SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL IN USVI

eco-friendly tourism

There are six national parks throughout the three U.S. Virgin Islands. Some are inland and others featuring amazingly biodiverse reefs, like St. Croix’s Buck Island Reef National Monument. If you’re more into hiking and exploring, St. John alone has more than 11,500 acres of protected land as part of the Virgin Islands National Park. Or take a trip into the past with the preserved 19th-century fortifications of Hassel Island, just off St. Thomas.

The U.S. 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.

USE Mineral Sunscreen ONLY

The use of mineral sunscreen is the law in the U.S. Virgin Islands! 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 U.S. Virgin Islands. Wear rash guards, 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 ingredients label to avoid sunscreen containing oxybenzone, octinoxate and octocrylene. For a selection of recommended non-nano mineral-based sunscreen lines, click here.