Attractions on St. Croix
The largest island in the US Virgin Islands is St. Croix. Christiansted and Frederiksted are the two main towns, and though these spots see the most tourism, as a whole the island is a tranquil destination that best serves those looking for a quiet beach getaway or those who like to plan activities that keep them outdoors enjoying nature.
With much of the island maintaining its Victorian-era architecture, a day spend simply walking through the streets (of Frederikstead in particular) is attraction enough. Of course, the island of St. Croix has much more to offer than streets of historic buildings. Museums, ruins, monuments, nature parks, beaches, casinos, and of course the famous Cruzan Rum Distillery are all attractions available to keep you busy during your stay in this tropical paradise.
Beaches
You will discover an abundance of beaches to enjoy on the island. Snorkeling is an option at some locations, if some members of your party are so inclined. Click on each beach name for more detail concerning that section of the coast.
Turtle Beach
If you are looking for a place to snorkel, a location where that’s an option is Turtle Beach. You can only reach this beach by taking a boat from St. Croix. You can charter a boat, or take an excursion from Christiansted.
Sugar Beach
Another good choice for snorkelers is Sugar Beach. Paved parking is available in front of Sugar Beach Resort, and guests who want to relax on the beach will have to cross the resort’s property to get there.
Grotto Beach
One of the beaches set on the Buccaneer Resort’s property, Grotto Beach features not only the sandy surf, but a pool, a grill, and three holes of the golf course. Buccaneer guests enjoy the possible watersports available here.
Activities on St. Croix
Where you stay may determine what kind of sightseeing you do. Christiansted features Danish architecture and cultural centers while Frederiksted has more of a colonial and Victorian feel. The northwest portion, which has no major settlements is covered in rainforest lands, perfect for hiking, hunting down waterfalls, mountain climbing, birding, and learning about local flora and fauna.
A great deal of visitors will find they spend most of their time either on the shore or in the water. Scuba diving is of particular interest, allowing divers to explore a wreck, reef, pier, and wall site easily. Pleasure sailing and fishing are quite popular as well.
Because St. Croix is a US territory, visitors traveling from the United States will be able to return home with goods tax-free. Christiansted is the island’s top shopping spot, so make sure to carve out some time in your schedule hunt for bargains on luxury goods and pick up a few souvenirs. There are also three golf courses, a series of plantation ruins, a tour of a working rum factory, and many more things to do during your visit.
Diving
St. Croix offers a nice mix of dive sites to visitors. Whether you are exploring the wall dives to the north, diving off the pier in Frederiksted, or exploring the natural reserve to the south, the variety ensures that all interests can be met.
Fishing
St. Croix offers some of the very best fishing in the Caribbean, and anyone visiting this virgin island will be pleased with the options they have. From shallow shore fishing to deep sea fishing where depths can reach thousands of feet, all can be found on St. Croix.
Golf
If you or a traveling companion like to play golf you’ll be pleased to know there are three golf courses in this area. The area courses are Buccaneer Golf Course, Carambola Beach Golf Club, and Reef Golf Course. Just click on the name of the course for a detailed guide to the course, including location, number of holes, and more.
Sightseeing
Another great option for visitors is discovering the area’s interesting sights. Interesting sights include historic sites and a distillery. Tourists who like spending time outdoors will frequently enjoy spending some time at the area’s outdoor parks and botanical garden.
Natural Attractions & Parks
Green Cay National Wildlife Refuge
Green Cay National Wildlife Refuge is one of the more frequently visited natural attractions. Administered by the US Fish & Wildlife Service, this refuge was established to protect one of the rarest reptiles in the world, the St. Croix Ground Lizard, as well as a variety of bird and other wildlife species that depend on the island ecosystem to survive.
Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge
Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge is a second place worth considering. Sand Point National Wildlife Refuge was established as a protected area in 1984, as it is an important area for the endangered leatherback sea turtle. History buffs may also enjoy the island, because the Aklis Site, which dates back to 400 A.D. is on the National Register of Historic Places.
St. Croix Restaurants
As a result of the diverse community that calls St. Croix home, dining on this island is a true experience. Most restaurants are as laid back as the island, with alfresco dining for views of the sea, and comfortable seating. Typically, local dishes draw heavily from the sea, but of course, you’ll find offerings from around the world like pizzas and pasta, sushi, and curry. In general, the formal restaurants are located at resorts, so if you’re looking for a good place for a romantic night out, that will be a good place to start.
Caribbean Cuisine
Caribbean food is never very tough to find on St. Croix. Since this kind of fare contains features borrowed from many different cultures and culinary techniques, almost any type of diner can find dishes they’ll enjoy at these restaurants.
Eat @ Cane Bay
Eat @ Cane Bay is a local eatery offering coffee, hamburgers and more located in Cane Bay, St. Croix. Eat @ Cane Bay is a fun and relaxed beer and burger joint on the North Shore of St. Croix at Cane Bay. One way or another, everyone who passes through seems to end up here, whether to enjoy a drink, eat a meal, or dance to the reggae music. Find them at 110-C Cane Bay.
Angry Nates
A place you might enjoy is Angry Nates. Angry Nates serves a menu of varied International dishes, with the main focus being on fresh caught seafood. Favorite dishes include seafood pasta and white chocolate bread pudding. They’re located at 1200 King Cross Street.
Blue Moon Cafe
Blue Moon Cafe has various different cuisines to try, including Cajun and Caribbean. Old favorites with a twist are what you’ll find on the menu at the Blue Moon Cafe. Examples include pina colada pancakes and Thai sesame slaw. They’re located at 7 Strand Street.
Accommodations on St. Croix
From watersports to historical attractions and rum distillery tours to nature parks, there is plenty to keep visitors busy all day long on St. Croix. As the sun begins to set and sleep beckons, every tourist wil need a place to rest their head and recharge for the next day of exploration.
There are multiple property types to consider on the island, including tons of hotels and a selection of resorts. Those looking to enjoy an active nightlife scene will encounter precisely that at a few hotels around St. Croix. Read more information regarding each property by clicking on them.
Buccaneer
A great vacation spot which has on-site recreation is Buccaneer. Sixteen variations of room size, style, location, and view are offered to travelers wishing to stay at the Buccaneer. Rooms, suites, and villas are offered with optional garden, mountain, ocean, and oceanfront views, ensuring every guest will find accommodation for their lifestyle and budget. If you want to call in advance, do so at (340) 712-2100.
Renaissance Carambola Beach Resort & Spa
A destination along the waterfront that you could consider is Renaissance Carambola Beach Resort & Spa. The Carambola Beach Resort & Spa is an ideal lodging choice for guests looking to unwind on the tropical shores of the Virgin Islands. Quality service and delectable food are a top priority at this facility, and guests are always pampered like royalty. If you want to know more, call them at (340) 778-3800.
Chenay Bay Beach Resort
If you’re wanting to find a property with a lively bar scene, Chenay Bay Beach Resort is one destination you may want to consider. Chenay Bay Beach Resort, named for a French sea Captain, is situated among 30 lush acres outside of Christiansted. Combining the historic charm of the old sugar plantation on which it is built with modern amenities, the resort is a unique and stylish Caribbean retreat. They are situated on Route 82 and East End Road.
St. Croix Transportation Options
St. Croix is the largest island in the U.S. Virgin Islands chain, yet has a quieter overall appeal than the more popularly visited island of St. Thomas. Getting to this island is not a difficult feat, and once you arrive you’ll have numerous transportation options to choose from.
Getting There
Traveling to St. Croix is relatively easy when compared with some of the other islands in the region thanks to an airport that is located on the southwest side of the island, but it isn’t the only method of arrival that tourists have. Sailing a chartered yacht or stopping by on a cruise are also real possibilities.
Getting Around
Because St. Croix is the largest island in the chain, you’ll likely have to spend a bit more time considering how you’ll get from place to place. The options are rental cars, taxis, and buses. After you learn a bit more about them, you may find that you’re drawn to one, or that you’d like to use each for a different purpose.
Air Travel
As more and more national airlines increase travel from major air transport hubs in the United States, travel to St. Croix is becoming easier than ever. The airport on the island is the Henry E Rohlsen Airport (HERA), which is located just six miles outside of the town of Christiansted. Its features include a 181 thousand square foot terminal and a 10,004 foot asphalt runway which can accommodate jets as large as Boeing 747s. Although the airport mostly serves regional airlines, there are several that fly in from the United States.
Sailing
Sailing to St. Croix is very popular, especially considering the fact that ferries do not run to the island. Instead, maritime travelers rely on private charters, or their own boat. If you were hoping to island hop to St. Croix, do not worry, there are plenty of boat captains chartering their services throughout the US Virgin Islands.
Cruises
As cruising the Caribbean has grown into one of the largest sources of revenue for the Caribbean over the last decade, St. Croix has taken note. Frederiksted, where the cruise port is located, has invested millions in improving the landscape surrounding the waterfront as well as making the dock more accessible. Now, at least 10 ships travel to St. Croix each month. Upon arrival, tourists can take advantage of dining and shopping within walking distance, rent a car for the day so they can take in as many sites as possible in the short amount of time they are on the island, or take a cab to the one or two attractions they don’t want to miss out on. If your plan is to visit St. Croix as part of your cruise tour of the Caribbean, be on the lookout for trips aboard such liners as RCI, Holland America, Celebrity, Silver Seas, and World Cruises. These cruise lines are known for planning stops in Frederiksted.