Top Outdoor Activities in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Hiking

The U.S. Virgin Islands invite hikers into a landscape of rainforest paths, coastal ridges and panoramic overlooks. St. Thomas and St. Croix deliver secluded beach trails, lush foliage and historical ruins. On St. John, Virgin Islands National Park steals the spotlight with more than 20 trails that climb, curve and descend through tropical forest, revealing sugar mill sites, quiet coves and ancient petroglyphs carved into the rock.

Trek Top Hiking Trails

Scuba Diving

The U.S. Virgin Islands rank among the Caribbean’s top scuba diving destinations, with vibrant coral reefs, historic shipwrecks and underwater walls that plunge into open ocean. First-timers can join a SNUBA experience at Coral World Ocean Park, which requires no certification and includes basic instruction followed by a guided dive. Those planning ahead can complete full certification through PADI or NAUI before arriving, or complete your training with local dive shops. Each island is home to professional dive centers offering equipment rentals, boat dives and access to top-rated spots.

Discover Scuba Diving Spots

Sailing

Steady trade winds and calm, clear waters make the U.S. Virgin Islands a premier sailing destination. Several schools, primarily based on St. Thomas, offer courses where visitors can learn to navigate and handle a sailboat. For those more interested in relaxing than learning, chartered sailboat excursions are also available, with options ranging from half-day trips to full-day outings. Some outfitters even pair sailing excursions with snorkeling and island hopping.

Embark on Sailing Excursions

Ziplining

The rugged hills of the U.S. Virgin Islands set the stage for thrilling zip line rides with sky-high views. On St. Thomas, Tree Limin’ Extreme Zipline sends you gliding above the treetops with panoramic outlooks over Magens Bay and offshore cays. Over on St. Croix, Carambola Zip Line kicks off with a heart-pounding 200-foot vertical drop, then races 2,500 feet across the lush, green expanse of Carambola Valley.

Horseback Riding

St. Croix’s open landscapes and gentler terrain make it ideal for horseback adventures, with local outfitters leading rides along sunny beaches and through breezy upland pastures. On St. John, Carolina Corral offers guided rides that follow a coral-strewn shoreline before climbing a hillside trail with sweeping views of Coral Bay and the distant cays beyond.

Parasailing

Float hundreds of feet in the air tethered to a colorful canopy and powered by a speedboat gliding across the waves. Parasailing in the U.S. Virgin Islands is an unforgettable way to take in the islands from a new perspective, drifting high above white-sand beaches and green hillsides. Outfitters operate on all three islands, with most tours departing from popular hubs or resort marinas. No prior experience is needed, and tandem rides are often available for pairs.

Jeep and ATV Tours

Explore the less-traveled corners of St. John and St. Croix behind the wheel of a four-wheel-drive Jeep or ATV. These guided off-road adventures cover unpaved roads, rocky hillsides and forested paths, opening access to areas you won’t reach with a standard rental car. Whether you’re navigating switchbacks or cruising along remote shoreline paths, you’ll be rewarded with dramatic views and an up-close experience with the islands’ natural beauty.

Outdoor Activities in the U.S. Virgin Islands