USVI Activities For Children & Teens
Here at yacht.vacations we’re very accustomed to advising our clients on the best way to get from the US Virgin Islands over to their charter yachts in the popular sailing destination of British Virgin Islands. Most of you flying from the US will land in St Thomas, and take a water taxi over to your marina of choice.
For this reason, the USVI can often be overlooked as a pit-stop on the way to its better-known neighbors.
However, these stunning islands have a great deal to offer in their own right. Especially when it comes to varied activities for all of the family to enjoy. That’s right – even kids and teens are guaranteed an unforgettable vacation.
Read on for our ultimate guide to keeping kids and teenagers entertained in the USVI (hint: it’s incredibly easy).
Plentiful Parkland
You may be surprised to discover that over two-thirds of St John Island is in fact protected parkland. It doesn’t require a lot of imagination to realise that this is a tropical paradise, full of potential for the whole family to explore. There are 22 hiking trails to guide you through the lush greenery. Pick a route and see what you discover! For those who want to continue the al-fresco adventure, you could even camp on the beach. What better way to create family memories than to sleep under the stars, and wake up to the gentle sounds of lapping waves?
Flying High
The rebellious thrill-seekers in your family can be tricky to please. Give them the opportunity to blow away the cobwebs on a thrilling zipline adventure. At Tree Limin’ Extreme Zipline Tour, adventurers aged 5-95 can soar across St Peter Mountain, with a choice of 6 ziplines, 2 sky bridges and 8 aerial platforms. If you’re not an adrenaline-junkie, you can seek refuge in ‘Da Lime in Da Coconut’, a bar offering a tempting array of 30 rums. As we promised – something for everyone.
Beach Days
Little kids (and, let’s face it, big kids too) never tire of a beach. Imaginations can run wild, as can your whole family. An opportunity to reconnect with nature and with each other.
Trunk Bay has a $4 entry fee per adult, but your kids can enter free of charge. Hailed by many as the best beach in the USVI, this is the ideal spot for a day with the kids. Excellent amenities like shaded picnic tables, snack shacks and restrooms mean that you can settle in for the day, reading a book or catching some rays whilst the children frolic on sand and sea.
Educational Excursions
If you’re keen for the kids to take in some of the local culture and history, where better than one of the former plantations? In bygone eras, the USVI’s primary industry was in sugar, molasses and rum production. At Annaberg Plantation on St John you can wander the ruins of this former hive of activity. In between learning about the plantations and the slaves who worked them, you may also have the opportunity to try your hand at some traditional basket weaving or bread baking.
Over on St Croix, the Estate Whim Plantation Museum offers a more in-depth journey through the lives of 18th Century Cruzans. The original windmill and bathhouse give insight into the lives of previous generations. Meanwhile, tour guides will take you around the Great House, offering tidbits and facts as you go.
Wildlife Refuge
Whilst at St Croix you may as well swing by Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge. The animal-lovers in your family may spot leatherback sea turtles nesting their eggs in the white sands. The film buffs amongst you may also recognise the local scenery as the setting of the final scene from The Shawshank Redemption.
Under The Sea
If the possibility of turtle-spotting hasn’t satisfied your little ones, they’re sure to love getting up close and personal with some of the other local residents. The clear waters of Coki Beach promise astounding varieties of tropical fish, to be enjoyed whilst snorkelling, swimming or even stand-up paddling boarding. All of the necessary kit can be hired from vendors along the beach, meaning that all you need to do is turn up and unleash the kids.
Furthermore, local vendors supply the food and beverages (including parent-friendly options), to keep everyone suitably fuelled and refreshed.
Shop Til You Drop
Many teens reach an awkward age where they no longer want to be doing activities with the rest of the family. This can make it tricky to plan an itinerary to suit everyone. Perhaps an afternoon exploring the cobbled Main Street in Charlotte Amalie doesn’t immediately appeal to the budding fashionistas in your crew. But let them know that this is a hotspot of duty-free shopping, and you may find that you have their attention. From designer clothing and incredible local jewellery stores, to perfumes and technology. This is a sure-fire hit with even the most discerning of your group.
Mermaid For A Day
Yes, you read that correctly. The phenomenon of the mermaid trend doesn’t seem to be dying out any time soon. Suitable for any aspiring mermaid or merman, this unique experience gives your kids the opportunity to make fantasy a reality. You can expect incredible, iridescent tails to suit all sizes, mermaid-swimming lessons, and photoshoots aplenty. Yes, the parents can join in too…
Still Not Convinced?
If you’re a seasoned sailor, the chances are it will be a struggle to drag you away from the tried and tested paradise of BVI. But if you’re looking for something a little different, we can assure you that USVI will keep the whole family delighted. We’d be happy to put any further concerns or questions to rest. Contact the Catamaran Charter Experts to find out more about the chartering experience that awaits you in USVI.