The quiet island boasts the largest of the three main U.S. Virgin Islands, with perfect weather and beautiful beaches to explore. Don't be fooled by the cool vibes; the island is a hidden treasure with a basket full of fun activities to enjoy. During your visit, you will encounter a variety of enjoyable activities, from white-sand beaches and entertaining festivals to a world-class distillery and a mouthwatering culinary scene. The island offers a perfect hideout in a serene environment with plenty of activities to enjoy, whether you love romance, history, adventure, food, or just outdoor exploration. Find fun things to keep you busy and entertained when you visit St. Croix in the Virgin Islands.
01 Enjoy water tours at Buck Island Reef National Monument
The Buck Island is a serene and protected area located a few meters off the island's northeast coast, giving you the best water tour experience on St. Croix Island. Snorkel the underwater trails and experience hundreds of underwater species, including fish species of all kinds. The long reef offers you a perfect opportunity to meet with nature around the vast 4554-acre area. Join guided boat tours for either half or full exploration of the Buck Island Reef National Park.
02 Take a tour of the Christiansted National Historic Site
Constructed in the early 1970s by African slaves and Danish colonizers, the Christianvaern stands as the tallest building in Christiansted National Historic Site. The site has a rich history and is among the best preserved colonial buildings in the Carribean.
Take self-guided tours of the building and witness the courtyard, cannons, dungeons, and powder magazines as you enjoy the lovely breezes and spectacular harbor views. You can also hire a tour guide to help you understand the history and significance of the Christiansted National Historic Site. Also, explore the Steeple Building, a 1753 Danish church known for its colonial architecture that served as a marker for mariners and a scale house.
03 View the sunrise at Point Udall
Welcome to Point Udall, the easternmost point in the United States! At this point, you will be captivated by the breathtaking sight of turquoise waters gently caressing deep blue reefs. Named in 1969 to honor Stewart Udall, the Secretary of the Interior under President John F. Kennedy's administration, it offers scenic views that you'll love to see again and again.
Hike up Point Udall to the summit and enjoy lovely views as you wait to encounter the magnificent scenes of sunrise and sunset. The journey isn't easy, but surely worth it. Coming down, Point Udall offers exciting adventures to enjoy from the available bays. Unwind at the lovely beaches available while descending, and unwind from the vigorous hiking activity before you leave the area. The area also gives you a feel of nature as it offers a nesting site for turtles and other endangered species from July through August.
04 Dive the Cane Bay
Cane Bay offers the best site to dive and snorkel on St. Croix Island. It boasts the best diving spot in the Caribbean and is popular among divers, swimmers, and snorkelers. The pristine waters are perfect for your swimming escapades as you relax underneath the palm trees on the edge of Cane Bay Beach. Access the Cane Bay Wall just 200 yards away from the beach boat ramp and explore teeming with coral, fish, and sponges. Go deeper and witness a lovely sand chute with turtles, flounder, eels, and lobsters on display.
05 Sample the Cruzan Rum Distillers
Meet a welcoming and hospitable community that supports the Cruzan Rum Distillers in making unique and smooth rum. Take a walking tour of the rum distilleries, sample some of the best-distilled rums, and savor their exquisite signature cocktails. Guided tours from reputable distillers like Master Distiller Gary Nelthropp will take you through the rum-making process that produces popular rums and your family's favorite cocktails.
Come and experience the captivating Cruzan Rum Distillery, which is open from Monday to Friday. Immerse yourself in the rich history and craftsmanship of rum-making with our exclusive tours available at 12:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3 p.m. However, keep in mind that you must make a reservation to join the tour.
06 Explore Frederiksted
Built between 1752 and 1760 Fort Frederik offers splendid sea and sun views, making it well-positioned to see pirates, plunderers, and intruders from afar. The fort, just like the town it protects, is referred to as Frederiksted, in honor of King Frederick V of Denmark. It was during his rule that the Dutch West Indies Company acquired St. Croix from France in June 1733.
Fort Frederik, a U.S. National Historic Landmark, served as the site of several significant events. In 1848, a significant event occurred on the island of St. Croix when a large group of enslaved and free laborers from various plantations marched on Frederik Tower over the fort. Governor-General Peter von Scholten, driven by both empathy for the enslaved and a deep concern for the preservation of the town, made the historic decision to abolish slavery on July 3, 1848, in the Danish West Indies.
07 Experience the Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve
The Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve portrays the Indigenous life of the human and natural Caribbean, portraying a clash with colonial European powers. You can't leave the island without visiting this site and feeling the blend of nature, culture, and historical richness. The park roots you back in history as you get to understand life, observe the life and burial grounds of Indigenous people, estuaries, and mangrove lagoons, and also experience the unspoiled reef. Take a kayak tour of the tranquil Salt River Bay and get lost in the rich historical roots and ecological diversity.
08 Walk Through St. George Village Botanical Garden
Explore the more than 1000 varieties of plants as you enjoy the beauty of nature in this 17-acre preserved village of the St. George Botanical Garden. A walk through the ruins of the 18th and 19th-century sugarcane plantations offers a perfect site for meditation as you come to terms with the beauty of nature.
Get ready to be mesmerized by a breathtaking array of nature's wonders as you stroll through a botanical paradise where majestic palms, exotic trees, cacti, orchids, and enchanting blooms of butterfly ginger and one sweet-scented bloom. There are also common plants like aloe, Creole cotton, tobacco, and avocado you can see.
At the St. George Village Museum, housed in a restored colonial-era laborers' cottage, peruse items that span 2,000 years of the site's history, from Amerindian artifacts to plantation-era objects. You can take self-guided tours with the aid of a map or pay for a tour guide who is knowledgeable about the history and fauna of the area.
09 Tour the Rainbow Beach
Located just a short distance from the cruise ship dock in Fredriksted, St. Croix, Rainbow Beach is a captivating and vibrant expanse of sand that will leave you in awe. For those seeking a day of relaxation on the beach or an adventurous day in the sea, this destination offers convenient gear rentals for snorkeling and other water sports, ample umbrellas and chairs for comfort, and a variety of delicious beachside food options. The water at Rainbow Beach is clear and calm, and the beach is broad, making it a perfect destination for the entire family.
10 Visit Estate Whim Plantation Museum
Located at 52 Estate Whim, Frederiksted, St Croix, the Estate Whim Museum in Frederiksted offers a unique history lesson on the sugar plantation industry in St. Croix. The purpose of the estate is to give visitors an idea of what everyday life on the plantation was like. Come and explore the captivating remnants of the sugar factory, where the ancient mills stand as a testament to this fascinating museum's rich history.
Guides welcome guests at the Great House (constructed in the 1760s), and then the remainder of the grounds can be explored via a self-guided tour. When you visit, you will have the opportunity to see beautifully decorated bedrooms, dining rooms, a salon adorned with original artwork, and authentic household items that were commonly used during this time period.
11 Hike the Carambola Tide Pools
The Carambola Tide Pools are naturally formed pools on the North Shore of St. Croix, accessible via a hike. Hike through the rainforest and witness lovely views of the Carambola Beach Resort, Davis Bay, and the Caribbean Sea. The challenge is worth it, as the enjoyable waters and scenic views will leave long-lasting memories. The hiking trail goes through the rainforest, presenting an opportunity to embrace nature as you watch wildlife. After the tedious journey to the tide pools, you can relax in the deep, salty water as you refresh.
The pools are basins formed by waves, making them ideal for swimming as the water is not stagnant. Climb over the rocks to experience the many pools available at the Carambola. You can snorkel and view lovely crabs, tropical fish, sea urchins, and many more.
12 Entertain yourself at Divi Carina Bay Casino
Located on the tranquil East End of St. Croix, the Divi Carina Bay Casino offers gaming, dining, and plenty of entertainment activities to explore. There are various dining choices, bars, pools, and plenty of enjoyable activities to keep you entertained. Enjoy watersports, tennis, pickleball, or the available fitness center. Enjoy the unforgettable hospitality of the beachfront hotel rooms, which feature balconies that allow you to enjoy the spectacular waterfront views. The beachfront hotels have modern amenities with private balconies and bathrooms, giving you the best throughout your stay.
13 Learn more about the history of Fort Frederik
Frederiksted, located in the US Virgin Islands, boasts a historic Danish masonry fort that dates back to the mid-eighteenth century. Constructed to safeguard Danish colonial interests in the Caribbean, the fort played a pivotal role in shaping many historical events, like the Emancipation Revolt in 1848, the Labor Riot and Fireburn in 1878, a significant ceremony transferring the Virgin Islands to the U.S. in 1917 took place.
Throughout its history, Fort Frederik has served various purposes, transforming from a police station to a hub of law enforcement and even a public library. It is currently both a local history museum and a National Historic Landmark.
14 Dine at Christiansted Boardwalk
Christiansted Boardwalk offers a captivating dining experience along the waterfront. Get in any restaurant and sample various cuisines while enjoying the ambiance of the waterfront and watching charter boats. Take a walk around the town and witness a host of local shops and jewelry stores where you can shop. You will be spoilt for entertainment as the huge concentration of restaurants and bars are at your service. Hop from one bar to the other along the boardwalk as you sample their drinks while enjoying the beautiful views and ambiance of the fresh, salty air.
15 Hike at Isaac Bay
The Isaac Bay is a stunning, secluded beach along the eastern side of the island, only accessible by a short hike. The beach is peaceful and offers you swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing spots. Hike Isaac Bay through a 3-kilometer trail to the Grapetree Bay Hotel while enjoying the stunning beauty and a serene environment with a tranquil ambiance. The Isaac Bay hike trails offer a blend of adventure, fun, and leisure while enjoying the natural ecosystem. Escape the crowds and find peace while enjoying exceptional, fun-filled activities.
16 Tour the ARTfarm
Find fresh organic, and delicious fruits and vegetables with a tour of the ARTfarm. The farm delivers organic foods that are grown naturally at the farm. Enjoy fruity pineapple, mango, strawberry fruit, and plenty of fresh herbs on the farmstand on Saturday. Learn how to prepare unfamiliar fruits and vegetables from the organic farm tours.
17 Visit Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge
The Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge brings together threatened and endangered species of wildlife with a special focus on leatherback turtles. Volunteers help in turtle recovery by offering a nesting habitat that is crucial for them. Thousands of visitors flock to this place to enjoy the long stretch of the two-mile sandy beach while immersing themselves in clear waters in a natural setting. Participate in the Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge educational program about guided turtle nesting and hatching escapades.
18 Get a taste of Caribbean drink at Mount Pellier Domino Club
Sitting on Rt. 76 (Mahogany Road), in the heart of the rain forest, Mount Pellier Domino Club is a famous pig beer-drinking spot in the Caribbean. Enjoy feeding the pigs non-alcoholic beer and witnessing how they crush the cans. The happy pigs will put on a splendid show of beer drinking, making you order more and more. Have a taste of the Mama Wanna, which is a local brew made of honey, rum, local roots, and spices.
You can sample the local food and get a taste of their local cuisine. Enjoy refreshing cocktails and sample daily specialties. Taste the finger-licking wings on Tuesday, veggie and salmon burgers on Wednesday, roti on Friday, and a sumptuous breakfast on Saturday.
19 Explore the Bush Tribe Eco Adventures
Bush Tribe Eco Adventures offers an exciting outdoor experience in the pristine waters of Salt River Bay· Explore the island while learning about the local history, wildlife, and vegetation. Enjoy the extensive adventure by hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, or taking cultural tours. Appreciate the blend of adventure, education, and cultural acknowledgment in a fun-filled way. Pick a guide to help you understand the history and ecology of the area in depth.
20 Take in the Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts
The Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts is located in a historic building on the waterfront in Frederiksted.
It's small, but it offers a variety of ever-changing exhibits, a bookstore, and even a gift shop. It also hosts popular events, like jazz concerts. The museum offers a variety of classes and workshops, including yoga, drawing, watercolor, and clay studio instruction, providing a unique opportunity for our audience to explore their creativity and engage in artistic activities.
Check out the Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts calendar for information on upcoming workshops and educational programs you can participate in.
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