U.S. Virgin Islands Maps
These maps show U.S. Virgin Islands' Counties, Cities, Federal Areas, Water, and Ecoregions.

The Counties of U.S. Virgin Islands and Their Name Origins
- St. Thomas: Named after Saint Thomas, one of the Virgin Islands' main islands.
- St. John: Named after Saint John the Baptist, reflecting its Christian heritage.
- St. Croix: The name means "Holy Cross" in French, named by French settlers.

U.S. Virgin Islands State County Sizes Map
Smallest County in U.S. Virgin Islands
St. John: Approximately 20 square miles
Largest County in U.S. Virgin Islands
St. Croix: Approximately 83 square miles
Mean and Median Area of Counties in U.S. Virgin Islands
Mean Area: 51.33 sq miles
Median Area: 51.33 sq miles

Major Cities of U.S. Virgin Islands and Their Locations
1. St. Thomas
Charlotte Amalie: The largest city and capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands, located on St. Thomas, is an important port and commercial hub.
2. St. Croix
Christiansted: Known for its rich history and beautiful colonial architecture.
Frederiksted: A small town with historical significance and beautiful beaches.



Topographic Tour of U.S. Virgin Islands
The U.S. Virgin Islands offer a variety of landscapes, from sandy beaches to tropical forests. The islands have rolling hills and volcanic terrain, with lush greenery. St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix feature different elevations, with dramatic peaks like Crown Mountain on St. Thomas, rising to 1,555 feet. St. John boasts lush rainforests, particularly in the Virgin Islands National Park, while St. Croix features flatter terrain with gently rolling hills on its east end. Each island has its own unique topographic features, making the U.S. Virgin Islands a diverse and scenic destination.



Benthic Zones of U.S. Virgin Islands
The benthic zones of the U.S. Virgin Islands encompass a range of marine habitats that thrive at different depths around the islands. These zones support diverse ecosystems, including coral reefs, seagrass beds, and sandy bottoms, each critical to the health of the islands' marine life. The benthic zones play an essential role in providing habitat, feeding grounds, and breeding areas for fish, invertebrates, and marine mammals.
- Intertidal Zone: This zone is located between the high and low tide marks and is exposed to air during low tide. It is home to organisms like crabs, mollusks, and small fish.
- Shallow Coral Reefs: Found in waters less than 100 feet deep, these reefs are rich in biodiversity, providing shelter and food for species like parrotfish, sea turtles, and spiny lobsters.
- Seagrass Beds: Located in shallow coastal waters, seagrass beds offer essential habitats for juvenile fish, sea turtles, and manatees. They also help stabilize the sea floor and filter nutrients.
- Sand and Rubble Zones: These zones are characterized by sandy or rocky bottoms, which serve as habitats for burrowing organisms like sea cucumbers and various species of rays.
- Mesophotic Zone: Ranging from 100 to 500 feet in depth, this zone supports deeper-water corals and sponges, adapted to lower light conditions. Species here include groupers, snappers, and unique coral varieties.
- Deep Ocean Zone: Beyond 500 feet, the deep ocean zone hosts species adapted to extreme pressure and low temperatures, such as deep-water fish and invertebrates. Although less explored, this zone is essential for oceanic biodiversity.

Notable Federal Lands: Some of the Largest and Most Fascinating Destinations in U.S. Virgin Islands
- Virgin Islands National Park - Located on St. John, it offers tropical scenery and important historical sites. The park covers two-thirds of the island and includes pristine beaches, hiking trails, and preserved archaeological sites.
- Buck Island Reef National Monument - A small island off the coast of St. Croix, it is home to one of the most significant marine environments in the Caribbean. It is renowned for its underwater snorkeling trails and vibrant coral reefs.
- Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge - Situated on the southwestern tip of St. Croix, this refuge protects important nesting habitats for endangered sea turtles, particularly leatherbacks. Its long stretch of sandy beach is one of the longest in the Virgin Islands, closed seasonally to protect the turtles.
- Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument - This protected area surrounds much of St. John and extends into the surrounding waters. It encompasses significant marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves, providing critical habitat for marine life and supporting biodiversity.