Is St. Croix Worth Visiting? A Trip to the US Virgin Islands

Frederiksted, St. Croix; Photo credit: MattWade / CC-BY-SA-3.0

St. Croix is one of the US Virgin Islands in the Caribbean. But is St. Croix worth visiting? Many locals and travelers think so!

Below, we’ll discuss why many people love St. Croix and why you may or may not want to visit this unique island. We’ll also answer common questions about St. Croix to help you decide if it’s a good vacation destination for you.

Where is St. Croix, USVI?

St. Croix is an island in the eastern Caribbean Sea in the US Virgin Islands. It’s the easternmost point of the United States – about 1,100 miles southeast of Miami, Florida, and about 50 miles east of Puerto Rico.

Why Visit St. Croix, USVI

There are many great reasons to visit St. Croix, including no passport needed for US citizens, gorgeous beaches, fun activities, and a laid-back lifestyle.

No Passport Needed

If you’re a US citizen and want to take a tropical vacation without traveling internationally, St. Croix is the perfect option. You can travel to St. Croix without a passport since it’s a US territory.

The best part? You feel like you’re removed from the US since you’re across the ocean and experiencing a completely different vibe!

Gorgeous Beaches

One of the best reasons to visit St. Croix is the gorgeous beaches. Beautiful beaches surround the entire island, and they're all accessible to the public. Whether you want to relax or enjoy water adventures, there's a beach for it.

Our favorite beaches on St. Croix include:

• Mermaid Beach - A public beach at the Buccaneer Hotel, where you can order food and drinks and rent chairs and umbrellas (East Christiansted)

• Cay Beach - A fun beach with a bar accessible by a short boat ride from the Christiansted boardwalk (Christiansted)

• Cane Bay - A lively beach to snorkel, dive, and hang out with several restaurants and bars nearby (North Shore)

• Dorsch - The ideal place to relax, snorkel, and hunt for sea glass (Frederiksted)

• Rainbow Beach - A popular beach where you can rent jet skis, chairs, and umbrellas (Frederiksted)

• Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge - A long sandy beach only open on Saturdays and Sundays, from April through August (Frederiksted)

Cay Beach; Photo credit: Connie Ma / CC BY-SA 2.0

Fun Activities

Although many people refer to St. Croix as a sleepy island, there are many fun things to do, especially if you enjoy nature.

When visiting St. Croix, some of the most popular activities include:

• Kayaking - Virgin Kayak Tours offers guided tours and kayak rentals so you can explore the beautiful Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve

• Snorkeling and diving - St. Croix is one of the best places to snorkel or dive, and you can rent gear or take a guided trip with Cane Bay Dive Shop or SCUBA 

• A boat trip to Buck Island - Big Beards Adventure Tours has half or full-day boat tours for swimming and snorkeling in stunning clear-blue waters at Buck Island

• Hiking - St. Croix has many hiking trails for all levels, including Goat Hill and Mount Eagle (St. Croix’s highest point!)

• Dining, drinking, and shopping - There are many local spots to eat, drink, and shop, especially in Downtown Christiansted and Frederiksted

Salt River Bay Kayaking with Virgin Kayak Tours

Laid-Back Lifestyle

While there’s a lot to do on St. Croix, the overall lifestyle is pretty laid-back, making it the perfect place to relax. If you want a vacation that offers a good mix of fun and relaxation, St. Croix is ideal.

With this in mind, know that St. Croix’s pace of life is slower. Businesses may also close for a week or two during the slow season, which is May to November.

Historic Charm and Cultural Experiences

St. Croix's history dates back hundreds of years, and its historical charm and cultural experiences reflect that. 

The two main towns, Christiansted and Frederiksted, have many buildings with stunning historical architecture. One of the most well-preserved buildings is Fort Christiansvaern in Christiansted, built in the 1700s. Frederiksted is also filled with historic, colorful buildings, including Fort Frederik. 

To learn more about St. Croix’s history and culture, you can:

• Go on a self-guided tour of historic sites and cultural experiences

• Visit the St George Village Botanical Gardens 

• Take the Historical & Ecological Tour with Virgin Kayak Tours

• Join VI Food Tours for a guided food tasting and cultural walking tour

Fort Christiansvaern; Photo credit: Cumulus Clouds / CC-BY-2.5

Warm Weather Year-Round

No matter when you visit St. Croix, you can appreciate warm weather. Temperatures are usually in the mid-to-upper 80s, sometimes dropping to the 70s at night during winter. There's also sunshine year-round. Keep in mind that hurricane season is from May to November, so there is a chance of more rain and inclement weather. That said, the best time to visit St. Croix is between December and April. 

Why Not Visit St. Croix, USVI

Although many people love visiting St. Croix, it’s not for everyone – like with any destination. You may not want to visit St. Croix if you’re hoping for a resort experience, active nightlife, an affordable vacation, or easy transportation.

Few Options for Resorts

St. Croix isn’t known for resorts. Most accommodations are vacation rentals and hotels. 

That said, there are many nice places to stay on St. Croix. If you’re looking for an upscale hotel or resort-like experience, consider staying at Carambola Beach Resort, Company House Hotel, The Buccaneer Hotel, or Grape Tree Bay Hotel.

Minimal Nightlife

While there are many fun things to do on St. Croix at night, the nightlife isn’t too lively, especially during the slow season.

There aren’t clubs or many late-night spots on St. Croix. However, you can enjoy dinner and drinks, an evening kayak trip, a night at the casino, and local events in the evenings.

Can Be Costly

If you’re hoping for an affordable vacation, St. Croix might not be the best destination. That said, you can often work with a budget depending on where you’re flying from or what kind of activities you want to do.

Average costs to consider on St. Croix include:

• Meals - $30 per person

• Accommodations - $150 to $250 per night for two people

• Car rental - $100 per day

Driving Conditions

Although St. Croix is certainly drivable, the roads are much rougher than stateside. While there are a lot of potholes and unpaved roads, most are accessible by any vehicle and are definitely drivable if you’re cautious of your surroundings. We also drive on the left side of the road, which is much easier to get the hang of than you might think. 

When visiting St. Croix, a car rental is necessary to fully experience the island. St. Croix is spread out, and taxis are pricey and not always reliable. 

Downtown Christiansted

Is St. Croix worth visiting? FAQs

Get answers to common questions about what it’s like to visit St. Croix.

What's nicer, St. Thomas or St. Croix?

St. Thomas and St. Croix are both incredible vacation destinations, offering gorgeous beaches, a unique culture, and fun activities. The primary differences between the two islands are that St. Thomas is more built up and lively, while St. Croix has more natural landscapes and a relaxed lifestyle. 

Why do people go to St. Croix?

People go to St. Croix for an island vacation close to the United States and to enjoy the beautiful beaches, scuba diving, snorkeling, and the local culture.

What is the best month to go to St. Croix?

St. Croix is a great vacation destination all year, but many people visit during winter and spring. These are the busy seasons when many local events take place. It's also warm during the day but cools down at night for the most pleasant weather.

Can you swim in the ocean in St. Croix?

St. Croix's beaches are very swimmable. The water is a beautiful clear blue and usually warm and relatively calm, but be sure to check the water conditions before swimming.

What currency is used in St. Croix?

As a US territory, St. Croix’s currency is the US dollar. While most businesses accept debit and credit cards, some small businesses only take cash, so it’s good to have it handy. There are also ATMs available throughout St. Croix.

Is St. Croix worth visiting? Conclusion

St. Croix, USVI, is well worth visiting if you want to enjoy a warm beach vacation. It's the perfect place to relax, enjoy beautiful scenery, and spend time outdoors.

If you’re ready to start planning your vacation, book a tour with Virgin Kayak Tours. Choose from daytime or nighttime kayak tours or rentals to explore one of only ten super glow bioluminescent bays in the world – where the water glows every day of the year!

EXPLORE ST. CROIX KAYAK TOURS & RENTALS