Quick answer: don’t leave St. Croix without snorkeling Buck Island’s underwater trail, walking Christiansted’s waterfront and fort, watching sunrise or sunset at the island’s two ends (Point Udall and the Frederiksted Pier), and spending a night paddling the bioluminescent bay at Salt River. Then add rum, a hike and a long beach afternoon to taste.
On and under the water
- Buck Island Reef National Monument. A protected island off the north shore with a marked underwater snorkel trail. You reach it by boat with a licensed operator, usually as a half or full day trip out of Christiansted. Big Beard's Adventure Tours and Buck Island Charters are two of the best reviewed. More on the monument: Buck Island Reef National Monument.
- The Cane Bay Wall. The reef drops off into deep water just a swim from Cane Bay beach, which makes it one of the Caribbean’s most famous shore dives. Dive shops such as IBIS Cane Bay Dive Shop are right there, and The Landing Beach Bar at Cane Bay is the classic post-dive lunch.
- Snorkel the Frederiksted Pier. The pilings under the Frederiksted Pier are famous for marine life. Stay well clear when a cruise ship is docked or maneuvering, and follow posted rules.
- The bioluminescent bay at night. Paddle into Salt River Bay after dark and watch the water light up around your paddle. Tours leave from Salt River Marina around sunset with Sea Thru Kayaks VI (clear-bottom kayaks) or Virgin Kayak Tours. Book ahead, and go when there’s little moonlight for the best glow.
History you can walk through
- Fort Christiansvaern and the Christiansted waterfront. The yellow Danish fort is the heart of the Christiansted National Historic Site. The National Park Service lists entry at $10 for visitors 16 and older (children under 16 free), and the ticket is good for three days. Afterwards, stroll the Christiansted Boardwalk for lunch with a harbor view. See Fort Christiansværn.
- Fort Frederik in Frederiksted. The red fort at the West End waterfront, steps from the pier. See Fort Frederik.
- Estate Whim Museum. A restored sugar estate run by the St. Croix Landmarks Society, with a great house, windmill and exhibits on Crucian life. Opening days are limited (typically midweek and Saturdays, plus cruise ship days), so call ahead. See Estate Whim Sugar Mill.
- Salt River Bay National Historical Park. The only known place where members of Columbus’s 1493 expedition landed on what is now US soil, and a beautiful bay to boot. See Salt River Bay.
Beaches worth the drive
- Sandy Point. A long, wild beach inside a national wildlife refuge on the southwest tip. It’s open on weekends (and cruise ship days) from 10am to 4pm, and closes for several months each year while leatherback sea turtles nest, roughly April through August. No facilities and little shade, so pack accordingly. See Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge.
- Rainbow Beach. Calm water just north of Frederiksted, with Rhythms at Rainbow Beach for drinks and food. See Rainbow Beach.
- Shoys Beach. A quieter East End favorite near Christiansted. See Shoys Beach.
Every beach in the US Virgin Islands is open to the public by law, even the ones in front of resorts. For more, browse the beaches in our Things to Do directory, or if you’re in port for the day read Best Beaches Near the Frederiksted Cruise Pier.
Hikes and big views
- Point Udall. The easternmost point of the United States, so on a clear morning you’ll see the country’s first sunrise here. See Point Udall.
- Jack and Isaac Bay Preserve. A protected East End stretch with hiking trails down to two remote beaches. See Jack and Isaac Bay Preserve.
- Annaly Bay tide pools. A demanding hike through the northwest rainforest to rock pools on the coast. Go with a guide if you’re unsure of the trail, and never swim in the pools when big swells are rolling in. See Annaly Bay tide pools.
- Hams Bluff. A rugged walk out to the lighthouse on the island’s northwest corner. See Hams Bluff Lighthouse.
Rum, beer and a little adrenaline
- Cruzan Rum. A guided walking tour of a historic working distillery that ends with a tasting. Reservations are required, so book on Cruzan’s site ↗.
- Captain Morgan. The island’s other big rum name distills mid-island. Check whether visitor tours are running before you go. See Captain Morgan Rum Distillery.
- Local brews and spirits. Leatherback Brewing Company pours St. Croix craft beer, and Mutiny Island Vodka makes vodka from breadfruit.
- Zip line through the treetops. Carambola Zip Line runs lines over the northwest rainforest.
- Gardens. St George Village Botanical Gardens spreads across the ruins of a sugar estate and makes an easy, shady morning.
Catch something local
The island’s calendar is the best travel tip of all: Sunday afternoons at the fort, monthly Sunset Sounds at Loops Beach, Art Thursday gallery nights in Christiansted and, in December, the Crucian Christmas Festival. See what’s coming up on St. Croix Today.
Plan the rest of your trip
- All things to do on St. Croix
- Places to eat and places to stay
- The best time to visit St. Croix
- Is St. Croix safe? What first-time visitors should know
Hours, fees and tour schedules change. Check with the operator or the official site before you go.
