From exploring the open waters to hiking through the ruins of a 1700s sugar plantation, there’s so much to see and do with your best furry friend in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Drift Away on a Private Charter

Take to the water with Drift Charters, a pet-friendly private boat charter company serving St. Thomas and St. John. You and your pup can set sail with a personalized itinerary that fits your needs. Hop from beach to beach, snorkel through clear-blue water or simply soak up the sun while your licensed captain does the work. A cooler with ice and bottled water, a Bluetooth sound system, and snorkeling gear and noodles are provided. You can choose to bring your own lunch or let your captain take you to one of the dog-friendly restaurants on the water.

Be a Virgin Islands BARK Ranger

Leashed pets are welcome to join you on trails at Virgin Islands National Park on the island of St. John. Take a strenuous hike along the Reef Bay Trail past petroglyphs and the largest and oldest trees on the island, then stop to explore the ruins of a Danish sugar plantation. For an easier stroll, explore the Cinnamon Bay Nature Loop which passes the remnants of Cinnamon Bay Plantation, built in the 1700s. There are more than 20 trails to choose from, but be sure to keep your pup off the beaches within the park.

Explore the Sea

Bring Fido along to explore the open seas around St. John with Virgin Islands Expedition Company. Guides will lead you and your pup on a kayak or paddleboard adventure through natural beauty and diverse marine ecosystems. If you prefer to explore on your own, daily and weekly rentals are available. The company also offers guided hikes and provides scenic open-air transportation to and from Cruz Bay.

Watch the Sunrise

Take an early morning stroll with Fido along the pristine white sand of Grapetree Beach in Christiansted on St. Croix. Located in a residential area and facing southeast, this pet-friendly beach is the perfect quiet spot for watching the sun rise over the water as you start your day. You’ll likely spot locals and their pets getting exercise, and fishing boats out in the bay. While Fido is welcome to walk along the shoreline, be sure to keep him on a leash and prevent him from wandering too far out where he could disturb marine life like sea urchins on the ocean floor.

Get Your Paws Sandy

Due to the delicate ecosystems in the area most beaches in St. Thomas prohibit animals. However, Hull Bay makes an exception. Located on the island’s north shore, this quiet beach allows leashed pups to get their paws sandy and splash in the calm surf. When you get hungry grab lunch or a snack from the on-site food truck.

Hike the Coastline

Enjoy solitude with Fido on a 3.6-mile out-and-back hike along the Jack and Isaac Bay Preserve Trail. Leashed dogs are permitted on this year-round route that overlooks the beaches and coastline of eastern St. Croix. Hike in the morning when temperatures are lower and you’ll be greeted with a stunning sunrise. Once you reach the summit you’ll have a 360-degree view of the island and ocean. Keep your eyes peeled for nesting sea turtles on the sand during summer.

Breathtaking views, relaxing pools and water sport rentals can be found at pet-friendly lodgings in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Emerald Water

Best Western Plus Emerald Beach Resort is a pet-friendly vacation destination in St. Thomas and is equipped with everything you need for a tropical getaway with Fido. Located just 15 minutes from the pet-friendly beach at Hull Bay, this laidback oceanfront resort is perfect for visiting with furry friends. Right outside the doors, you'll find watersports like jet skiing, scuba diving, kayaking, paddle boating, snorkeling, boat and jet ski tours, and paddle boarding. You’ll also be near the airport and shopping in the historic downtown Charlotte Amalie area.

Aye Aye, Fido

With its blend of historic and modern old-world charm, The Buccaneer is the longest-running resort in the Caribbean. You and your pooch can enjoy spectacular views from your private patio or balcony, and human guests will have access to three beaches, two swimming pools, an 18-hole golf course, eight tennis courts, a watersports and fitness center, and the Hideaway Spa. This St. Croix property also includes on-site breakfast and is located just five minutes from pet-friendly dining options in Christiansted. All guests have complimentary use of snorkeling equipment, kayaks, floating masks and introductory SCUBA lessons.

Hear the Sound of the Sea

Watch and listen as waves crash along the southern shores of St. Thomas at this Sound of the Sea beachfront condo. Enjoy your morning coffee on the balcony with Fido as the sun rises, spend the day soaking up rays at the pool, then take your furry companion out to dinner at one of the pet-friendly restaurants in nearby Red Hook.

Float with Fido

Climb on board Kudzikama, a catamaran docked in St. Croix’s Green Cay Bay. You’ll be greeted by host Ella and her two furry first mates, Taz and Bristol, who will be happy to show you and your pup around. You’ll have access to a pool, secluded beaches, kayaks and yoga and can rest up in your private queen room with an en suite bathroom. At the end of the day watch the sunset over the island and kick back on the trampoline to stargaze with your pooch.

Peaceful “Paw”radise

Book at stay with Fido at this peaceful St. John cottage nestled under a tropical forest canopy and adjacent to the National Park. You’ll be within close proximity to many of the pet-friendly National Park trails. The bright and airy cottage has a Caribbean ambiance and the outdoor patio with a swing and barbeque grill is the perfect place to enjoy nature without ever leaving the property. Your pooch can even make friends with the homeowner’s Jack Russell Terrier.

The “Inn” Place to Be

St. John Inn is an affordable, small boutique hotel conveniently located in a charming historic building on St. John’s Cruz Bay. The inn is close to many shopping and restaurant options and provides spectacular views over the water. Each pet-friendly room includes A/C, a private bath, refrigerator and microwave, and a coffee maker. Take advantage of the property’s complimentary continental breakfast, free WiFi, a Sunset Happy Hour, outdoor swimming pool, beach towels and chairs, coolers and an outdoor grilling area.

Go Off-Grid

Skip out on the day-to-day grind and go off-grid with Fido at this Coral Bay Eco Retreat on St. John. Backed up to the National Park, this open-air, partially-screened one-bedroom home welcomes two- and four-legged guests to experience nature at its finest. Lounge in the hammock on the deck, eat breakfast at the outdoor table, stargaze through the telescope and whatever you do, don’t miss the sunrise over the ocean. The solar-powered home has open-air bathrooms and both an indoor and outdoor shower garden, so cleaning off Fido’s paws after you’ve spent a day on the trails will be a breeze.

Enjoy a warm tropical breeze while you dine on dishes from land and the sea at these pet-friendly restaurants in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

A Little Old Place Where We Can Get Together

Duffy’s Love Shack, dubbed "The Best Parking Lot Bar in the World," is a dog-friendly eatery in the Red Hook subdistrict on St. Thomas. Fido is welcome to join you at an outdoor table where you can enjoy the ocean air, listen to live music and much on tasty fish tacos while sipping a handcrafted cocktail.

Pub, Pizza and Pups

Bring your hungry hound to Lost Dog Pub and Pizza on St. Croix and order a tasty pizza, calzone, salad or hot sub and wash it down with a cold beer. Pizza-loving pups are welcome in the outdoor courtyard for dinner or late-night eats and entertainment. Stop in on a Wednesday for pub trivia and you could win fun prizes.

Grab a Pint

Named after the Leatherback Sea Turtle that nests on a few beaches in St. Croix, Leatherback Brewing Company is dedicated to preserving the islands and all who call it home. Leatherback’s beer is crafted from purified rainwater and solar energy and is canned and kegged onsite. Dogs are welcome to join you in the outdoor area in St. Croix and at their St. Thomas location, while you sample brews and dine on salads, wraps, pizzas, calzones and more. You can hear live music several times a week, and both breweries hold special events to benefit animal rescues on the islands.

Lots of Love for Love City

Belly up to the bar with Fido at Skinny Legs on St. John. Friendly pups are allowed in the outdoor seating area of this funky restaurant in the Coral Bay area of Love City. The open-air bar and grill serves up mouth-watering burgers, specialty sandwiches and cold drinks and welcomes kids as well as dogs to play in the yard. Live music, regattas and horseshoe tournaments are just some of the events taking place in the laid-back atmosphere throughout the year.

Succulicious BBQ

Swing by Blues’ Backyard BBQ & Grill on St. Croix and share some pulled pork with Fido. Fill your own belly with ribs, blackened Mahi, steakburgers and more, and don’t forget the delicious sides and thirst-quenching cocktails. Stop in on a Sunday for brunch and enjoy a Bloody Mary or a mimosa bucket and challenge your friends to a game of cornhole while your pup cheers you on.

Waterfront Dining

Grab a dockside table overlooking Christiansted Bay at Brew STX on St. Croix. This dog-friendly restaurant right on the waterfront provides diners with a gorgeous view and a diverse menu of delicious seafood, burgers and more. Order a house beer from the microbrewery or try one of the specialty cocktails like the Virgin Islands’ staple drink, a Painkiller.