St. Croix
Country: US Virgin Islands · Region: Eastern Caribbean · Currency: US Dollar
St. Croix is the largest US Virgin Island featuring rolling hills, rainforest, and two charming towns with Danish architecture. The cruise ship port is located in Frederiksted near Fort Frederik.
Top sights
Buck Island Reef National Monument, Christiansted Historic Site, Salt River Bay National Historical Park, St. George Village Botanical Garden, Whim Plantation, Cane Bay Beach
Things to do
- Buck Island Reef National Monument
- Uninhabited island surrounded by coral reef hosting 250 species of fish and monitored by the US Park Service.
- Christiansted Historic Site
- Waterfront historic site with five structures including Fort Christiansvaern, a Danish fort built in 1738.
- Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve
- Historic site near Christiansted marking the only place in present-day United States where Christopher Columbus set foot.
- Cruzan Rum distillery
- Working distillery in Frederiksted offering tours and tastings of locally-made rum.
Beaches
- Cane Bay Beach
- Premier diving beach with tremendous diving around the beach and upper wall levels before a 13,000-foot drop to the ocean floor.
- Frederiksted Pier
- Night dive site where critters inhabit an artificial reef formed by the cruise ship pier.
Where to eat
- Tutto Bene
- Italian restaurant in the Gallows Bay area of Christiansted and local favorite.
- Harvey's
- Local restaurant serving traditional stew goat and other Crucian specialties.
Bars and nightlife
- Brew Pub
- Seaside establishment in Christiansted that makes several good beers.
Getting around
Taxis (large vans charging $10-20+ by zone) or car rentals are necessary as local roads are narrow, curvy, and not pedestrian friendly.
What to eat
Try local specialties like salted fish, stewed goat, and fresh seasonal vegetables at roadside stands, or dine at restaurants like Harvey's, Singh's, and fine dining options like Tutto Bene and Bacchus.
Tips
Take a tour of the Cruzan Rum distillery in Frederiksted and purchase local rum flavors unavailable elsewhere in the USA.
Best for
Diving, snorkeling, marine life