It's a spiritual soft of activity, becoming one with the natural beauty of the islands - much like exploring the reefs, stopping to examine a delicate hibiscus blossom or sitting on a powdery beach digging one's toes into the sand. The USVI are full of these opportunities, along with the more hedonistic pursuits of nonstop shopping, gorging on luscious island treats and dancing until you drop at boisterous, local holiday celebrations. Of course, these latter activities may be found in many places throughout the Caribbean but there are few places where you'll find such a well established tourist infrastructure combined with some of the most incredibly preserved natural parks on earth. It naturally follows that water temperatures are quite comfortable as well, ranging from the mid 70s to low 80s. About 1,100 miles southeast of Miami and 40 miles east of Puerto Rico, the islands sit slightly above 18 degrees north latitude.
Rainfall is minimal and the trade winds blow continuously, keeping humidity low.
Underwater visibility varies with the weather conditions, usually averaging 50 to 80 feet but sometimes exceeding 100 feet. With calmer seas from April through August, summer months generally provide better visibility. Winter, however, is blessed with the visit of migrating whales. Occasionally divers may hear their haunting songs underwater or catch a glimpse of breaching Humpbacks along the horizon. So here you have the makings of a perfect tropical vacation spot.