Sports & Recreation

Land Activities: Golf is popular on St. Thomas, in part because of the exquisite Mahogany Run course designed by George and Tom Fazio. The 6,022-yard, par-70 championship course is famous for its "Devil's Triangle," where the 13th, 14th, and 15th holes force golfers to overcome a formidable stretch of Caribbean Sea that sprawls between the tee and the green. Tennis courts are common, with public and private facilities located throughout the island. Horse and pony tours are available on the east end of the island. On Water Island, just off the coast of Charlotte Amalie, visitors can rent bicycles for a ride around the island.

Water Activities: Virgin Islands Ecotours' guided kayaking and snorkeling tour through the St. Thomas Marine Sanctuary and Mangrove Lagoon is a popular activity that educates visitors on the fragile ecosystem of the lagoon. Coki Point, Magens Bay, and Water Island offer excellent snorkeling. Scuba diving is popular in spots such as Cow and Calf, Tunnels of Thatch, and the wreck of the freighter W.I.T. Shoal. Snuba, which combines the techniques of snorkeling and scuba diving without the heavy dive gear and extensive training courses, can be done on St. Thomas as well. Windsurfing is increasing in popularity; windsurfing equipment and instructions are available at several locations. If you like to stay dry, submarines and glass-bottom boats let visitors see the underwater beauty of the islands without getting their feet wet.

Sportfishing and yachting are extraordinarily popular on the island. Fishing tournaments are common, as are record-setting catches (24 at last count from the waters around the U.S. Virgin Islands). Yachts can be rented bare or with a full crew, including gourmet chefs.