - Paradise - Tram to the top of Mount Slag - Hill at an altitude of 210 meters.
In the city's surroundings, the Hassel Island Nature Reserve, the underground Fort Segarra, the Botanical Gardens, Mount Drakes-Sit with a beautiful beach at the foot and a majestic panorama from the top are of great interest to tourists.
The city of Red Hook is famous for its Coral World Marine Park with an Underwater Observatory, Marine Trail, Aquarium and numerous beaches.
In the city of Cruz Bay, you can stroll through the City Park and the Mongus Junction shopping alley, visit the Elaine-ion-Sprouve mansion, and the Annaberg plantation.
A sightseeing tour of Christiansted should begin with the Old Fort, which protected the city from pirates. Next is the first Stipple Church - Building with a Historical Museum, Government House, Art Gallery, St. George Botanical Garden - Village with a unique collection of plants, Market Square, City Pharmacy and several churches. You should definitely visit the Cruz Rum Distillery, where you can not only trace the entire chain of rum preparation, but also taste the delicious products.
“Rising from the ashes,” the city of Frederiksted is also famous for its fort and Art Gallery, the Anglican Church of St. Paul, the Catholic Church of St. Patrick, the “Heavenly Eye” (a large antenna of a radio telescope for exploring the Universe) and the most picturesque coral reefs, which you can admire by diving under water.
A large number of tourists come to the Virgin Islands National Park, located on the island of St. John. Hiking, underwater excursions and horseback riding tours are organized here.
Buck Island Reef National Wildlife Refuge, the only underwater national park in the United States, is located around Buck Island near Santa Cruz.
Popular entertainment in the US Virgin Islands are also colorful carnivals (for example, the April Carnival in St. Thomas, Fireworks Week in St. John, Carp Festival in St. Croix) and the Rolex International Regatta, which brings together the best yachtsmen of the Caribbean (by the way, also in April) . Fans of sport fishing will find something to their liking on any of the islands.
Cuisine and restaurants
The national cuisine of the American Virgin Islands is a mixture of the traditions of world cuisines, but the dominant position here is occupied by fish, seafood and fruits. The most popular dishes on the islands are the following:
“sauce” - assorted pork by-products
“kalalu” - a thick soup of stewed vegetables, okra, meat, seafood, herbs and spices
clam chowder
fish steak
lobsters and shrimp prepared in all possible ways
“conk” - shellfish or seafood fritters
“old wife” - fish fillet with vegetables and fruits
grilled fish with vegetables
"fungi" - a side dish of grains and okra
potato pudding
fried bananas
a huge amount of fruit
Drinks: Bush-ti (herbal tea), black tea, coffee, fruit juices, lemonades
Alcohol - first-class local rum and cocktails based on it
Shopping and shops
Store opening hours:
From Monday to Saturday – from 9.00 to 17.00 (15.00 – 16.00)
Large shops - and on Sundays - from 10.00 to 17.00
Jewelry, paintings and, of course, local rum, spices, and tea are usually brought from the US Virgin Islands.
For European tourists, watches, perfumes, leather and porcelain products, and appliances are of interest, since the prices for these goods are lower than on their continent.
In markets, bargaining is quite appropriate.
Customs
You can import and export local and foreign currencies in unlimited quantities. Amounts exceeding US$10,000 and gold must be declared.
Allowed to import:
- Up to 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 2 kg of tobacco (persons over 21 years old)
- Up to 946.3 ml of strong alcohol (persons over 21 years of age)
- Gifts – no more than 100 US dollars
- Personal items
It is prohibited to import:
- Fresh and canned meat
- Absinthe
- Plants and seeds
- Fish and non-canned caviar
- Fruits and vegetables
- Dairy and eggs
- Soil samples
- Insects
- Rare specimens of wildlife and products made from them (for example, crocodile skin)
- All types of matches and lighters
- Weapon
- Drugs and narcotic-containing preparations
- Cuban cigars
- Items and things purchased or manufactured in Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Libya, Sudan, Serbia, Montenegro, Vietnam, North Korea, Cambodia, Cuba
- Any media containing extremist slogans
- Lottery tickets
- Chocolate liqueurs
Pets can be imported if they have an international veterinary certificate indicating the dates of rabies vaccinations and a quarantine certificate of rabies vaccination.
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