A U.S. Virgin Islands cruise is the ideal choice for travelers looking for a warm, tropical island where you can hike up lush forested mountains one day and lie in the sun on a white beach, occasionally getting up to go snorkel with the fish. The Virgin Islands are well known for their sparkling, clear warm waters as well as the wildlife and geography. The islands are composed of 52 square miles and have a population of 119,827; a blend of ethnicity of people from Africa, England, Holland, Denmark, Spain, France, India and the United States. The capital city of Charlotte Amalie is rich in both history and culture. The country uses the US Dollar as the currency and adheres to the US’s political system. The weather is pleasant year round making it an ideal destination anytime of the year. The mild weather is also allows a vast variety of flora and fauna to thrive on the islands. There are over 30 species of birds and over 800 types of plants on the islands. Overall, a trip to the islands has something for everyone, no matter what the age or interest!
U.S. Virgin Island Weather
The weather on the islands is moderate and mild; the difference between the average hottest month and the coldest month is 18 degrees. The warmest months tend to be June, July and August with averages in the mid 80s; the coolest months are December through February, averaging 70-degree temperatures. The hottest temperature recorded was 99 degrees and the coldest was 52 degrees.
The water temperatures typically stay within a 4 or 5-degree range varying from 83 degrees in the summer to 79 degrees in the winter months.
The Virgin Islands typically receives the majority of its rain in November, October, September, August, and May. Rain showers are short and are normally at night or in the mornings. The driest months are February and March.
Hurricane season in the Atlantic is from June 1st to November 30th although most occur in August and September. The last time a major hurricane hit the island chain was Hurricane Marilyn in 1995.
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
