Oceanography in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Your educational student tour is off and away as you travel to St. Thomas. As your plane descends, look out your window to see the US Virgin Islands’ crystal-clear shores and turquoise waters. A local guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to a beach resort. 

The afternoon is yours to explore. Take a nature walk, splash in the hotel infinity pool, or soak your feet into the beach’s white sand. In the evening, you will meet with your group and local guide for dinner. Take some time to get to know the people who will be your companions for the next week of adventures. 

Start your first day in the U.S. Virgin Islands with a splash as you cruise to Cruz Bay. With the guidance of your ship crew, you will snorkel tour the “off the beaten path” of the spectacular rock formations. Following this, enjoy free time to swim and snorkel the waters. Say hello to exotic, colorful fish and marine life. In the afternoon, arrive at White Bay to enjoy lunch at a beachfront restaurant. Enjoy sun tanning on its pristine beach or exploring the nearby natural paths. 

A professional in oceanography will accompany you on each of your excursions to provide education on the physical and biological aspects of the ocean. You’ll learn about ocean waves, currents, and plate tectonics. Be sure to ask lots of questions on your endeavors!

Take a break from the water to explore the city of St. Thomas by land. Climb into your coach to drive to Downtown Charlotte Amalie, the center of St. Thomas. Enjoy a morning of shopping through its markets. Can you find the perfect souvenir? Next, you are off to the highest mountain top into the area, which is 1457 feet above sea level. Take in spectacular panoramic views of the island and ocean below you. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before finally arriving at Magens Bay beach. Take time to jet ski, swim and parasail before heading back to your hotel. 

Enjoy another day on the water as you are transported to Mangrove Lagoon. Enjoy a crash course on oceanography as you cruise. When you arrive, grab your paddleboard and set out into the waters. Discover the Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary and Marine Reserve as you stand-up paddleboard through shallow waterways. Keep a lookout for the colorful marine life that swims below your feet. Next, enjoy a picnic lunch on shore before discovering the marina’s gift shop. Take time to do some shopping before heading back to your hotel. 

It’s another day of adventuring as you set off into the mountains for an outdoor rock climbing expedition. Hike along a narrow trail to arrive an a remote and beautiful beach full of large boulders and cliffs. Work your way along the shoreline and through a cave to arrive at the climbing site. After gearing up, climb to the top of towering cliffs. Your guides will help you along and inform you about the island’s native wildlife, history, and plants. Enjoy lunch with spectacular views before cliff diving into the waters below! 

It’s your final day in the U.S. Virgin Islands, so you’ll want to make it extra special. Board a luxury yacht with champagne in hand as you cruise to Buck Island National Wildlife Refuge. Grab your snorkel gear and jump into the crystal-clear waters to swim amongst turtles and exotic fish. Ask your oceanographer about how the turtles thrive in this marine environment! Enjoy snacks and drinks on the beach before hiking to the Buck Island Light Station. Climb the winding staircase to the top of the lighthouse for a spectacular view of the coast. What a wonderful final day in the U.S. Virgin Islands!

It has been an educational and adventurous week in the U.S. Virgin Islands, but the time has come to say goodbye. Enjoy one final breakfast with your group and guides. Reflect on your fondest memories of the trip and what you learned. Next, you’re off to the local airport for your departure flight.