Virgin Islands have a laid-back appeal

FAR from the chilly waters of the Pacific Coast lies an American paradise in the heart of the Caribbean: the U.S. Virgin Islands, a United States territory since 1917 that has much to offer.

Composed of three main islands with three unique personalities, the USVI have long been a favorite of boaters, divers and beachgoers. St. Croix has distinct Danish influences and laid-back appeal. Two-thirds of St. John is a national park. St. Thomas is one of the busiest ports in the Caribbean. Together, the three share world-class diving, shopping districts, golf courses and miles of white sandy beaches.

Because they technically are U.S. soil -- mailing a letter costs 37 cents -- deals can be easy to find. Through March 16, the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism is offering a promotion with hotel rates starting at $105 a night. The package, valid for travel through April 18, includes a free seventh night, plus a $50 traveler’s check, at participating hotels, including the Westin Resort & Villas in St. John and the Carambola Beach & Golf Resort in St. Croix.

Travelers must book through a travel agent. Department of Tourism information is available at (800) 372-8784 or www.usvitourism.vi.

The islands are served by Continental, Delta, United, U.S. Airways and American Airlines, so it’s not difficult to get there; major airports are found in St. Thomas and St. Croix. American Airlines recently introduced round-trip nonstop service from Los Angeles to San Juan, Puerto Rico, a major Caribbean hub that has frequent commuter flights to St. Thomas and St. Croix. Small carriers such as Cape Air, (800) 352-0714 or www.flycapeair.com, make quick trips to St. Thomas and St. Croix. To reach St. John, visitors fly to St. Thomas, where they take a 20-minute ferry ride for about $10 per round trip. Or, for something a little different, try a flight on Seaborne Airlines’ seaplane, (888) 359-8687, www.seaborneairlines.com.

St. Croix, the biggest of the three islands, is 28 miles long, 7 miles wide and has a history as long as its coastline. Christopher Columbus arrived more than 500 years ago; since then, seven flags have flown over the island. A haven for divers and outdoor enthusiasts, St. Croix has extraordinary underwater habitats. Snorkelers enjoy the underwater reef trail on Buck Island, St. Croix’s smaller sister island off its northeastern coast. Divers love the undersea wall at Cane Bay on St. Croix’s North Shore. Laurance Rockefeller helped preserve St. John’s unspoiled beauty by donating large tracts of land to the National Park Service in 1956. Today, two-thirds of the island is part of the Virgin Islands National Park, featuring fine-sand beaches, secluded coves and lush forests.

The smallest of the three main islands, St. John is noticeably quieter; its busiest spot is downtown Cruz Bay -- site of restaurants, shops, street vendors and the ferry to St. Thomas. For some of the best beaches in the Virgin Islands, try photogenic Trunk Bay and, farther west, Cinnamon Bay, which has campgrounds and hiking trails. By far the most visited of the three islands, St. Thomas has long been a favorite of honeymooners and cruise ship passengers. With one of the busiest ports in the Caribbean, St. Thomas prides itself on its duty-free shopping district and an energetic nightlife.

It also has Magens Bay, often listed as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. For stunning views of Charlotte Amalie harbor, try the Paradise Point tramway. For $15, passengers are taken up a 700-foot peak. And don’t forget to ride in true Caribbean style: Hop on an open-air canopied taxi. For a couple of bucks, it’ll take you where you need to go.