Best U.S. Virgin Islands excursions & island tours 

By Andrea Milam on 9th August, 2022

Best U.S. Virgin Islands excursions and island tours 
Salt Deck Image from Sarah Swan for Salty Daze

By land or by sea, the U.S. Virgin Islands has so much to explore. From St. Thomas day trips to St. Croix tours to St. John excursions, here’s our selection of the best U.S. Virgin Islands excursions and island tours. 

St. John Tours

St. John excursions: Cruz Bay Watersports offers the widest variety of St. John excursions by sea. Enjoy a romantic evening on the water with a sunset sail or dinner sail, or find fun with the whole family on a reef snorkel trip aboard CBW’s spacious power cat. Join a group outing for a budget-friendly option, or splurge on a private charter with a custom itinerary for the ultimate dream day on the water. 

St. John day trip: Look no further than Salty Daze for the funnest St. John day trip around. Salt Deck and Salt Deck Too are double-decker pontoon boats where families make the best memories. Environmentally friendly reusable cups and reef-safe sunscreen are part of the package, as are refreshing Irie Pops and a photobooth/selfie station where you can capture the moments you’ll want to remember forever. Perhaps the best amenity on each of these boats is the waterslide, where kids and adults alike can plunge into the stunning St. John waters. 

St John Excursions
Image credit Sarah Swan for Salty Daze

St. Thomas Excursions

St. Thomas adventure tours: There are many ways to enjoy the island’s stunning marine life, but Boss Underwater Adventure offers a unique beneath-the-sea excursion. Their “breathing observation submersible scooters” give you a scuba-esque adventure with no prior experience required. The scooters are easy to operate, eco-friendly, and can accommodate anyone from 10 years of age/4 feet tall up to 350 pounds, making this a St. Thomas adventure tour the whole family can enjoy. 

St Thomas snorkel tour
Image credit Boss Underwater Tour

St. Thomas excursions: Whether you fish for the thrill, to catch your dinner, or maybe a little bit of both, Double Header offers a St. Thomas boat trip with a purpose. There’s an abundance of species in territory waters including yellow or blackfin tuna, mahi mahi, wahoo, barracuda, marlin, snapper, rainbow runner, and so much more. From deep undersea drop-offs to inshore reefs full of gamefish, it’s no surprise the USVI is considered one of the best sport fishing destinations in the world. On a day out with Double Header, guests can keep up to 20 pounds of fish, or 30 pounds if you’re on a full-day charter, to be divided among the guests. The captain will even fillet it for you! 

St. Thomas snorkel tour: V.I. Ecotours combines hikes in St. Thomas with kayaking and snorkeling, offering a well-rounded way to explore the island’s natural beauty. Paddle through St. Thomas’s Mangrove Lagoon Marine Reserve in a kayak or on a SUP, then plunge into the waters and prepare to be wowed by the numerous juvenile fish that shelter in the mangrove’s undersea roots. One V.I. Ecotours option includes a hike on Cas Cay, a small islet within the marine reserve where you’ll see tidal pools, volcanic cliffs, and a geological blowhole. 

US Virgin Islnads kayak tours

St. Thomas helicopter tour: Seeing the islands from a bird’s-eye view is arguably one of the best excursions on St. Thomas. Viewing the rolling green hills and stunning variety of ocean blues from the air is a truly awe-inspiring experience. Caribbean Buzz Helicopters offers transfers among the U.S. and British Virgin Islands for those looking for the quickest way from point A to point B. For the adrenaline junkies, did you know you can combine a helicopter ride with fishing, paddle boarding, or kiteboarding? Or, simply take a ride the whole family can enjoy and see the islands in a whole new light—from above.

St Thomas helicopter tour
Image credit Caribbean Buzz Helicopters

St. Croix Excursions

St. Croix kayak tours: When it comes to St. Croix kayak tours, if you have time for only one such excursion during your vacation, the choice is easy—explore the island’s Bioluminescent Bay with Virgin Kayak Tours. By the dark of night, the sea comes alive with ethereal glowing single-celled organisms called dinoflagellates. Every dip of your paddle stirs up the water, making it glitter in a truly magical display. This low-key, peaceful kayak tour will remain in your memories for years to come. 

St Croix kayak tours