St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

Island Overview

Where the Best Mix of the United States Virgin Islands can be Found

St. Croix is a unique blend of the best qualities of its neighbors, St. Thomas and St. John. With a population size that closely matches St. Thomas (~50,000+), all spread out over an area that's slightly more than twice the size of St. Thomas, St. Croix's landscape is a gorgeous mix of tropical forests like those found on St. John and the marvelous beaches like those that line the shores of St. Thomas.

Even though tourism is the primary industry of the island, St. Croix is host to fewer guests per year than either St. Thomas or St. John. Perhaps that's why the atmosphere is calmer and less congested than can be found on the bustling island of St. Thomas. While not as laid back or as inviting as St. John, the locals are generally friendlier than those on St. Thomas are. Far less commercialized than St. Thomas but expanding in that direction, St. Croix has more activities and attractions for its visitors than St. John does. Much like St. Thomas, St. Croix is best enjoyed when tourists use common sense and don't venture out alone in isolated areas and/or after hours in town.

The capital city of Christiansted is centrally located on the north shore of the island. This historic district is now home to numerous duty-free shops, restaurants, bars, and a few hotels. The colorful architecture of the buildings is a reflection of the Danish influence on this island hideaway. A waterfront boardwalk provides access to the tranquil blue waters that grace the harbor. Few sources of public transportation, one-way streets, congested areas, and difficulties parking are best dealt with by touring this tiny treasure on foot.

Frederiksted is the other main hub of activity on this island that's only six miles wide and twenty-eight miles long. This small, historically-attractive town situated on the southwest coast greets passengers that disembark at the deep-water Frederiksted Cruise Ship Pier. When the ships pull out of port, much of the town's shops shut down so plan accordingly. Restaurants and historical attractions tend to be open on a more regular schedule.

Many of the island's attractions and resources are situated on the north shore. Here tourists can find the best selection of resorts, beaches, and shops, as well as the widest array of tropical diversity that spans from western lush forests to eastern arid beaches. Because of this, many visitors never feel the need to venture from the north coast region.

St. Croix Accommodations

Those who travel east of the capital city will find a tranquil region that is host to such major accommodations as The Buccaneer and the Tamarind Reef Hotel, as well as various beaches. Those who head west from Christiansted will encounter more traffic and congestion in general.

Villas, condominiums, and quaint inns outnumber large luxury hotels and resorts on St. Croix. Popular choices include those already mentioned, along with the Pink Fancy Hotel, Gentle Winds Condominiums, Hotel Caravelle, Chenay Bay Beach Resort, and Carringtons Inn, all of which are located in Christiansted, and Sand Castle on the Beach Hotel in Frederiksted.

St. Croix Attractions

Visitors to St. Croix have a wide choice in how they spend their time. One can start their day with a visit to the Buck Island National Park, the island's number one attraction that provides snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities along its reef. As the primary golfing destination in the United States Virgin Islands (USVI), die-hard golfers can enjoy a round on one of St. Croix's three courses, including The Carambola Golf Course, The Buccaneer Golf Course, and The Reef Golf Course. To complete the day, many choose to unwind at the numerous restaurants and bars that offer nighttime entertainment in the capital city. Others enjoy the atmosphere of the Divi Carina Bay Casino, the first casino established in the USVI.

From flat agricultural lands to lush mountain forests, from St. George's Botanical Gardens to the Cruzan Rum Factory, from the 72-mile long Heritage Trail to the fact that no one road circles the St. Croix coastline, the island that was dubbed Santa Cruz in 1493 by Christopher Columbus offers a wonderfully diverse environment to those who are lucky enough to travel its lands. Whether seen and enjoyed from horseback or from a parasail, St. Croix will leave you rested, refreshed, and reluctant to depart from its magical shores.