St. Croix

St. Croix, part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, has a rich history marked by various European colonial powers. Originally inhabited by the indigenous Arawak and Carib peoples, it was first visited by Christopher Columbus in 1493. The island changed hands multiple times, being controlled by the Spanish, Dutch, English, French, Knights of Malta, and the Danish. The Danes established a significant presence in 1733 and developed sugar plantations using enslaved labor. In 1917, the United States purchased St. Croix, along with the rest of the Virgin Islands, from Denmark. There are 3 main islands in the US Virgin Islands: St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John. St. Thomas is the most touristy. St. Croix is more laid back and has a less developed tourism industry in comparison to St. Thomas.

Language: English is the official language of St. Croix.

Entry Requirements: 

• As a U.S. territory, U.S. citizens do not need a passport to enter St. Croix, but must carry proof of citizenship, such as a driver's license and a copy of their birth certificate. Therefore, a passport is still the strongest form of identification. International visitors will need a valid passport and may require a visa depending on their country of origin.

Currency: The U.S. Dollar is the official currency. Bring cash, because many places don't accept electronic forms of payment. In St. Croix, cash is king.

Pros:

• Beautiful Beaches: Pristine beaches and clear waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.

• Cultural Heritage: Rich history and vibrant cultural scene, including festivals and historical sites.

• Climate: Warm tropical climate year-round.

• Accessibility: Direct flights from the U.S. mainland.

Cons:

• Hurricane Risk: The island is in a hurricane zone, particularly from June to November.

• Cost: As an island, certain goods and services can be more expensive.

• Limited Public Transportation: Renting a car is often necessary to explore the island fully. Taxis can close early and not be readily accesible if you aren't in a main tourist area.

• There is no Uber, Lyft, or other ride-share company operating on St. Croix. There are official taxis with an association and published rates, and unofficial taxis with less formal rates. 

Top Things to Do in St. Croix

1. Buck Island Reef National Monument: Snorkel the underwater trail at this protected marine reserve.

2. Christiansted National Historic Site: Explore colonial-era buildings and learn about the island's history.

3. Cane Bay: Enjoy diving and snorkeling at this popular beach spot.

4. Cruzan Rum Distillery: Take a tour and sample local rum. (Prices: $25 plus taxi or driving costs to and from)

5. Estate Whim Plantation Museum: Visit this restored sugar plantation for a glimpse into the island's colonial past.

6. Point Udall: Stand at the easternmost point of the United States and enjoy breathtaking views.

7. St. George Village Botanical Garden: Wander through this lush garden set on a former sugarcane plantation.

8. Frederiksted Pier: Ideal for diving, snorkeling, and enjoying picturesque sunsets.

9. Salt River Bay National Historical Park: Explore mangroves, historical sites, and great kayaking opportunities.

10. Rainbow Beach: Relax on this beautiful beach and Rhythms a Rainbow beach bar with clear waters and plenty of water sports available.

St. Croix offers a blend of natural beauty, rich history, and cultural experiences, making it a unique destination for travelers.

1. Christiansted

Highlights:

• Historic Sites: Explore Fort Christiansvaern, the Old Danish Customs House, and other colonial-era buildings.

• Shopping and Dining: A variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes along the waterfront.

• Water Activities: Easy access to boat tours, snorkeling, and diving trips.

• Boardwalk: A scenic boardwalk with beautiful views of the harbor.

Pros:

• Central location with many amenities and attractions within walking distance.

• Vibrant nightlife and entertainment options.

Cons:

• Can be crowded, especially during peak tourist season.

2. Frederiksted

Highlights:

• Historic Sites: Visit Fort Frederik and enjoy the charming Victorian architecture.

• Beaches: Proximity to some of the island’s best beaches, including Rainbow Beach.

• Cruise Port: Frequent visits from cruise ships bring a lively atmosphere.

• Waterfront: Enjoy the scenic waterfront and pier, perfect for sunset views.

Pros:

• Laid-back vibe with beautiful beaches and cultural attractions.

• Less crowded than Christiansted.

Cons:

• Fewer dining and shopping options compared to Christiansted.

3. East End

Highlights:

• Beaches: Home to some of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on the island.

• Nature: Close to Point Udall, the easternmost point of the U.S., and great hiking opportunities.

• Luxury Resorts: Several upscale resorts and vacation rentals with stunning ocean views.

Pros:

• Peaceful and scenic, ideal for relaxation and nature lovers.

• High-end accommodations and amenities.

Cons:

• Farther from major towns and amenities, requiring a car for convenience.

4. North Shore

Highlights:

• Cane Bay: Known for its excellent diving and snorkeling spots.

• Outdoor Activities: Hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor adventures.

• Restaurants: A selection of beachfront bars and restaurants.

Pros:

• Beautiful natural surroundings with a focus on outdoor activities.

• Popular with divers and adventure enthusiasts.

Cons:

• Limited shopping and nightlife options.

5. La Grande Princesse

Highlights:

• Proximity to Christiansted: Just a short drive from the island's main town.

• Beaches: Access to several nice beaches and beach bars.

• Resorts and Hotels: Home to a range of accommodation options.

Pros:

• Convenient location near Christiansted without being in the heart of the town.

• A mix of beach and urban amenities.

Cons:

• Can be a bit quieter compared to other more tourist-centric areas.

6. Grapetree Bay

Highlights:

• Resorts and Villas: Known for its luxury accommodations and beautiful ocean views.

• Beaches: Access to serene and picturesque beaches.

Pros:

• Ideal for a more secluded and upscale vacation experience.

• Beautiful natural surroundings and less tourist traffic.

Cons:

• Limited dining and nightlife options nearby, requiring travel for more variety.

Conclusion

St. Croix offers a variety of neighborhoods catering to different tourist preferences. Christiansted and Frederiksted are great for those who enjoy historic sites, shopping, and dining, while the East End and North Shore are perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers. For a more relaxed and upscale experience, consider staying in areas like La Grande Princesse or Grapetree Bay.

EXCURSIONS

Explore Popular TripAdvisor Experiences: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g147401-Activities-St_Croix_U_S_Virgin_Islands.html 

Explore Viator Tours: https://www.viator.com/St-Croix/d28885-ttd 

Here’s a suggested itinerary along with estimated prices:

St. Croix (3 days)

Day 1:

• Morning: Visit Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary (IDR 80,000 / USD 6 per person).

• Afternoon: Explore Ubud Palace and Ubud Market (free entry; shopping budget varies).

• Evening: Attend a Kecak Dance performance (IDR 100,000 / USD 7 per person).

Day 2:

• Morning: Tegalalang Rice Terraces tour (IDR 50,000-100,000 / USD 4-7 depending on tour).

• Afternoon: Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) and Tirta Empul Temple visit (IDR 50,000 / USD 4 per temple).

• Evening: Spa treatment (IDR 200,000-400,000 / USD 14-28 for a basic massage).

Day 3:

• Morning: Balinese cooking class (starting from IDR 400,000 / USD 28).

• Afternoon: Campuhan Ridge Walk (free).

• Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant (IDR 150,000 / USD 10 per person).

Estimated Total Costs:

• Accommodation: Budget varies widely; estimate IDR 500,000-1,500,000 / USD 35-105 per night depending on the type.

• Food: Budget around IDR 150,000-300,000 / USD 10-21 per day per person for meals.

• Transportation: Taxis or ride-hailing apps (Grab, Gojek) are common. Estimate IDR 300,000-500,000 / USD 21-35 per day depending on distance and number of trips.

These estimates are based on typical costs and can vary based on season, specific activities chosen, and personal preferences. Bali offers a range of experiences from cultural exploration to beach relaxation and vibrant nightlife, catering to various interests and budgets.

My Travel Blog

St. Croix is technically apart of the US, since it's a part of the United States Virgin Islands. This is great if you have a passport or if you are a US resident. If you are a US resdient without a passport, you will need your US drivers license and US birth certificate to enter St. Croix. It's also best to bring lots of US dollars. St. Croix is a cash currency place. A lot of places, even the taxi from the airport was cash only. No credit card, no Venmo, no cash app, no apply pay, I'm talking real cash. Dollar Dollar bill ya'll! There are ATMs on this island but they charge a 5% transaction fee. (So that's a $5 charge for a $100 withdrawal or a $15 fee for a $300 withdrawal, etc.)

When to Visit

The best time to go to St. Croi are in between October - Febraury, becayse that's when a lot of the festiabls happen. This is also their period of time where they have the most tourists come to visit. That means the island really opens up. If they don't have a lot of tourist visiting during a season, places that would normally be open remain closed. Most of the business owners have the schedule of the cruise lines, so they know when to open up shop to meet the needs of all of the visitors. 

IF possible, also try to avoid visiting during Hurricane Season (March through May and September through November). The last day of my trib was ruined by Tropical Storm Ernesto, which caused many flight cancellations and flight delays. The island basically shut doen during this time, for safety reasons. 

History

St. Croix is the largest of the Virgin Islands. It has a lot of DAnish incluence from when it was owned by Denmark. To date, St. Croix has been ruled by Seven Nations. 

Pros and Cons of St. Croix. 

• Pros

  • The people - duh!. The people are the biggest pro. they are so nice and welcoming, and they make you seem like family. 

  • The island is safe. 

  • The Food is yummy.

  • Crucian Rum is my new favorite thing

• Cons

  • Old Infrastructure and lots of deferred mainteancne

  • Old vehicles - like out shuttle literally broke down on the side of the road. IT already looed run down, so I got on the transfer shuttle having reservations. 

  • Slow, slow slow. Listen, you will be on island time. Nothing is fast. Not even fast food. Everything takes time. My food consistently took around 40 minutes to an hour plus 

  • More underdeveloped than other popular and toursty places in the Carribbean (like Aruba and Mexico). 

  • Expensive. tacies - flgiht, hotel - for the same money, I wold be treted like a Queen in MExico, Thailans, Jamaica, or Aruba. - For the old dated infrastcuure, the proce is too expensive. 

  • No Ubers or ride sharing service. They are old school. You have to call a taxi cojmpany if you do not have a care. 

  • No taxis after 11. 

Pros and Cons of My Hotel, The Buccaneer

• Pros

  • 2 beautiful ceach fronts. 

  • snorkel 

• Cons

  • Older rooms and infrastructure. 

    • not they are in the process of slowing renovating each room. The front desk made a mistake when we checking in because they told us that our room was one of the most recently rennovated rooms. When I walked in, I was like, you mean like 1980s recent. Because it was giving 1980s-1990s hotel chic. It was cute, but dated. 

  • Cleanliness

    • Now some of my girl friends are neat freaks. I'm not that, but I was definitaly dissappointed with the lack of cleanliness and deferred mainteancne. There was a dirt ring around the toilet. Dirty build up in the corners. Stains in the cermaic tile (that I'm sure owuld come up with a little elbow grease). Deteriorated grout and uncaulked places in the bathroom gave way to ants and bugs to easily taavel in and out. Some of the grout in the bathroom was moldy, which is a further indicator as to lack of cleanliness. It's clear ot me that they only clean high touch surfaces and bedding. IT seems like they don't do a deep clean prior to a new guests checking in. That's unfortunate, because this is supposed to be one of the best hotesl in the Caribbean. 

  • No Taxis after 11pm 

  • Plumbing issues -. toielt had trouble flushing most of the time. Gross. 

My experience with a Tropical Storm

• I visited in August of 2024, and Tropical Storm Ernesto decided to pop up on us. The Buccaneer Hotel was very communicative during this process which save me a lot of worry and anxiety.  They sent us a letter saying the following. 

  • A mandatory guest meeting with our Guest Services Team is requies at 4pm on Tuesday 8/13 at the MErmaid Restaurant.

  • In prepration tfor this tropical system, our staff willbring in your pattio furniture