See This, Skip That: US Virgin Islands

— -- For sun worshippers, and for seekers of nature, beauty and relaxation, the U.S. Virgin Islands are a utopia. Summer is the ideal travel time for the value-conscious, too -– that’s when free nights, credits and savings abound. But no matter when you go, this is a tropical playground that’s easy to access, with three main islands to choose from -– St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John. There are also direct flights from more than 10 U.S. cities.

Here’s a beginner’s guide, and just a few of the special things to do, in the USVI.

Skip the Passport

Making this an even more accessible destination is the fact that it’s a U.S. territory (since 1917), which means American citizens can travel here without a passport. Just bring along a government-issued photo ID, like your driver’s license. U.S. permanent residents should bring along their alien registration cards.

Skip the Big Three, Visit Water Island

The newest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Water Island officially joined the territory in 1997. At 500 acres, it’s also the smallest, with less than 200 residents. But this is the quintessential laid back getaway, with no hotels, no public transportation and almost no commercial establishments. Here, it’s all about finding the perfect stretch of quiet white sand beach to pass the time away. Limestone Beach is rugged but secluded and, on Honeymoon Beach, a couple of grill joints provide great beach grub. For adventure, walk the underground tunnels at Fort Segarra, built by the U.S. Army during World War II, but never completed. Water Island makes a great day trip; it’s less than 10 minutes away by ferry from the south side of St. Thomas. But since you’ll want to stay longer, check out the eco-friendly cottages and glamping options at Virgin Island Campgrounds.

Skip the Cab, Rent a Car

If you’re planning on covering a lot of ground, renting a car on USVI is easy. The big players on the mainland are here, like Avis and Hertz, along with several local companies, so shop around. The biggest thing to remember is that you’ll be driving on the left side of the road, which can take some getting used to. And speed limits are meant to keep traffic flow slow -– 10 mph in downtown St. Croix, for example, and 35 to 55 mph on the highway. Driving while on hand-held phones is not allowed.

Skip the Car, Pedal

Getting around by bike is getting increasingly easier. On St. Croix, Freedom City Cycles, a company that’s been around since the mid-70s, will rent you 27-speed street bikes, full-suspension mountain bikes and, for riders with kids, bike trailers and rear-rack seats. Rentals range from $5 per hour to $75 per week and include a helmet and lock. These guys also lead bike tours; agile cyclists will like the 3-hour mountain bike tours, which cover up to 25 miles of steep terrain, rolling hills and sweeping views.

Skip the Boat, Dive from the Shore

The diversity of the waters that embrace the USVI makes this a diver’s dream destination. Water temps stay in the low 80s year-round, there are several shipwrecks, and then there’s the plethora of sea life: hundreds of fish species and invertebrates and dozens of types of coral. But you don’t have to sail out to sea to find the perfect diving spot. Several locations offer awesome shore diving, where you can wade in right from the beach and access quick drop-offs into wide open reefs. St. Croix is especially famous for these conditions, especially at Cane Bay on the north side, where you can find massive schools of tropical fish and reef walls coated in sponges and coral just a few hundred feet from shore; North Star, Rust Op Twist and The Waves are also great. On St. John, try Flanagan’s Cay, and on St. Thomas, shore dive off Coki Beach.

Skip the Tour Guide, Giddy Up

On St. John, Carolina Corral is a sanctuary for rescued horses that was founded by an Ohio native in 1993. The resident equines double as tour guides, leading visitors on trail rides through scenic hills and the water’s edge that offer sweeping ocean and landscape views. Rides are offered twice a day, six days a week, and they’re appropriate for riders ages six and up. Donkeys live at Carolina Corral, too, and they’re popular for the wagon tours they draw through Coral Bay. For horseback tours on St. Croix, check out Paul and Jill’s Equestrian Stables.

Don’t Buy a Shirt, Paint One

There’s a unique way on St. John to discover your artistic side. Sloop Jones is well-known for his wearable art, using proprietary fabric paints and dyes to design wild and colorful clothes. His island styles come in 100 percent natural cotton and linen -– perfect island wear. Guests can join a morning workshop that includes a banner and a t-shirt to paint and take home. Private classes for groups of four or more (a great way for families, friends or co-workers to bond) are also available.

Skip the Pilot, Learn to Fly

Caribbean Buzz Helicopters, on St. Thomas, is in the business of island hopping, offering tours, day trips, beach drop-offs and aerial photography opportunities. But these pilots are also instructors, providing introductory flight training via 30-minute classes that include a briefing and plenty of hands-on experience. The awesome views from above are an added perk. The class counts toward your private pilots’ license, should you decide to keep training.

Skip the Sun, Chill Out

The last thing you’d expect to find on USVI is a winter wonderland. Magic Ice opened in 2012, when Norwegian entrepreneurs took over a 10,000-square-foot warehouse along Charlotte Amelie’s waterfront in St. Thomas to showcase sub-zero art. All the walls are frozen and all the sculptures, the handiwork of more than a dozen artists commissioned from all around the world, are made of snow and ice. You only packed beach clothes for this trip, you say? No problem: guests are handed warm coats, gloves and shoes for free.

Skip the Ocean, Learn at the Park

On St. Thomas, the teeming ocean is its own natural aquarium. But the eco-friendly Coral World Ocean Park allows a truly close-up, first-hand look at the sea life that lives here. There are myriad exhibits, outdoor pools and nature trails throughout this five-acre park; checkout the stingray lagoon, shark encounter and turtle pool. And ask about combo tickets that discount entry to the Butterfly Garden, too.

After the Animals, See the Plants

After decades in the making, St. Thomas’ Phantasea Tropical Botanical Garden is now open. This is a lush destination garden that houses more than 1000 orchids and a rich variety of exotic tropical plants and flowers. What you see depends on what’s blooming during the specific season of your visit. This is a perfect place to unwind, with quiet paths, gazebos and benches throughout. Phantasea is open seven days a week.

Skip Magen’s Bay, Sun at Secret Harbor

St. Thomas is a popular Caribbean stop for cruise ships, of course, and for good reason. “Magen’s Bay was ranked one of the most beautiful beaches in the world by Travel & Leisure,” says Allison Friendly, an associate producer in Travelzoo’s Miami office who cruised here in April. She admits that the location is tourist-driven but, as is always the case with traveling, her journey was as important as her destination. “My favorite memory is driving from the cruise ship to Magen's Bay. The road was slightly hilly and elevated. Having driven halfway up a mountain, we stumbled upon a lookout spot with breathtaking views of the island and docked ships. The expansive stretch of blue and turquoise sea was perfectly clear from this vantage point and worth an intentional visit.” For a less touristy alternative to Magen’s Bay, Friendly suggest Secret Harbour, on the island’s east end, where the waters off the coconut palm-lined white beach are perfect for snorkeling.

Gabe Saglie is Senior Editor for Travelzoo, which features exclusive deals to and in the U.S. Virgin Islands here.