DESTINATIONS

Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1969. Its 49 acres are protected due to its importance to migratory birds, most notably frigates and laughing gulls. Various seabirds are the most diverse and most important part of the USVI ecosystem above ground, and so Buck Island is one of several protected areas for these birds to nest and raise young.

The island features the Buck Island Lighthouse established by the Danish in 1913 which was actively functioning up until 1995 when Hurricane Marilyn crossed the island.

In Turtle Cove, one of two protected areas here, vibrant coral reefs abound for underwater exploration while snorkeling with endangered resident green sea turtles, which can also be seen from the boat when they are coming up for air. A favorite of crew member Catie, “There is always more treasure to be seen than meets the eye.”

Around the corner, Shipwreck Cove offers its own pirate’s chest of natural beauty with a flourishing reef system growing around the wreckage of a sunken WWII freighter brought into the cove by Hurricane Hugo in 1989. Stingrays, hawksbill turtles, reef squid, and a myriad of tropical fish can be found swimming around the home the Cartanza Senora now makes for them. Schools of yellowtail snappers can often be seen from the surface hanging out around the boats.

Water Island is the smallest of the four United States Virgin Islands. Water Island residents are dependent on the island of St. Thomas for provisions, education, and transportation. During World War II, the United States bought the island from the Danish to protect their USVI submarine base from other countries. In 1996, the island became a part of the USVI territory as a residential community.

Among the main attractions of Water Island is Honeymoon Beach, characterized by palm trees and powdery white sand. Picture perfect, this beach has many resident sea turtles right off its shore and plenty of fish along its reef to see while snorkeling or sitting in the sun in the sand or lounging on the boat.

After working up an appetite, there are two vendors for tasty food near the beach. Dinghy’s Beach Bar and Heidi’s Honeymoon Grill are accessible from the beach, each with their own unique menus.

Christmas Cove is located off the island of Greater St. James. Legend has it that Christopher Columbus rode out a wild Caribbean storm here on Christmas day, thus giving the cove its name.

In the protected marine reserve stingrays, conch, seasonal starfish, and octopus all thrive along the outskirts of underwater rock formations and vibrant reefs stemming from the island.

Pizza Pi VI, the resident pizza boat here in the USVI, also makes its home in Christmas Cove. Bringing authentic NY style pizza to the islands, this floating pizza restaurant only accessible by boat serves a rotating pizza menu, each better than the last.

Only a couple miles off the shore of St. Thomas, this small pair of uninhabited islands provide snorkeling spots full of submerged secrets with layers upon layers of colorful diverse corals, sponges, and other marine life. Scores of Caribbean fish can be seen darting in and out of coral heads searching for their next meal. Kick around this off the beaten path shoreline to make some underwater discoveries, or kick back on the boat to enjoy the surrounding scenery of rocky cliffs teeming with luscious green plants and shining blue waters reflecting back at you. You may even catch a spotted eagle ray gliding underneath the surface.

Towering coconut palm trees and white sands characterize this easily accessible beach. Boasting calm and shallow waters, this is a great spot to wade around, go for a swim, or float in the water with a drink in hand.

Sea turtles and stingrays swim around this bay looking for food in the grass covering its bottom. Throw on your snorkel gear and take a slow swim around the bay to observe these creatures in their natural environment, or swim down the sides to see a variety of soft and hard corals and anemones.

With broad reaching views of the British Virgin Islands, Waterlemon Cay is the perfect setting for your boat day. Brilliantly clear turquoise waters make for a stunning one of a kind photoshoot.

It is also one of the best spots to snorkel around St. John since its mature coral reef and an abundance of seagrasses create a dynamic undersea environment. Conch can be found slowly inching through the seagrass, and bright rainbow parrotfish can be seen eating around the reef while sea fans wave slowly in the water.

Although a lesser frequented location, Hassel Island is a hidden gem among many other locations to visit around the USVI. With such a rich history, Hassel Island has many stories to tell.

Originating as a peninsula of St Thomas, it was separated into its own island to provide better water flow and circulation for Charlotte Amalie harbor. Danish native James Hazzell originally purchased the land in 1784, and so the land today is named for a variation of his name.

Hassel Island’s long history begins with Caribbean Indian cultures as early as 500 BCE.

The land of Hassel Island came under Danish ownership in 1672 when the Virgin Islands was colonized under Danish rule. The mountainous terrain in combination with almost no soil coverage made sure it could not be farmed, so instead it was used as a shipyard, and continued to evolve to a center of international trade for the colony. As time passed, the Danish recognized the island’s strategic military potential, and developed the island further for defense of their colony.

Today Hassel Island houses the unique historic sites of Prince Frederick’s Battery and the Garrison house. Opportunities for exploration are many with hiking trails, watching wildlife, and private beaches hidden around the island.