If you’ve been dreaming about a Caribbean getaway, St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands deserves a spot on your ideas list. Between the gorgeous beaches, history and food, it’s the kind of place that stays with you long after your tan fades. Here are 10 reasons to visit St. Croix!
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As a beach lover, I can truly say that St. Croix has some of the most unspoiled beaches in the Caribbean! Having visited other Caribbean destinations like Aruba, The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos and the Cayman Islands, St. Croix beaches are seriously some of my favorites everrrr!
Let’s dive into the allllll the reasons you’ll fall in love with St. Croix!
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Why you’ve gotta get to St. Croix ASAP!
So if you’re wondering “is St. Croix worth visiting?” – I’ll tell you I could go on forever on reasons why you’ll love it! But here are the top 10 reasons why you need to get to this Caribbean destination.
1. Easy to visit from the USA (no passport needed)
One of the best parts about traveling to St. Croix is how simple it is for U.S. citizens…you don’t even need a passport! Since it’s a U.S. territory, your cell phone plan will likely work, the U.S. dollar is used, and you’ll feel at ease while still being on a tropical island.
That ease makes it even more tempting to book a last-minute getaway!
2. Beaches straight out of a screensaver
Crystal-clear waters, soft white sand, and beautiful palm trees, gah! You’ll find some of the most beautiful beaches ever on St. Croix. Sandy Point is famous for its nesting sea turtles and postcard-perfect shoreline.
A few of my faves:
- Cane Bay Beach
- Issacs Bay Beach
- Mermaid Beach
- Cottongarden Bay Beach
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3. There are unique places and hidden gems that will help you fall in love with St. Croix
Off-the-beaten path of tourists and especially away from the cruise port, St. Croix is just so magical! Yes, the beaches are spectacular! But away from the water, there are some really fun, unique places worth visiting.
Here are a few lesser-known spots to see in St. Croix:
- Pop’s Blow Hole
- Hams Bluff Lighthouse
- Point Udall (the easternmost point in the US)
4. It’s perfect for foodies
There’s so many restaurants in St. Croix, the island has a little bit of everything for every price point and preference!
Of course you’ll want to enjoy the fresh seafood…yum! From laid-back beachside eateries to sophisticated dining experiences, St. Croix is a delicious destination for all to enjoy. Christiansted has the most restaurants, but my favorites were actually outside the city!
A few of my favorite places to eat in St. Croix:
- The Landing Beach Bar
- Duggan’s Reef
- Beach Side Cafe
- Rhythms at Rainbow Beach
5. The underwater world is spectacular!
If you love snorkeling or diving, this island is paradise. Cane Bay Wall is world-famous, with its dramatic drop-off that attracts marine life of all kinds. Think sea turtles, rays, colorful reef fish…everything you can imagine.
I was personally blown away by the underwater world, and the snorkeling and diving is definitely one of the best reasons to visit St Croix…especailly when so much of the Caribbean has bleached reef systems. Just be sure to pack mineral sunscreen on your trip! Traditional sunscreens damage reefs and kill marine life.
And if you’re into snorkeling, there’s plenty to choose from. My husband and I snorkeled many places during our time in St. Croix, but our favorite was at the cruise ship pier in Frederiksted. During your trip, check the St. Croix cruise schedule and plan to snorkel under the pier when there aren’t any cruise ships at port!
6. It’s not crowded (one of my personal favorite reasons to visit St Croix!)
Unlike some of the more popular Caribbean islands and the other US Virgin Islands, St. Croix doesn’t feel overrun with tourists. That means you can spread out on the beaches without feeling like you’re in a crowd!
It’s especially empty on the days when no cruises are at port! It reminds me of the Exumas, Bahamas how it’s just so empty everywhere!
7. For an island, it’s pretty adventurous
Sure, you can sip cocktails on the beach (and you should!), but St. Croix is also perfect for adventure seekers. From hiking to the Hams Bluff Lighthouse, flying through the sky at with Carambola Zip Line to kayaking through Salt River Bay, the island has tons of outdoor thrills!
If you’re into water sports, paddleboarding and kiteboarding are popular. And if you want a brag-worthy experience, scuba diving the Cane Bay Wall or taking a sunset sail is unforgettable.
8. St. Croix is rich in history
With history that dates back to 3,000 years before Columbus arrived, there’s plenty to soak in on St. Croix! Visit the Fort Christiansvaern and its museum and the Christiansted National Historic Site.
Another site worth visiting is the Estate Whim Museum. There are limited hours, but the multiple buildings on the site includes history of the island’s sugar mills, slavery, and what life was like in the 1800’s. Note: bring cash to enter and check the hours as they’re limited.
9. You’ll love a day trip to Buck Island Reef National Monument
This is hands-down one of the best things to do in St. Croix! Buck Island is a protected marine park just off the coast, and it’s often called one of the best snorkeling spots in the world.
The underwater snorkeling trail guides you through coral reefs filled with vibrant sea life. Plus, the island itself is home to white sandy beaches where you can relax after your adventure.
Taking a day trip to Buck Island, you’ll leave from Christiansted and it’s just a short ride over to the island. Buck Island has completely unspoiled beaches, and is a fun way to spend the day!
10. Christiansted is fun and super cute
With Dutch influence and plenty of history, Christiansted is sort of the hub of the island. With an excellent boardwalk with plenty of shopping and restaurants, it’s centrally located and easy to access the north, west and east ends of the island.
A popular place to stay is the Hotel on the Cay, which requires a boat ride from Christiansted and has its own private beach.
I haven’t stayed in Christiansted because I prefer quieter areas away form the crowds, but it’s a great spot to hang out, see the sights and eat.
Visit St. Croix, USVI for vacation – that’s a wrap!
So, are you ready for an amazing trip to the Caribbean? Stunning beaches, history and even some adventure, there are so many amazing reasons to visit St. Croix!
Have fun, be safe and respectful to the islands and the locals!
Related content you’ll love:
16 Best Beaches in St. Croix, USVI: Breathtaking Spots You’ll Love
13 Best Restaurants in St. Croix, USVI That Will Make Your Taste Buds Dance
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