What to Do in the US Virgin Islands | Virgin Islands Ecotours

Saint Thomas, the gateway to the Virgin Islands, is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts. The island offers diverse ecosystems, from lush forests to vibrant marine life. A must-do activity is exploring the Mangrove Lagoon on a guided kayak tour. Virgin Islands Ecotours provides an immersive experience where you can paddle through protected mangrove waters, home to abundant wildlife like pelicans, iguanas, and even endangered sea turtles.

If you're looking for a bit of everything, consider the Cas Cay Kayak, Hike & Snorkel Tour. This 3-hour adventure combines kayaking with a hike to the uninhabited island of Cas Cay, where you can marvel at volcanic cliffs and tidal pools. Afterward, dive into the waters for a snorkeling session that reveals vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine species. It’s an unforgettable way to discover the Virgin Islands’ pristine natural beauty.

For a longer experience, the Mangrove Kayak, Hike, Snorkel, & Lunch Tour (5 hours) offers an extended exploration of the Mangrove Lagoon, Cas Cay, and nearby reefs. Plus, you’ll enjoy a delicious picnic lunch on the shores of Cas Cay.

For a truly unique experience, don’t miss the Night Kayak Tour. This 1.5-hour adventure offers a chance to glide through the glowing waters of the lagoon under a blanket of stars. The tranquility of the night, combined with bioluminescent waters, makes this one of the most magical activities on Saint Thomas.

Saint John is the smallest and most pristine of the three main islands, offering incredible natural beauty and fewer crowds. The Virgin Islands National Park covers most of the island, with hiking trails that take you through lush tropical forests, over rocky terrain, and down to secluded beaches. One of the most iconic hiking experiences is the Guided Eco Hike to Honeymoon Beach. This tour takes you through the heart of the park and leads to Honeymoon Beach, a hidden gem perfect for snorkeling and swimming.

Honeymoon Beach is not only a stunning spot to relax, but it’s also home to vibrant coral reefs. After your hike, you can explore the underwater world by snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters. If you’re lucky, you might even spot sea turtles gliding by.

Saint John also offers incredible stand-up paddleboarding opportunities, especially in the calm waters around Caneel Bay. Paddleboarding is a fantastic way to explore the coastline and get up close with the islands’ incredible marine life.

Saint Croix, the largest island in the Virgin Islands, is a bit more off the beaten path, offering a combination of outdoor adventures and cultural exploration. Saint Croix is home to some of the best snorkeling spots in the Virgin Islands. Aside from snorkeling and diving, Saint Croix is also home to stunning hiking trails like the Rain Forest Trail and Judith’s Fancy Trail, both offering incredible views and opportunities for wildlife sightings. For a unique twist on traditional hiking, try the St. Croix Eco-Tour, where you’ll explore the island’s ecosystems while learning about its history and conservation efforts.

The island also boasts incredible opportunities for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding, especially around the picturesque Salt River Bay. Whether you prefer a peaceful paddle or the thrill of exploring hidden coves, Saint Croix offers a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.

No matter which island you choose, one of the top things to do in the US Virgin Islands is to get out on the water. Kayaking and snorkeling are two of the best ways to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the islands, and Virgin Islands Ecotours has you covered with a variety of tours across Saint Thomas, Saint John, and Saint Croix.

Snorkeling: The Virgin Islands’ waters are teeming with marine life, from colorful tropical fish to graceful sea turtles. Snorkelers can explore vibrant coral reefs and calm bays, with plenty of opportunities to discover the underwater world.
Kayaking: Glide through protected mangrove lagoons, paddle out to secluded beaches, or explore the serene waters of remote islands like Cas Cay. Whether you're kayaking at night under a starlit sky or paddling to a historical site, the experiences are unforgettable.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding: For a more relaxed experience, stand-up paddleboarding is an excellent way to explore the island’s coves and beaches at your own pace.
Boating and Boat Trips: Want to explore multiple islands in one day? Virgin Islands Ecotours also offers boat trips to various destinations across Saint Thomas, Saint John, and Saint Croix, making it easy to island-hop and experience all that this paradise has to offer.

Zip Line & Aerial Adventures
For a high-flying, adrenaline-pumping experience, the Saint Thomas Skyride and Saint John Zipline are exciting ways to explore the islands from above. Saint Thomas offers a thrilling aerial tram ride to the top of Paradise Point, where you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the island and its surrounding waters. On Saint John, take a guided ziplining tour through the rainforest canopy, soaring through lush trees with spectacular views of the coastline and Virgin Islands National Park.
Mountain Biking
Explore the island’s rugged terrain and coastal beauty on a mountain biking tour. Saint Thomas has some amazing off-road trails that take you through dense forests, scenic hills, and along rocky shorelines. Saint John also offers some stunning paths through the Virgin Islands National Park, combining nature, history, and exercise as you bike along trails that offer incredible ocean views and opportunities to spot wildlife.
Fishing Adventures
The Virgin Islands are a fisherman’s paradise, with abundant game fish like marlin, sailfish, and tuna. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, book a sportfishing charter from Saint Thomas or Saint Croix for a day on the open ocean. You can try your hand at deep-sea fishing or go light tackle fishing for snapper, grouper, and other local species. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, try shore fishing or fly fishing in some of the protected coves.
Caving & Geological Tours
For something more unique, consider exploring the islands’ caves. The Petroglyphs Cave on Saint John is an easy-to-access site where you can view ancient petroglyphs carved into the rock by the island's earliest inhabitants. For a deeper adventure, visit The Bat Cave on Saint Thomas, where you'll navigate through underground tunnels to see stalactites, stalagmites, and bats in their natural habitat.
Horseback Riding
Another fantastic way to experience the Virgin Islands' natural beauty is on horseback. Several ranches on Saint John and Saint Croix offer horseback riding tours through the islands' forests, along remote beaches, and even through the surf. On Saint Croix, horseback riding along the beach at sunset is a magical experience, providing breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea and the setting sun.
Cliff Diving & Rock Climbing
If you’re seeking some high-energy outdoor thrills, cliff diving is a must-try on Saint Thomas and Saint John. Coki Point on Saint Thomas offers some popular jumping spots, where you can leap off small cliffs into crystal-clear waters. For a more technical outdoor challenge, try rock climbing at Salt River Bay or Cinnamon Bay. The rocky cliffs offer varying levels of difficulty, making them perfect for both beginners and seasoned climbers.
Botanical Garden Tours
Discover the island’s lush flora and fauna with a botanical garden tour. The Saint Thomas Botanical Garden features local and tropical plants, while the Jungle Garden on Saint John provides an opportunity to explore the island’s tropical rainforest and learn about its diverse ecosystems. These serene outdoor spaces are perfect for those looking to connect with the islands' plant life and enjoy a peaceful stroll through the gardens.
Stand-Up Paddleboard Yoga
For something truly unique, try SUP yoga (stand-up paddleboard yoga). Several tour companies offer yoga classes on the water, where you can stretch and meditate while balancing on your paddleboard in tranquil coves. Saint John’s Caneel Bay and the calm waters of Magens Bay on Saint Thomas are perfect locations for this relaxing outdoor experience.
Eco-Tours & Wildlife Watching
Take your adventure to the next level with an eco-tour of the Virgin Islands. Explore the rainforest ecosystems of Saint Croix on a guided nature walk, learn about the region's sustainable conservation efforts, or visit the avian habitats in the protected areas of Saint John. The Virgin Islands are rich in wildlife, from humpback whales during migration season (December–April) to wild donkeys and goats on Saint John. These eco-tours give you a deeper understanding of the natural world while providing opportunities for wildlife sightings.
Surfing and Windsurfing
Saint Croix and Saint Thomas are becoming increasingly popular for surfing and windsurfing. While these islands are better known for their calm, snorkeling-friendly waters, there are also spots with great surf. Try Sandy Point on Saint Croix, which boasts beautiful waves and a laid-back surf vibe. On Saint Thomas, Magens Bay and Hull Bay offer great conditions for both beginners and experienced surfers. For windsurfing, head to Coki Beach or Lindquist Beach where the winds are perfect for the sport.

Are you ready to book your next unforgettable outdoor adventure in the Virgin Islands? Whether you’re visiting Saint Croix, Saint John, or Saint Thomas, Virgin Islands Ecotours has a variety of guided tours that will let you connect with the natural beauty of the islands like never before. From kayaking and hiking to snorkeling and boating, there’s an adventure waiting for you.

Book your tour today and experience the adventure of a lifetime with Virgin Islands Ecotours: Check out our tours!

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