Thanks! As far as islands to hit on the way down, most people making the passage work their way through the Bahamas and the Turks & Caicos, past Puerto Rico and the Spanish Virgins before ending in St. Thomas or one of the other USVI's . As you can see from the chart and route snapshot, the rhumb line route from Miami runs Southeast, and crosses right over several large islands and complex archipelagos. The USVI consist of 4 larger islands: St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John and Water Island, and some 50 smaller islets and cays. St. Croix is 84 square miles in size, 22 miles long and the widest point is a little more than 6 miles. This site is owned and operated by Truly Content. Your Source for Shipping Excellence to the Caribbean; 305-800-0340 or 340-690-1110 Toll Free: 800-566-2340; . Learn More{{/message}}, {{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}It appears your submission was successful. The major town of Pointe--Pitre is an important shipping harbor and less popular with sailing visitors. However, the Danes did resettle St. Thomas in 1671, under the sponsorship of the Glueckstadt Co., later the Danish West India Company. 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. Copyright 2023 ImproveSailing.com Official Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information for U.S. Virgin Islands, Charlotte Amalie, United States Virgin Islands, Suntastic Island Getaway. There are three main islands to visit: St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix. The US Virgin Islands are located just to the right of Puerto Rico. In 1685, the Danish leased part of the island to the Brandenburger Company,[8] which was resold to the Danish in 1754,[10] and was granted free port status in 1764.[11]. In both cases the route distance is subjective, since you're sailing east to an arbitrary longitude before making a course shift, so wind and sailing conditions can change the distance you need to sail and how long it takes. The island is 7 miles long by 3 miles wide. Coral World is a marine park located on the island of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Like all resort and vacation destinations, it pays to shop for the best deals. You'll see some of the most spectacular megayachts in world in St. Barts, it's a popular spot for the larger boats. The highest point is Bordeaux Mountain at 1,277 feet. It's a variation on leaving from points north like we did, and if you're too far south when you try it, it doesn't work. Gift shops and restaurants are also on site. The Roques Archipelago is one of the more popular spots, but check current conditions before planning a visit. And it doesn't mean the waters aren't littered with reefs, shoals, low-lying islands, and other hazards. Contact us It is SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE, and NO RESPONSIBILITY is assumed for errors or omissions. Leaving from north of St. Lucie isn't going to make the trip appreciably longer. ImproveSailing is compensated for referring traffic and business to this companies. The Friday schedule leaves St. Thomas at 8 a.m. and St. Croix at 4 p.m. A stingray pool where guests can feed the stingray after the presentation. Duty-Free Shopping 3. More than two thirds of the island is protected by the National Park Service. Since then I've enjoyed sailing very much - and I've never been afraid of the water again. Taxi from STT to Wyndham Margaritaville Resort - St. Thomas Forum During the off season, the prices are between US$99 and US$159 per person one way, economy class, depending on the hour of departure and airline. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. What airlines fly to St Thomas to Miami? Check out 74 Things to Do on St. Thomas and St. John at: http://bit.ly/YRlwnH. Thanks. All times are based on an average speed made good on the plotted course of 5, 6, or 7 knots. Most of the islands rise only to a few hundred feet above sea level. If you press, you can do it in less than a month but you may run into some unpleasant conditions if you push the schedule. It is not only the ultimate tropical vacation location; it can be as affordable as a similar vacation to Florida. Your subscription could not be saved. Passenger ships dock and anchor in Long Bay, near Charlotte Amalie. Statia's open roadstead anchorage can be uncomfortable in the wrong winds, so watch the weather. The federal government then used the island for military purposes until 1950, before finally transferring it to the territorial government in 1996.[19]. Thank you, Thanks great write up Leaving Early April from Tampa Fl to St Thomas, Im preparing to head to Dominican republic in about a week 9034 GD Marsum Water Island is 2 miles long and to 1 mile wide. The lorikeet aviary where you can feed lorikeets. A season in the Caribbean - what a dream vacation or a plan for a sabbatical! Rome2rios travel guides to the US tell you the best ways to explore the country, from Amtrak to Greyhound to the New York Subway. Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. But the answer is a bit more complicated, so we'll give you some detail about why. The Virgin Islands are located in the Caribbean. Cheap plane tickets may be available from different airlines at different times and with unique terms. Here is a Google map to get from the airport to . Locals throughout the USVI speak English and the currency used is the U.S. dollar. The St Thomas time zone is Atlantic Standard Time which is 4 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). Red Hook is an unofficial "town" located on the East End subdistrict. Connect with travelers that are planning vacations right here, right now. 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. The islands are not known for great facilities for visiting yachts, though the sailing there is lovely. South of the Grenadines lies Grenada and its possession Carriacou, then Trinidad and Tobago at the southernmost point in the Windwards. Romantic Sunset, Hotels and accommodation near Virgin Islands, Providenciales Airport PLS to Virgin Islands, Raleigh Durham Airport RDU to Virgin Islands, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport AMS to Virgin Islands, Chicago O Hare Airport ORD to Virgin Islands, New York La Guardia Airport LGA to Virgin Islands. Mon-Sat. The island has a number of natural bays and harbors including Magens Bay, Great Bay, Jersey Bay, Long Bay, Fortuna Bay, and Hendrik Bay. 28 Awesome Things to Do in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands - Cruise Hive It's not a wasteland, but you're not hopping from Ft. Lauderdale to Palm Beach, either. Things to Do in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands 1. I am a first time boat owner so forgive me if I dont know the lingo. 2018 Toyota RAV4 - North Miami, FL to St. Thomas, VI. Even a day sail is exhausting if you spend the entire day getting beat up and tipped on your ear while bashing upwind. These distances assume coast-hopping from one end of the island to a different departure point, which we almost always did. Whilst we believe the ferry times listed to be correct, Best of BVI Ltd is not responsible for changes to the schedules. St. Thomas, thirteen miles long by four miles wide, encompasses a little over 31 square miles. Silver Airways and American Airlines offer flights from Miami Airport to Beef Island Airport. 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. 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. ', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' #topofthelinetransport #usvishipping #autoshipping #vehicleshipping #cartransport #lcltrucking #caribbeanshipping #lclshipping #fclshipping. At six knots that would take about ten and a half days. The main shopping areas include downtown Charlotte Amalie and around the Havensight dock. Windward Islands are therefore "to windward" or to the south, and the Leewards are "to leeward" and downwind in the trades. The only way to get to the St. John, in the US Virgin Islands, is by boat. 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. If you could sail it straight though, how long would it take? If you want to learn how to make your sailing dream reality within a year, leave your email and I'll send you free updates. The arc of Caribbean islands begins off the coast of Florida and extends all the way to South America. Because the Florida coast is a couple of hundred miles further west than a northern starting point like Hampton, VA, the total distance is pretty similar because you have to get back east. Many view the trip past Georgetown as the worst stretch. The second British occupation of the island occurred from 1807 to 1815, after the Invasion of the Danish West Indies (1807), during which they built Fort Cowell on Hassel Island. I am wanting to bring my 37 ft Chris Craft to the Virgin Islands. The latter usually operate only between high-traffic points, e.g., cruise-ship terminals at Havensight and Crown Bay and downtown Charlotte Amalie. Currently, we are unable to provide travel restriction information for leaving United States. William has been sailing and owning boats for over twenty years. View job listing details and apply now. Exhibits include the Caribbean Reef Encounter an 80,000 gallon circular tank open at the top for the natural elements to filter in. [20] The lowest recorded temperature was 11C (52F) in November. Fort Christian is a Dano-Norwegian-built fort in Charlotte Amalie, Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. The cheapest RT non-stop flight costs US$197 per person. ("Tap Hus" translates as "rum shop" or "tap house" referring to the drinking establishments. How long does it take to get around from place to place? Taking enough time the Thorny Path can be a much more pleasant experience over two to three months. Old sailors say you can't head south if butter melts sitting on the counter. ', 'Should I book online before I travel? St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands | VisitTheUSA.com Two turtle pools with rescued sea turtles. 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. [9], Denmark-Norway's first attempt to settle the island in 1665 failed. The warm water is a brilliant turquoise hue, ideal for snorkeling and viewing an abundance of marine life. Nearby Saba isn't recommended as a strong wind anchorage, either. However, petty crime still occurs in tourist areas so it's important to take the proper precautions. Directions. It sees less traffic because it's a long trip there and back, with a lot of upwind. Best Months to Visit. 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). U.S. Virgin Islands Area Map | U.S. News Travel Never treat Islanders as servants, or tourist attractions. [15] After beginning The Herald, Jackson organized labor unions among the islanders for better working conditions. Though it's a petite 32 square miles, the U.S. Virgin Island of St. Thomas boasts a few great all-inclusive hotelsall the better for having a stress-free home base while sailing, snorkeling . With relatively cheap air travel and the American embargo on Cuba, the numbers of visitors greatly increased. St. John encompasses 20 square miles of beautiful scenery. Also, your insurance company may not permit travel to some of them without advanced permission. It takes 0.2 hours to arrive. Great article. There is no direct connection from Florida to Virgin Islands. 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. If its blank on arrival/to, there's only a single island destination in that country. It is on the southern shore at the head of Saint Thomas Harbor. And if you have time, you can make the Thorny Path the journey and destination. Most island hopping is in the Eastern Caribbean, in the Windward and Leeward Islands. From the airport you rent a car and drive or take a taxi to Redhook (east end) St. Thomas. 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. Travellers' Guide To Caribbean ferries - Wiki Travel Guide How far is Saint Thomas from Miami, FL? And, unlike Florida, temperatures here are typically in the 80s during the day and the 70s at night all year round. O and by the way late Aug or Sept, is NOT a Good time to be going that way it can be the worst time for BIG storms LOL just sayin Bob and Connie 15-02-2012, 16:28 Ease into a conversation instead of jumping right in with a request by asking how the persons day is going, but avoid getting too personal too quickly. St Thomas (USVI) Charlotte Amalie Cruise Port Guide | IQCruising Visit the National Heritage Sites Black Beard's Castle Fort Christian St Thomas. Jamie Cail, 42, was found . The Leeward Antilles aren't in "Island Hopping" range, since reaching them from the Windward Islands is a multi-day offshore passage. There are 214+ hotels available in Virgin Islands. Visit a local restaurant, The Top of the Baths for lunch (own expense), then head to Jost Van Dyke to enjoy some time swimming . It has hills and valleys and relatively few flat areas. 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 travel time is only 32-34 min. St. Thomas has a beautiful natural harbor and many protected bays. Many people get to Georgetown and stop, because the trades get more insistent and the stops further apart. The Safari Taxi System on St. Thomas allows riders to hop on and hop off whenever they please for just a few dollars per ride (think of a colectivo in Mexico). Along with surrounding minor islands, it is one of three county-equivalents in the USVI. The highest point is Mount Sage on Tortola in the BVI, which is 1,710 feet high. If your cruising speed on the rhumb line is different or youre tacking back and forth all over the place, adjust times accordingly. Great Amenities. Whether taking a boat trip, scuba diving, parasailing or snorkeling, call the outfit before you arrive on island to make reservations. Youll even find American TV stations in your hotel and many similar chain stores that are found on the mainland. And an Underwater Observatory Tower that goes down 20 feet under the ocean with windows for looking and watching ocean life in its natural habit. The island has a land area of 32 square miles (83km2). The distance between Florida and Virgin Islands is 1249 miles. Leaving north of the Bahamas from St. Lucie Inlet in Florida and sailing to 65W then down to the Virgin Islands is about 1,500 nautical miles, half again the length of the thorny path. Grenada is a popular hurricane season destination for full time cruisers, because it's far enough south to reduce (but not eliminate) storm risk, and it's close enough to Trinidad to sail there on an overnight if a storm threatens. Where the "island" column is blank on departure, it's a repeat of the row above. Beach shoes or sandals as well as a pair of comfortable walking shoes for exploring inland are a must, and youll want to bring two bathing suits so that you have a dry one available when the other is wet. 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. The Netherlands USVI takes first loss in tournament; Curacao moves to No. 1 Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. The highest Point is 300 feet above sea level. This info was very helpful Thanks. The U.S. Department of the Interior took over administrative duties in 1931. ImproveSailing is compensated for referring traffic and business to this companies. Today tourism is the primary economic activity, accounting for 80% of GDP and employment. 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. FIRST AIR MAIL FLIGHT FAM 9 MIAMI FLORIDA MULTIPLE BACKSTAMPS US COVER. It takes approximately 8h 45m to get from Florida to Virgin Islands, including transfers. The island groups are named relative to the trade winds, which blow from the south and southeast. It is located just half a mile from St. Thomas south side. St. Thomas, one of the three United States Virign Islands, along with St. Croix and St. John, St. Thomas is one of the most beautiful island destinations in the world, dressed with powdery beaches and sun-drenched weather.St. In 1691, the town was renamed to Charlotte Amalie after Charlotte Amalie of Hesse-Kassel (16501714), queen consort to King Christian V of Denmark-Norway. Distance between Florida and St Thomas - distancefromto.net It's warm and sunny, but that doesn't mean you don't have adverse winds and currents. 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. Provide locals with respect and try not to be patronizing or condescending. Your trip begins in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Names of the regions in the Caribbean can be a bit confusing at first glance, as there are several names to describe regions, and some of them overlap, are sub regions of others, or cover the same areas. Known as "I-65," this alternate route has you sail east/east-northeast until longitude 65W, then turn south and reach towards the Virgin Islands across the trade winds. Elections Board Finalizes Leadership Choices | St. Thomas Source [23], During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries a group of French Catholic immigrants known as the Chacas came to St. Thomas from the St. Barthlemy islands to the east, forming one community of fishermen and one of farmers.[24][25]. 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. 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. The two islands are maybe 6 miles apart at their closest points. Mon-Sun: 6:30 am until 9:00 pm. travel time. March is the driest month, receiving 27 millimeters (1.1in) of rainfall over 8.1 precipitation days, the least of any month. St. Thomas and St. John are both part of the U.S. Virgin Islands. It's vague, but it's a common way to discuss plans, especially when they aren't settled. The British Virgin Islands lie to the northeast of the United States Virgin Islands. This sprawling country has many smaller islands you can hop between, most are only a few miles apart. Short hops into rough conditions take a toll on crew energy and on the boat - things break and wear. Very few people sail from an island in the Leewards, to say, Aruba or Bonaire. A few days after celebrating the 60th year of free elections in the Virgin Islands, the V.I. Jackson was the editor of The Herald, which had its office at 1B Kongens Gadein Christiansted. Water Island . In 2010 the City had a population of 18,481, which makes it the largest city in the Virgin Islands Archipelago. Free shipping for many products! Directions - Virgin Islands National Park (U.S. National Park Service) The unstable situation on the mainland means conditions may be unpredictable. The British Virgin Islands (BVI) are made up of 4 larger islands; Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke and Anegada, and 32 smaller islands. Currently, we are unable to provide domestic travel restriction information for travelling within U.S. Virgin Islands. Charlotte Amalie - St. Croix Charlotte Amalie - St John Charlotte Amalie - Tortola BVI Red Hook - St John Ships dock at Havensight Pier. Where is St. Thomas? - US Virgin Islands It currently holds the St. Thomas Museum, which holds artifacts and art of the Dano-Norwegian period. This distance is equal to 111.56 miles, and 96.88 nautical miles. Depending on where you leave from - northern Florida or somewhere in the Bahamas - you may sail north to avoid the trades. As a result, the economies of Saint Thomas and the neighboring islands of Saint John and Saint Croix became highly dependent on slave labor and the slave trade. The southeasterly winds and opposing currents can lead to steep, sloppy and rough seas for upwind sailing. [13], The first British invasion and occupation of the island occurred in 1801. Protected by Hassel Island, the harbor has docking and fueling facilities, machine shops, and shipyards and was a U.S. submarine base until 1966. Visit The Baths & Jost Van Dyke from St Thomas or St John - Viator The cheapest flight from Tampa to Saint Thomas Island was found 42 days before departure, on average. So why are we getting into this? Even though the server responded OK, it is possible the submission was not processed. 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. From To Measure Distance Distance between Virgin Islands and Florida is: Facebook Twitter The air travel (bird fly) shortest distance from Virgin Islands to Florida is 1989.07 km= 1235.95 miles. The Sailing Seasons Around the World (with Map). The Antilles refers to all the Caribbean islands but does not include Bahamas, which are part of the Lucayan Archipelago. Many heading down island from the BVIs leave from Virgin Gorda, as it is the furthest island to the east. There are 1112 mi between Florida and Saint Thomas Island. The nonstop route for optimal wind is closer to 1,500 nautical miles. Find all the transport options for your trip from Florida to Virgin Islands right here. 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. 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. Virgin Islands Ferry | Island hopping | Book here - Virginbookings.com It is on the southern shore at the head of Saint Thomas Harbor. The highest temperature ever recorded was 37.2C (99.0F) on August 4, 1994 and June 23, 1996, which is the highest temperature to have ever been recorded in the United States Virgin Islands. While we can't cover every combination for you, there is more than enough information to give you a sense for how you can island hop, and how long it might take. How to Get There from Anguilla: You can fly from Anguilla to St. Thomas direct on Air Sunshine in about 45 minutes. The total area of the USVI is 133 square miles. Drive distance from Key West Florida United States to St Thomas U S A boat making six knots good on the course will take a little over ten days to make this passage. Or if you're a full-time cruiser, a lifestyle. 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. Then we get into the Leeward Islands, Windward Islands, and the Leeward Antilles. Distance from Virgin Islands to Florida is 1989.07 kilometers . Re: Florida to British Virgin Islands route on power? Virgin Islands This is called the Thorny Path to the Caribbean for a good reason. This is usually an upwind slog, also without many good safe harbors. Distance between Florida and St Thomas is 1989.12 km. Order a frozen Happy Hour cocktail to toast another beautiful day in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. There are 10 airlines flying into STT: Spirit Airlines. If you are leaving from St. Kitts, you can go through the narrows between the islands. This is only a problem if you turn south too soon. Since you can't sail that straight line, if you're in a hurry you can sail offshore. Need more shuttle/tram drivers. Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. Virgin Islands Leward Islands Windward Islands Mediterranean . A sea lion show that is held twice daily in Marine Gardens. If pounding upwind into chop, slop, and current between stops on small islands isn't your thing, there is another option - head offshore. But when you leave from further south, the Bahamas and other islands get between you and the Virgin Islands, which complicates the whole route and adds a lot of time and work to the trip. 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. I've made a list of sailing conditions around the world, so you know where to go when. Explore the grottoes, arches, and chain of tidal pools formed by eroded rocks along the beach. St Thomas Map The City of St Thomas is located in the State of United States Virgin Islands. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for US COVER FIRST AIR MAIL FLIGHT FAM 6 ST THOMAS VIRGIN ISLANDS at the best online prices at eBay! For crews without blue water experience or not comfortable being a hundred miles from land, this is a big draw. Book at least 3 weeks before departure in order to get a below-average price. Since 2012 he's been cruising the world with his wife and living aboard full time. It is only 491.5 acres in size. Most trips are just $1 or $2 per person. We are relatively new to sailing.

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