Discover the Best of Saint Croix: Top Things to Do

Things to Do in St. Croix

This picturesque island is the most rural of the U. S. Virgin Islands with secluded beaches, hiking, outdoor adventures, delicious cuisine, and rich local culture and history . It’s the perfect romantic getaway for couples to connect and create memories together. These our recommendation for the Top 10 Things to Do in Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.

Wait there is more, with a variety of top-notch Caribbean and seafood dining options, the only casino in the Islands, music and entertainment, two rum distilleries you can tour, and charming artisanal boutiques to explore; Saint Croix has everything you need for an unforgettable vacation.

Wanderlog Map Of Saint Croix!

Trip map courtesy of Wanderlog, a trip planner app on iOS and Android

Here is a map from Wanderlog Travel Planner, which will help you get a feel for the layout of the island. Saint Croix is the largest of the four U.S. Virgin Islands and is 28 miles long and 7 miles wide. I highly recommend renting your own vehicle from Rentalcars.com, you can book HERE ahead of time so you have flexibility during your stay. There are tons of attractions and island experiences to keep you active and having freedom to come and go whenever you want was beneficial. Just remember they drive on the opposite side of the road in St. Croix.

If you’re in the early stages of planning your next vacation to St. Croix, you may want to check out the Ultimate Travel Guide to St. Croix for recommendations on hotels, transportation, dining options and travel tips. Make sure to pin and save for later to make our job easier!

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Kayak

A stop on the 3 hour Kayak Trip to explore a private beach

 Bioluminescence Kayak Trip If your timing is right, experience a surreal night-time kayak adventure surrounded by glowing water. This rare phenomenon called bioluminescence occurs in nature in only 7 other places in the world. This magical glow is actually caused by microscopic organisms that produce a chemical reaction when disturbed. With every stroke of the paddle, the water will illuminate as you traverse the Salt River Bay in a glass bottom kayak. Check the timing of the trip to reserve your spot, the optimal time for viewing is around new moons when there will be no moonlight reflecting on the water. Trip is available for all ages and skill levels. $50

Bush Tribe Echo Adventures Since the moon didn’t align for the Bio Bay Kayak Trip, I opted for the 3 hour morning kayak tour. Highly impressed by the knowledgeable guide, he shared information about the islands ecosystem and history throughout the tour. An abundance of local wildlife included seeing cauliflower looking Jellyfish, snowy egrets, iguanas and sea turtles. We stopped at a private beach, which we were allowed to explore and beachcomb. This trip is designed for all ages and skill levels.

Horseback Riding on the Beach

horseback ride in Saint Croix

This is your chance to ride horseback on the beach, including swim and splash right into the sea water! Yes, it’s straight out of a movie! The Equus Ride horseback riding tours can be booked here.

They have knowledgeable guides that take you along sandy beaches and through a rainforest trail on the rugged area on the West End. Plus you get to splash through the ocean on these beautiful horses for an unforgettable experience. Comfort around horses is optimal, but no experience is needed. During the trip they also share the history of the island and unique features of the land. Another option is riding horseback with Cruzan Cowgirls, which support rescue and care of the neglected horses on the islands. All of the guides are unpaid volunteers, who only make money from the tips during the tours. Make reservations ahead of time. No age requirement. The third option is to explore the jungle terrain on horseback with

Set Sail to Buck Island

Sail to Buck Island on a Catamaran

Experience the Caribbean Sea aboard a 42' Catamaran while you also explore Buck Island. If you opt for the full day trip, it’s an all-inclusive trip to Buck Island Turtle Beach, aboard the Renegade with  Captain Big Beards Boat Tours. There is an option for half day trip also. We departed at 9:30am from downtown Christiansted harbor and returned at 3:30pm, quite content with a full day of one-of-a kind experiences. It included a barbecue lunch, snacks and vodka punch.

This is a great way to experience both, sailing and snorkeling since snorkel gear and a quick lesson are included in the tour. The snorkeling is Awwmazing!!! The return trip was a relaxing ride after a full day of new sights above and below these warm Caribbean waters.

Snorkel / Scuba Dive at Buck Island

We swam beside Green Sea Turtles while snorkeling in Saint Croix.

Don’t miss the opportunity to snorkel or scuba dive in one of the top locations in the whole United States. Seriously, it is a magical underwater experience as you explore the beauty below the shore. Take a day trip and sail by boat out to Buck Island Reef National Monument, this magnificent underwater trail along the vibrant coral reef is home of thousands of colorful fish, sea urchins, and turtles. By far the highlight of our entire trip! We swam besides graceful sting rays, green sea turtles and even a lemon shark. (Thankfully we were a good distance from the shark) Did I mention the crystal clear water temps average 80 degrees, yes, it’s pure heaven!

Hike to the Tide Pools

Rocky beach at Annaly Bay while hiking to Tide Pools

Hikers will love St. Croix, considered the “country” of the Virgin Islands with the least developed natural areas. On the Western side are tropical rainforests and rugged coastlines. The Annaly Bay Carambola tide pools, located on the North shoreline, are a number of naturally formed pools found on Saint Croix. This challenging hike will take you through rainforest and overlooks of Carambola Beach Resort and Davis Bay. The jungle trail is narrow with uneven terrain and exposed roots. Use caution as you near the beach because there are slippery rocks, and at one point you have to precariously hug the rock ledge while you traverse across to reach the tidepools. It’s 2.5 mile hike (one way) to the tidepools, but completely worth it. The beach area is rocky, with rough waves, so use extra caution when swimming. Tip head out in the morning to ensure ample time.

Explore Beaches in St. Croix

With 23 different beaches to pick from there are tons of options from secluded beaches to lively ones with music and amenities. Here are some specific beach recommendations depending on your desires.

Rainbow Beach is the scene if you’re in the mood for lively music, volleyball, beach chairs, and water sport rentals. The beachfront bar restaurant, Rhythms Bar, has all the amenities. The beach is sandy but becomes very rocky under the water, so bring water shoes if planning to go into the water.

Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge

One of the best beaches on the island, with a beautiful sandy bottom is Sandy Point. This beach is part of the National Wildlife refuge and is a turtle nesting area. In winter it is only open on weekends due to turtle nesting. It’s a decent walk through sand to get to the shore, note there are no facilities so plan ahead.

Shoy’s Beach

If you prefer a beautiful quiet beach with plenty of shade and no crowds, then head to Shoy’s Beach. It’s a short walk from the parking lot. The water drops off at about 10 ft from the shoreline. Great beach for sea combing and for snorkeling. There good visibility and along the left side of the beach is a reef where you can see a variety of colorful fish. Watch out for the black urchins and coral in the water.

Turtle Beach on Buck Island

One of the most pristine beaches with the softest white sand located on Buck island, an uninhabited island located right off the shore of St Croix. To get there you can kayak or take a boat. We took a day trip out to this beautiful beach aboard a catamaran. Another option is to rent a private boat.

Floating in the waters at Buck Island

Frederiksted Beach Pier Located right near Frederiksted’s downtown, we made a whole day of it. We visited the beach after exploring the historic town, grabbed lunch and headed to the charming shops. Polly’s on the Pier is a great little place to grab breakfast or sandwiches, wraps, and salad for lunch . The old pier columns are a great place to snorkel to see seahorses.

Go Chaney Hunting

Are you a rock hound or shell collector? Beachcombers fans be on the look out for Chaney, pronounced “chay-nee.” Chaney is the beautiful pottery shards and fragments that can be found in the sandy beaches and soil around the old sugar mill plantations on St. Croix. Most of it is white, but if you are lucky you can uncover some with colored patterns. During my walks on the beach, I was thrilled to find a pretty blue and white piece.

Search for Sea Horses at Frederiksted Pier

Tiny seahorse can be seen at the Frederiksted Pier

Another unique spot to snorkel or scuba dive for beginners is at Frederiksted Beach. A tropical storm destroyed the old pier many years ago, but there still remains some old pillars. The pier was recently rebuilt for cruise ships and other large boats, although, a few pilings from the old pier still remain just a few yards out from the shore. These columns are teeming with fascinating underwater creatures, colorful soft coral, sea slugs and tiny seahorses. This is a very easy dive, and an especially nice night dive! The pier is right near the old Fort Frederik, built in 1752. We appreciated having our own US Dive snorkeling gear with bag, which was much cheaper than renting.

Your non-diving members will have plenty of thing to do while you are marveling at the world below the waters. This rocky beach provides interesting rock formations where tiny crabs like to hide. Plus, during our stay we experience the wonder of swimming with sea turtles in their natural environment. We spotted them while snorkeling by the pier and had the opportunity to swim less than 4 feet from these magnificent creatures gracefully swimming through the water.

Shopping in St. Croix

Remember your trip by grabbing a souvenir from the island. Handmade artisanal items can be found in quaint boutiques in the historic shopping area found in Frederiksted and Christiansted. With no sales tax and items are duty free, it’s a great time to pick up a Saint Croix hook bracelet, which is a popular Crucian jewelry design, or shop for discount liquor or locally made rums. While shopping, enjoy the historical area, with charming shops tucked into architectural designed buildings from the 1700-1800s. It’s easy to purchase items since they use the US dollar for currency. Most shops are open 9-5, Mon- Sat, closed on Sundays.

Tour a Rum Distillery

I hope you like rum, since the Island is home to two distilleries, Cruzan Rum and Captain Morgan. If you appreciate history and enjoy being able to see where the whole distilling process happens, go to the Cruzan Rum tour, the Nelthropp family has been producing this rum for generations on St. Croix. And, of course, each tour ends at the pavilion with the opportunity to savor two different glasses of the best local rum or cocktails! Try the many various rum flavors from spiced, mango, pineapple, coconut, and banana.

Live Entertainment and Crab Races

A lively night at The Deep End Restaurant, Saint Croix

The Deep End Bar and Grill, is a beach front restaurant offering a lively atmosphere. During our stay we enjoyed dinner, drinks and entertainment, specifically crab racing.

Crab Racing at The Deep End Restaurant, Saint Croix

Crab racing was a traditional pastime for Crucians. Tito & Sue's Crab Races have brought back this Crucian cultural experience, which is quite entertaining for everyone! For just a dollar, we were able to choose and name our own hermit crab. Each crab is labeled with masking tape and placed in a bucket. Then the thrilling and fast pace races begin! Whichever crab crosses the outer circle first is the winner. I had no idea crab racing could be so exciting, although when you pick the winning crab it helps. We won the grand prize of a catamaran day trip! The entertainment varies each night with live musicians, salsa, bingo and, of course, crab races. Check the schedule for events, they also race at Brew STX.

Zipline

If you’re daring enough, soar through the air and gain a bird’s eye view of the beauty of the Islands. The three different ziplines take you over top the island’s rainforest. No worries, competent guides will help keep you safe and secure in your harness while you experience this thrilling adventure. First, the bus will head up to the top of the island and then you get to zipline on three different Carabola Ziplines. If you’ve never experienced ziplining, you gotta try it, especially at such a beautiful location.

Golf

There are multiple golf courses located on the Island. They include the Carambola Golf & Country Club, the Buccaneer Hotel and the Reef Golf Course. These gorgeous locations will allow you to take in the beautiful sites of Saint Croix.

What to Pack

Here are a couple items we highly recommend bringing on your Saint Croix vacation.

Reef Safe Sunscreen

Non-mineral based sunscreens are banned in the USVI. The chemicals in many sunscreens can be harmful to the coral reef system. Be prepared by purchasing prior to getting to the island, since prices are much higher in St. Croix. Nobody has time for a sunburn on vacation, so protect your skin from harmful UV Rays with Reef Safe Sunscreen or Sea Kind Alive Reef Safe Sunscreen, which is rated one of the safest and best for sensitive skin on EWG.

Snorkel Gear

Bring your own snorkel gear

You can rent snorkel gear, but having your own is definitely advantages. Personally we benefited from bringing our own US Divers Snorkel Gear with bag. While we were at Frederiksted Beach, we utilized our own snorkel gear to explore by the pier and look for sea horses. When we were there we spotted sea turtles and were able to get a few feet from these magnificent creatures. Also, at our condos private beach and some secluded beaches, we were able to snorkel and had the unique chance to spy an Eagle Ray gliding underneath us.

Under Water Camera

I highly suggest bringing an underwater camera. Disappointed with so many missed once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunities, like swimming by a lemon shark, sea turtles and sting rays. Upon returning from our trip, we immediately purchased the Proshot Underwater Camera Case. This case turns your phone into its own underwater camera. We have used it multiple times since then and love it.

Trying to decide where to stay in Saint Croix, check out this St. Croix Travel Guide for the best places to stay during your vacation.

No matter what you choose to spend your time doing, you’re sure to have a memorable trip discovering the beauty of this Caribbean island. Follow Discovering Anew for more adventures! Make sure to pin and save for later!