David, EB7DX will be active as KP2B from Saint Croix, US Virgin Islands, IOTA NA - 106 in ARRL DX SSB Contest, 1 - 2 March 2025.
He will operate in Single Operator Single Band 10m Category.
QSL via EB7DX, LOTW.
Ads for direct QSL:
DAVID LIAÑEZ FERNANDEZ, PO BOX 163, 21080 HUELVA, SPAIN.
QTH Locator - FK77ps.
The U.S. Virgin Islands - an American-style tourist paradise
The Virgin Islands were discovered in 1493 by the famous navigator Christopher Columbus. The islands were owned by various states: England, France, Spain, Denmark. From the latter in 17 of XX century they were bought by the Americans.
Thanks to a particularly pleasant climate, developed infrastructure islands attract a significant number of tourists every year, and not only gorgeous beaches and gentle sunshine, but also the original way of life of the local population.
Active recreation is well developed on the islands:
- surfing;
- diving;
- underwater hunting.
The American Virgin Islands is a great place for a large company to vacation all year round. It is noteworthy that even in the winter months the temperature stays within comfortable 25 degrees Celsius.
Climatic Features
Winter and summer are considered dry seasons, while fall and spring are abundant in rainfall. Hurricanes also occur on the islands, in summer and fall.
Natural beauty
The islands are located in the Caribbean Sea. In total, there are about 60 of them. The largest and most populated are St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John. The landscape of the islands is hilly, they have deposits of limestone, as this rock is the main for this area.
Less common are hills of crystalline and volcanic rock. The highest point in relation to sea level is 475 meters. There are no rivers or lakes on the islands.
The vegetation in the region is dense, inherent in the subtropical climate. Mangrove swamps can be found. The animal world has not been preserved to our days. Today you can find only rats, lizards and mongooses.
However, the islands are home to significant populations of birds of various breeds. The coastal waters are home to a variety of fish, mollusks and crustaceans. Agriculture is thriving with good growth of vegetables, citrus and sugar cane.
Transportation
Transportation from one island to another can be done by sea and air, and the islands are mostly traveled by car. But, since the cities and resorts are not distinguished by large sizes, many tourists prefer to walk or rent bicycles. It is also possible to rent a scooter, car. A very popular form of transportation is cabs, there are quite enough of them here.
Main attractions
The main island is St. Thomas. Its main attraction is Fort Christiaan. At the fort, the Blackbird Castle and Mount St. Peter Greathouse are worthy of attention. Visiting them, you can enjoy wonderful views and buy fun souvenirs.
You can admire the inhabitants of the Caribbean Sea at Coki Bay. There is a national park on the island of St. John. It is home to a significant population of birds and animals. Get acquainted with the life of the Danish colonizers in the town of Christiansted. It is located on the island of St. Croix.
Local cuisine
As you know, in the islands, almost all cuisine consists of natural seafood. One of the traditional dishes of the Virgin Islands is kalalu soup. It is made with vegetables, herbs, sea products and meat. All the ingredients need to be stewed well. The taste of kalalu will not leave any tourist indifferent.
Meat dishes are also popular. For example, for pork sausage cooks continue to invent new recipes for cooking.
Instead of the usual dough, seafood is used to make fritters. Tired of meat steaks and steaks? Try fish patties!
Virginian menu is famous for its soups. A tourist who has tasted fish soup more than once will be surprised by shark broth.
- Potato pudding, refried beans and fruits can be enjoyed with a side dish.
- Fruit assortment is not only tasty, but also a healthy dessert.
- In terms of variety, drinks are not inferior to local food. Virginians offer to taste herbal tea, fresh juices, coffee and much more. Don't forget to appreciate the rum-based alcoholic cocktails!
Housing
You won't have to worry about finding free accommodation. However, the prices for hotel rooms are not cheap. Prepare to pay at least 200 dollars for a daily stay in a room.
There are also budget options on the island. Small hotels offer to take a room for a day for 150 dollars, and cheap boarding houses - and at all for 80.
As for service, the difference between expensive and cheap hotels is small.
Fans of extreme sports can stay in a tent city. You will have to look for such accommodation.
On the island you can also rent an apartment or a whole house. Such luxury is available to a few.
What you should know about vacations and activities
In the Virgin Islands of America, tourists find peace and tranquility. Clear water, sandy beaches, soft sunshine turn the island into a paradise corner.
Coming here, active tourists dive with scuba diving in the waters of the Caribbean Sea.
Traditional carnivals amaze with a riot of colors. April Masquerade in St. Thomas is filled with loud music, dancing and contests. A similar festival on St. John turns into a fireworks parade.
A helicopter view of the island will thrill even the most experienced tourist.
In America, everyone can get addicted to sport fishing. The islands have the best conditions for fishing.
The capital of the islands, Charlotte Amalia, is worth visiting for the parties. The sleepless city is shrouded in fun and festivity.
Purchases
It is possible not to pay duty for export of goods and souvenirs, if the amount of purchases does not exceed 1200 $. Note that some goods, compared to their price in many European countries, are cheaper. These are:
- watches;
- jewelry;
- perfumes;
- leather goods;
- video and photographic equipment;
- porcelain.
Local stores open at 9 am and close at 5 pm. They work on a schedule of Monday - Saturday.
At the markets you should definitely bargain, otherwise sellers will just understand you. Besides, you will save currency. By the way, as souvenirs from here are taken:
- products of local craftsmen;
- spice sets;
- rum;
- local tea.
Safety
On the islands nothing threatens the life of tourists, as well as their property. There are no violent crimes, very rare cases of petty theft, and there are practically no scammers. It is enough to observe standard security measures:
- do not show valuable things and money;
- do not walk alone in the dark on the outskirts;
- be attentive.
Drink here we advise you to drink bottled water, otherwise you risk getting an intestinal infection. But food products can be consumed without fear.
Travel Tips
The best time to vacation in the Virgin Islands is from January to April. In the first summer months, snorkeling enthusiasts come here. At this time there are no storms and the cost of accommodation is reduced.
The bill includes a tax of 8%, another 10% - tips. Some hotels add another 3% for electricity consumption.
In catering establishments it is customary to leave tips - 10-15%. In large establishments, this amount is immediately written in the bill, in small establishments, the money is given to the waiter.
It is forbidden to lift from the bottom of the sea creatures and any other objects, collect shells on the shore. To go sport fishing, you have to buy a license.