St. Croix

The island of St. Croix is 1700 miles south of New York, 1200 miles south east of Miami, near the eastern tip of the Caribbean island chain. On the same latitude as Acapulco and Hawaii, just below the Tropic of Cancer. It is eternal summer caressed by cooling tradewinds. The average temperature is in the mid-80s, and there's just enough rain to keep the ixora, hibiscus and bougainvillea in bloom. The eastern end is dry, with giant cactus and yucca clusters. The middle is flat fertile land, once the site of massive sugar cane plantations. The western end rises to a height of 1,096 feet on Blue Mountain, culminating in a rain forest of giant mahogany, saman and tibet trees.

Instead of counties, the island is divided into estates harkening back to the plantation period. The melodic names expressed the intention of the settlers: Betzy's Jewel, Peter's Rest, Eliza's Retreat, Anna's Hope, Profit, Wheel of Fortune, Prosperity, and our personal three favorites: Upper Love, Lower Love, and right next door, Estate Jealousy! More than 300 planters' mansions once flourished here, and their ruins and the remains of sugar mills are among the most extensive anywhere in the Caribbean. Restored plantations and estate museums take visitors back in time. Its two main towns are Frederiksted, on the west coast, and Christiansted, on the north shore. For more history, click here.

Christiansted: One of two towns on the island, and a National Historic Site, Christiansted was once the Capital of the Danish West Indies, and was founded in 1734. The architectural quality of the town is remarkable, with cobblestone walkways shaded by large arched galleries. The Danes discovered how to adapt 18th Century-style buildings in the West Indies to reduce heat, maximize breeze, and withstand tropical storms. Trey ceilings let warm air rise in the days before ceiling fans and air conditioning, and cross ventilation is enhanced by rectangular shaped buildings. In fact, even today, many buildings and homes on St. Croix are not air conditioned thanks to this ingenious practical design. The buildings were constructed from cut coral blocks (look closely, you'll wonder how they were ever harvested!) and Danish brick brought as ballast. Thick walls keep the interiors cool, and courtyards and arcades provided shaded retreats. Narrow streets were wide enough for the mule carts of the 1800s! This area, once prestigious residences and mercantile shops of the wealthy Danes, today forms the shopping and restaurant district. Ongoing interest continues and plans are underway for the historic restoration of old buildings on the outskirts of town.

Frederiksted: Victorian Gingerbread, wide streets, and a picturesque waterfront the full length of the town make Frederiksted one of the most beautiful in the Caribbean. Freedom City, as it is known, has a rich history. Smugglers and pirates of the mid-1700s necessitated the construction of Fort Frederik in 1752. The city was destroyed by fire in 1758, and rebuilt in the Victorian style of the era. Time seems to have passed the city by, but the beautiful park, and open air vendors mart comes alive on the days the sleek cruise ships dock at the new pier. On those evenings, Harbor Night turns Strand Street into a festival, with mocko jumbie stilt dancers, steel pan bans, and street vendor offering local food and drink. Navy ships and subs from the US and foreign fleets dock here often for R&R and frequently give tours of the vessels.

St. Croix Activities

Besides the multitude of things to see, there are a myriad of exciting things to do on St. Croix. There's always a party happening on the island, with numerous festivals held in Frederiksted and Christiansted throughout the year. The climax of these festivities is the Crucian Christmas Festival, a month-long celebration filled with street parties, concerts and parades, including the Three Kings Day parade, one of the island's most popular and lively events.

Sample some of the island's best known export at the Cruzan Rum Distillery, the manufacturer of one of the finest rums in the world. Once known as Estate Diamond, the popular drink has been made in this same location for 300 years. A major export, it is bottled locally and abroad under the Cruzan Rum label. Guided tours of the distillery explaining rum's role in Crucian history are conducted mornings and afternoons Monday through Friday, and include a complimentary drink.

The lure of St. Croix's sun-drenched beaches is virtually impossible to resist; they have been ranked among the most beautiful in the world. Sandy Point has miles of secluded strands, providing safe nesting ground for the endangered leatherback turtle. You'll enjoy the calm waters and sugar-white sand at Rainbow Beach; it's been touted as one of the is best snorkeling spots, and shell collectors will be equally enchanted with the varieties of shells to be found along the shore. Sprat Hall Beach has beautiful sandy shores with full facilities, including beach shacks and grills. The best beach near Christiansted is located at the Hotel on the Cay, just a short ferry ride from downtown. The little island offers water sports, a restaurant and bar, and great views of the harbor.

One of St. Croix's "must-sees" is undeniably Buck Island, an 880-acre nature preserve a mile off the northeast coast. Buck Islands Underwater Trail, which is restricted to snorkelers, is St. Croix's most popular tourist destination. And getting there is half the fun-the vessels leaving Christiansted include motorized party boats (some glass-bottom), intimate sloops and graceful trimarans.

Buck Island's primary draw is the spectacular snorkeling. An irregular arc of reef creates a wide and shallow lagoon between the shore and the reef Within this area is the park's well-marked underwater trail, which meanders through coral grottoes and out to the reef's edge. At a depth of only 12 feet, you can observe a brilliant kaleidoscope of shapes, patterns, colors, textures and movement. Expect to see provide information on St. Croix's history, folklore, flora and fauna.

Golfers will enjoy a round of golf at the Carambola Golf Club, rated one of the top 18 golf courses in the Caribbean by Caribbean Travel and Life. The Buccaneer Golf Course, just east of Christiansted, is a hilly 6,843-yard, par-72 course dramatically situated by the ocean.

In Frederiksted, mountain bikes are a good way to explore the town and its surroundings. Hikers will find a myriad of trails to explore in the countryside, where the focus is on ecotourism.

St. Croix Accommodations

Finding a place to stay is never a problem on St. Croix; from the most quaint "bed and breakfast" inn to the grandest of luxury resorts, the award-winning facilities on the island provide excellent, consistent service that will make you feel right at home, no matter what environment you choose.