O and by the way late Aug or Sept, is NOT a Good time to be going that way it can be the worst time for BIG storms LOL just sayin Bob and Connie 15-02-2012, 16:28 Currently, we are unable to provide travel restriction information for leaving United States. Hi, many thanks for the information was most helpful. Rome2rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. Your Source for Shipping Excellence to the Caribbean; 305-800-0340 or 340-690-1110 Toll Free: 800-566-2340; . I don't like spam - I will only send helpful content. However, the proponents of the purchase failed to gain legislative support for the bid. [10] The first slave ships arrived in 1673, and St. Thomas became a slave market. Did you find the answer to your specific question? This is a destination meant for relaxation there is no need for a tie or a fancy dress. March is the driest month, receiving 27 millimeters (1.1in) of rainfall over 8.1 precipitation days, the least of any month. It's a variation on leaving from points north like we did, and if you're too far south when you try it, it doesn't work. Every hour, one of the ferries departs Red Hook, St. Thomas, and the other Cruz Bay, St. John, crossing each other along the way. . He was also instrumental in persuading the Danish to allow the US to purchase the islands of Saint Thomas, Saint John, and Saint Croix. The West Indies, a misnomer dating back to the days of Christopher Columbus, refers to pretty much all the Caribbean islands and the Bahamas. Ciboney sites have been uncovered in Krum Bay. Water Island is 2 miles long and to 1 mile wide. There are activities for all ages and interests. The territorial capital and port of Charlotte Amalie is located on the island. It is located just half a mile from St. Thomas south side. ImproveSailing is compensated for referring traffic and business to this companies. The islands were returned to Denmark in 1802, under the terms of the Treaty of Amiens. The largest section of Virgin Islands Books & Souvenirs. Since then I've enjoyed sailing very much - and I've never been afraid of the water again. [yearneeded]. The Antilles refers to all the Caribbean islands but does not include Bahamas, which are part of the Lucayan Archipelago. We'll get to those in a moment. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket? Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands are U.K. territories, the U.S. Virgin Islands are an American territory, and the Netherlands administer Saba, Statia, and the Dutch Half of Sint Maarten. More than two thirds of the island is protected by the National Park Service. It was designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark in 1977. Your exact time may vary depending on wind speeds. Arawak sites have been uncovered in Magen's Bay and Botany Bay, and Carib sites have been uncovered in Magen's Bay and Salt River. Not a sailboat but powered by two gas engines, basically Chevy 350 V8s. . ImproveSailing is compensated for referring traffic and business to this companies. ("Tap Hus" translates as "rum shop" or "tap house" referring to the drinking establishments. St. Martin is split between the French and Dutch governments, and you need to clear out with the proper authority when leaving. How far is Saint Thomas from Miami, FL? Browse all 16,909 St. Thomas topics Taxi . The major island groups and countries in the Leewards, from north to south, are the U.S. Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, St. Martin/Sint Maartin, St. Barthlemy ("St. Barts"), Saba, St. Eustatius ("Statia"), St. Christopher ("St. Kitts") and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Montserrat, Guadeloupe, and Dominica. Ships dock at Havensight Pier. The island is serviced by the Cyril E. King International Airport. This site is owned and operated by Truly Content. Contact us The islands have an average temperatures of 70s and 80s degrees Fahrenheit year round. As you are already on the US side of the Virgin Islands heading over to St. Thomas from St. John is very easy. If your cruising speed on the rhumb line is different or youre tacking back and forth all over the place, adjust times accordingly. It ends in Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Because there are further breakdowns and groupings you may hear which come from which European powers dominated which islands politically and culturally during the 17th through 19th centuries. 2018 Toyota RAV4 - North Miami, FL to St. Thomas, VI. to Cyril E. King. August has the highest average high of 32.3C (90.1F), with July, August and September all having the highest average low at 25.6C (78.1F). Silver Airways and American Airlines offer flights from Miami Airport to Beef Island Airport. Copyright 1999 2023 VInow.com All rights reserved. The islands coastal areas have many fine protected bays. The total area of the USVI is 133 square miles. The distance between Miami (Miami International Airport) and Saint Thomas (Cyril E. King Airport) is 1107 miles / 1781 kilometers / 962 nautical miles. If youre planning a getaway to St. Thomas, consider these important things to know before you go to ensure the best possible experience on the island. The two islands are maybe 6 miles apart at their closest points. The Lesser Antilles are all the rest of the islands. One advantage of the thorny path is you are closer to land if you need to seek shelter. Of the three islands, St. Thomas is the middle island in terms of size. Gift shops and restaurants are also on site. Most trips are just $1 or $2 per person. Many view the trip past Georgetown as the worst stretch. This is called the Thorny Path to the Caribbean for a good reason. Many clear into Bequia instead of St. Vincent on the way south. The total area of the BVI is 59 square miles. About us These refer to islands to the north as "Up" and those to the south as "Down" the island chains. A direct flight to Saint Thomas Island will take on average 2h 37m to travel the 1107 miles flying distance from Fort Lauderdale. On St. Thomas, life tends to move at a slower pace than on the mainland. If you want to learn how to make your sailing dream reality within a year, leave your email and I'll send you free updates. In 1954, passage of the U.S. Virgin Islands Organic Act officially granted territorial status to the three islands, and allowed for the formation of a local senate with politics dominated by the American Republican and Democratic parties. Privacy Policy, Improve Sailing helps you to make your sailing dream actionable, by writing in-depth articles on practical questions. However, because the islands are a U.S. territory, most cars are imported from the mainland United States and therefore the steering column is located on the left side of the vehicle. The Dutch West India Company established a post on Saint Thomas in 1657. Visit a local restaurant, The Top of the Baths for lunch (own expense), then head to Jost Van Dyke to enjoy some time swimming . The quickest flight from Miami Airport to Beef Island Airport is the direct flight which takes 2h 59m. This info was very helpful Thanks. Your subscription could not be saved. Romantic Sunset, Hotels and accommodation near Virgin Islands, Providenciales Airport PLS to Virgin Islands, Raleigh Durham Airport RDU to Virgin Islands, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport AMS to Virgin Islands, Chicago O Hare Airport ORD to Virgin Islands, New York La Guardia Airport LGA to Virgin Islands. $4.09 + $1.00 shipping. The U.S. Virgin Islands lie near the boundary of the North American Plate and the Caribbean Plate . Statia's open roadstead anchorage can be uncomfortable in the wrong winds, so watch the weather. In 1917, Saint Thomas was purchased (along with Saint Croix and Saint John) by the United States for $25 million in gold ($529 million today),[18] as part of a defensive strategy to maintain control over the Caribbean and the Panama Canal during the First World War. Rome2rio displays up to date schedules, route maps, journey times and estimated fares from relevant transport operators, ensuring you can make an informed decision about which option will suit you best. Whilst we believe the ferry times listed to be correct, Best of BVI Ltd is not responsible for changes to the schedules. Exhibits include the Caribbean Reef Encounter an 80,000 gallon circular tank open at the top for the natural elements to filter in. Sailings from Florida to St. Thomas, VI: Receiving Location: Cutoff Day / Time: Sailing Day: Estimated Transit . But the answer is a bit more complicated, so we'll give you some detail about why. The US Virgin Islands are 40-50 miles east of Puerto Rico; and about 1106 miles southeast Miami, Florida. Mon-Sun: 6:30 am until 9:00 pm. What airlines fly to St Thomas to Miami? The island is renowned as the biggest tax-free, duty-free shopping hub of the Caribbean and is home to many artists. The temperature is warm year-round, with January and February, the coolest months, having average highs of 29.5C (85.1F) and average lows of 22.4C (72.3F). The southeasterly winds and opposing currents can lead to steep, sloppy and rough seas for upwind sailing. Shark Shallows a nursery for adolescent sharks. Even though the server responded OK, it is possible the submission was not processed. From the airport you rent a car and drive or take a taxi to Redhook (east end) St. Thomas. There are relatively no flat areas on St. Thomas. Expand All Collapse All. Since you can't sail that straight line, if you're in a hurry you can sail offshore. In terms of airport transfer options, what are my alternatives (e.g., bus, shuttle, etc.) St Thomas Accommodation Hotels and Resorts Villa Restaurants Location Downtown French Town East End North Side South Side Crown Bay Havensite Upscale and Famous West Indian Cuisine Fast Food/Chains Chinese and Thai Sushi Mexican Pizza Music Hang Outs Happy Hour Specials Aerial Views Beaches Walking Tour Attractions Shopping Nightlife Sailing Diving Once you get outside hurricane season, the trade winds hit their peak seasonal strength. Explore the grottoes, arches, and chain of tidal pools formed by eroded rocks along the beach. The continued export of sugar was threatened by hurricanes, drought, and American competition. ImproveSailing is compensated for referring traffic and business to this companies. A lot of sailors heading to the Virgin Islands from the continental U.S. prefer to leave from further north. The land slopes to flat-lands on the southern side of the island. For the latest travel status, please check the official page for U.S. Virgin Islands. St Thomas is a small island with 32 square miles . St. Thomas is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, an unincorporated territory of the United States, which means that US citizens can travel there without a passport just as they would when traveling between states in the mainland. St. Thomas Airport to St Croix Airport: CAPE AIR tel: (800) CAPE-AIR SEAFLIGHT tel: (340) 714-3000 NO PASSPORTS NEEDED BETWEEN ST.THOMAS - ST CROIX - ST JOHN and PUERTO RICO Ferry to WATER ISLAND. The waters of St. John are among the most pristine and unspoiled in the Caribbean, so be sure to bring a mask and snorkel. Full home rule was achieved in 1970. Beach shoes or sandals as well as a pair of comfortable walking shoes for exploring inland are a must, and youll want to bring two bathing suits so that you have a dry one available when the other is wet. You do this while waiting for favorable (or less unfavorable) weather and winds. Although these connecting flights sacrifice some convenience, on average, travelers save 20%-60% when they choose to fly multi-stop versus a direct flight. Good. Thank you, William, for sharing this helpful item. It currently holds the St. Thomas Museum, which holds artifacts and art of the Dano-Norwegian period. St Thomas Map The City of St Thomas is located in the State of United States Virgin Islands. The company eventually sold the island to the United States in 1944, during the German occupation of Denmark. My partner and I are looking to take 6months off work and Sail around the Caribbean. There are thousands of islands in the Caribbean, and over forty with major populations. There is no direct connection from Florida to Virgin Islands. Scooters are also an excellent way to get around the island. So it is ok to ignore them!!! Thanks! At six knots that would take about ten and a half days. Directions. Just tell us the best email address to send your tips to: Improve Sailing Answer 1 of 4: What is the one-way fare on a taxi for two people from the airport (STT) to Wyndham St. Thomas Margaritaville Resort? Your flight direction from Orlando, FL to Saint Thomas is Southeast (120 degrees from North). While there has historically been no ferry service between St. Thomas (or any of the aforementioned islands) and St. Croix, as of January 2019, a brand new ferry service will be operating between Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas and Gallows Bay, St. Croix for $50 one way or $100 roundtrip. Depending on where you leave from - northern Florida or somewhere in the Bahamas - you may sail north to avoid the trades. By proceeding, you accept the use of cookies in accordance with our, Fly from Miami (MIA) to Beef Island (EIS), Take the ferry from Peter Island to Cruz Bay, St John. You will be solicited at least 50 times for a taxi or some jewelry sale. Virgin Island Ferry Schedules Ferry Schedules Ferry Schedules are published for information purposes only as a service to all tourism interest. The islands normally host 2 million visitors a year, many of whom visit on cruise ships. You will find a table for each major island or island group and distances to common passages from that island. The average price for direct flights from Jacksonville, Florida to St Thomas Island is $463. Is it even possible to transit from Flordia to the Virgin Islands as I think I would have to find fuel every 10 hours. They run during the day and are not on a set schedule. A stingray pool where guests can feed the stingray after the presentation. Located in the Northeastern area of the Caribbean Sea, St. Thomas is part of the Leeward Islands enjoying both a wonderful and reliable weather in the winter months. Dont rush things have patience and consider your time here as a chance to relax and enjoy a nice breather. Id like to go to the USVI this fall. U.S. Virgin Islands ; St. Thomas ; St. Thomas Travel Forum; Search. U.S. Virgin Islands Hotels U.S. Virgin Islands Bed and Breakfast U.S. Virgin Islands Vacation Rentals U.S. Virgin Islands Vacation Packages Flights to U.S. Virgin Islands U.S. Virgin Islands Restaurants Things to Do in U.S. Virgin Islands U.S. Virgin Islands Travel Forum U.S. Virgin Islands Photos U.S. Virgin Islands Map U.S. Virgin Islands . Sitting nearly 4 miles east of St. Thomas, St. John is the smallest (only 20 square miles) and least populated of the U.S. Virgin Islands. [citation needed], Given its harbors and fortifications, Saint Thomas still retained a strategic importance, and thus, in the 1860s, during the American Civil War and its aftermath, the United States government considered buying the island and its neighbors from Denmark for $7.5 million. It is currently 2:44 AM in Florida and 3:44 AM in Virgin Islands. At six knots that would take about ten and a half days. Heading further south, the Windward islands start with Martinique, then St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Leaving north of the Bahamas from St. Lucie Inlet in Florida and sailing to 65W then down to the Virgin Islands is about 1,500 nautical miles, half again the length of the thorny path. So when you do your own plots, you will get different numbers if you choose more careful routes, stay closer to shorelines, or plot more exact departure and arrival points. You can reach the British Virgin Islands by ferry from Charlotte Amalie. Virgin Islands Leward Islands Windward Islands Mediterranean . We have received no reports of travel restrictions in U.S. Virgin Islands. In the middle of the island are miles of beautiful beaches, rolling pasture lands and beautiful land. In the USVI's peak season, from December to March . Saint Thomas receives 989 millimeters (38.9in) of precipitation annually over 163.6 precipitation days. [15] After beginning The Herald, Jackson organized labor unions among the islanders for better working conditions. Saint Thomas has a tropical savanna climate (Aw according to the Kppen climate classification) with a drier season and a wetter season. Maybe a follow up article on the options returning from virgins or points south back to Florida or other ports along the east coast? For the latest Coronavirus (COVID-19) travel status in United States, please check government recommendations. So why are we getting into this? It is SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE, and NO RESPONSIBILITY is assumed for errors or omissions. If foul weather catches up to you, theres little choice but to ride it out. Trinidad is one of the largest islands in the Caribbean and is in the lower corner. ImproveSailing is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The Safari Taxi System on St. Thomas allows riders to hop on and hop off whenever they please for just a few dollars per ride (think of a colectivo in Mexico). Check out 74 Things to Do on St. Thomas and St. John at: http://bit.ly/YRlwnH. St. Croix is about 40 miles away from St. Thomas. For the latest travel status, we recommend checking the official page for U.S. Virgin Islands. The distance between Florida and Virgin Islands is 1249 miles. If its blank on arrival/to, there's only a single island destination in that country. #topofthelinetransport #usvishipping #autoshipping #vehicleshipping #cartransport #lcltrucking #caribbeanshipping #lclshipping #fclshipping. You've got broad banks of shallows and exposed reefs butting into mile-deep waters between islands. The island has a number of natural bays and harbors including Magens Bay, Great Bay, Jersey Bay, Long Bay, Fortuna Bay, and Hendrik Bay. If you press, you can do it in less than a month but you may run into some unpleasant conditions if you push the schedule. If you are leaving from St. Kitts, you can go through the narrows between the islands. Duty-Free Shopping 3. Thank you, Thanks great write up Leaving Early April from Tampa Fl to St Thomas, Im preparing to head to Dominican republic in about a week [9], Denmark-Norway's first attempt to settle the island in 1665 failed. The cheapest flight from Tampa to Saint Thomas Island was found 42 days before departure, on average. Saint Thomas (Danish: Sankt Thomas) is one of the Virgin Islands in the Caribbean Sea, one of the three largest of the United States Virgin Islands (USVI), an unincorporated territory of the United States. The Leeward Antilles aren't in "Island Hopping" range, since reaching them from the Windward Islands is a multi-day offshore passage. Updated information dedicated to Moving and Living in the Virgin Islands. ImproveSailing is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Your email address will not be published. St. John encompasses 20 square miles of beautiful scenery. I don't like spam - I will only send helpful content. A sailboat doesn't have to be expensive if you know what you're doing. This was inherited from what was the then-current Danish practice at the time of the American acquisition in 1917. Thomas is located in the Lesser Antilles, 1,600 miles south, south east of New York City; 1,100 east, southeast of Miami; 70 miles of San Juan. Approx. Sign up to receive Virgin Islands articles, updates and offers. It sees less traffic because it's a long trip there and back, with a lot of upwind. Rome2rio makes travelling from Florida to Virgin Islands easy. Visit the National Heritage Sites Black Beard's Castle Fort Christian St Thomas. Youll find everyone dressed fairly casually in the Virgin Islands. [13], The first British invasion and occupation of the island occurred in 1801. The United States Virgin Islands is the only place under United States jurisdiction where the rule of the road is to drive on the left. Manners and general etiquette in the islands, There are activities for all ages and interests. Rome2rio uses cookies to help personalize content and show you personalised ads. It is on the southern shore at the head of Saint Thomas Harbor. At least theres are no land and reefs around to hit like there is on the Thorny Parth. St. Thomas is in the U.S. Virgin Islands and is just east of Puerto Rico and Haiti. When we did it in 2012, it took about nine days in our boat with an average speed of about seven knots. St. Thomas, thirteen miles long by four miles wide, encompasses a little over 31 square miles. St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands has been revitalized in recent years. These distances assume coast-hopping from one end of the island to a different departure point, which we almost always did. Hi, I'm Shawn, and when I was 2 years old, I was sailing (with my parents) on the English Channel during a proper storm (and by proper I mean something along the lines of force 10). There are a few natural harbors and protected bays. The Straight Line Air Flying Distance from Key West Florida United States to St Thomas U S Virgin Islands1157.6 milesor 1862.97 km Flight time: 3 hours and 23 minutesNon-Stop flight time Although St. John's is a major port, it's not a small boat friendly harbor. One of the main islands of the United States Virgin Islands, This is the figure given on page 1 of the. It's efficient, comfortable, and fun - the ride alone is worth the cost of the ticket. The islands extend from west to east for about 60 miles and are located west of the Anegada Passage, a major channel connecting the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. If pounding upwind into chop, slop, and current between stops on small islands isn't your thing, there is another option - head offshore. Whether taking a boat trip, scuba diving, parasailing or snorkeling, call the outfit before you arrive on island to make reservations. The island has an irregular shape with many bays and peninsulas. Le Marin is the most popular port for cruising and charter yachts. Official Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information for U.S. Virgin Islands, Charlotte Amalie, United States Virgin Islands, Suntastic Island Getaway. It ends in Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. St. Thomas of the U.S. Virgin Islands is located in the eastern Caribbean, just a mere 1100 miles southeast of Miami. The nonstop route for optimal wind is closer to 1,500 nautical miles. Passenger and limited car-ferry services to neighboring islands such as Water Island, Saint John, Saint Croix, and the British Virgin Islands run regularly out of the Red Hook Terminal, Charlotte Amalie, and Crown Bay Marina. There are no airports on St. John so you must fly to St. Thomas Cyril E. King Airport (code STT) and travel from there. Did you find the answer to your specific question? The U.S. Department of the Interior took over administrative duties in 1931. Rodney Bay in the north has most of the marine services, though the scenic Pitons near Soufrire in the south is a popular departure point. Need more shuttle/tram drivers. When Christopher Columbus arrived in 1493, the area was inhabited by Caribs, Arawaks, Ciboney and Tano native peoples. There are a couple of reasons. When someone refers to the Spanish West Indies, British West Indies, Dutch West Indies and even the Danish West Indies, it means islands where those colonial powers held the most sway. [5], Christopher Columbus sighted the island in 1493 on his second voyage to the New World. At six knots, sailing from Florida to the Virgin Islands would take you about seven days. Moving at six knots, you don't want to skip something and go back to it, and the islands in the eastern Caribbean are in a somewhat straight line, which makes for an ordered way of going through them. The Netherlands This site is owned and operated by Truly Content. Cheap Flights from Tampa Intl. Their combined land area is about 195 square miles (505 square kilometres). . From To Measure Distance Distance between Virgin Islands and Florida is: Facebook Twitter The air travel (bird fly) shortest distance from Virgin Islands to Florida is 1989.07 km= 1235.95 miles. - to help you get the most out of your next trip. To get a sense of the thorniness of crossing this stretch of water, take a closer look at where this route goes through the Bahamas. Marine Gardens which has 21 smaller tanks displaying ocean life in the Caribbean. Built in 1833 for a congregation founded in 1792, it is the synagogue with the longest history of continuous use on what is now United States soil. You're sailing east before you're affected by the southeasterly trades, and if you hit the trades before 65W, you've gone too far south. The island has a land area of 32 square miles (83km2). From there you can either take a car barge to St. John or the people ferry. There are 1112 mi between Florida and Saint Thomas Island. Blue Ocean Transport specializes in shipping vehicles between U.S. mainland and St. Thomas and St. Croix, Virgin Islands. Start planning today. There's no shelter on I-65. Plenty of sunscreen and insect repellant are also musts. There is 1 way to get from Florida to Virgin Islands by plane or ferry Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. However, you can take the line 112 bus to E 25 St & 11 Av Hialeah, take the walk to Metrorail Transfer Station, take the train to Miami Airport Station, take the walk to Airport Station, take the tram to Miami Intl Airport Ground Level, take the walk to Miami airport, fly to Beef Island, take the walk to Beef Island Airport, take the ferry to Peter Island, then take the ferry to Virgin Islands. We're looking for writers! If you want to learn how to make your sailing dream reality within a year, leave your email and I'll send you free updates. The options include taking a passenger ferry, car barge, water taxi, boat charter, or term yacht charter. [citation needed], In 1915, David Hamilton Jackson traveled to Denmark and convinced the King of Denmark to allow freedom of the press in Saint Thomas, Saint John, and Saint Croix. Two of the three islands (St. Thomas and St. John) are in close proximity and can potentially be done in the same trip. The Virgin Islands are divided between the United States and the United Kingdom; so you have the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) and the British Virgin Islands (BVI). - Wikipedia. Accessible through Cyril E. King Airport (STT), the 32 square mile island is full of hills and cobblestone streets, with the most popular being the picturesque 99 Steps. The distance line on map shows distance from Puerto Rico to St Thomas between two cities. Look for most of the cruising community in the southern bays and harbors. 25 min. ? The US Virgin Islands are located just to the right of Puerto Rico. It has hills and valleys and relatively few flat areas. Today tourism is the primary economic activity, accounting for 80% of GDP and employment. It is on the southern shore at the head of Saint Thomas Harbor. South of the Grenadines lies Grenada and its possession Carriacou, then Trinidad and Tobago at the southernmost point in the Windwards. How to Get There from Anguilla: You can fly from Anguilla to St. Thomas direct on Air Sunshine in about 45 minutes. ImproveSailing is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. [4], The island was originally settled around 1500 BC by the Ciboney people. Currently, we are unable to provide international travel restriction information for U.S. Virgin Islands relating to Coronavirus (COVID-19). Some hotels on St. Kitts provide 110-volt . This assumes an average flight speed for a commercial airliner of 500 mph, which is equivalent to 805 km/h or 434 knots. The British Virgin Islands lie to the northeast of the United States Virgin Islands. There's no right way or wrong way to cruise the Caribbean, but if you plan, you can see a lot no matter how you choose to sail it. By the time Tuesday's meeting took place, members had .