When we did the sail, we left from Hampton, VA. You're sailing in November, and it's cold for a few days, but you can get offshore quickly and sail nonstop to the British Virgins or the USVI across the trades, a trip of about 1,500 miles. A lot of people lump them together and it is easy to take a ferry between the two. Thirteen sovereign island nations and a dozen dependent territories make up most of the islands, and ten countries in Latin America have Caribbean coastline. Dont rush things have patience and consider your time here as a chance to relax and enjoy a nice breather. The Netherlands The islands now have an annual celebration in November to honor the legacy of David Hamilton Jackson.[17]. Coral World is a marine park located on the island of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. [20] The lowest recorded temperature was 11C (52F) in November. If you insist on everything being done at a fast pace, you may want to stick with a Florida vacation instead. Accessible through Cyril E. King Airport (STT), the 32 square mile island is full of hills and cobblestone streets, with the most popular being the picturesque 99 Steps. The West Indies, a misnomer dating back to the days of Christopher Columbus, refers to pretty much all the Caribbean islands and the Bahamas. If foul weather catches up to you, theres little choice but to ride it out. This is usually an upwind slog, also without many good safe harbors. The cheapest flight from Tampa to Saint Thomas Island was found 42 days before departure, on average. St. Thomas-St. John School District operates public schools on Saint Thomas. Distrusted at first by the white masters, they lived among the slaves and soon won their confidence. Your subscription could not be saved. When talking about moving between islands, cruisers will often use the phrases up island and down island. Le Marin is the most popular port for cruising and charter yachts. There are a few natural harbors and protected bays. This site is owned and operated by Truly Content. A sailboat doesn't have to be expensive if you know what you're doing. For the latest travel status in U.S. Virgin Islands, please check government recommendations. This site is owned and operated by Truly Content. Two-thirds of the island is a National Park, and its 5,500 protected acres are crisscrossed by dozens of spectacular hiking trails with panoramic views and diverse flora and fauna. Like countries in Europe, the majority of outlets on St. Kitts operate with a 230 voltage, unlike the United States and St. Thomas, which use 110 voltage. The Dutch portion of the Leeward Antilles is sometimes referred to as the "ABC's" from the first letter of the island names - Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaao. Of the three islands, St. Thomas is the middle island in terms of size. The company eventually sold the island to the United States in 1944, during the German occupation of Denmark. Since 2012 he's been cruising the world with his wife and living aboard full time. St. Thomas , St. John is located about 4 miles from St. Thomas east end. Every hour, one of the ferries departs Red Hook, St. Thomas, and the other Cruz Bay, St. John, crossing each other along the way. . As of the 2020 census, the population of Saint Thomas was 42,261,[3] about 48.5% of the total population of the United States Virgin Islands. St. Thomas Airport to St Croix Airport: CAPE AIR tel: (800) CAPE-AIR SEAFLIGHT tel: (340) 714-3000 NO PASSPORTS NEEDED BETWEEN ST.THOMAS - ST CROIX - ST JOHN and PUERTO RICO Ferry to WATER ISLAND. The land was divided into plantations and sugarcane production became the primary economic activity. Puerto Rico - United States Virgin Islands vv. St Thomas Accommodation Hotels and Resorts Villa Restaurants Location Downtown French Town East End North Side South Side Crown Bay Havensite Upscale and Famous West Indian Cuisine Fast Food/Chains Chinese and Thai Sushi Mexican Pizza Music Hang Outs Happy Hour Specials Aerial Views Beaches Walking Tour Attractions Shopping Nightlife Sailing Diving The travel time is only 32-34 min. We have received no reports of travel restrictions in U.S. Virgin Islands. Hundreds of ferries and yachts pass by the Town each week. This info was very helpful Thanks. All personal care items can be purchased on St. Thomas (although they can be a little pricey) so try to bring your own in travel-sized containers. The geography of the islands consists of seaside cliffs, mountains with lush forest, tiny streams, arid lands and beautiful white sand beaches. St Thomas Map The City of St Thomas is located in the State of United States Virgin Islands. Marine Gardens which has 21 smaller tanks displaying ocean life in the Caribbean. The best time to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands is December through March, as the weather is drier and you can enjoy blue skies most of the time. The general approach to sailing the Thorny Path is to make short hops, day sails, and overnight passages between close destinations. 8:00 AM-11:00 AM, 11:00 AM-5:30 PM, 6:00 PM-10:00 PM. Made it difficult for hilltop residents. Jackson was the editor of The Herald, which had its office at 1B Kongens Gadein Christiansted. A few days after celebrating the 60th year of free elections in the Virgin Islands, the V.I. For the latest travel status, we recommend checking the official page for U.S. Virgin Islands. There are thousands of islands in the Caribbean, and over forty with major populations. Breathtaking View! I am wanting to bring my 37 ft Chris Craft to the Virgin Islands. The quickest flight from Miami Airport to Beef Island Airport is the direct flight which takes 2h 59m. Where the "island" column is blank on departure, it's a repeat of the row above. Required fields are marked *, {{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}Your submission failed. [7], The Dutch West India Company established a post on Saint Thomas in 1657. In this article, I'll show you what to expect. Please try again. Best Months to Visit. Rome2rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. $4.09 + $1.00 shipping. An island pulsing with energy A modern paradise filled with colonial jewels, St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands is both a historian's and an adventure-seeker's playground. Sailings from Florida to St. Thomas, VI: Receiving Location: Cutoff Day / Time: Sailing Day: Estimated Transit . This is equivalent to 2 021 kilometers or 1,092 nautical miles. Saint Thomas is divided into the following subdistricts (with population as per the 2020 U.S. Census): From 1796 a small Jewish community developed in Charlotte Amalie. Airlines that fly to St. Thomas (STT) You have several options for which airline you choose to travel with to St. Thomas. If your cruising speed on the rhumb line is different or youre tacking back and forth all over the place, adjust times accordingly. ImproveSailing is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The island has a number of natural bays and harbors including Magens Bay, Great Bay, Jersey Bay, Long Bay, Fortuna Bay, and Hendrik Bay. But where to go and when? ST. JOHN The U.S. Virgin Islands National Team suffered its first loss of the tournament, but still remained in contention to play for the title after Friday's games in . If you have any prescription medications, be sure to bring enough for the duration of your trip and carry a note from your physician, especially for any prescribed narcotics. The lorikeet aviary where you can feed lorikeets. While you are in the tropics and it is warm, the prevailing wind patterns and navigational requirements can turn the time you aren't lounging on a beach into some pretty unpleasant sailing. Although the island is just 31 square miles, youll find a variety of attractions and even two cities with hot spots for exciting nightlife options as well. every Hour. [13], The first British invasion and occupation of the island occurred in 1801. There are too many islands to make a "travel time" table like you'd find in a road atlas with every island to every island. Your subscription could not be saved. to Cyril E. King. Short hops into rough conditions take a toll on crew energy and on the boat - things break and wear. The USVI consist of 4 larger islands: St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John and Water Island, and some 50 smaller islets and cays. We measured courses to just inside the harbor in most cases with a wide safety margin, and not for optimal course length with the absolute shortest route. When travelling within the territory no passport is required but if you are going to or coming from the USVI - don't forget your passport! ? What is the best time to sail from Bonaire to Barbados? Sheltered harbors aren't as common as you'd like, nor are ports with marinas and supplies. How long does it take to get around from place to place? Ships dock at Havensight Pier. In Dominica's two major cruising ports, organized and helpful "boat boys will greet you. A season in the Caribbean - what a dream vacation or a plan for a sabbatical! The two islands are maybe 6 miles apart at their closest points. Virgin Gorda to St Thomas (calls at Road Town, Tortola) 6:30am 2:45pm: 6:30am . The Straight Line Air Flying Distance from Key West Florida United States to St Thomas U S Virgin Islands1157.6 milesor 1862.97 km Flight time: 3 hours and 23 minutesNon-Stop flight time The nonstop route for optimal wind is closer to 1,500 nautical miles. Butyou can't sail straight from Miami to St. Thomas, because there are a lot of islands in the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos in the way. FIRST AIR MAIL FLIGHT FAM 9 MIAMI FLORIDA MULTIPLE BACKSTAMPS US COVER. [9], Denmark-Norway's first attempt to settle the island in 1665 failed. Provide locals with respect and try not to be patronizing or condescending. Most trips are just $1 or $2 per person. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. The nonstop route for optimal wind is closer to 1,500 nautical miles. One word to the wisethe taxi drivers and store barkers downtown are the only exception. Country Cities United States Florida | U.S. Virgin Islands St Thomas The distance line on map shows distance from Florida to St Thomas between two cities. [15] The newspaper's focus was civic and labor rights for local workers,[16] and it published criticisms of the labor situation in the islands. If you stay in a villa you will most likely need to rent a car or scooter to get around. Distance from Virgin Islands to Florida is 1989.07 kilometers . William has been sailing and owning boats for over twenty years. . Fire destroyed hundreds of homes in Charlotte Amalie in 1804. They are grouped by location into the Greater Antilles which includes the larger islands in the northwestern area (Cuba, Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Haiti/Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico); and the Lesser Antilles which includes all the other islands from the Virgin Islands in the northerly Leeward Islands, to the southeastern Windward Islands and the islands just north of Venezuela. The cheapest month to fly is February. Gift shops and restaurants are also on site. [Note: The distance between cities in U.S. Virgin Islands distance chart below is straight line distance (may be called as flying or air distance) between the two locations in U.S. Virgin Islands . When Christopher Columbus arrived in 1493, the area was inhabited by Caribs, Arawaks, Ciboney and Tano native peoples. [11], While the sugar trade had brought prosperity to the island's free citizens, by the early 19th century Saint Thomas was in decline. Many heading down island from the BVIs leave from Virgin Gorda, as it is the furthest island to the east. Distance between Puerto Rico and St Thomas is 179.54 km. One advantage of the thorny path is you are closer to land if you need to seek shelter. Distance Between Puerto Rico and St Thomas. Explore the grottoes, arches, and chain of tidal pools formed by eroded rocks along the beach. Full home rule was achieved in 1970. The Virgin Islands are located in the Caribbean. Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. ImproveSailing is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. It also adds an extra 30 minutes for take-off and landing. The islands coastal areas have many fine protected bays. Do you want to earn money to write on our website? Sun. Last updated: March 1 | Data sourced from: ACAPS, OXFORD. Thorough and considerate. The US Virgin Islands are 40-50 miles east of Puerto Rico; and about 1106 miles southeast Miami, Florida. Whether taking a boat trip, scuba diving, parasailing or snorkeling, call the outfit before you arrive on island to make reservations. Built in 1833 for a congregation founded in 1792, it is the synagogue with the longest history of continuous use on what is now United States soil. Learn More{{/message}}. ImproveSailing is compensated for referring traffic and business to this companies. The islands extend from west to east for about 60 miles and are located west of the Anegada Passage, a major channel connecting the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Routes between the ABCs are included for completeness, as it is possible to charter there and a stop on the way across to Panama is common. It is SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE, and NO RESPONSIBILITY is assumed for errors or omissions. Because there are further breakdowns and groupings you may hear which come from which European powers dominated which islands politically and culturally during the 17th through 19th centuries. Often referred to as "The People Ferry", this is the cheapest, easiest, most popular, and shortest route from St. Thomas to Cruz Bay. The British Virgin Islands lie to the northeast of the United States Virgin Islands. So it's best to wait for better conditions, and even motor sail on dead days or over night to avoid taking a beating off shore. This was inherited from what was the then-current Danish practice at the time of the American acquisition in 1917. Explore Charlotte Amalie 2. So when a cruiser in St. Martin may tell you he's heading "down island" next month, he's planning somewhere south, probably St. Barts, St. Kitts, Statia, or Antigua. Hundreds of ferries and yachts pass by the Town each week. You can download the Excel spreadsheet I've used to calculate these itineraries here for free. Good. Men should pack several pairs of shorts, t-shirts and perhaps a polo shirt or two as well as one pair of slacks for going out at night, while women might bring a few cute sundresses, a wrap skirt, shorts, tank tops and other casual attire. Official Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information for U.S. Virgin Islands, Charlotte Amalie, United States Virgin Islands, Suntastic Island Getaway. The largest section of Virgin Islands Books & Souvenirs. The islands were returned to Denmark in 1802, under the terms of the Treaty of Amiens. About us Leaving from north of St. Lucie isn't going to make the trip appreciably longer. But make sure you pay atttention to the shallows at the end of the narrows and pick the north or south channel out. [5], Christopher Columbus sighted the island in 1493 on his second voyage to the New World. While this is an exotic island, it also has the familiar atmosphere of home. Currently, we are unable to provide travel restriction information for leaving United States. The islands have an average temperatures of 70s and 80s degrees Fahrenheit year round. It takes approximately 8h 45m to get from Florida to Virgin Islands, including transfers. However, the proponents of the purchase failed to gain legislative support for the bid. At the time of the US purchase in 1917, the colony did not include Water Island, which had been sold by Denmark to the East Asiatic Company, a private shipping company, in 1905. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1997. By the time you haul anchor and set the sails and drop anchor on the other end, even a three-mile trip will take you an hour. [12]) In 1691, the primary settlement there was renamed Charlotte Amalie in honor of the wife of Denmark's King Christian V. It was later declared a free port by Frederick V. In December 1732, the first two of many Moravian Brethren missionaries came from Herrnhut Saxony in present-day Germany to minister to them. Your travel time can differ by up to 2h 42m. If you're in a rush to get to the Virgin Islands and are fine going offshore, then I-65 sounds like the best plan for you. If you are leaving from St. Kitts, you can go through the narrows between the islands. Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham - St Thomas. Whether taking a boat trip, scuba diving, parasailing or snorkeling, call the outfit before you arrive on island to make reservations. St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands has been revitalized in recent years. From there you can either take a car barge to St. John or the people ferry. The total area of the USVI is 133 square miles. What to pack You'll find everyone dressed fairly casually in the Virgin Islands. If you have any questions about events, activities and goings on while you are visiting, enter your email on the home page of www.virginislandsaver.com. But you're headed through The Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos - that's a tropical paradise, right? He was also instrumental in persuading the Danish to allow the US to purchase the islands of Saint Thomas, Saint John, and Saint Croix. Updated information dedicated to Moving and Living in the Virgin Islands. Free WIFI! To give you some examples, I re-created the route we took through the Caribbean, starting from the British Virgin Islands and working our way through the Leeward and Windward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean before heading west for Panama and the canal. In the opposite direction, boats leave every two weeks on a Thursday at 5:00pm from St. John and 6:00pm from St. Thomas. St. Martin is split between the French and Dutch governments, and you need to clear out with the proper authority when leaving. At six knots that would take about ten and a half days. Not a sailboat but powered by two gas engines, basically Chevy 350 V8s. If pounding upwind into chop, slop, and current between stops on small islands isn't your thing, there is another option - head offshore. The average price for direct flights from Jacksonville, Florida to St Thomas Island is $463. Need to go back to the gas golf carts. Rome2rio uses cookies to help personalize content and show you personalised ads. Autumn is the wettest time of year because of tropical cyclones. Scooters are also an excellent way to get around the island. Book at least 3 weeks before departure in order to get a below-average price. By proceeding, you accept the use of cookies in accordance with our, Fly from Miami (MIA) to Beef Island (EIS), Take the ferry from Peter Island to Cruz Bay, St John. In 2010 the City had a population of 18,481, which makes it the largest city in the Virgin Islands Archipelago. So how might you sail the Caribbean, and what are the distances and times involved? U.S. Virgin Islands Hotels U.S. Virgin Islands Bed and Breakfast U.S. Virgin Islands Vacation Rentals U.S. Virgin Islands Vacation Packages Flights to U.S. Virgin Islands U.S. Virgin Islands Restaurants Things to Do in U.S. Virgin Islands U.S. Virgin Islands Travel Forum U.S. Virgin Islands Photos U.S. Virgin Islands Map U.S. Virgin Islands . The islands are the peaks of submerged mountains that rise from the ocean floor. It ends in Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. More than two thirds of the island is protected by the National Park Service. Find all the transport options for your trip from Florida to Virgin Islands right here. Approx. The major island groups and countries in the Leewards, from north to south, are the U.S. Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, St. Martin/Sint Maartin, St. Barthlemy ("St. Barts"), Saba, St. Eustatius ("Statia"), St. Christopher ("St. Kitts") and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Montserrat, Guadeloupe, and Dominica. Because you're sailing way offshore, I-65 is considerably longer than the Thorny Path on a straight line basis. Guadeloupe has several smaller islands on the south end which you can visit. You heard meits not far at all from South Florida. St. Thomas has a beautiful natural harbor and many protected bays. The United States granted citizenship to the residents in 1927. Rome2rio displays up to date schedules, route maps, journey times and estimated fares from relevant transport operators, ensuring you can make an informed decision about which option will suit you best. The Roques Archipelago is one of the more popular spots, but check current conditions before planning a visit. This distance is equal to 1235.98 miles, and 1073.33 nautical miles. . travel time. What airlines fly to St Thomas to Miami? Today tourism is the primary economic activity, accounting for 80% of GDP and employment. Average Cost of Buying & Owning a Sailboat (With 4 Examples), Sailing Route from Florida to the Virgin Islands (with Map), The Sailing Seasons Around the World (with Map), How to Convert your Freshwater Boat for Saltwater Use, Do I Need a License to Drive a Boat? In 1954, passage of the U.S. Virgin Islands Organic Act officially granted territorial status to the three islands, and allowed for the formation of a local senate with politics dominated by the American Republican and Democratic parties. It's an established part of the local economy, and they will handle much of what you need on the island like tours and supplies. A direct flight to Saint Thomas Island will take on average 2h 37m to travel the 1107 miles flying distance from Fort Lauderdale. Saint Thomas (Danish: Sankt Thomas) is one of the Virgin Islands in the Caribbean Sea, one of the three largest of the United States Virgin Islands (USVI), an unincorporated territory of the United States. South Pacific South Pacific Fiji US Northeast Newport - St. Johns Canada Cape Breton _____ Distances Between Islands _____ I s l a n d s: Distance in Miles: Average Length of Sail: St Thomas : to: St Martin: 140: 20 hours: St Martin: to: St Thomas: 114: 14 hours: St Martin: to . Copyright 2023 ImproveSailing.com Saint Thomas has a tropical savanna climate (Aw according to the Kppen climate classification) with a drier season and a wetter season. However, because the islands are a U.S. territory, most cars are imported from the mainland United States and therefore the steering column is located on the left side of the vehicle. Silver Airways and American Airlines offer flights from Miami Airport to Beef Island Airport. Recommended Fly Orlando Sanford to London Fly from Orlando Sanford (SFB) to London (YXU) 3h 28m $276 - $649 Cheapest For the latest travel status, please check the official page for U.S. Virgin Islands. For those looking for an accessible tropical destination with warm climate to sit at a pool or on a sandy beach, St Thomas offers an ideal landing spot. At six knots, sailing from Florida to the Virgin Islands would take you about seven days. I've made a list of sailing conditions around the world, so you know where to go when. Your flight direction from Orlando, FL to Saint Thomas is Southeast (120 degrees from North). In terms of airport transfer options, what are my alternatives (e.g., bus, shuttle, etc.) ImproveSailing is compensated for referring traffic and business to this companies. For the latest Coronavirus (COVID-19) travel status within U.S. Virgin Islands, please check government recommendations. Carrying a passport can still be a good idea as hopping between islands from St. Thomas is fairly easy, and a passport is required for travel to the British Virgin Islands such as Tortola or Virgin Gorda. Copyright 1999 2023 VInow.com All rights reserved. 9034 GD Marsum Statia's open roadstead anchorage can be uncomfortable in the wrong winds, so watch the weather. The server responded with {{status_text}} (code {{status_code}}). [10] The first slave ships arrived in 1673, and St. Thomas became a slave market. These refer to islands to the north as "Up" and those to the south as "Down" the island chains. The federal government then used the island for military purposes until 1950, before finally transferring it to the territorial government in 1996.[19]. Planning your vacation to St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John and Water Island will be a lot easier with this great packet of magazines and booklets. All times are based on an average speed made good on the plotted course of 5, 6, or 7 knots. St. Croix is 84 square miles in size, 22 miles long and the widest point is a little more than 6 miles. Cape Air and American Airlines offer non-stop flights between Puerto Rico and St. Thomas during the off season. [15] After beginning The Herald, Jackson organized labor unions among the islanders for better working conditions. . Hi, I'm Shawn, and when I was 2 years old, I was sailing (with my parents) on the English Channel during a proper storm (and by proper I mean something along the lines of force 10). Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. The Leeward Antilles also includes several islands which belong to Venezuela, but take care visiting them. There is widespread community transmission globally. One of the main islands of the United States Virgin Islands, This is the figure given on page 1 of the. St. Thomas is located just off the south eastern coast of Florida. Every two weeks leaving on a Sunday at 1:00pm, there is a fast ferry between Fajardo in Puerto Rico and St. John and St. Thomas in the United States Virgin Islands. Im thinking I-65, but Im not sure my wife will. Taking enough time the Thorny Path can be a much more pleasant experience over two to three months. Since then I've enjoyed sailing very much - and I've never been afraid of the water again. Rome2rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. Again much thanks for the info . Prices start at $100USD per night. By the time Tuesday's meeting took place, members had . Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands are U.K. territories, the U.S. Virgin Islands are an American territory, and the Netherlands administer Saba, Statia, and the Dutch Half of Sint Maarten. August has the highest average high of 32.3C (90.1F), with July, August and September all having the highest average low at 25.6C (78.1F). Currently, we are unable to provide domestic travel restriction information for travelling within U.S. Virgin Islands. Car rental agencies are located at the airport as well as near the main cruise ship dock and large resorts. Connect with travelers that are planning vacations right here, right now. It sees less traffic because it's a long trip there and back, with a lot of upwind. There are 214+ hotels available in Virgin Islands. The island has many regular taxis from compact size to large vans, as well as open-air, covered trucks called "safaris" with bench seats. Most of the islands rise only to a few hundred feet above sea level. Water Island is 2 miles long and to 1 mile wide. Adults $5, Kids (2-11) $3 Call to confirm . The highest point is Crown Mountain at 1,556 feet. But the answer is a bit more complicated, so we'll give you some detail about why. . The boyfriend of a US swimming star found dead at their home on the Virgin Islands was jailed for ten years after a violent brawl in 2007, according to sources. Exploring the island requires some form of motorized transportation, for maximum freedom renting a car can be the best option and will allow you to see everything St. Thomas has to offer at your own pace.