A day away

By Mary Hull and Carol Bareuther

A short boat ride will take you to a number of U.S. and British Virgin Islands.

WATER ISLAND A 10-minute ferry ride from St. Thomas, this two-mile-long landmass is named for the freshwater ponds that pirates once used to replenish their supplies. Walk or take a guided bike tour to sugar-plantation ruins, the underground bunkers of World War II-era Fort Segarra and the beach at Honeymoon Bay.

HASSEL ISLAND This 135-acre island is part of the V.I. National Park. Cowell Battery, a fort perched 240 feet above sea level, and remnants of the 1840s-era Creque Marine Railway are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

BUCK ISLAND The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages this 45-acre wildlife preserve located two miles south of St. Thomas. (This is not the same as the Buck Island off St. Croix.) Snorkelers and divers enjoy exploring the shipwrecks and viewing the reefs.

ST. JOHN’S NORTHSHORE ISLANDS Half- and full-day chartered sailboat and powerboat trips let you visit the pristine beaches and exquisite coral reefs that rim deserted islands such as Grass Cay and Lovango Cay.

LITTLE ST. JAMES Day-trippers sail to this privately owned island just off St. Thomas for superb snorkeling. Swim with turtles while dreaming of buying the sister island for sale next door.

HANS LOLLICK Wild (but tame) donkeys roam this island just east of Magens Bay. It offers a good stretch of beach, tons of privacy and — a swing.

JOST VAN DYKE Jost Van Dyke’s beaches are lined with colorful shacks selling island wares and beach bars.

VIRGIN GORDA Discover giant rock formations, known as The Baths, that were created by volcanic eruptions; they’re great to climb on, through and under. A few charter companies make this trip, providing a second stop on the way home.

NORMAN ISLAND Norman Island is known for three things besides clear blue water. One: It was allegedly the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. Two: It has caves to snorkel. Three: There’s a “pirate ship” anchored in the bight (bay).

TORTOLA The biggest of the BVIs, Tortola is only a mile from St. John and has beautiful beaches and remote coves to explore. Most of the larger charter companies don’t make Tortola a regular stop, so renting a powerboat or chartering a sailboat is the best way to see the island from the waterside.

SANDY CAY Steer a powerboat to Sandy Cay. Set between Jost Van Dyke and Tortola, this small piece of land offers great hiking and a soft, usually vacant, beach.

SANDY SPIT You know those postcards that show a tiny island with a stretch of beach and two lonely palm trees? Sandy Split is just like that.

Take cover

By Mary Hull

What does this outdoor paradise offer for entertainment on rainy days? Plenty.

GO BOWLING Knock down some pins at the island’s only bowling alley, a six-lane charmer run by a church. A snack bar offers lunch and dinner. Mon.–Sat. 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m.–10 p.m. From $15.50 per hour. V.I. Christian Ministries, Route 30, Bolongo Bay. 340-774-4904

RELIVE HISTORY Tour the Seven Arches Museum, a restored 19th-century West Indian home. Take in the antique furniture, maps and artwork to learn how St. Thomas residents used to live. Daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $5 donation includes a tour. Government Hill near Government House, Charlotte Amalie. 340-774-9295

BE AN ARTIST FOR A DAY Take a two-hour painting clinic with Lucinda Schutt. The watercolorist holds group and private classes at the Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas. $65 per person; equipment and supplies are included. The Ritz-Carlton, Route 322, East End. 340-775-1023, www.artbylucinda.com

GET ON BOARD Enjoy a game of Scrabble on Thursdays at the Frenchtown Deli, a quaint wharf-side eatery. Weekdays 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m., weekends 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Frenchtown at the wharf near the Hook, Line and Sinker restaurant. 340-776-7211

PARK NEAR A SHARK You won’t get wet at Coral World Ocean Park’s Undersea Observatory, where visitors are treated to a fish-eye view of the marine world outside. Watch divers hand-feed sharks and other marine animals at the twice-daily feedings. Daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Adults $18, children 3-12 $9. Coki Point off Route 38. 340-775-1555, www.coralworldvi.com

RIDE A SUBMARINE Immerse yourself in the aquatic world without getting wet by taking a ride on the Atlantis submarine. The vessel dives to depths of up to 90 feet. Adults $89, children $45. Havensight Mall. 340-776-5650, www.atlantisadventures.com