If you’ve ever been snorkeling here in the US Virgin Islands, you got to be surrounded by an abundant array of marine life. We’re fortunate to have thriving reefs with a high diversity of living things. However, if you didn’t go with a guide , you likely may have missed some things and/or seen some things that stumped you. We have a lot of things in the water here that may not be identifiable at first glance, which is what makes going on a guided snorkel tour so much fun. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again—even if you’ve been snorkeling here many times, you can always get some value out of going out with a guide. Our local guides know these waters intricately and have a deep knowledge and passion for the USVI marine environment. Joining them for a snorkel tour (and yes, you can set up a private tour , if you prefer!) means you can get all of your questions answered, learn some cool facts, and have things pointed out to you that you may miss on your own. Here are a couple of things underwater that you might have seen and thought, “What on earth was that thing?!”
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:
Things to do in St. John: top Virgin Islands National Park hikes, beaches, snorkeling spots, cultural sites, and dining, for families, couples, and explorers.
Trying to choose between a kayak tour and a snorkel tour in the Virgin Islands? Compare effort, cost, and what you'll see to pick the right adventure.
Planning a Virgin Islands trip? Learn how to paddle a kayak properly as a beginner, from grip and posture to the 3 basic strokes, before you go.
Hurricane season in St. Thomas runs June–November, peaking Aug–Oct. Here's what to know about timing, risk, and whether to still book your trip.
This season has been our first one in the USVI that we’ve been fortunate to have a retail shop located in the gorgeous, historic outdoor shopping space of Mongoose Junction. We’re located just behind Sun Dog Cafe, and our shop is where you check-in for your guided nature tours with us, as well as pick-up & drop off your rented water sports gear. If you’re coming to us for an upcoming tour like our popular Sea Turtle Kayak & Snorkel on the North Shore or to pick-up your snorkel gear & kayaks before heading to the North Shore beaches, it’s the perfect opportunity to also peruse the rest of Mongoose Junction . There are some excellent bars & restaurants, as well as many retail shops where you can find incredible souvenirs to bring home with you. Here are our 6 favorite St. John souvenirs to add to your list:
The US Virgin Islands are volcanic islands, which means they have a very mountainous terrain. If you are a nature lover, these bright green hillsides will be practically begging you to hike them. Thankfully, there are seemingly endless trails to choose from between the three sister islands of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. And, we’re happy to share that we have guided hiking tours available on all three islands. If you plan on hitting the trails on your next island vacation, here are our top 10 hiking tips for the USVI:
The north shore of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands is one of those rare places that manages to feel both untouched and well-known. Stretching along the island’s Caribbean-facing coastline, this region is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful in the world—and it’s easy to see why. You can’t visit St. John without spending time on it. In fact, it’s probably the most popular reason why people visit St. John. ( Who among us hasn’t been lured into STJ dreaming by one of those iconic photos of Trunk Bay? ) However, there is so much to see and experience along the north shore. You likely will not be able to do it all on your first trip here. Here’s what to know about the north shore of St. John:
