St. Croix is a low key and relaxed place, not a Spring Break party atmosphere nor mainstream or overly touristy. It's an island full of adventure...from driving, water sports, to the local people and local food everything is charming. There are two main towns on St. Croix, one is Christiansted (where you will see most tourist activities listed from) and the other is Frederiksted, which has a different feel and a growing industry.
Accommodations:
The Divi Carina Bay Resort is a little out of the way, but the hotel is well kept and the rooms are clean. The beach is okay...a bit rocky with a lot of sea grass. Aqua-socks are a must. The bar and restaurant are alright. The casino is small, perhaps only 15 tables and 150 slot machines. If you want to gamble for a couple hours, it's fine but don't expect too much. The Divi is a great place to come back to after a full day of activities.
Closer into Christiansted, Carrington's Inn is an ideal place to get away while feeling right at home. Claudia and Roger Carrington have operated this B&B since 2000, and it consistently receives praise for its large, clean rooms, the fabulous view of Christiansted and the harbor, the warm, welcoming atmosphere and the delicious breakfasts that are included in the very reasonable room rates.
Activities
ATV tours
Take an adventure by exploring the rain forest on an ATV. On this tour you get to drive these powerful machines built for two. you get to see the rain forest, take in the views, and explore historic plantation ruins. End the tour at a local beach where you will receive discount coupons for drinks and food items at the restaurant/bar. Gecko's Island Adventures
Jet Ski Rentals
Jet Ski's are a great way to experiance the tranquil waters of St. Croix. The ocean is a playground waiting for you to endulge yourself in. There are three companys on island that offer Jet Ski's. Two in Christiansted, and one in Frederiksted.
Ride Red Jet Ski Rentals - Frederiksted (West)
Island Flight Adventures - Christainsted (East)
St. Croix Watersports - Christiansted (East)
Parasailing
See the island from a slightly different perspective. hundreds of feet above the ocean below with a birds eye view. parasailing over christiansted harbor is hands down the best there is.
Cruzan Breeze Parasailing
340-642-0723
http://www.stcroixparasailing.com
Horseback Riding
Riding a horse is fun, and eco-friendly at the same time. Paul and Jills tours take you through the rainforest, past historical plantation ruins, and along the west end beach.
Kayaking
Kayak on the Salt River with Caribbean Adventure Tours. A great relaxing paddle across the Salt Bay thru mangrove trees with a lot of historic information. View many different birds and some cool jellyfish.
Caribbean Adventure Tours
PO Box 5588, St. Croix, USVI 00823
Toll-Free 1-800-532-3483 St. Croix 340-778-1522
http://www.stcroixkayak.com/tours.htm
Virgin Kayak Co.- Guided Kayak Tours, and exclusive authentic Carib Dugout Canoe tour through the Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve. Bryan's nearly limitless knowledge of the history of the area and of the ancient cultures that lived there is inspiring. Hobie Mirage (pedal) Kayak rentals and sales. Contact: Bryan and Jill Updyke 340-778-0071
Sailing
Don't miss Buck Island Reef National Monument.
The trip to go with is the "Daydreamer" and JP this full day tour spends the whole day at the Park, And provides all equiptment, Lessons & lunch, You will get 2 hours snorkeling at the marine Garden, Then off to Turtle Beach for the remainder of the day. If you do not want the full day take the half day glassbottom tour on the "REEF EXPLORER". Call Caribbean Sea Adventures (340) 773-2628 or go on line to http://www.caribbeanseaadventures.com
Bilinda Charters offers custom interactive sailing adventures to St. Croix's barrier reef - Its the closest thing to owning your own boat in the Caribbean! Plot your course, choose your favorite snorkeling spot, or just sit back, relax and let Captain Dee and crew do all the work. Private Day Sails include lunch, snacks and all beverages. Maximum Six Passengers.
Bilinda Charters ~ Green Cay Marina, Slip C-21 ~ Christiansted, St. Croix, VI ~ (340) 514-2270
http://www.sailbilinda.com
Buck Island with Big Beard.
Go to Buck Island with Big Beard and sail on the Renegade. The first stop is on a calm and sandy beach for snorkeling lessons. That is where one can meet Sammy the stingray and maybe even pet her head. Afterwards, set sail and drop anchor within an enclosed reef. The snorkeling is awesome there...a great amount of fish to see in ultra clear water. After snorkeling, sail to another sandy beach where Captain Steve grills for everyone and serves bottomless rum punch. The Mahi is really good grilled. Go with the full day trip.
Big Beard's Adventure Tours ~ PO Box 224534 ~ Christiansted, St. Croix VI 00822-4534
Toll Free: 866-773-4482 Tel: 340-773-4482 Fax: 340-719-2245 Email: info@BigBeards.com
http://www.bigbeards.com/sailing.htm
Fishing
Caribbean Sea Adentures
Fantasy This 38 ft Bertram is clean and safe, They provide all the bait and tackle, you can choose from a 4,6,8 hour trip. this was a great day , beginner or pro makes no difference. St. Croix has outstanding Fishing with a wall 5 minutes off the harbor , you will be Fishing in no time. Spend the day with the Fantasy team. (340)773-2628 or http://www.caribbeanseaadventures.com
Jeep Tours
Island Adventure Tour - Tan Tan Tours
Tan Tan Tours takes you where you would not be able to go in a rental car. See ruins, great mountain views, and tidal pools. See the beer drinking pigs, eat sugar cane, and have a great time on this roller coaster adventure tour.
Tan Tan Tours ~ Contact: Wave Phillips, Owner ~ 340-473-6446 or 340-773-7041 Email: tantour@viaccess.net
4hr - $80 hr - $110
Air Tours
See St. Croix from a different "plane". Captain Al's flightseeing tours give you an aerial view of this island paradise. For added adventure, take a flying lesson and take the controls! Air Ventures in Paradise ~ 340-277-1433 skypilot177@yahoo.com
Massage
A great way to start off (or finish) your relaxing vacation. Like many vacation destinations, St. Croix has its share of resort spas. But few places have serene beautiful beaches that are nearly deserted. Picture this, a seaside massage, under the palms, with the caribbean sea lapping just feet away. Most resort spas offer this option on their own beaches, but Ambrosia Body Care will give you a massage on any beach you choose, provided there is shade and reasonable access to set up tables. Ambrosia Body Care ~ 340-773-6174.
Tropical Therapy, voted the top VI spa in 2009 is located near Christiansted. Tropical Therapy offers a wide variety of spa services - massage, facials, stone massage, rolfing, pedicures, manicures, all at reasonable prices. Bridal spa parties can be arranged also - 340-773-5333.
For other massage and holistic therapy options on St. Croix, Virgin Islands, see the St. Croix Directory of Holistic Health.
Beach
Rainbow Beach is one north of Frederiksted with less sea grass and rocks. It is a very cool spot to casually snorkel and see tons of fish, but it's still a bit rocky so bring aqua-socks. Sunset there is really a great sight, but once the sun sets mosquitoes come out. Rainbow beach is also right next to a great bar called Rhythms. Website coming soon: Limin' at Rainbow Beach. Sunset Grill is also nearby and has pretty decent food. For horse fanatics Paul and Jill's is close-by.
Dining
Frederiksted
Ital (vegetarian Rasta food): Uca's Kitchen, Vegeria,
Blue Moon Restaurant has great a great feel with live jazz on Wednesdays and Fridays. Their menu is New Orleans inspired foods.
West End Grill has great local food and the best BBQ Chicken and Macaroni and Cheese, but they close about 5PM, so check their hours.
Christiansted
Savant on Hospital St. (Route 82) just east of downtown Christiansted has very good food, described as fusion of Thai, Mexican and Caribbean cuisines. It's a small little cozy place with a lot of charm, and a table in either the courtyard or inside can be a very romantic setting. Any of the specials are recommended, especially the honey glazed lamb with truffle mashed potatoes. The Mahi with pistachio pasta is also great. If you like spicy flavors, you'll enjoy the red curry stir fries or the spicy squid.
Douggans Reef on the main road, east side somewhat near the Buccaneer and DIvi Carina is another great choice. Lobster seems to be what everyone wants at this place. Go early as it tends to run out.
Bacchus (Queen Cross St., downtown Christiansted) is also highly recommended for dinner. Dessert lovers will not be disappointed with their key lime pie or bread pudding.
Paradise Cafe (Queen Cross St., just off Company St., Christiansted) is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday - Saturday and provides a less expensive alternative to higher priced restaurants. Dinners include steak, fresh fish (like crab-stuffed mahi) , pastas and jambalaya.
Ft. Christian Brew Pub (on the boardwalk, downtown Christiansted) is another great place to go for waterfront dining when you're on a budget. It's the island's only micro-brewery, and on Thursday evenings after 5:00, you can enjoy pitchers of their product for only $5.00, along with a wide assortment of appetizers, sandwiches, salads and entrees.
Chicken Charlie's Roadhouse (on East End Rd. - Rt. 82 - east of Christiansted) offers dining inside or outside under the awning that shelters an outside stage and bar. It's a fun atmosphere - especially when there's live entertainment, and the food is very good and reasonably priced.
Car Rental
There's nothing like the freedom of exploring a beautiful locale at your own pace. Although it may seem a little unnerving, the practice of driving on the left side is easy to get used to. Why not have a little adventure while you're on vacation? You won't regret it. Expect to get a little lost and expect to meet some very nice locals to help with directions. Route numbers are not what the locals use for navigation so ask for landmarks like K-Mart or Sunny Isle Shopping Mall. Also expect a lot of curvy roads, very few street lights (use high-beams) and very few traffic lights. Lowest gas price: $1.89/gallon (Jan., 2007).
Other Information
Bring bug spray. Once the sun goes down if you are near any beach the mosquitoes come out. They love tourists.
Locals: Many are family oriented and are very willing to help out lost tourists. Just be friendly...
Water: Get a supply of 2 bottles per person per day. There are a couple of places outside Christiansted.
Breakfast: buy some local fruit or other foods for breakfast. This will save time and money for your start each day.
Try the foods and seafood! Be daring and try some roti...an Indian inspired wrap filled with potatoes, garbanzo beans, peas, and your choice of meat. Eating some fresh seafood is a must.
Shopping
Sonya's in Christiansted on Company Street is a great place for silver jewelry. Everyone knows about 'the bracelet' and seems to buy from there. Sonya is credited with the original design that everyone copies.