The "Crown Jewel of the Caribbean," as this prestigious race, takes place at the St. Thomas Yacht Club each March. This yacht race, considered among the most competitive globally, attracts sailors from the Caribbean, Europe, and North America. Although the main racecourse is situated near Christmas Cove, there are also several side races. The Pillsbury Sound Race takes yachters around St John's and St Thomas's countless coves, while a challenging distance race occurs between Charlotte Amalie's harbor and St Thomas' East End.

The US Virgin Islands may have been United States territories for nearly a century, but every March 31, the islands celebrate their Danish past during Transfer Day. Danish products were sold from shops and vendors when the islands were transferred from Danish to American territories. Special excursions to former Danish forts and buildings and organized the ruins.

Epicure will undoubtedly enjoy this annual one-day April festival at St Croix’s only all-inclusive resort, the Divi Carina Bay All Inclusive Beach Resort and Casino. No fewer than 50 of the region’s most renowned restaurants serve their most delicate dishes during this celebration of St Croix’s finest culinary talent. French and Italian food is served alongside traditional Cajun, Creole, and Caribbean meals. All festival proceeds go towards the St Croix Foundation.

St Croix continues its reputation as the unofficial culinary capital of the US Virgin Islands with this annual late June tribute to the island’s most famous tropical fruit at the St George Village Botanical Garden. Although the festival grew to include other fruits after Hurricane Lenny destroyed the 1999 mango crop, mangoes continue to be this festival’s primary focus. Visitors can sample several of the more than 80 different mango varieties grown throughout St Croix in the forms of mango butter, beer, wine, and even sushi. The festival also features mango cooking and eating contests.

Calypso musicians, colorful mocko jumbies, and a lively parade are the main ways St John celebrates the United States Independence Day and the last day of its month-long Carnival celebrations on the Fourth of July. This day also features the crowning of Ms. St John and the carnival king and a fireworks display rivaling many in mainland United States cities.

Its eco-friendly fishing festival awards trophies to the anglers who catch the bluest marlin and those who tag. And release the most significant number of fish. All proceeds from this prestigious event, held in St Thomas during the August weekend near the full moon, go towards the Boy Scouts. Anglers from across the globe are invited to participate alongside some of the world’s greatest anglers.

Fort Frederik Beach and the Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts are the main venues of this November jazz festival held in Frederiksted each November. Some of St Croix’s finest jazz musicians perform alongside musical legends such as Tito Puente, Jr, and Pete Escovedo. Mocko jumbies, food vendors, and arts. And crafts accompany these free musical performances.

St John Island’s most famous beach is also one of the most photographed beaches in the United States Virgin Islands. Over a quarter mile of beautiful white sand makes this the showpiece beach of the National Park Service. Enjoy the self-guided Underwater Snorkeling Trail; with underwater information about coral formations and sea life. Facilities include a snack bar/grill, snorkel gear rentals, beach chair rentals, showers, restrooms, public telephones, and lifeguards. Please note: Trunk Bay is the only St John beach that charges an entrance fee. Because of its popularity, Trunk gets a fair number of visitors. The numbers, not surprisingly, often correspond to the number of cruise ships at port in Charlotte Amalie on St Thomas. Check the cruise ship schedule. While the beach can get crowded nearest the beach entrances and closest to the snorkeling trail – fewer people venture down the coast to the west ( left as you face the ocean). If you’re looking for a bit more space, make the walk. You’ll also find a little beach at the far end. It doesn’t get as much sun, but it’s about as private as you get on Trunk ; ) Snorkeling the 650′ Underwater Snorkeling Trail is great for first-timers, kids, and older adults. Although this site sees a lot of visitors, it’s still one of the best snorkeling spots on St John to see colorful fish and corals – in less than 20′ of water. Keep an eye out for clusters of indigo-blue tunicates. They are a rare treat – and seem to thrive in this location! The best snorkeling at Trunk Bay is around the small cay that lies just 30 yards off the beach. The western side ( left as you face the water) enjoys more protection from waves and is home to more corals and fish than the eastern side. Visitors will be treated to various fish and corals in the patch reef that encircles the cay. Most are easily seen from the surface – since the water is never more than 8′ to 16′ deep. For more experienced snorkelers – diving down, you’ll be able to see smaller marine life and corals. Keep an eye out for Arrow Crabs, Juvenile Spotted Drum, and Blue Bell Tunicate corals.

Buck Island is a small uninhabited island located 1 ½ mile north of the island of St. Croix. While there are numerous islands of similar size and appearance in the Lesser Antilles, a group of islands in the Caribbean Sea, Buck Island has a distinctive feature: a magnificent elkhorn coral barrier reef. The unique quality of this bank-barrier reef and its lagoon are noted throughout the Caribbean and have long been recognized. The Government of the Virgin Islands took control of Buck Island in 1936 and established the island and its coral reefs as a protected territorial park in 1948. Efforts have been made to re-establish native flora and fauna, including rare plants and animals native to St. Croix. The island’s coral sand beaches and tropical dry forests, along with the shoreline, host year-round sea turtle nesting. For more than 30 years, Buck Island’s Sea Turtle Research Program has studied endangered hawksbill and leatherback turtles and threatened green and loggerhead turtles that nest and forage within the monument. Suppose you prefer to snorkel or SCUBA dive through one of the Caribbean’s finest intact coral reefs, hike the trail over the island to the observation platform for a view of the reef and the Virgin Islands to the north, or lounge and sunbathe on the coral sand beaches and relax in turquoise of tropical waters. In that case, Buck Island Reef National Monument will not disappoint.

Magens Bay is St. Thomas' most famous beach. The beautiful one-mile stretch is a public park and was donated to the people of the Virgin Islands by Arthur Fairchild. It is 1 of 2 beaches on St. Thomas has an entry fee; funds are used to maintain the facilities and the beach. The water is usually very calm with no waves or current, great for floating along and swimming. The bay deepens gradually from shore, making it perfect for small children. Snorkeling is possible along the rocky coast, but Magens Bay is not known for good snorkeling. A water sports booth rents paddle boats, kayaks, and sunfish. Beach chairs, floats, and snorkel sets are available at the concession. Also at the benefit is a bar and restaurant that serves burgers, pizzas, and other snacks, a gift shop, and a hair braiding stand. The beach is a popular stop on island tour itineraries and can get crowded on days when several cruise ships are in port. Most beachgoers pick a spot close to the restaurant area, so typically, you will find fewer people if you walk down the shore away from the concession. On weekday afternoons, you will find residents relaxing after work and getting some exercise. It is common to see moms pushing strollers while power walking, men and women jogging, kids riding bikes, and people swimming laps between 5 and 6 pm. The beach is a favorite destination for residents, and parties ranging from small picnics to loud gatherings are familiar. Lifeguards are on duty every day.

Cruz Bay is the main town on Saint John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The harbor for this town is filled with sailboats from around the world. The small town square is the center of commerce, with many small bars, restaurants, and shops. A car rental, supermarket, and Mongoose Junction are within walking distance, and a collection of upscale shops for clothing, jewelry, etc. You can buy fresh bread at the bakery there. Nestled in the hills around the bay are hotels and apartments. You can catch a taxi at the town square to take you to the various places of interest for a nominal fee or sit at an outdoor table sipping rum drinks with little parasols.

Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the United States Virgin Islands and the largest city in the archipelago, is located on the island of Saint Thomas. Once famous as a deep-water harbor that was a haven for pirates, it is now the most popular cruise port in the Caribbean. Charlotte Amalie is a colorful and historic town— its pastel houses and brightly painted historic buildings, and holiday homes are set against the background of vibrant hills. One of the city’s assets is its rich, diverse culture. Explore the hundred or so islets and cays comprising the Virgin Islands. There are many ways to enjoy the water in Charlotte Amalie, from scuba and snorkeling to fishing and sailing. In Charlotte Amalie, the cuisine is as diverse as the people. You can enjoy fresh seafood, Creole and Danish dishes, sushi, and a rainbow of fruits and vegetables in the local restaurants. If you’re interested in great happy hour deals, try the Greenhouse Restaurant, Bar, and Nightclub. Or kick back at Shipwreck Tavern for sports broadcasts, music, and pool.

Coral World Ocean Park showcases the creatures of the Caribbean Sea and beyond. Swim with sea lions, touch turtles, and examine coral reefs from the underwater observatory tower. Enter this complex of pools and aquariums and learn about the exotic sea creatures that inhabit the waters around St. Thomas. Many of the animals here have been rescued from around the coastline of the Virgin Islands, while others have come from as far away as South America. Head for the turtle pool to watch sizeable green sea turtles gliding through the water. Learn about their habitat and behavior from knowledgeable staff or sign up for a turtle encounter to get up-close with these astonishing animals. Walk to the shallow stingray pool. Try to spot their eyes or tail poking out from the sandy floor. During feeding times, visitors can enjoy the unusual sensation of having food sucked from the palm of their hands by a ray. Among the most popular outdoor tanks is the shark pool. Observe the sharks as they splash their tales in the shimmering water. Venture to the underwater viewing area to admire them from a different perspective.

St. Croix’s heritage trail traverses the entire island of St. Croix, highlighting particular sites, historical buildings, churches, flora and fauna, and more. If you are interested in island history, culture, and nature, then pick up a Heritage Trail map and explore. The trail is one of 50 Millennium Legacy Trails recognized by the White House Millennium Council. It points out more than 200 sites of interest. The St. Croix Landmarks Society provides the map.