St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
Score: 53

"Mixed bag; this island hosts one of the largest petrochemical plants in the Caribbean and has significant environmental problems. Coastlines are stunningly beautiful, whereas inland shows significant signs of mismanaged land and environmental degradation."

"St. Croix has a natural and cultural heritage showcased through its National Park Service and National Wildlife Refuge sites."

"Social and cultural integrity the most intact of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Environment was drastically changed in the plantation era—a part of cultural heritage. Crime is a major problem, as is water quality on many beaches. Could be sustainable if rampant development is kept in check. Hotels mainly big, with a big footprint on the island. Few locals benefit from tourism. A real West Indian island where locals work and live, not a tourism-dedicated playground."

"The addition of the Virgin Islands' first casino in 2001 was a dumb move—the garish facility draws few tourists, but a fair quantity of locals, who gamble their paychecks away."

St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
Score: 70

"St. John is the best in the Caribbean. Much of its natural environment has been saved by the Park Service and ecologically minded business people. Its long term prospects, especially for the locals, will depend on good sustainable tourism management."

"The national park has saved this virgin from being tired like St. Thomas. There's almost no trash along the roads, you can hike for a couple of miles without coming across structures, and there are fabulous bays reachable only on foot (or boat); snorkeling is outstanding. Still, several beaches are heavily impacted by cruise ship visitors ferrying over from St. Thomas. The park is understaffed.One-third of the island is not park and is under siege with over-scaled villas. Cruz Bay is losing its ramshackle charm to newer buildings containing shopping malls and real estate developers. Traffic is congested."

St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Score: 37

"A mess—too many cruise ships disgorging their passengers into the small town. Totally spoiled and low-quality, high-volume destination."

"The main town is essentially one big, ugly jewelry store, but the island is nice outside of the main town."

"Must have been a lovely place before it became the shopping mall for cruise ships. Still some pretty beaches away from the shoppers and stunning views from steep hills."

"Once upon a time, St. Thomas was the most beautiful island in the Caribbean, with sculpted peaks and deep coves. It's all developed now, and the pressure of up to ten cruise ships in a day (almost 2 million arrivals a year) erases that natural beauty. The native population is unfriendly, with a coldness that borders on outright hostility."