If you’re looking for a tropical paradise with plenty of activities to keep you busy, look no further than St. Croix. The largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix is a hidden gem that offers something for everyone, from pristine beaches to historical sites to outdoor adventures.
Here are some of the best things to do on the island.
1. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
St. Croix is an incredible destination for both snorkeling and scuba diving, thanks to its pristine waters, diverse marine life, and numerous reefs and shipwrecks. The island offers many different spots for snorkeling and scuba diving, with varying depths and levels of difficulty.
Buck Island Reef National Monument is a must-visit spot for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. The island is home to some of the most spectacular coral gardens in the world, including the famous Elkhorn Coral Forest. Here, you can explore an underwater paradise full of colorful fish, sea turtles, and other marine creatures. There are several tour operators that offer guided snorkeling and diving tours to Buck Island, including Caribbean Sea Adventures and Big Beard’s Adventure Tours.
Another popular spot for snorkeling and diving is the Frederiksted Pier, which is known for its vibrant and abundant sea life. The pier’s pillars and surrounding waters are home to a variety of fish species, including parrotfish, angelfish, and barracudas. There are many tour operators that offer guided snorkeling and diving tours to the Frederiksted Pier, including St. Croix Ultimate Bluewater Adventures and Dive Experience.
For scuba diving enthusiasts, the famous “Wall” at Cane Bay is a must-visit spot. The Wall drops to a depth of over 13,000 feet, and is home to a variety of coral, sponges, and fish species. There are several dive shops that offer guided dives to the Wall, including Cane Bay Dive Shop and SCUBA.
2. Beaches
St. Croix is known for its beautiful beaches, with crystal clear waters and soft sand. Here are some of the top beaches to visit on the island:
- Sandy Point Beach: This is a stunning beach located on the southwestern tip of the island. It’s a protected wildlife reserve, so it’s only open on weekends, but it’s definitely worth the visit.
- Cane Bay Beach: This beach is popular among snorkelers and divers, as it has one of the best reefs on the island. It’s also a great spot for sunbathing and relaxing on the soft sand.
- Rainbow Beach: As the name suggests, this beach is full of vibrant colors, with turquoise water and soft white sand. It’s a great place to swim, sunbathe, and enjoy water sports.
- Shoys Beach: This is a secluded beach on the eastern side of the island, surrounded by lush greenery. It’s a great spot for swimming and snorkeling, and it’s known for its peaceful atmosphere.
- Buccaneer Beach: Located on the grounds of the Buccaneer Resort, this beach offers pristine white sand and calm waters. It’s a great spot for families, as there are plenty of amenities available.
No matter which beach you choose to visit in St. Croix, you’re sure to be impressed by the natural beauty and relaxing atmosphere.
3. Hiking
Hiking in St. Croix is an incredible way to explore the natural beauty of the island. With lush greenery, stunning vistas, and diverse terrain, there are many options for hikers of all skill levels. One popular trail is the Annaly Bay Tide Pools, a moderate hike that leads to unique tidal pools where you can swim and snorkel. Another option is the Jack and Isaac Bay Preserve Trail, a more challenging hike that rewards you with breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. The island’s most popular trail, the Reef Bay Trail, takes you through the tropical forest, passing ancient petroglyphs and a majestic waterfall. The Carambola Tide Pools is another great hiking option that takes you through the rainforest to natural tidal pools. Whatever your hiking preferences, St. Croix offers endless opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the island.
4. Historical Sites
St. Croix is home to a wealth of historical sites that showcase the island’s rich cultural heritage. One of the most notable is Christiansted National Historic Site, which features well-preserved 18th and 19th-century colonial buildings and structures. Visitors can explore the fort, warehouses, and other buildings that once served as the hub of the island’s economy.
Another must-see historical site is Estate Whim Plantation Museum, which offers a glimpse into the island’s sugar plantation past. The restored great house and other buildings showcase the luxurious lifestyle of the plantation owners as well as the harsh conditions endured by the enslaved workers.
For a more somber historical experience, visitors can tour the St. George Village Botanical Garden. This site was once a sugar plantation and later a village for emancipated slaves. The museum and exhibits here provide insight into the lives of the enslaved people who worked on the island’s plantations.
Other notable historical sites in St. Croix include Fort Frederiksted, an 18th-century fort that once protected the island from attacks by pirates and other invaders, and the Cruzan Rum Distillery, which dates back to 1760 and is one of the island’s oldest continuously operating businesses.
5. Kayaking(Day/Night)
Kayaking is a great way to explore St. Croix’s mangrove forests and see wildlife up close. Take a guided tour with companies like Virgin Kayak Tours or Adventure St. Croix, or rent your own kayak and explore on your own. If you can, try to kayak at night for a night you wont forget. Experience the magic of bioluminescence with a night kayaking tour in St. Croix’s Salt River Bay. Paddle through the water and watch as the glowing microorganisms light up the water around you.
6. Horseback Riding
Horseback riding in St. Croix is an exhilarating experience that combines adventure, history, and natural beauty. With several tours available, you can choose from a range of experiences, from riding along the shoreline to exploring the lush tropical forests of the island.
One popular tour takes you to the famous Estate Whim Museum, where you’ll learn about the island’s history and the lives of its former plantation owners. Then, you’ll saddle up and ride through the beautiful countryside, passing by sugar cane fields, fruit trees, and stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.
Another tour takes you on a beach ride, where you’ll gallop along the white sand and crystal-clear waters of the island’s shoreline. You’ll feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your skin as you ride through the waves, taking in the stunning scenery and feeling the thrill of the ride.
No matter which tour you choose, horseback riding in St. Croix is an unforgettable experience that will leave you with lasting memories of the island’s beauty and charm. So why not saddle up and explore the island in a truly unique and exciting way?
7. Food and Drink
St. Croix has a rich culinary culture, blending Caribbean, African, European, and Latin American influences. The local cuisine is known for its bold flavors, fresh seafood, and use of local ingredients.
Some of the must-try dishes include the traditional saltfish and fungi, a dish made with salted cod and cornmeal. Another popular dish is the West Indian roti, a stuffed bread with curried vegetables, chicken, or beef. Stewed goat and pork are also commonly found on local menus.
Seafood lovers will enjoy dishes like conch fritters, grilled lobster, and fresh fish caught from the island’s waters. Vegetarians can indulge in plantain chips, johnnycakes, and callaloo soup, a flavorful soup made with leafy greens and okra.
To wash it all down, try a refreshing island cocktail like the Painkiller, made with rum, pineapple, orange, and coconut, or the Cruzan Rum Punch, a mix of rum, fruit juices, and grenadine. Local beer, including the popular Virgin Islands brewed beer, is also a great option.
Visitors can explore the island’s food culture by taking a food tour, visiting local markets, or attending food festivals like the St. Croix Food and Wine Experience, a week-long event featuring local chefs and food vendors. Click here to see St. Croix’s best restaurants.
8. Visit a Sugar Mill
Exploring the island’s sugar mills is a must-do activity, but be warned – it’s not for the faint of heart! With over 150 sugar mill ruins on the island, finding one that’s open to the public can be a bit of a challenge. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! One of the most popular options is the Whim Plantation, a beautifully restored sugar plantation that offers fascinating tours. Unfortunately, it was closed when we visited, but we didn’t let that stop us from discovering other hidden gems on the island. So put on your explorer hat and let’s see what we can find!
9. Walk the Christiansted Boardwalk
Get ready to explore the charming and colorful Christiansted, the main town of St. Croix! Although it may be small, this town has a big personality. Take a drive through the colorful streets and see the cute archways down the sidewalks. Sure, there are some areas that may look run down, but the unique and lively buildings more than make up for it. Venture towards the harbor and the boardwalk that runs alongside the water and prepare to be dazzled. The restaurants and shops that line the boardwalk are perfect for dinner or happy hour, especially since many of them offer stunning views of the water. Whether you’re staying nearby or just want to explore the town’s charm, Christiansted is a must-see destination in St. Croix.
10. Tour Fort Christiansvaern or Fort Frederik
Get ready to step back in time and explore the fascinating history of St. Croix through its impressive forts! The island boasts two main forts, each with their own unique story and architecture. The first, Fort Christiansvaern, is a well-preserved colonial fort that was constructed in the 1700s. Located in the heart of Christiansted and adjacent to the harbor, it served to protect the island and ensure the collection of import/export taxes. This National Historic Site is constructed in four points, enclosing a beautiful courtyard. Painted a bright and sunny yellow, it’s a stunning example of Danish colonial architecture that you won’t want to miss! Across the island, you’ll find Fort Frederik, shaped like a trapezoid and painted in a solid, bold red. This fort played a significant role in history, serving as the location of the Emancipation Revolt in 1848 which brought an end to slavery in the West Indies. So why not immerse yourself in the fascinating stories of these incredible forts and experience the rich history of St. Croix for yourself?
11. Take a Day Trip to Buck Island
Get ready to explore one of the most breathtaking beaches in St. Croix! Buck Island is an absolute must-visit destination, and you won’t regret adding it to your travel itinerary. As you hop on a boat to Buck Island with a bunch of other like-minded travelers, you’ll feel the excitement bubbling up inside you. Once you reach the island, the mesmerizing beauty of Turtle Beach will greet you with open arms. The turquoise ring surrounding the beach is something you can’t miss!
As you step on the sand, get ready to explore every corner of this paradise. But the real adventure begins when you put on your snorkeling gear and dive into the underwater world of Buck Island. You’ll witness the marvels of the reef that make it a national monument, and swim through a guided underwater trail. Coral that’s taller than you have ever seen before and plaques that narrate the story of the reef will take your breath away.
Oh, and did we mention the rum punch on the way back? Yes, you heard it right! Sipping on a delicious drink, while relaxing on the boat and taking in the stunning views of St. Croix from afar is an experience that you’ll cherish for a lifetime. So what are you waiting for? Add this top-rated activity to your bucket list now and book your Buck Island boat tour!
12. Hike to the Annaly Bay Tide Pools
Looking for an adventure that’s off the beaten path? Look no further than the Annaly Bay tide pools hike on this beautiful island. It’s not for the faint of heart, but if you’re up for a challenge, it’s a must-do activity. Experienced 4×4 drivers can take a Jeep all the way to the shore, but if you’re not comfortable, don’t worry! The hike is well worth it. Once you get there, you’ll have to scramble over some rocks to get to the tide pools, but the adventure is part of the fun! And while the heat and hills might seem daunting, there’s another flatter trek available. Once you reach the tide pools, you’ll be amazed by the unique sand-filled pools and the large shells that dot the beach. This hike is not to be missed!
13. See the Beer Drinking Pigs at the Mt. Pellier Domino Club
Hold on to your hats, folks, because this next spot is truly one-of-a-kind. Tucked away in the heart of the jungle lies the Domino Club, a must-see destination on your trip. Now, before we dive in, we must warn you that the beer here is non-alcoholic, but don’t let that deter you from having the time of your life. Order up a round of MamaWanna, a local liquor made with rainforest bits and distilled over rainforest plants, for a true island experience. But what sets the Domino Club apart are the pigs. Yes, you read that right. These furry friends will beg for your can of (non-alcoholic) beer, grab it with their teeth, and chug it down like it’s nobody’s business. It’s a sight to behold and an experience you won’t soon forget. So grab a seat, order up some MamaWanna, and get ready to hang out with the coolest pigs on the island.
14. Take a Bioluminescent Tour
Get ready for a truly magical experience on your trip to St. Croix! One of the coolest tours you can embark on is a kayak adventure through the bioluminescent waters of Salt River Bay. Did you know that there are only seven bioluminescent bays in the entire world, and Salt River Bay is one of them? That’s right! This rare phenomenon is caused by tiny microorganisms in the water that light up and react to movement. As you glide through the water in your kayak, you’ll witness thousands of sparkling lights beneath you, creating a mesmerizing and unforgettable sight. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you don’t want to miss out on. Book your tour now and get ready to be dazzled by the natural beauty of St. Croix.
15. Dive Cane Bay Wall
Hold your breath and get ready to dive into the vibrant waters of St. Croix! If you’re a scuba diving enthusiast, you won’t want to miss the chance to explore the Cane Bay Wall – one of the most renowned spots in the Caribbean. This underwater wonder is a massive trench with an astonishing depth of thousands of feet, making it a thrill-seeker’s dream. What’s even more exciting is that a section of this impressive trench is just a stone’s throw away from the shores of St. Croix, making it easily accessible for adventurous divers. So strap on your gear and get ready to plunge into the depths of the Cane Bay Wall – it’s a scuba diving adventure that you won’t forget!
16. Hams Bluff Lighthouse
Prepare to be amazed by the historic Hams Bluff Lighthouse in all its rusted glory. A 30-minute jungle hike to this picturesque location is sure to pique your curiosity. While exploring, keep an eye out for the overgrown power lines that add to the rustic charm. The sweeping coastline view from the lighthouse is breathtaking, and rumor has it you can even climb to the top for an unparalleled panoramic view. But don’t worry, if climbing the lighthouse isn’t your thing, there’s a safe and sturdy scaffolding structure next to it that will still provide a unique perspective. This is the perfect spot to pack a picnic or to stretch your legs with a hike that’s full of surprises. Don’t miss the chance to experience the magical Hams Bluff Lighthouse!
17. Visit a Distillery
Get ready to indulge in the tantalizing flavors of rum in St. Croix! This Caribbean island boasts of several distilleries where you can savor the essence of rum. The Cruzan Rum Distillery and the Captain Morgan Rum Distillery are just a few names that should definitely be on your bucket list. You won’t be able to resist the plethora of flavored rums available at the bars. And if you’re not a big fan of rum and coke, think again! Our Air Bnb host welcomed us with mango rum and coke, which was an absolute game-changer. It felt like we were having a delicious dessert! So, what are you waiting for? Try out some of the tantalizing rum drinks and experience the true essence of St. Croix!
18. Visit Point Udall
Looking for a unique and breathtaking experience on St. Croix? Head over to Point Udall, where you’ll find the awe-inspiring Millennial Monument! This massive sundial, perched atop a stunning mountain and overlooking the vast expanse of the ocean, is an unforgettable sight that will leave you breathless. Built to commemorate the start of the new millennium in 2000, the monument is an incredible feat of engineering and design. But that’s not all: Point Udall is also conveniently located near Isaac’s Bay and Jack’s Bay, two more must-visit destinations on this amazing island. Don’t miss out on this incredible adventure!
19. Visit the Columbus Landing site
Get ready for an exciting history lesson! St. Croix is where Christopher Columbus and his crew landed during their second voyage in 1493, and you can visit the very spot where they made history. At the beach, locals gather for weekend get-togethers with BBQs and picnics, and they’re always happy to welcome visitors to join in on the fun. And that’s just the start of the adventure. St. Croix is a true explorer’s paradise, with rugged landscapes and endless opportunities for excitement. Whether you’re hiking through the jungle, diving in the crystal-clear waters, or simply soaking up the sun on the beach, St. Croix is sure to capture your heart. And when it’s time to leave, you’ll already be planning your next trip back. Come discover why St. Croix is one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets!
20. Take the Ferry to Protestant Cay
Looking for a unique beach experience on St. Croix? Look no further than Protestant Cay! This small island is just a quick ferry ride away from Christiansted harbor, and boasts a stunning beach that’s popular among locals and tourists alike. Not only is the ferry ride itself a fun adventure, but once you arrive on the island, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding crystal-clear waters. While the hotel on the island is reserved for guests, the beach is open to all visitors. So grab your swimsuit and head to Protestant Cay for a day of sun, sand, and adventure!