8 Fun Virgin Islands Nature Facts for Kids

The US Virgin Islands are an incredibly lush, vibrant destination to visit. Your senses come alive when surrounded by the gorgeous natural world, particularly since it’s likely very different than where you call home. It can make us adults feel like kids again, being so engaged in our surroundings. For kids, it’s all the more magical. We highly recommend bringing your family on a guided island tour. Our local guides are experts on the islands’ flora, fauna, history, and culture and are happy to answer any and all questions that you and your kiddos have. 

If you have a trip to the USVI on the calendar, we wrote this post to help you get your family excited for the upcoming vacation. 

Here are 8 FUN VIRGIN ISLANDS NATURE FACTS FOR KIDS:

1) Sea turtles do need to breathe air at the surface, but when they’re at rest, they can hold their breath for anywhere between 4 to 7 hours by lowering their heart rate.

2. The Virgin Islands, though lush and tropical in areas, are actually considered a desert-like coastal ecosystem. We have a large array of cactus species that you will see while hiking the islands. One of them, the Turk’s Cap cactus, produces bright pink edible fruits. 

3. Brown pelicans hunt fish by diving down into the water from great heights. They can dive from as high as 60 feet in the air, plunging down to catch their fish by surprise. As they are about the enter the water at top speed, they rotate their bodies to the left to protect their neck from the impact. They also have air sacs in their chest for added cushioning.

4. There is a tree in the Virgin Islands called the “death apple” tree. Eating its poisonous apple-like fruit can be fatal. You also cannot stand under these trees in the rain, as it mixes the rainwater with their toxic sap that will burn your skin. These trees are officially named the manchineel tree and they have been recognized in the Guiness Book of World Records as the world’s most dangerous tree. 

5. Mongoose are an invasive species in the Virgin Islands. They were originally brought here in the late 19th century to control the rat population on plantations. However, plantation owners failed to realize that mongoose are awake and active during the daylight hours, while the rats are nocturnal creatures that are active at night. So, instead of predating on rats, the mongoose unfortunately ended up destroying a lot of native wildlife.

6. Mangroves create a natural buffer against storms and protect the Virgin Island shoreline with their interlocking underwater roots. They also provide a safe haven to a wide array of land and marine creatures. 

7. Coconut palm trees didn’t originally grow in the US Virgin Islands and were imported to the region. They thrive in this environment though, loving the blasting year round sunlight and humidity that allows them to grow as hight as 100 feet. 

8. Iguanas are abundant in the Virgin Islands and many people are most shocked to discover that they can swim! Many a tourist has been startled by an iguana running across a pools deck and jumping in the swim to the other side. They generally don’t hang out in the water, and won’t come towards you, if they can avoid it, but you have been warned. ;)

What’s your kid’s favorite island animal? Is there something they’re most looking forward to seeing while they’re here on island with us?