WE ARE PROUD TO PRACTICE SUSTAINABILITY
We preserve our culture and natural beauty through environmentally sustainable tourism and practices, so they can be enjoyed for generations to come.
No matter what sustainable activity you choose to do in the U.S. Virgin Islands, you’ll feel like part of the environment and the local culture that we help preserve.
There are six national parks throughout the three islands. Some inland and some featuring amazingly biodiverse reefs, like the Buck Island Reef National Monument located in St. Croix. But if you’re more into hiking and exploring, St. John alone has more than 11,500 acres of protected land for you to feel in harmony with nature. Or take a trip to the past with the preserved 19th-century fortifications of Hassel Island in St. Thomas.
The Virgin Islands offer several options in terms of eco-friendly properties and businesses, including dozens of eco resorts and villas, as well as restaurants and bars that grow their own ingredients and pick them right before serving to you.
The hardcore geotourist will also enjoy voluntourism projects such as beach cleanups, learning to grow your own food at a Green Globe-certified farm and several other hands-on educational activities.
See what Real Nice options we have for sustainable tourism!
NATIONAL PARKS
St. Croix – Buck Island Reef National Monument
http://www.nps.gov/buis
St. Croix – Christiansted National Historic Site
http://www.nps.gov/chri
St. Croix – Salt River Bay National Historic Park and Ecological Preserve
http://www.nps.gov/sari
St. John – Virgin Islands National Park
http://www.nps.gov/viis
St. Thomas – Hassel Island {Under Virgin Islands National Park}
https://www.nps.gov/viis/learn/historyculture/hassel.htm
St. John – Virgin Islands Coral Reef Monument
http://www.nps.gov/vicr
US Fish and Wildlife National Refuge
St. Croix – Green Cay National Wildlife Refuge
http://www.fws.gov/caribbean/Refuges/Greencay
St. Croix – Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge
http://www.fws.gov/caribbean/Refuges/Sandypoint
St. Thomas – Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge
http://www.fws.gov/caribbean/Refuges/Buckisland
Nature Preserves
St. Croix – Estate Little Princess
http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/caribbean/virginislands/placesweprotect/us-virgin-islands-estate-little-princess.xml
St. Croix – Jack and Isaacs Bay
http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/caribbean/virginislands/placesweprotect/us-virgin-islands-jack-and-isaac-bays.xml
St. Croix – East End Marine Park
https://www.facebook.com/Friends.STXEEMP/
Territorial Parks
St. Croix – East End Marine Park
https://www.facebook.com/Friends.STXEEMP/
Bioluminescence Bay Tours
Sea Thru Kayak VI
http://www.seathrukayaksvi.com
Virgin Kayak
http://www.virginkayaktours.com
Botanical Gardens
St. Croix – St. George Village Botanical Garden
http://www.sgvbg.org
St. Thomas – Botanical Gardens
http://www.greathousevi.com
St. Thomas – Phantasea Botanical Garden
http://www.stthomasbotanicalgarden.com
Agro tourism
St. Croix – Virgin Islands Sustainable Farm Institute {Ridge to Reef Farm}
http://www.ridge2reef.org
Sustainable tourism operator
St. Croix – Crucian Heritage and Nature Tourism (CHANT)
http://chantvi.org/
Please Use Only Mineral Sunscreen. It’s the Law in the U.S. Virgin Islands!
Please help preserve the glorious beaches and stunning underwater world that lure you to our shores so that you and your loved ones can enjoy them for years to come! Avoid sunscreens that contain the “Toxic 3 Os” of oxybenzone, octinoxate and octocrylene – they are prohibited in the United States Virgin Islands. Wear rashguards, hats and use only non-nano mineral sunscreen containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, the only sunscreen ingredients deemed safe and effective by the FDA. Always read the ingredient label to avoid sunscreen containing oxybenzone, octinoxate and octocrylene. There are so many options to choose from. For a selection of recommended non-nano mineral-based sunscreen lines, please scan here:
