Editor's Choice: Boating Excursions

St Thomas is the US Virgin Islands' boating capital. Visitors can take bare boat or crewed chartered yachts for a week-long journey. Guests can get involved with the on-board activities or lie back and be pampered. For more information contact the US Virgin Islands Department of Tourism (see Contact Addresses).

The islands have more hotels per square mile than anywhere in the Caribbean. Costs vary according to standard, but are generally quite high compared to other Caribbean islands. The islands' hotel association has a counter at the airport to assist with reservations. A variety of guest houses, condominiums and villas are also available on St John and St Thomas.

There are two main campsites, both on the island of St John. One of the main sites, Cinnamon Bay Camp, is located inside the 4.680-hectare (11,560-acre) St John National Park. Inexpensive bare plots, plots with tents already set up and cottages are available for a maximum stay of two weeks. The site is very popular, so reservations should be made well in advance. The other campsite is at Maho Bay near a beautiful beach. So-called 'eco-tents', which are part of the tourist authorities' wish to encourage 'sustainable tourism' and rustic cabins are also available.

St Thomas & St John Hotel & Tourism Association
PO Box 2300, St Thomas, VI 00803, US Virgin Islands
Tel: 774 6835.
Website: www.sttstjhta.com or www.virgin-islands-hotels.com

St Croix Hotel & Tourism Association
PO Box 24238, Gallows Bay, St Croix, VI 00824, US Virgin Islands
Tel: 773 7117.
Website: www.stcroixhotelandtourism.com

Cinnamon Bay Camp
PO Box 720, Cruz Bay, St John, VI 00831, US Virgin Islands
Tel: 776 6330.
Website: www.cinnamonbay.com

Maho Bay Camp
PO Box 310, Cruz Bay, St John, VI 00830, US Virgin Islands
Tel: 715 0501.
Website: www.maho.org