The Beaches and Reefs

The US Virgin Islands are ringed by some of the most beautiful beaches and reefs in the Caribbean, spread across the three main islands. On St Thomas, the famous Magens Bay is a stunning, calm heart-shaped sweep of white sand regularly rated among the world's best beaches, alongside quieter Sapphire and Coki beaches with their fine snorkelling. St John boasts the protected, dazzling beaches of the national park, and St Croix its own quieter shores and the Buck Island Reef. Warm, clear turquoise water, vibrant coral reefs, and superb swimming, snorkelling, diving and sailing make the islands a classic Caribbean sun-and-sea paradise.

What you actually see

• Magens Bay - the world-famous heart-shaped beach on St Thomas.
• The snorkelling reefs - the coral at Coki, Buck Island and the parks.
• The turquoise water - the calm, clear swimming across the islands.
• The sailing and diving - the water sports of the archipelago.

When to go

December to April, the dry season, for the sunniest weather and calmest seas, the peak season; the summer is hotter and wetter with a hurricane risk from June to November. The calm, clear waters are superb for swimming and snorkelling year-round when conditions allow, and the many beaches across the islands suit every taste.

Honest expectations

The US Virgin Islands are a developed, established and relatively pricey Caribbean destination, and popular beaches like Magens Bay can get crowded, especially on cruise days, while the islands were hit hard by the 2017 hurricanes though they have recovered; some beach access and facilities carry fees. For a superb variety of beautiful beaches and vibrant reefs, from world-famous Magens Bay to protected snorkel trails, across three characterful islands, though, the USVI are a classic and idyllic Caribbean sun-and-sea destination.

Nearby

The three islands, the reefs and the British Virgin Islands are within reach.