Best of the Virgin Islands

If you have three weeks and an ample budget, you can hit the most important attractions in the Virgin Islands, from historic sites to empty beaches. You take in each island’s greatest hits: Charlotte Amalie and Magen’s Bay on St. Thomas; Christiansted National Historic Site and the Buck Island on St. Croix; and St. John’s petroglyphs and idyllic Trunk Bay.

In the British Virgin Islands, highlights include a day trip to The Baths, a high-powered day sail to Jost Van Dyke’s beach bars, and a final respite on Anegada’s North Coast.

Most visitors may prefer to be more selective; island-hopping like this is very pricey and can be tiring too. But if you really want to taste all that the Virgin Islands have to offer, this trip is for you.

DAY 1

Arrive at Cyril E. King International Airport in St. Thomas, and check into a hotel in or near Charlotte Amalie for two nights.

DAY 2

In the morning, walk around historic Charlotte Amalie and visit the museums, historic sites, and galleries. Head to Magen’s Bay on the north shore for the afternoon. Have dinner at a Frenchtown bistro.

DAY 3

Catch a ferry to St. Croix, and check into a hotel near Christiansted for five nights. Spend the afternoon sightseeing around Christiansted National Historic Site.

DAY 4

Rent a car and drive around St. Croix, stopping at Cramer Park and Point Udall in the east before heading west. Go for an afternoon swim along one of the west coast beaches, and watch the sunset.

DAY 5

Tour St. Croix’s historic attractions: visit Whim Greathouse Museum, Lawaetz House, and Fort Frederik Museum.

DAY 6

Take a day trip to Buck Island, where you can snorkel and hike to the top of the island. In the late afternoon, head to Cane Bay on the north coast for a late swim and sunset cocktails.

DAY 7

Pack a picnic and hike to Jack and Isaac Bays on the east end. Catch some local scratch music in the evening.

DAY 8

Take the seaplane back to St. Thomas and catch a ferry to St. John. Stop by the National Park Service office to get your bearings and then check into a hotel or beachfront campsite for five nights. Go to Trunk Bay for an afternoon swim.

DAY 9

Rent a car and take the long way around to Salt Pond Bay on the southern coast of the island. Hike to Ram’s Head, beach comb at Drunk Bay, and sunbathe at Salt Pond Bay. Spend the evening listening to local blues and bluegrass in Coral Bay.

DAY 10

Take a guided hike on the Reef Bay Trail to the petroglyphs and Reef Bay sugar mill ruins.

DAY 11

Take a guided tour of the Cinnamon Bay sugar mill ruins, then go to Annaberg to watch traditional St. John basket-making, baking, and gardening. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach closest to your hotel.

DAY 12

Go on an early morning birding expedition at Francis Bay Pond. Hike to Waterlemon Bay and snorkel around Waterlemon Cay.

DAY 13

Take a ferry to West End, Tortola, and check into an island hotel for five nights. Enjoy sunset cocktails along the north shore.

DAY 14

Rent a car and drive to Sage Mountain National Park for an early hike. Picnic at Mount Healthy and drive by the Fahie Hill Mural before heading down to Cane Garden Bay for an afternoon swim.

DAY 15

Take a day trip to Virgin Gorda. Catch a ferry from Road Town to Spanish Town, take an island tour stopping at Coppermine Point, and spend the afternoon at Baths National Park.

DAY 16

Take a day sail to Norman Island and Cooper Island. Snorkel at the Caves.

DAY 17

Rent a powerboat and sail to Jost Van Dyke. Stop at the beach bars in White Bay and Great Harbour. Say hello to Foxy Callwood, and leave your T-shirt at Sidney’s Peace and Love.

DAY 18

Catch a plane to Anegada and check into a hotel for three nights. Spend the day watching the North Coast horizon at Cow Wreck Beach.

DAY 19

Rent a bicycle and tour The Settlement and stop at the Iguana Headstart Facility before heading out on a circular route around the Western Salt Ponds.

DAY 20

Take a taxi to Loblolly Bay and spend the day snorkeling and sleeping in a hammock. Enjoy your last lobster dinner.

DAY 21

Take an early morning flight back to St. Thomas, and head back home.