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 downtown 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 Plantation Museum, Lawaetz Family Museum, 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 Preserve 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, beachcomb 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 Plantation 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 Leinster Bay and snorkel around Waterlemon Cay.

Day 13

Take a ferry to West End, Tortola, and check into an island hotel on the north shore. Enjoy sunset cocktails at Cane Garden Bay.

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 Brewer’s 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 National Park, and spend the afternoon at The 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 a captain) and sail to Jost Van Dyke. Stop at the beach bars in White Bay, Great Harbour, and Little Harbour. Say hello to Foxy Callwood, and help yourself at the honor bar at Sidney’s Peace and Love.

Day 18

Catch the early morning ferry to Anegada and check into a hotel for three nights. Spend the day watching the north coast horizon at Cow Wreck Bay.

Day 19

Rent a bicycle and tour The Settlement and stop at the Iguana Head-start 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

Make your way back to St. Thomas for your flight home.

© Susanna Henighan Potter from Moon Virgin Islands, 4th edition