Top Things to do in St. Croix
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Top 10 Things to do in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
Isn’t it romantic? The Caribbean island of St. Croix is practically the backdrop of a Hollywood love story. White sand beaches and lush rainforests set the scene for tropical bliss. Take in the historic small town charm of Christiansted and Frederiksted, sip your way through a spirited tour of the Cruzan Rum Distillery or explore the ruins of a sugar plantation. And the diving…oh, the diving. Think shipwrecks, think vibrant ocean life, think endless underwater possibilities.
Restaurants in St. Croix
1. Isaac Bay
Overall Ratings
5 based on 136 reviews
You need a four-wheel-drive vehicle to get here, but it's well worth the trip to this scenic and secluded beach, perfect for swimming, and a barrier reef for snorkeling.
Reviewed By ttmt2 - Madison, Alabama
Breathtaking scenery and views from the top and along the hike down to the beach. We were here in July and basically had the place to ourselves. We saw 4 other people pass through while we were here. Water was a little rough so the snorkeling wasn't great today due to visibility and churn, but still got to see 3 nice squid swimming together which was a first. Also we had a lot of seaweed in the water and on shore but this comes and goes as you'll see on others' photos on TripAdvisor. Just walk down and find you a nice spot to easily get in the water without having to deal with any rocks and stake your claim for the day. There are plenty of sand spurs along the beach by the grass/pants so beware.
Take plenty of water for the hike down and especially back up - you will need it. The hike isn't too bad but after a day at he beach and in the sun, hiking back up in the sun will not be fun. Stay hydrated! Hike takes about 15 min from parking area to the deck stairs down into the beach at a leisurely pace. Lots of great photo opportunities along the way. Can't say it's the best beach we've seen in our travels but the seclusion, peace and surroundings make this one of the best. The water and beach at Turtle Beach Buck Island is better for just swimming just not the snorkeling.
Word of CAUTION: take everything of value with you if you park your car. It's best to leave your windows open and car unlocked to avoid the chance of someone breaking your window and stealing stuff from your car. Remember you are on a very remote end of the island and you won't be anywhere near your car when you get to the beach. Best to plan ahead and only take what you need that day. Don't be naive; save yourself the headache.
2. Buck Island Reef National Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 739 reviews
Lying 1.5 miles off the northeast coast of St. Croix, this 880-acre national monument includes 176 acres of land surrounded by 704 acres of water and coral reef system; it is a paradise for snorkelers, and the deep grottos and labyrinths are perfect for experienced scuba divers to explore.
Reviewed By Florinhim - Bucharest
Do not miss this island while in the USVI; you can book a trip here (we were there with Capt Heinz) and have a wonderful snorkeling experience plus a short time on one of the greatest Beaches you’ve been to. For the snorkeling, make sure you have some experience as the water above the reef is pretty rough due to the currents and and might be little hard to swim between the high reefs (some are above the water).
At the beach there is a toilet and some picnic tables so bring your own drinks and food for a relaxing stay.
If will be back, will definitely return to Buck Island!
3. Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 191 reviews
Reviewed By Anita H - Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
Most of Frederiksted beach took a beating by recent hurricanes, with some areas only exposed rock (and still some debris) with much of the the sand washed away; but the beach becomes wide and beautiful as you head toward the western cape at Sandy Point National Wildlife Preserve. If you are a good hiker or kayaker, leave Frederiksted walking (or paddling) west on the beach, away from town. I started at Sand Castle on the Beach hotel and the round-trip walk past the point and rounding the corner to view the south side of the island took me at least 2 hours. I passed some rough areas where I could have benefited from sneakers but I passed on and it was so worth the effort. Along the way I passed some locals picnicking, so there is a road that will get you part of the way ; and I passed some kayakers who had been enjoying a secluded part of the beach. After that I had the place completely to myself , kept company only by the pelicans . It was absolutely beautiful in the late afternoon, and I took advantage of the seclusion to take a skinny dip. I wanted to be back before dark so I walked away from the sunset, stopping to turn and enjoy it from time to time. The local sunset cruise boat passed and waved. I arrived back at Sandcastles just as everyone was gathered with cocktails to try to catch the Green Flash.
Take sunscreen & water! Note: the map shows a road out further to the point within the park, but I saw damaged facilities along the way so the park may be closed now since the hurricanes; in the future there may be more people if the park is re-opened.
4. Rhythms at Rainbow Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 814 reviews
The Best Bar and Top Beach on the island is situated less than a 10 minute walk or short cab ride from the Cruise Dock in Frederiksted. One-of-a kind sunsets and beautiful views! We are the original home of the Lime In The Coconut. Relax on the beach, catch a live performance on our famous stage by the Islands best musicians, dance, eat great fare, jet ski, snorkel, visit our T-Shirt shop for authentic souvenirs, and even plan an ATV tour around the island. Just Limin & Stylin at Rhythms at Rainbow Beach!
Reviewed By Dev S - New Jersey
Food was so good and people were so nice! They played trivia later for fun prizes! The mahi tacos, mozzarella sticks, onion rings, chocolate rum cake, and the frozen margaritas were incredible! To die for! Definitely get your hands on that spicy aioli sauce with your food after jet skiing with west end water sports! Watch sunset there with a drink and it really feels like paradise! They have local music on Sundays, definitely is a must-go!
5. St. George Village Botanical Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 353 reviews
You can stroll amid the ruins of this 17-acre estate, a former 19th-century sugarcane plantation village, which contains varied ecosystems from semi-arid cactus to lush green rain forest.
Reviewed By Nicola C
Spent a lovely time visiting the garden today. It’s a really wonderful use of an old plantation and the old ruins provide a super backdrop. Had a guided tour with a most knowledgeable member of staff. Sadly as the visit was organised as part of a cruise stop off we couldn’t spend longer. Would recommend to any garden lover, it’s just fascinating how plants can recover from anything!
6. Carambola Tide Pools
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 265 reviews
Reviewed By RTHolt - Grande Prairie Alberta
Preparedness is important. You should only try to access the tide pool in good weather, and if it has rained, a lot, wait a bit for things to dry up. You can access the pool by way of a guided jeep tour but I have always hiked in and being a jeep owner of over 20 years the road condition requires after market high clearance adjustments. DO NOT even consider bringing a rental vehicle into the pool. This was my third time hiking into the pool. I have mostly left from the upper parking area left of the Carambola Resort gate house. The road condition and lot are passable but not maintained past the gate house and a lot of landscaping refuse is building up in the lot. I suppose if you are going to stay for lunch or supper or if staying at the resort the resort parking lot would be available to you. I had a relaxing drink and snack at the resort on two of my outings and parked there on one occasion, just inquire at the gate. I mention this because you can shave 10 to 15 minutes off the hike by using the resort trail head versus the upper lot trail head. The 2.7 mile trail is not maintained. The trail is noticeably better once you pass the Carambola Trail Head. This is not a flip/flop hike, good footwear is needed and bringing a second pair of water shoes with you is highly recommended, you will need them at the pool. The trail has both steep and gradual inclines. Depending on your fitness level allow 45 minutes to an hour, one way. The trail is covered with leaf debris and caution is needed, many roots and rock out copings are present, all though the trail is predominantly soft, not rock. Pay special attention to the many Hermit Crabs, if you step on them, they will likely die. Bring at minimum a liter of water, two would be better. The trail is infrequently traveled, especially in the low season. I had the trail and pool all to myself this last visit. So a bad scrape, twisted ankle or worse may have you waiting for hours for help, bring two liters of water ! I hiked it solo on this visit, but as I noted it was my third time, should go in as a group or at minimum with a partner. I would rank the hike as intermediate for an experience hiker so novice hikers need take care. Let someone know where you are going, your entry route and when you should be returning, check in on your return. For those unaccustomed to the heat as I was, you are going to sweat, a lot. Again bring lots of water. The trail is 95% shaded cover to the beach, so that helps and the unsheltered areas usually provide some breeze. Expect to see some interesting flora and fauna, take your time, enjoy the hike, but when observing anything other than the trail immediately at your feet, stop, pause, in place. Don't let a twist or fall spoil your experience. The beach approaching the pool is rock, with limited shade. Do not try a beach entry, the rock is constantly shifting with the waves and no good purchase can be made. The tide pool is to the west of the beach, DO NOT attempt the rock wall crossing if the surf is up, rock is slippery, caution and constant attention is needed to avoid slipping, getting to the pool, and once the pool. A small rock hang will provide you with some shade once you make the pool but the ground is rock, hence the good water shoes to gain entry to the pool. The pool itself is sandy bottomed and several feet deep. You can snorkel and swim the pool but being shallow it is like looking into an aquarium so the sea creatures are easily observable. If you are not shy, change there, otherwise wear your swimwear in, under cover. You can climb around the outer wall, if the surf is down, and you brought good footwear. Pool is relatively large and quite enjoyable. Worth the effort in good weather. If you are a birder give yourself some extra time, easily heard, a bit harder to find in the dense forest cover. Also upon reaching the beach road, if you head up away from the reach some early plantation ruins are accessible a short walk away. It takes some work, caution is needed, but It is well worth the preparedness and effort to hike the pool. You can have a lot of fun there despite the difficulty and limitations. Most people, including myself will be wanting a sand beach and shade, to relax limiting the overall experience from excellent to good in my opinion. However a stop on the way out at the resort for a drink, snack/meal, swim, pool and beach visit would easily move the experience to excellent. Do not attempt any cliff climbing here, help is a long ways off.
7. Point Udall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 591 reviews
This rocky promontory, the easternmost point in the United States, juts into the Caribbean Sea and features "The Castle," a huge mansion perched atop the cliffs and which resembles India's Taj Mahal and a Moorish mosque.
Reviewed By Lee785 - Topeka, Kansas
Actually arising in time to see a sunrise is well worth the effort; seldom any crowd, Most likely alone, you (and kids) can cavort while awaiting sunrise with no observers, no one to critique. View leaving is nice. Worth the drive later in the day is worthy for beautiful coastal views in bound to site. If substantial hiking is planned to access the nearby Beaches bring lots of water, your own TP and plan to carry out your trash and (stuff) as there ARE NO FACILITIES at site or within reasonable drive!!!
8. Buck Island Cove
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 129 reviews
About two miles northeast of St. Croix, Buck Island Cove, with its large and spectacular reef, is a snorkeler’s dream.
Reviewed By seeingtheworld22 - Millersville, Maryland
Buck island has an amazing beach: quintessential Caribbean! We stopped here for only 30 minutes before going to the other side of the island to snorkel. I could've laid on that white sand or relaxed in that turquoise water for hours!
9. Frederiksted Pier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 528 reviews
A great day or night dive, the pier is home to a thriving population of marine and coral life.
Reviewed By MSkinner - Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
They're still recovering from the hurricane, but you could tell that the pier and the area around it was quite nice. And I'm sure it's going to be again, shortly. Hopefully they continue to get the cruises in, and people continue to help financially support the locals.
10. Rainbow Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 413 reviews
Reviewed By solarpowered1 - Nashua, New Hampshire
The Southern most section sustained significant erosion of the sand from the last hurricane so it is rocky when you enter the water. Once out 30' or so there are some sandy spots. The one advantage is its proximity to the cruise terminal so when you return from any excursion you can take a quick dip in the ocean. There are a few locals selling drinks at reasonable prices.
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