Travel Writer: Discover St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

[Connie Motz]

The largest of the three major U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, making it the perfect choice for a romantic getaway, family vacation, or a breathtaking scuba diving trip.

With a tropical climate and endless white sand beaches, the weather forecast for St. Croix is frequently given as “88 degrees, mostly sunny, 10% chance of rain.” Cited as the most cosmopolitan of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix offers a diverse landscape ranging from the rainforest of the north to the dry barren east end.

Christiansted, located on the north coast, is one of two main towns on the island of St. Croix. Popular tourist attractions include:

* Fort Christiansvaern (also known as Christiansted National Historic Site) built in 1749 to protect the island from invaders
* 18th century Danish-style architecture including several churches built in the 1700’s
* Walking along the waterfront St. Croix Heritage Trail

On the southwest coast, Frederiksted is the second main town on St. Croix and has become a port of call for several cruise lines during their Caribbean routes. Highlights of this historic town include:

* Whim Plantation Museum
* Cruzan Rum Distillery
* Fort Frederik (established in 1760)
* Lawaetz Family Museum (northeast of Frederiksted in Estate Little La Grange)
* Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts

St. Croix offers an abundance of other attractions including:

* gorgeous beaches like Cane Bay Beach and Chenay Bay Beach
* Estate Whim Plantation Museum
* St. George’s Botanical Gardens
* Three golf courses to choose from – Carambola, Buccaneer, and the Reef Golf Course
* Salt River Bay National Park (aka Columbus Landing) where Columbus first discovered the island in 1493
* ruins of over 100 sugar mills throughout the island
* Divi Carina Bay Casino
* Point Udall, the easternmost point in the U.S.

With an average water temperature of 82° and visibility ranging from 60-100’, it’s no wonder St. Croix attracts scuba divers and water enthusiasts from around the world. Divers can experience a variety of diving including wreck diving at Butler Bay; a night macro dive at Frederiksted Pier; exploring the canyon walls at Salt River; or taking in a shore dive at Cane Bay.

For both divers and snorkelers alike, Buck Island Reef is an Underwater National Monument known for its abundance and variety of marine life. Entirely surrounded by reef, visitors can snorkel or scuba dive through the amazingly clear waters viewing the colorful coral and may even be lucky enough to see a hawksbill turtle.

St. Croix Travel Tips

* Renting a car requires driving on the left
* As a U.S. territory, no passport is required for U.S. citizens
* Duty-free shopping is available in both Christiansted and Frederiksted
* Popular souvenirs include a Crucian hook bracelet and Cruzan rum

Notable St. Croix Events

* St. Croix Crucian Christmas Carnival in January
* Krewe de Croix Mardi Croix Parade in February
* A Taste of St. Croix in April
* Ironman Triathlon in May
* St. Croix Environmental Turtle Hatching Watch in July
* USVI Folklife Festival in August
* Annual V.I. Coral Reef Swim in October

For more information, visit U.S. Virgin Islands Tourism.

Photo Credits:
Nekton Rorqual 2009, Leafy Lettuce by DiveMasterKing2000
Davis Bay courtesy of U.S.V.I. Tourism
Travel Writer ©2010 by Connie Motz. All Rights Reserved.