My trip was hosted in partnership with the United States Virgin Islands Tourism. As always, thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
St. Croix is the perfect Caribbean island getaway. Picture perfect beaches? Check. Adventurous activities to keep your days fully occupied? Check. Delicious food to inspire your palette? Check! From hiking mountains to the best rated diving in the Caribbean, St Croix has a tremendous amount of things to offer. To help you plan your next visit, keep reading for my tips and a curated list of the best things to do to make the most of your experience.
Things to Know
No passport required if you are from the US! If you’re a US citizen and don’t have a passport, you’ll have to travel with your birth certificate (with a raised seal) and photo I.D.
Rent a Jeep. Though the island may seem small, it’s packed with a wide variety of terrain. If you’re not able to get a Jeep, I would still recommend you rent a car to explore so you can get around quickly and easily.
Bring bug spray. It’s a tropical island...you know the drill!
They drive on the left side of the road. Though the driver’s seat is still on the left, be sure to pay attention and make the adjustment.
Best Things to Do
Sail to Buck Island Reef National Monument with Big Beard’s Adventure Tours An incredible spot for diving, snorkeling and sailing, I was a bit disappointed that I wasn’t able to do this myself during my trip.Though I didn’t have the luck to experience this due to weather conditions, it was what I most looked forward to ahead of my trip and would still highly recommend. The experience allows you to snorkel the island’s barrier reef which shelters thousands of tropical fish and sea turtles, see massive Elkhorn and Brain coral, swim through Buck Island’s postcard-blue water and walk along its snow-white, sandy beach. There is also a trail that reaches the top of the island that offers a mesmerizing view. Dreammmm
Tan Tan Jeep Tour to the Tidal Pools. If you’re a thrill seeker and are looking to explore the inland jungle, this experience is for you. From Christiansted you’ll ride in an open Jeep through a scenic and bumpy route that is sure to give you lots of deep belly laughs. The experience ends at the Tidal Pools on an isolated black pebble beach which is well worth the ride.
Horseback Riding If you’d prefer to explore the tropical terrain at a more calm and easy pace, this might be a better option for you. You can also opt to ride along the beach or into the ocean (if the tide permits) with The Cruzan Cowgirls in Frederiksted who operate a lovely non profit that supports the rescue and rehabilitation of horses.
Cruzan Rum Distillery Tour You can’t come to St. Croix and not learn about it’s famous rum. This guided tour gives you an inside look on the rum’s production process and includes a complimentary mixed drink tasting in the distillery’s Don’t Hurry tasting area.
Where to Eat
La Reine Chicken Shack home to some of the most authentic, Crucian cuisine on the island. They’re known for their slow roasted rotisserie chicken, but if you’re pescatarian/vegetarian like me you can try other great popular local items on the menu like the Johnny cakes, rice and peas, or catch of the day.
Toast Diner Great breakfast food like arepas, hash brown casseroles, grits and rum cake French toast. Be sure to also try the Vietnamese coffee.
Too. Chez A new, trendy restaurant serving French-inspired American cuisine in an open-air courtyard in downtown Christiansted.
AMA @ Canebay A sustainable seafood restaurant focused on the foodways of the Americas. They work with local farmers, environmentally responsible fisherman and divers to cultivate their menu.
Best Beaches To Visit
Cane Bay Not only beautiful water but full of fish, coral, and reefs in shallow waters.
Rainbow Beach A calm beach with water sport rentals available make it an easy place to spend a full day. It’s also fabulous to watch the sunset.
The Buccaneer Well, this is actually a hotel, but it’s beach deserves a mention. Great seating, beautiful views and some water deep enough to swim in. You can visit the beach for the day and enjoy breakfast or lunch at the hotel restaurant and bar onsite.
