What are the 4 US Virgin Islands? Everything You Need to Know
What are the 4 US Virgin Islands?
The Virgin Islands are known for their white sand beaches, coral reefs, turquoise waters, and tropical climate. Visitors to the islands can enjoy activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, windsurfing, and hiking.
But many people ask, What are the 4 US Virgin Islands? St Thomas, St Croix, St John, and Water Island are the 4 US Virgin Islands this is referring to.
You may not have heard of Water Island, but it’s one of many islands and cays in USVI. Let’s take a better look at all 4 US Virgin Islands.
What are the 4 US Virgin Islands?

Above I mentioned the three main islands in US Virgin Islands. But, what are the 4 U.S. Virgin Islands? What Islands make up the US Virgin Islands? The 4 US Virgin Islands are St Thomas, St John, St Croix, and Water Island.
- St Thomas
- St John
- St Croix
- Water Island**
Water Island is a much lesser-known island, and it’s technically considered part of St Thomas.
You might know it as home to Honeymoon Beach! Not to be confused with the Honeymoon Beach in St John, USVI.
And if you’re wondering what ARENT the Virgin Islands? Antigua, St Lucia, St Kitts, and Aruba are NOT Virgin Islands.
What are the 7 Virgin Islands?
Now that we’ve answered “what are the 4 US Virgin Islands“, you might also be wondering why people ask “what are the 7 Virgin Islands”? We just discussed the US Virgin Islands, but you can’t forget about the British Virgin Islands!
Let’s take an in-depth look at the 7 Virgin Islands in US Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands combined:
What are the US Virgin Islands names?
- St John
- St Thomas
- St Croix
and in the British Virgin Islands
- Tortola
- Anegada
- Virgin Gorda
- Jost Van Dyke
1. St John US Virgin Islands
St. John is the smallest of the three main US Virgin Islands, and it is famous for its natural beauty. More than 60% of the island is protected by Virgin Islands National Park Service, and there are very few large resorts and hotels.
The two main areas are Cruz Bay and Coral Bay. Scattered throughout the island you’ll find a variety of vacation rentals, homes, and luxury villas.
St. John is a popular destination for snorkeling and hiking, and there are several beaches that are perfect for swimming and relaxation.
āļø Can’t miss activity: Snorkel and visit Lime Out: a floating taco bar! Book now āŗ
šØ Best place to stay: Gallows Point Resort in Cruz Bay Book now āŗ
š©š»āš³ My favorite restaurant: Morgan’s Mango
2. St Croix US Virgin Islands
St. Croix is the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands and is located about 80 miles south of Puerto Rico.
The island has a population of about 50,000, which is the same as the nearby island of St. Thomas.
St. Croix is known for its culture and history, as well as it’s downtown areas of Christiansted and Frederiksted.
The island is also home to Buck Island Reef National Monument, which was established in 1961 to protect the Virgin Islands coral reef ecosystem. Visitors to the island can enjoy snorkeling and diving in the clear waters around the monument.
Whatever you’re looking for in your vacation, St Croix is definitely worth visiting.
āļø Can’t miss activity: Buck Island Reef National Monument with Big Beard’s Adventures āŗ
šØ Best place to stay: Sand Castle on the Beach Adult-Only Book now āŗ
š©š»āš³ My favorite restaurant recommendation: Savant
3. St Thomas US Virgin Islands

St Thomas is the most popular tourist destination in USVI. They are known for their beautiful beaches, exciting nightlife, and duty-free shopping.
The capital city of Charlotte Amalie is especially popular with visitors, who can enjoy a wide variety of excursions and activities, as well as a variety of resorts, villas, and restaurants.
St. Thomas is also home to a number of historical sites, including Fort Christian, which was built by the Danish in 1672. Visitors to St. Thomas are sure to find plenty of activities to keep them busy during their stay.
āļø Can’t miss activity: Catamaran trip to Little Buck Island Book now āŗ
šØ Best place to stay: Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove Book now āŗ
š©š»āš³ My favorite restaurant recommendation: Oceana
4. Virgin Gorda
The island of Virgin Gorda is part of the British Virgin Islands and offers a picturesque landscape with white beaches, lush green hills and crystal clear blue waters.
One of its highlights is The Virgin Gorda Baths, a large area full of huge granite boulders that create natural rock pools perfect for wading and swimming.
Exploring the formations, you can find several sea caves and grottoes offering secret coves ideal for snorkeling or relaxing in the sun-filled shallows.
Whether you simply relax in the water or explore every inch of it, The Virgin Gorda Baths are a must-visit destination while in the British Virgin Islands.
āļø Can’t miss activity: Book now āŗ
šØ Best place to stay: Book now āŗ
š©š»āš³ My favorite restaurant:
5. Tortola British Virgin Islands
Nestled in the Caribbean Sea, Tortola is the largest and most populated island in the British Virgin Islands. A popular destination for snorkeling and diving lovers, Tortola is home to some of the world’s most beautiful reefs.
Visitors can also enjoy hiking, biking, and horseback riding along the island’s many trails. For those looking for a more relaxing vacation, there are plenty of beaches to soak up the sun.
Tortola is also home to Mount Sage, the highest point in the Virgin Islands.
āļø Can’t miss activity: Book now āŗ
šØ Best place to stay: Book now āŗ
š©š»āš³ My favorite restaurant:
6. Anegada British Virgin Islands

Anegada, a British Virgin Island located in the Caribbean Sea, is one of the most remote islands in the British Virgin Islands. Despite its isolation, this small island is a popular destination for BVI travelers due to the thriving coral reef that surrounds it.
Spanning 18 miles in length, Anegada’s barrier reef is one of the largest in the Caribbean and works to protect much of the tropical wildlife on display here.
Couple this with some idyllic sandy beaches and tranquil lagoons and you have one of the most unique islands in the area.
Even if natural beauty isn’t your thing, Anegada’s small population makes it ideal for those wishing to get away from busier tourist hotspots.
āļø Can’t miss activity: Book now āŗ
šØ Best place to stay: Book now āŗ
š©š»āš³ My favorite restaurant:
7. Jost Van Dyke British Virgin Islands

At the smallest of all the beautiful British Virgin Islands, Jost Van Dyke offers plenty to explore from top to bottom.
Along its north shore lies one of its delightful surprises – the Bubbly Pool, a naturally occurring hot tub that is perfect for soaking and swimming.
After a long day of exploring, take a break and sample the signature drink of the island, the painkiller, at the Soggy Dollar bar.
This iconic Caribbean escape spot has been welcoming travelers for decades and is widely hailed as one of the most popular bars in this part of the world.
Jost Van Dyke may be small, but don’t forget to stop here during your trip to BVI.
āļø Can’t miss activity: Book now āŗ
šØ Best place to stay: Book now āŗ
š©š»āš³ My favorite restaurant:
What about Water Island?
Water Island is technically part of St Thomas but is sometimes considered to be a fourth USVI territory. It’s a small island located north of Charlotte Amalie. It has a population of just 182, as of the 2020 census.
Water Island is a quick half-mile ferry ride from St Thomas. It’s an easy day trip if you want to experience a small, uncommercialized, semi-private island in USVI!
About US Virgin Islands
The US Virgin Islands are known for their white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and tropical climate.
The US Virgin Islands are made up of three main islands: Saint Croix, Saint John, and Saint Thomas.
Saint Croix is the largest. It is home to the lively city of Christiansted, as well as the sandy beaches of Salt River Bay. St John is the smallest island and is known for its lush vegetation and pristine beaches.
The most popular island, Saint Thomas, is a frequented tourist destination due to its duty-free shopping and national historic sites.
Where are the US Virgin Islands?
The US Virgin Islands are eastern Caribbean islands located to the east of Puerto Rico. Now let’s see how many islands are in the Virgin Islands.
How many Virgin Islands are there?
The Virgin Islands are a group of islands located in the Caribbean Sea. There are two main Virgin Island groups – the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) and the British Virgin Islands (BVI).
The USVI is made up of three main islands – Saint Thomas, St John, and Saint Croix.
The BVI is made up of four main islands – Tortola, Anegada, Virgin Gorda, and Jost Van Dyke.
Each island group also owns more than 50 additional cays and islands. The Virgin Islands are known for their white sand beaches, coral reefs, turquoise waters, and tropical climate.
Visitors to the islands can enjoy activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, windsurfing, and hiking.
Is the US Virgin Islands part of the US?
The US Virgin Islands (USVI or the Virgin Islands) have been a part of the United States since 1917, when they were purchased from Denmark. They were previously known as the Danish West Indies.
Residents of the USVI are American citizens, and businesses based in the territory are treated with the same rights as those on the mainland. The islands utilize U.S. currency, as well as benefit from the protection of the US court system and laws.
Similar to Hawaii, USVI just sits a little farther from the mainland! All in all, this makes USVI citizens feel part of a wider nation while enjoying the unique Caribbean culture of their home.
What is the nicest US Virgin Island?
When it comes to the nicest US Virgin Islands, opinions may be split. Each one offers its own unique experience, so it really depends on what you’re looking for and when you want to visit.
St John is great if you crave seclusion and breathtaking views – whether it’s exploring the beaches or Virgin Islands National Park where nature reigns supreme, this unique island will reward those who venture there.
If your ideal holiday includes nightlife and plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained, then St Thomas is perfect with its bustling towns and many excursion opportunities.
For a combination of both worlds, St Croix delivers – with its two towns, Frederiksted and Christiansted boasting lively bars, impeccable beaches, and a rich history for those peaceful moments, combined with excitement and vast land stretches ripe for exploration.
Whichever island you choose in the US Virgin Islands archipelago, a safe and unforgettable experience awaits!
Do You Need a Passport to go to the US Virgin Islands?
If you’re planning to visit the US Virgin Islands from the United States, you don’t need to worry about bringing your passport. Your regular driver’s license or other form of identification is all you need.
However, if you are traveling to the USVI from outside of the US (or another country) then you will need a valid passport. This requirement stands whether you visit the Virgin Islands by air or sea.
Additionally, if your travels include visiting both US Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands, then it’s important to remember that a passport is required to move between them – so make sure to add it to your packing list before embarking on your trip!
Is there a difference between the US Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands?
There are many differences between US Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands. When comparing USVI to BVI, travelers should consider their reasons for the trip. Most importantly, the US Virgin Islands are United States territory and the British Virgin Islands are British Overseas territory (like Anguilla and Bermuda).
USVI offers a wide variety of entertainment and activities; with beautiful beaches and coral reefs, high-end shopping, nightlife hotspots, and excursions.
For those looking for an escape from everyday life, BVI offers unspoiled natural beauty and a tranquil atmosphere.
Both destinations possess stunning coastlines perfect for cruises and watersports.
However, despite being close in geographical proximity between two different governing bodies, the two locations are quite distinctive from one another āā both containing unique culture and history worth exploring firsthand.
What are the names of the U.S. Virgin Islands?
St Thomas, St Croix, and St John are the three largest and most populated islands in USVI. Water Island and Buck Island are also two popular hotspots in USVI territory.
What is the abbreviation for US virgin islands
USVI is the abbreviation for the United States Virgin Islands
Who owns the US Virgin Islands?
The United States own the US Virgin Islands. The U.S. purchases USVI in 1917 from the Danish.
What is it like to live in the Virgin Islands?
Many US citizens enjoy living in St Thomas and living in St John for the island life. The slow vibes and pristine beaches attract many people to choose to move to USVI.
Are the US Virgin Islands dangerous?
The US Virgin Islands have a high crime rate but are considered to be a safe place to visit and live.
The crime rate mostly refers to St Croix, which, while safe, has a higher crime rate than that of St Thomas and St John. St John is the safest island with the lowest crime rate.
Conclusion: What are the 4 US Virgin Islands?
Hopefully this answers your question “What are the 4 US Virgin Islands” and more!
The 4 US Virgin Islands: St John, St Thomas, St Croix and Water Island (Water Island being a small, lesser known area south of St Thomas).
And the 7 Virgin Islands: Tortola, Anegada, Virgin Gorda, and Jost Van Dyke in BVI + St John, St Thomas, and St Croix in USVI.
Looking to start planning your vacation to the Virgin Islands? There’s no better time than now!