Explore the ultimate guide to St. Croix, US Virgin Islands—a Caribbean paradise known for its stunning beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture. Find top attractions, dining options, and tips for a memorable vacation.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands depends on what you're looking for in a vacation. Here's a breakdown of what to expect throughout the year:
High Season: December to April
Advantages:
Weather: This is the dry season, with less rain and humidity, offering perfect beach weather.
Water Activities: Ideal conditions for snorkeling, diving, and boating.
Events: Numerous festivals and events like the St. Croix Food & Wine Experience take place during these months.
Disadvantages:
Cost: Accommodations and flights can be more expensive due to high demand.
Crowds: Popular spots may be busy, requiring advance bookings for activities and dining.
Shoulder Season: May to June
Advantages:
Moderate Weather: Still excellent weather but starting to get warmer.
Less Crowded: Easier to make last-minute plans and less crowded beaches.
Cost: Somewhat more affordable than the high season.
Disadvantages:
Changing Weather: Rainfall begins to increase, though it's generally not disruptive to plans.
Low Season: July to November
Advantages:
Cost: This is when you'll find the best deals on accommodations and activities.
Fewer Tourists: Enjoy a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere.
Disadvantages:
Weather: Hotter and more humid, with a higher chance of rain and hurricanes.
Limited Availability: Some businesses may close or have reduced hours.
Special Considerations:
Hurricane Season: The official Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. If you decide to visit during these months, consider purchasing travel insurance.
How to Get There
Getting to St. Croix, one of the U.S. Virgin Islands, generally involves flying into Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX), the island's main international airport. Here are some common ways to get there:
Direct Flights:
From the United States: Several U.S. cities offer direct flights to St. Croix, including Miami and Atlanta.
From Nearby Caribbean Islands: If you're already in the Caribbean, you might find direct flights from other islands like Puerto Rico.
Seaplane and Ferry:
Seaplane: Seaborne Airlines operates seaplane flights between St. Thomas and St. Croix, offering a scenic and fast way to travel between the islands.
Ferry: There is also a ferry service between St. Thomas and St. Croix, though it is less frequent and the journey takes longer.
Charter Flights:
For a more luxurious experience, you can charter a private plane to St. Croix from various locations.
Cruise:
St. Croix is also a popular cruise ship destination, so that's another way you could potentially arrive on the island.
How to get Around
Getting around St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands involves several transportation options, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. Here's a rundown:
Rental Cars: Flexible and convenient. Drive on the left side, and you can choose from many rental agencies.
Taxis: Available from key locations like the airport and hotels. Fixed rates are common, and they're good for groups.
Public Buses: Cheap but limited to main towns. Not ideal for exploring remote areas.
Bicycles: Good for short distances within towns. Not all areas have bike lanes.
Ferries and Boats: Use for travel to nearby islands or for day trips for snorkeling and diving.
Walking: Feasible in main towns and resort areas, but watch out for missing sidewalks.
Scooter Rentals: A fun way to explore beaches.
Most Popular Attractions and Activities to See and Do in Saint Croix
Top 14 Attractions in Saint Croix
Buck Island Reef National Monument: While it's surrounded by water, the main draw here is the snorkeling and diving around the coral reefs, rather than the beaches themselves.
Fort Christiansvaern: Located in Christiansted, this historic fort offers insight into the island's colonial past.
Estate Whim Plantation Museum: This restored sugar plantation provides a glimpse into the island's agricultural and colonial history.
St. George Village Botanical Garden: A serene setting for plant lovers, showcasing the flora of the Virgin Islands.
Cruzan Rum Distillery: Learn about the process of rum-making and enjoy some tastings at this historic distillery.
Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve: This area is both historically and ecologically significant, offering kayaking and eco-tours.
Mount Eagle: A hike to the summit provides panoramic views of the island.
The Old Danish Customs House: Another Christiansted landmark, this historic building offers guided tours that dive into the island's colonial past.
Christiansted National Historic Site: This site includes several historic buildings and offers a glimpse into Danish colonial life.
Government House: Located in both Christiansted and Frederiksted, these buildings are used for governmental purposes but have historic significance and sometimes offer tours.
Rainforest Adventures: Offers a sky ride, zip-lining and other aerial adventures with scenic views of the island.
St. Croix Archaeological Museum: Displays artifacts from the island's early inhabitants, offering a glimpse into its pre-colonial past.
Carambola Golf Club: For those who love golf, this is a scenic, well-maintained course open to the public.
Frederiksted Pier: While technically near the water, the main attractions here are the underwater dive sites and the vibrant local markets.
Top 15 Activities to do in Saint Croix
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving: Explore the vibrant underwater ecosystems, especially around Buck Island Reef National Monument.
Historical Tours: Visit landmarks like Fort Christiansvaern and the Old Danish Customs House to learn about the island's history.
Hiking: Trails like those on Mount Eagle offer stunning views and a close look at the local flora and fauna.
Sailing and Boating: Take a sailing trip or charter a boat for fishing or simply enjoying the open water.
Food and Rum Tasting: Visit local eateries for Caribbean cuisine and go rum tasting at Cruzan Rum Distillery.
Kayaking: Try a kayaking tour in Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve for both historical context and natural beauty.
Golf: Spend a day at Carambola Golf Club or other local courses enjoying the island's scenic vistas.
Shopping: Explore the boutique shops in Christiansted and Frederiksted for unique crafts, art, and jewelry.
Horseback Riding: Experience the island's landscape through guided horseback tours, which often go through non-beach areas like the rainforest.
Zip-lining: Get your adrenaline pumping with a zip-lining adventure in the rainforest.
Art Galleries and Museums: Visit the St. Croix Archaeological Museum or local art galleries to soak up some culture.
Botanical Gardens: Walk through the St. George Village Botanical Garden to appreciate the island's plant life.
Farm Tours: Visit local farms to learn about the island's agriculture and maybe even pick your own tropical fruit.
Cooking Classes: Take a Caribbean cooking class to learn about the local cuisine.
Spa Day: Many resorts offer spa services for a day of relaxation and pampering.
15 Best Beaches in Saint Croix
St. Croix is known for its beautiful beaches that offer a range of activities and settings. Here are some of the top beaches on the island:
Cane Bay Beach: Known for its crystal-clear waters and proximity to the Cane Bay Wall, a popular dive site. This beach is ideal for snorkeling, scuba diving, and swimming.
Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge: A stunning stretch of beach known for its pristine sand and turtle nesting sites. Note that it is often closed for turtle nesting season but is a must-see when open.
Buck Island's Turtle Beach: Part of Buck Island Reef National Monument, Turtle Beach is often ranked as one of the world's most beautiful beaches. The shallow, crystal-clear water is perfect for snorkeling.
Rainbow Beach: Located near Frederiksted, this beach is popular for water sports like jet skiing and paddleboarding, and it has a lively bar scene.
Shoys Beach: A quieter option near Christiansted, known for its calm waters and scenic beauty, making it perfect for relaxation and swimming.
Isaac Bay Beach: Accessible only by a hike, this secluded beach offers privacy, stunning scenery, and excellent snorkeling opportunities.
Chenay Bay Beach: Ideal for families, the calm waters are great for swimming and snorkeling, and kayak rentals are also available.
Davis Bay Beach: Located near Carambola Beach Resort, this beach offers seclusion, dramatic views, and good snorkeling opportunities.
Tamarind Reef Beach: A quieter beach with a mix of sand and seagrass, offering good snorkeling opportunities to see a variety of marine life.
Jack's Bay Beach: A secluded beach reached by a hiking trail, known for its natural beauty and tranquility.
Pelican Cove Beach: Located on the north shore, this beach offers calm waters perfect for swimming and is often less crowded.
Dorsch Beach: Near Frederiksted, this beach is popular among locals and offers a genuine Caribbean experience with food vendors and music, especially on weekends.
Grapetree Bay: Less frequented by tourists, it offers solitude and a natural setting but is also good for snorkeling.
Protestant Cay: Accessible by a short ferry ride from Christiansted, this small island offers a beach with amenities like chair rentals and water sports.
Coakley Bay Beach: Known for its natural beauty, this beach is less suitable for swimming due to the stronger currents but offers a quiet place to relax and take in the scenery.
Best Shopping
Shopping in St. Croix offers a variety of experiences, ranging from luxury boutiques to local markets. Whether you're looking for designer clothes, handmade crafts, or island-specific souvenirs, St. Croix has something for every shopper. Here are some of the best spots to check out:
Christiansted
King Street and Company Street: These are two of the main shopping streets in Christiansted. Here you can find a range of stores offering fine jewelry, local crafts, and designer clothing.
Sonya Ltd.: Famous for its unique hook bracelet, a well-known symbol of St. Croix.
Mitchell Larsen Studio: Offers hand-crafted glass pieces, perfect for unique souvenirs.
Christiansted Boardwalk: Besides enjoying the beautiful view, you can shop for souvenirs and crafts from local vendors.
From the Gecko Boutique: Known for its stylish and unique clothing, much of which is made by the owner.
Frederiksted
Strand Street: Similar to Christiansted's main shopping streets, Strand Street in Frederiksted offers a variety of shops ranging from boutiques to art galleries.
Cruzan Rum Distillery: While not exactly in Frederiksted proper, the rum distillery offers a great shopping experience for those looking to buy local rum.
Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts: Besides its exhibitions, the center also has a gift shop that offers locally made crafts and art.
Entertainment & Nightlife
St. Croix offers a vibrant entertainment and nightlife scene that caters to a variety of tastes. Whether you're interested in laid-back beach bars, live music, or dance clubs, you're sure to find something that suits your mood. Here's a breakdown of what you can expect:
Bars and Beach Bars
Rum Runners: Located in Christiansted, this popular restaurant and bar offers great views and a variety of menu items and drinks.
Rhythms at Rainbow Beach: In Frederiksted, this beach bar is popular for its stunning sunsets, live music, and relaxed atmosphere.
Shupe's on the Boardwalk: Situated on Christiansted's boardwalk, this is a good spot to enjoy a burger and a drink with harbor views.
Deep End Bar and Grill: Located at Tamarind Reef Resort, the venue often has live music, especially on weekends.
Casinos and Gaming
Caravelle Casino: Located in Christiansted, the casino offers table games and slot machines.
Divi Carina Bay Casino: Located on the eastern end of the island, this casino offers a variety of gaming options as well as occasional live entertainment.
Local Cuisine
St. Croix's local cuisine is a delightful blend of native ingredients, colonial influences, and international flavors, making it a fascinating culinary destination. With an abundance of fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and spices, the island offers a wide range of options for food lovers. Here's what you can expect from the local cuisine:
Main Dishes
Saltfish: Salted codfish is often served with boiled provisions like yams and plantains or with a local dish called "dumplings".
Stewed Chicken or Goat: These stews are rich, hearty, and flavored with a variety of local spices and herbs.
Roti: Borrowed from Indian and Trinidadian cuisines, roti is a stuffed flatbread, often filled with curried meat or vegetables.
Conch: Whether in fritters, chowders, or salads, conch is a commonly enjoyed seafood item on the island.
Bully Beef: Also known as corned beef, this is often sautéed with onions, tomatoes, and hot peppers and served with rice or Johnny cakes.
Side Dishes and Snacks
Johnny Cakes: These are fried dough balls, a bit like doughnuts, often enjoyed as a quick snack or breakfast item.
Patties: Flaky pastries filled with spiced meat or vegetables, similar to empanadas.
Fungi: A cornmeal dish similar to polenta, often served as a side with fish or meat.
Callaloo: A leafy green vegetable dish often made with okra, various leafy greens, and sometimes crab or other seafood.
Accommodations
Christiansted
Vibe: This is the island's cultural and commercial hub, teeming with history and brimming with shops, restaurants, and bars.
Best For: Travelers interested in historical landmarks, shopping, dining, and a lively atmosphere.
Accommodation Options: Ranges from luxury resorts to boutique hotels and vacation rentals.
Nearby Attractions: Christiansted National Historic Site, Fort Christiansvaern, and Protestant Cay.
Frederiksted
Vibe: Less bustling than Christiansted but equally rich in history and culture. Known for its beautiful sunsets.
Best For: Those seeking a quieter, more laid-back experience, great for beach lovers.
Accommodation Options: Smaller hotels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals.
Nearby Attractions: Frederiksted Pier, Fort Frederik, and Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge.
East End
Vibe: A quieter, more secluded area, known for its natural beauty.
Best For: Nature lovers, honeymooners, or anyone looking for a tranquil escape.
Accommodation Options: Luxury resorts, private villas, and condos.
Nearby Attractions: Point Udall, Divi Carina Bay Casino, and the Reef Golf Course.
North Shore
Vibe: Offers a mix of seclusion and accessibility. It's close enough to Christiansted for convenience but far enough away for peace and quiet.
Best For: Families and travelers who want a balanced vacation with both adventure and relaxation.
Accommodation Options: Resorts, vacation rentals, and guesthouses.
Nearby Attractions: Cane Bay Beach and the Wall, a famous dive site.
Mid-Island
Vibe: Centrally located, making it convenient for exploring both ends of the island.
Best For: Travelers who plan on doing a lot of sightseeing and want a central base.
Accommodation Options: More budget-friendly options like inns and vacation rentals.
Nearby Attractions: Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve, and the Cruzan Rum Distillery.
