An unforgettable vacation in the Virgin Islands.

The US Virgin Islands group is located in the Caribbean Sea. On big islands St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix and Water with total area about 364 sq. km live approximately 106,000 citizens. Numerous small islands and atolls are uninhabited. Together with the British Isles, the American Isles are part of the Lesser Antilles archipelago.

The islands have a tropical maritime climate with constant comfortable temperatures. Summer +28 °C gives way to 24 °C in winter, daily fluctuations are insignificant.

The relief of the islands is hilly, the highest point rises only 475 m. The soil is limestone, interspersed with crystalline and volcanic rocks. There are no rivers or lakes in the US Virgin Islands, in some bays - mangrove swamps. Tropical forests cover almost the entire surface, but their area is steadily declining, and at the same time being destroyed animal world. The best thing pristine nature preserved in the National Park on Saint John. On the island of St. Thomas, former plantations are overgrown with bushes and open forests. There are a lot of fish, shellfish and crustaceans in the sea.

Earthquakes and hurricanes often occur in this part of the world, and heavy rainfall does not compensate for the lack of fresh water reservoirs. Desalination plants and rainwater tanks partially solve the problem.

The British Virgin Islands are a territory consisting of 60 small islands. Its area is 153 km2. The British Virgin Islands are an overseas land of Great Britain. Located in the northeastern Caribbean, 1770 km south of Florida. They are the southeastern part of the archipelago of islands, which includes the US Virgin Islands. Road Town, located on the island of Tortola, is the capital. The official language is English.

Currently, the archipelago of the Virgin Islands is divided by two states - Great Britain and the USA.

Historical reference

These lands in the 1st century BC. e. inhabited by Arawak Indians. In the 15th century The warlike tribes of the Caribs who lived in the Lesser Antilles conquered the Indians.

The great Christopher Columbus discovered the Virgin Islands in 1493 during his second voyage. Spain declared them its possession, but did not begin to develop them. The Dutch, English, Danes, and French showed interest in them. The Indian population was exterminated almost completely.

In 1672, the island of Tortola was captured by England. And eight years later (1680), the British captured the islands of Virgin Gorda and Anegarda. They began to grow sugar cane in the occupied territories. To do this, they brought here black slaves from Africa.

When slavery was abolished in England in 1834, contract workers from Portugal and India began working on the plantations.

Virgin Islands on the world map

The United States acquired its part of the islands in 1917. Basically, they are uninhabited. The US Virgin Islands (this is clearly visible on the map) are adjacent to the Virgin Islands (British) in the east and Puerto Rico in the west.

The largest of them are St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John. The total area of ​​the entire territory is 346.36 km2. The US Virgin Islands are divided into two large districts. In addition, there are 20 small subdistricts. The population is 108 thousand people. These are mainly people from South America and African Americans. 30% of the population is employed in the tourism business.

Today it is one of the most popular resort destinations in the world. The islands' capital, Charlotte Amalie, is located on St. Thomas.

Vacations in the US Virgin Islands

The most suitable time for a holiday on the islands is from the second half of December until the very end of April. This time is the peak season, so the cost of services is much higher than from May to August, despite the fact that weather excellent at this time.

Developed resorts of St. Thomas with its snow-white beaches, picturesque bays, bays with turquoise water - all this is a vacation on the American Islands.

There are about 40 beaches here, most of which are well equipped. The calmest and most deserted of them is snow-white Limetri, located in the south of St. Thomas.

Hotels on the islands are classified according to the star system accepted throughout the world and comply with generally accepted standards.

What to see

On American islands you will be able to see ancient castle Blackbird and Fort Christian, where he once lived (allegedly local residents) prototype of Bluebeard, those who wish can climb Mount St. Peter and walk around Charlotte Amalie Square.

On the island of Santa Cruz you can visit sugar cane plantations. The city of Kristianstend was once a city of Danish colonialists. Here you will be invited to visit the Cruzan wineries. You can see all of the Virgin Islands while taking to the skies in a twin-engine plane.

In the north of the island of St. Thomas there is an amazingly beautiful Cokey Bay and a unique aquarium with numerous tropical fish and other marine life.

Where to stay

There are quite a lot of hotels on the American islands. However, holidays here are not cheap. Accommodation prices in resort hotels at least $300 per day per person. Moreover, this amount is considered minimal.

Many tourists enjoy staying at tent cities, but they are not on all islands.

If you have the required amount, you can rent a villa on the coast or an apartment.

Entertainment

The US Virgin Islands are simply created for a calm and peaceful holiday.

Nature has created unique conditions for diving here. Underwater caves and Coral reefs beckons you to dive into the bright turquoise sea waters.

The most colorful entertainment here is undoubtedly carnivals. The brightest takes place in St. Thomas. Here you can see masquerade, musical performances, and dance competitions. Once you see this sight, it is impossible to forget it.

In April, all famous yachtsmen of the Caribbean gather for the International Regatta in St. Thomas.

A similar event takes place in early June in Saint John. The celebration flows smoothly into Fireworks Week.

At the beginning of the year, Santa Cruz hosts an exciting and very fun holiday - the Carp Festival. Sport fishing is also a variety active rest. Even a beginner can become a champion here - there is a lot of fish, equipment can be rented.

British Virgin Islands

As on the American islands, tourism flourishes on these lands. This is one of best places for diving, yachting, windsurfing. In addition, the British Virgin Islands (you see the photo in our article) are an abundance of historical and cultural attractions. You can visit unique art galleries and exhibitions of magnificent handmade samples from local residents. Fans of ecotourism will also find a lot of interesting things here. The islands have developed interesting walking routes, striking with unique vegetation.

Tourists can enjoy comfortable hotels, wonderful cafes and restaurants, and nightclubs. If we add to this the excellent level of service and hospitality of the local population, it becomes clear that a holiday on the islands can become unforgettable.

Climate

The average annual air temperature ranges from 23 to 28 degrees. This stable climate makes it possible to visit the Virgin Islands all year round. The peak season occurs between November and March. At this time, prices here increase significantly. Although even in May - October, holidays on the islands can hardly be called cheap.

Attractions

The most vivid impressions on the islands, according to our compatriots who have already been here, are excursions taking place in Road Town - the very big city and the main port located in the south of the island of Tortola. Road Town is surrounded by the sea and three large hills.

Here you can see the 18th century post office, St. Phillips Cathedral, the former governor's residence, which over time turned into Public Museum. In the southwest of the city stands Fort Carlotte, which in ancient times was a defensive structure and then a prison.

The Virgin Islands (British) are rich and natural monuments. Here is 15 national parks and nature reserves.

Restaurants

The national cuisine of the Virgin Islands is a very bright and original mixture culinary schools peace. There are a sufficient number of restaurants here that use various recipes, most often borrowed from the best chefs in Asia, Africa and Europe. It is interesting that they are mixed so talentedly and originally that they form something of their own, unique, island menu. Most of the products on the islands are imported, but local fruits and seafood occupy a special place of honor.

Safety

The standard of living in the Virgin Islands is the highest among other Caribbean countries. The banking and offshore sectors of the economy provide the island treasury with a steady flow of funds, which is why there is a low level of unemployment and crime. British Isles is rightfully considered the safest territory in the Western Hemisphere.

British Virgin Islands
British Virgin Islands
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are a group of 36 islands and islets (with a total area of ​​153 km?) located northeast of the US Virgin Islands. Only 16 islands and islets are inhabited.
The capital is Road Town. located on the island of Tortola. The population of all islands is about 25 thousand people, with approximately 90% of them living on Tortola.
Content
History [edit | edit source text ]
Executive power is exercised by the governor. There is a unicameral Legislative Assembly. Laws passed by the Legislative Assembly are subject to approval by the governor. Community oversight of the islands is provided by the US Department of the Interior. In April 1973, a law was passed granting the right to send one representative to the US Congress (without voting rights). The main political parties are the Virgin Islands Democratic Party, the Virgin Islands Progressive Republican Party, and the Independent Citizens Movement. In 1973, the United People's Party was created, advocating independence for the islands.
The basis of the economy is tourism. In 1977, the country was visited by 565.8 thousand tourists. Agriculture is poorly developed; vegetables and fruits are grown. Efforts are being made to develop livestock farming and fisheries. There are enterprises for the production of rum, for the assembly of watches and the production of jewelry, enterprises for aluminum smelting, and oil refining, owned by US monopolies. The length of highways is 505 km. The airport serves international routes.
Currency unit-U.S. dollar. Exported: sugar, citrus fruits, fruits, coffee. Imported: food, industrial products. tbvars. Main trading partners: USA, UK, Canada.
British Virgin Islands. Satellite map
Once upon a time, the islands were inhabited by tribes of peaceful Indian farmers - the Arawaks, but they were destroyed by the Caribs, also Indians, but warlike and bloodthirsty. Biting the quivering hearts torn out of the enemy's chest during battle is their famous custom. This continued until the arrival of the Europeans, who put an end to these innocent entertainments, simply slaughtering the locals.
Columbus discovered these islands. but was not interested, and subsequently they were settled by the British. Of course, they settled mainly not with themselves, but with black sheep to work on the sugar cane plantations. Cane continues to be grown to this day, despite the fact that the price of cane sugar has long fallen hopelessly. Rum is now made from it, which has been supplied to all the islands of the Caribbean since the times of pirates.
Populated mainly by blacks 80%, official language– English, and religion Protestant.
There is little fresh water on the islands and what is available lies very deep, so they use the ancient method of collecting rainwater. Virgin Islands on the world map; there are several desalination stations operating on the islands.
They are also famous in financial circles; here is one of the largest centers for registration of offshore companies. More than 650 thousand registered.
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The Virgin Islands is one of the centers of tourism Caribbean region. Particularly popular among English-speaking tourists. Unfortunately these islands are not included in the list visa-free countries for Russians. however, the regret is not too big, since a tourist can live and photograph freely for up to 6 months, provided he has a return ticket.

US Virgin Islands- a group of islands in the Caribbean Sea, 60 km east of Puerto Rico; autonomous territory USA. The largest islands are St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. There are also many small islands. Area - 344 km².

The US Virgin Islands are a territory purchased by the United States from Denmark on January 17, 1917 (all formalities were completed on March 31 of the same year). Administered by the US Department of the Interior. Residents are considered citizens of the United States.

Geographically, the US Virgin Islands are part of the Virgin Islands (which also includes the British Virgin Islands).

The islands are hilly ( highest point- 475 m), composed mainly of limestone, there are outcrops of ancient crystalline or volcanic rocks.

The absence of rivers and lakes, as well as the deep occurrence of groundwater, for a long time greatly complicated the problem of water supply, despite quite a large number of precipitation. Rainwater was collected in special tanks. After the construction of desalination plants, this problem was largely solved.

The flora and fauna of the islands have been largely destroyed by people. Remnants of evergreen rainforest remain mainly on the island of St. John, two-thirds of which is occupied by national park. On the island of St. Thomas there are open forests and bushes on the site of former plantations. The sea waters off the islands are rich in fish, crustaceans and mollusks.

Climate of the US Virgin Islands

Climate in the US Virgin Islands- tropical, trade wind, hot and humid with two dry seasons. Average monthly temperature throughout the year it fluctuates slightly - from +22-24 °C in winter to +28-29 °C in summer. Daily temperature changes are also poorly traced.

Precipitation falls up to 1300 mm per year, and there are two dry (winter and summer) and two rainy seasons (spring and autumn). The maximum amount of rain falls between September and November-December, although even then no more than five to six days a month are rainy. In the period from July to October, there is a high probability of tropical hurricanes passing over the territory of the islands, although they are recorded here much less frequently than over the nearby Windward Islands.

The most favorable time for a trip to the islands - from mid-December to the end of April, but the peak occurs during the same period tourist season, therefore prices are significantly higher than, for example, from May to August, when the weather conditions are also excellent for sea ​​holiday.

Population

Population of the US Virgin Islands- 109.8 thousand people (2010).

Average life expectancy is 76 years for men, 82 years for women.

Ethno-racial composition: blacks 76.2%, whites 13.1%, mulattoes 3.5%, Asians 1.1%, other 6.1% (according to the 2000 census).

Religions: Baptists 42%, Catholics 34%, Episcopalians 17%, other 7%.

Official language- English. Also popular are Spanish or Spanish-Creole 16.8%, French or Franco-Creole 6.6%, other 1.9%.

About money

Currency of the US Virgin Islands: US dollar ($ or USD), there are 100 cents in 1 dollar. In circulation there are bills in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollars, coins - penny (1 cent), nickel (5 cents), dime (10 cents), quarter (25 cents), half dollar (50 cents) and 1 dollar.

Banks are usually open from Monday to Thursday, from 09.00 to 14.30, on Fridays - 09.00 to 14.00 and from 15.30 to 17.00.

Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks and specialized exchange bureaus. There are branches of almost all major international banking systems on the islands.

Credit cards are widely accepted on the larger islands, but can be difficult to use on smaller islands. Travel checks can be cashed at almost any bank office. To avoid additional costs associated with fluctuations exchange rate, it is recommended to take checks in US dollars with you.

Communications

Telephone code: 1 - 340

Internet domain: .vi

Telephone codes cities

No area codes are used.

How to call

To call from Russia to the US Virgin Islands, you need to dial: 8 - dial tone - 10 - 1 - 340 - subscriber number.

To call from the US Virgin Islands to Russia, you need to dial: 011 - 7 - area code - subscriber number.

Landline communications

All payphones on the islands are included in the general telephone system of the United States and operate on calling cards, which are sold at post offices, newsstands and tobacco kiosks. Almost all payphones have direct access to international automatic telephone communication and some of them accept ATT cards and credit cards for international calls.

cellular

System cellular communications in the US Virgin Islands is excellently developed and united into a single network with US operators.

Internet

The Internet on the islands is developing at a rapid pace - almost all telephone and cellular companies provide their customers with Internet access. Internet cafes are concentrated in large populated areas and in resort areas.

Shopping

Shops are usually open from Monday to Saturday, from 09.00 to 17.00, but on Thursday many of them close quite early - usually around 15.00-16.00. Many large retail outlets are usually open on Sundays, from 10.00 to 17.00; shops in the port also often open their doors on Sunday, but only during the parking period cruise ships. It is not customary to bargain in local retail establishments, but in markets it is possible and necessary.

Popular souvenirs: rum, Jewelry, paintings (there are many art galleries on St. Croix Island).

Where to stay

The cost of living in local hotels is quite high compared to many countries in the Caribbean region.

Sea and beaches

The islands attract many beach lovers with their clean beaches with white fine sand.

Almost all beaches are open to the public, only the territories of private property and some large resort complexes have limited entry (permit required).

Some local beaches are natural breeding grounds for endangered sea ​​turtles, therefore most of them are protected and access to such areas is certain time prohibited.

Story

The Virgin Islands were discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493.

In 1625, English and French colonists settled on the islands and took up agriculture. Then the islands were successively owned by England, Spain, France and the Order of Malta.

In 1666, Denmark took possession of the island of St. Thomas, which soon captured the island of St. John, and in 1733 Denmark bought the island of St. Croix from France. The Danes tried to establish a plantation economy on St. Thomas, but it was not successful due to the low fertility of the land, and the island became one of the centers of trade in rum and slaves. The port of St. Thomas became a base for pirates. St. Croix had more fertile land, and after the transition to Denmark, about 200 sugar cane plantations were established there.

However, by the beginning of the 20th century, sugar production on St. Croix fell into decline and the islands of the Danish West Indies were sold to the United States in 1917 for $25 million.

Helpful information

The most favorable time to travel to the islands is from mid-December to mid-May, however, the same period is the peak of the tourist season, so prices are much higher than, for example, from May to August, when weather conditions are also excellent for seaside holidays. An additional argument in favor of visiting the islands in summer is the significantly greater transparency sea ​​water at this time, which ensures Better conditions for diving.

Local tap water is chlorinated and safe to drink, but bottled water is still recommended.

Fishing of any marine organisms (including lifting to the surface and even collecting beached shells and corals) in the waters of the US Virgin Islands is prohibited, as is the use of harpoon weapons for spearfishing (a license is required). Sport fishing is possible only with the permission of regional authorities (usually included in the package of licenses provided by the fishing tour organizer). It is prohibited to moor vessels and boats in protected areas managed by the National Parks Foundation. Raising to the surface of any objects and things from sunken ships located in the territorial waters of the islands is permitted only with special permission from the government of the country.

How to get there

There are no direct flights from Russia to the US Virgin Islands. The easiest way to get here from Russia is with one transfer to the USA. From American cities (New York, Miami, Boston, Atlanta, Washington and others) there are direct flights to the islands of St. Thomas and St. Croix.

It is quite convenient to fly with Aeroflot + American Airlines: Moscow - New York - St. Thomas. The flight duration from Moscow to New York is about 10 hours, from New York to St. Thomas - 4 hours 10 minutes.

The US Virgin Islands can also be reached via Puerto Rico (64 km away). And from there you can travel by water (ferries or boats) or by air (small planes) to the US Virgin Islands.

A group of islands located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea is designated on the world map as the Virgin Islands. After his memorable journey, H. Columbus marked the Virgin Islands on the map. Now the world map shows that this island group is located east of. Today, these islands are one of the most cozy corners of the world, where both single tourists and families with children flock.

Panoramic view of the British Virgin Islands

The Virgin Islands belong to two countries: Great Britain and the USA. Therefore, to visit them, you will need or.

British Virgin Islands consist of sixty elements. The most large island considered Tortola.

Location of the Virgin Islands on the world map

As the name suggests, the main ruler in this beautiful corner of the world is one country - Great Britain. It is for this reason that the culture of the inhabitants of these islands reflects many of the customs and traditions of the British.

When to plan a trip

The British Virgin Islands always welcome tourists, but the most attractive time to visit is considered to be the winter-spring off-season. A person who wants to not only swim in the gentle waters of the Caribbean Sea, but also have fun, should come to the Virgin Islands in December - April.

It is important to take into account that this period is considered the real peak of the influx of vacationers, therefore the prices are not democratic.

Detailed map of the Virgin Islands showing all the islands

So, if you want to save money and relax in a calm environment, then you need to go to the Virgin Islands in May - August.

Attractions

The British Virgin Islands have many interesting natural attractions. The richest in this regard should be called the city of Road Town and the island of Tortola.

The most notable place here is the island of Tortola. Translated from Spanish, the name of the island sounds like “Land of the Turtle Dove.” Tortola is the largest island in this group. The nature of the island is very romantic and picturesque. “Purely English” green hills harmoniously combine with ancient volcanoes, cozy coves and pristine bays. North Tortola is incredibly attractive for a beach holiday.

Hotel on the shore Caribbean Sea in the Virgin Islands

The sand here is surprisingly soft, white and clean. South Tortola is famous for its valleys and somewhat gloomy shores. There are also many luxurious places for relaxing holiday. The coral sand here is of volcanic origin.
According to tourists coming to the Virgin Islands, a place like Tortola is great for a meditative or romantic getaway.

In Road Town, tourists will be pleased with the abundance of various shops, boutiques and restaurants, where for very little money you can have a good time and buy both souvenirs and clothes.

In the vicinity of the city you can admire the ancient chapel and Thornton Plantation. In Carrot Bay you can find a huge collection of sea shells, among which you can often find the most unusual and bizarre specimens. IN national park Sage Mountain offers an eco-walk.

Panoramic view of Sage Mountain National Park

Nutrition

The British Virgin Islands have a fairly rich cuisine, in the truest sense of the word. Here you can find a “potpourri” from a variety of world culinary trends.

You can have a good and inexpensive lunch, while also enjoying excellent service, in any corner of this place. Restaurants and cafes serve both classic and island dishes, which are a crazy but incredibly tasty mixture of Caribbean flavor and European restraint.

Grocery stand in the Virgin Islands

Sports recreation

The British Virgin Islands are also extremely popular among fans of sports recreation. There are many schools of yachting, diving and windsurfing here.

The British Virgin Islands are not only a paradise for fans of active and passive recreation, but also a recognized offshore background. It is here that there is a wide range of international financial services.
So, offshore zone allows you to invest in the economy, accumulate construction savings and protect your assets.
The offshore background is relevant because in the current, hyper-variable economic conditions, the need for strict control over one’s capital increases. In the British Virgin Islands, a person can be sure that he will be able to save significantly on taxes and maintain his business assets outside his country of residence.

The British Virgin Islands are economically stable. The standard of living here is considered the highest among other countries in the region. The offshore sector ensures an uninterrupted flow of finance into the state treasury. Thanks to this, the unemployment rate here is extremely low.

Against this background, the crime rate is also quite low and there are almost no violent crimes. It is important to note that the British Virgin Islands considers nicotine abuse in public places to be a serious offence.

American dream

The US Virgin Islands were discovered by H. Columbus at the end of the fifteenth century. During for long years this corner of the world passed to a variety of owners, and only at the dawn of the twentieth century the islands were bought by the United States.

The US Virgin Islands are rightfully considered a real paradise for tourists of all stripes. You can have a great rest here either in splendid isolation or with your family or a noisy group.

Climate Features

The US Virgin Islands can delight sun and sea lovers with a mild tropical climate. Conventionally, two dry and as many wet seasons can be distinguished here. Dry seasons include winter and summer periods. The spring-autumn season is the season of heavy rains.
It is not advisable to visit the Virgin Islands in July - October, since the likelihood of hurricanes is very high.

Natural conditions

The US Virgin Islands boast more than six dozen reefs and diverse islands. The fauna here today is, unfortunately, very poor.

What to visit

The US Virgin Islands are rich in historical and natural attractions. Thus, on the island of St. Thomas, vacationers are attracted by Fort Kristjan. Special attention attention should be paid here to Blackburn Castle and the ancient market square. Climbing Mount St Peter Greathouse, you can visit the luxurious botanical gardens and distilleries. You can buy many interesting gifts in numerous souvenir shops.

Connoisseurs of marine fauna will probably be interested in visiting Coqui Bay.

It is there that there is an aquarium with a wide variety of tropical animals. The one who values ​​the most beach holiday, should pay attention to Christiansted, cozy town, which still retains the medieval Danish spirit. Here you can visit the local beaches and enjoy a wonderful holiday.

The Virgin Islands have many real natural pearls. One of these gems is the small island of Buck. It is uninhabited and attracts all lovers of exciting adventures.

How to have fun

The US Virgin Islands are ready to offer tourists a wide variety of holidays to suit every taste.
So, on numerous beaches you can relax with both children and a large noisy group. The snow-white sand here is surprisingly harmoniously combined with the turquoise waters of the sea. This place is considered a real paradise for diving.

Detailed map of the US Virgin Islands

Few people can resist the temptation to explore underwater caves and coral reefs.

If a tourist plans to visit the US Virgin Islands in order to get acquainted with the unusual culture of these places, then he should definitely visit all the numerous carnivals, processions and masquerades. Set under the bright Caribbean sun, accompanied by a specific musical accompaniment, they can seem truly surreal.

Fans of active recreation will enjoy sport fishing.

Equipment can be rented on any island you like, but you will need to arrange permission in advance.

There are almost no nightclubs here. This is explained by the fact that the Virgin Islands welcome mainly nature and sea lovers, and not hardcore party-goers.