School Trip to the U.S Virgin Islands

Mountain peaks touching trade wind clouds, coral reefs teeming with life, and white sand beaches stretching for miles make these islands rising up out of crystal clear blue waters one of the most unique locations on earth. Along with this beauty you have a proud Afro-Caribbean heritage alive in its Caribbean flavor. The U.S. Virgin Islands is a paradise with so much more to offer than the traditional beach vacation. Visitors wishing to immerse themselves in a profound cultural experience can enjoy historical tours, culinary encounters, artisan fairs, parades, storytelling and other special presentations. Yet all Virgin Islands residents do not benefit from tourism or the yachting industry. Communities have real need within this region. The Virgin Island social services, not unlike those in other countries, are under-funded and under-supported. Appleseed Expeditions educational tours in the Virgin Islands attempt to address both conservation and humanitarian needs. Students will not only explore these magnificent islands, but they will leave a positive impact on the community.

Day 1: Arrive in St. Thomas and Transfer via Ferry to St. John 

Fly into St. Thomas where you will meet your guide. You will then transfer to St. Johns.

Day 2: Mangrove & Seashore Walk

Students will explore the coastal habitats: the rocky seashore, mangroves, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. Through the walk, by hands-on discovery, they will learn about the many plants and animals that live in these important ecosystems. Study symbiotic relationships that exist between the different organisms found in this area.

Day 3: Tropical Forest Hike

This hike starts behind the Cruz Bay Visitor Center. It passes through the dry forest environment where students will see a variety of plants and animals, including insects. There is also an overlook of Cruz Bay and St. Thomas on the trail, which eventually ends at Honeymoon Beach.

Day 4: Catamaran Sailing Adventure to a Coral Reef

Take a guided tour with a marine biologist as you sail the Caribbean seas to explore and snorkel destinations such as Lovango Cay and Honeymoon Bay on the north shores of St. John. These pristine seas are home to a vast variety of wildlife such as hawksbill sea turtles, southern stingrays, beautiful emerald colored parrotfish, schools of deep blue tangs, and much more. Your biologist will discuss how coral reefs play a part in this fragile ecosystem.

Day 5: Reef Bay Hike and Local Dancing

This hike takes students down a 3-mile trail into the Reef Bay Valley, where the oldest, biggest trees on the island are found. Learn about the plants and animals of this moist tropical forest and the people who used them. Reef Bay has remains from Danish sugar plantations and Taino rock carvings. In the evening you will enjoy a local seafood dinner followed by a steel drum dancing party.

Day 6: Volunteer at a School and Explore the Annaberg Ruins

Mentor and provide aid to local children at a local Afro-Caribbean school. This involves helping with homework, light construction programs, running sports camps, and other benevolent aid programs. You then travel back in time to the most extensive Danish sugar factory on St. John. The ruins include a windmill, horsemill, boiling house, garden, and enslaved laborers’ cabins. On certain days cultural demonstrators are at the site. Later we transfer to ST. Thomas.

Day 7: Explore St. Thomas and Then Head Home

After a great breakfast, students will shop in town and then head home.

Trip Highlights Include:

• Volunteering at a local school

• Immersion in Afro-Caribbean culture

• Exploring beaches, coves, and island mountains

• Hike into the Reef Bay Valley and through a tropical forest

• Catamaran and snorkeling adventure

• Dancing to steel drums

and more...