Travel Tips

Best Snorkeling on St Croix and the Virgin Islands

May 24, 2016 by Cindy @ MyStCroix.VI 1 Comment

Part of the allure of St Croix and the US Virgin Islands is the underwater marine life abundant off of our shores. You don’t have to be a certified PADI Scuba diver to experience these wonders. The Virgin Islands are surrounded by coral reefs that can be explored by snorkeling.

Teeming with life, St Croix itself is surrounded by one of the largest island barrier reef systems in the Caribbean. It also boasts one of the only two underwater U.S. National Monuments at Buck Island Reef National Monument. So, there is no shortage of spectacular snorkeling spots on St Croix and throughout the US Virgin Islands.

However, finding the best beaches to explore from was a bit of a secret until, that is, Sarah & Jim took a trip to St Croix in 2010.

Jim, who hails from the land-locked state of Indiana first visited and fell in love with St Croix in 2005. At the time, he had a printing client whose cousin, Kim Lucas of Island Life Real Estate, had relocated to the Big Island. In need of a vacation, he decided to check it out. Upon arrival, Jim said he was “blown away by the beauty of the place”.

In 2010 after Jim & Sarah started dating, he invited her to experience his island escape. Sarah had never seen the shades of turquoise and blues in our waters and so, as a self-described shutterbug, took thousands of photos around St Croix.

During their first visits to the island, they stayed at The Carrington Inn. They had fallen in love with snorkeling off the island’s shores and began to make recommendations of their favorite spots and even led other fellow snorkelers on impromptu excursions. Due to the popularity of their recommendations and at the request of the proprietor, they put together a flip-book for Carrington’s. The flip-book was a popular tool at the Inn and based on this, and Jim and Sarah’s collective backgrounds in printing, the concept for the 1st edition of the St Croix Snorkeling Guide was born.

The St Croix Snorkeling Guide enjoyed some success and with that, they noticed that there were plenty of books about Scuba-diving spots throughout the Virgin Islands, but nothing on snorkeling. Sarah and Jim decided to branch out and in 2014 published The US Virgin Islands Snorkeling Guide: St Thomas, St John, St Croix.

Nowadays, Sarah and Jim, publishing as Sarjim Enterprises, spend a couple of weeks each year exploring and snorkeling throughout the Virgin Islands to discover more sites on each of the islands for their books. Can’t beat that for a side job!

On a trip to St Croix back in February of 2015, they experienced some rough weather and lots of swell that prevented them from enjoying their typical snorkeling adventures. Not ones to be discouraged, they decided instead to take a trip out to Buck Island Reef National Monument. This was a bit of kismet as they searched in advance for a guide to Buck Island and again didn’t find anything. So, they consulted with Joel Tutein, Superintendent of the National Park and produced their newest book From Sea to Shore: Buck Island Reef National Monument-St.Croix.

While meeting with them on their most recent trip this year, I asked them to share with us some of their favorite snorkeling spots:

St Croix –

The Frederiksted Pier – It’s like a whole universe under the pier. Every time we snorkel there we see things we haven’t seen before. And there’s always new coral forming.
Sand Castles Beach – Offshore (a short swim out) and about .2 miles up the beach towards Frederiksted, there’s old sunken machinery now covered with corals and more starfish than anywhere on the island we’ve seen.
Cane Bay – On a calm day with clear visibility snorkeling out past the beach to the coral gardens is just amazing.

St Thomas–

Secret Harbor Beach
Cowpet Beach

St John–

Tektite Beach – You’ll hike and swim a bit to get to some beautiful underwater caves and canyons.
Frances Bay – See huge sea turtles late morning in the seagrass beds.
Haulover North

Look for tips on some of the above beaches and new information on snorkeling the mangroves in the USVI in their upcoming releases!

Sarah & Jim’s books are geared to be accessible for Beginner Snorkeling enthusiasts and explorers and can be enjoyed by all ages.

And while you’re snorkeling in the Virgin Islands, be sure to stay safe from the strong sunrays by covering up with Reef Safe Sunscreen (free from oxybenzone that is harmful to corals) – Learn more about keeping our Reefs Safe.

Do you have a favorite snorkeling spot on St Croix or in the Virgin Islands? Tell us about it in the comments below!
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Luck of the Irie: St Croix’s Irish Connection

March 17, 2016 by Cindy @ MyStCroix.VI 3 Comments

Each year on the Saturday closest to St Patrick’s Day, Christiansted goes green as revelers flood the streets clad in t-shirts and costumes while cheering on the Annual St Croix St Patrick’s Parade. With the Irish diaspora representing over 100 million people, the raucous holiday is celebrated more outside of Ireland than within. And here on St Croix, it’s done with true Crucian gusto, though many don’t realize the strong Irish heritage that St Croix has.

Planning to attend? Visit the St Croix Calendar for parade dates.

The St Croix St Patrick’s Day Parade got it’s official start in 1969 when a group of local businessmen got together on March 17th and started to talk about local celebrations. They wondered why an island that celebrates with any excuse, didn’t have an official St Paddy’s celebration. So, they took matters into their own hands, got a flatbed and a piano, and drove through the streets of Christiansted singing Irish and local songs. Today, that tradition has grown into the annual parade and after-party featuring bands on floating stages and throughout the town. During the parade, local majorette troupes, high school bands and carnival troupes tramp through the streets celebrating their Irish Caribbean Heritage on an island full of Armstrongs, O’Bryans, O’Neales, O’Reillys, and more.

St Croix is proud of its diverse heritage that comes as a result of having flown the 7 flags of 6 different nations and the Knights of Malta since Columbus first landed in 1493. Though the Irish flag was not one of those, the island’s strong Irish connection is clear. It began alongside the Caribbean’s dark past and history with the rise of the sugar trade in the 1700s. Along with other European nations in the eighteenth century, Ireland’s wealthy merchants got even wealthier with the trans-Atlantic slave trade. While not as successful in colonizing as the English, French, Spanish, and Dutch, they were the vast majority on the island of Montserrat with a strong presence on neighboring Antigua and Nevis that began in the 1600s. There, merchants established plantations worked by both African slave labor and indentured farmers from Ireland.

www.mystcroix.vi — St Croix’s importance to the sugar trade can be seen by the many Sugar Mills that dot her landscape to this day.

In 1733, the Danish West India Company purchased the island of St Croix and began to develop their colony. The Danes had the money and mercantile expertise but lacked the experience and manpower needed to develop sugar plantations on the fertile island. So, they recruited Irish Montserratians and laborers directly from Ireland to move to the new Danish colony on St Croix. One of those Irish Montserratians was Nicholas Tuite who eventually owned 7 Crucian plantations and was part owner of 7 more. At the height of the sugar craze in the West Indies, St Croix was dotted with over 150 Sugar Plantations and was booming. “In 1760 [Tuite] journeyed to Copenhagen, where Fredrick V appointed him chamberlain and paid tribute to his role as founder of Denmark’s Caribbean empire. … slave-trading and plantation-owning had made him the friend of kings.” – History Ireland: The Irish and the Atlantic slave trade.

While there were a few wealthy Irish plantation owners like Tuite, most of the Irish who initially populated the Danish colony on St Croix were laborers. And while many of the West Indians today bear the Irish surnames of the former slave owners, many also have shared heritage from the Irish laborers who became a part of the eclectic cultural fabric of the island and intermarried with those of African descent. And that brings us to the beautiful diversity of the St Patrick’s Day parade on St Croix.

If you haven’t yet been, be sure to make plans for next year. Slainte!

Irie St Croix Ball Cap

$26.50

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Irie St Croix Short-Sleeve Unisex T-Shirt

$28.00 – $34.50

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Crucian Bahn Yah Short-Sleeve Unisex T-Shirt

$25.00 – $34.00

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Expedition: Shell Island

February 5, 2016 by Cindy @ MyStCroix.VI Leave a Comment

Many who have visited St Croix have had the pleasure of kayaking and exploring historic Salt River Bay – the site of Columbus’ second visit to the “New World”. And most have heard of Buck Island National Monument. But not so many have ventured out to St Croix’s other offshore beauty – Shell Island (aka Ruth Island) – located on St Croix’s South shore.

This wonderful little spit of sand and sea shells was created when the container port was dredged by the former HOVENSA oil refinery and offers a different way to explore St Croix. A short paddle across the channel makes it a relatively easy adventure.

Virgin Kayak Tours will meet you at the Molasses Pier where they put in your kayak to paddle out. With their Hobie Mirage kayaks you can pedal and paddle at the same time, the trip is really enjoyable with lots to see. They even have tandem kayaks for those who want to bring out the kiddos or use the power of two.

My sister setting out on our adventure
Scuttled wreck along the wayCrossing the channel to Shell Island.

Once you reach Shell Island, there is a wonderful little lagoon and a small fishing camp. The beach is serene, protected and like something out of a movie! It really is the perfect spot to relax after the journey.

The protected lagoon is a great place to beach kayaks and enjoy the afternoon.

The incredible view looking back to St CroixMy only regret was that I didn’t bring my snorkel gear!

Fishing camp on the lagoon.

The best island fire pit I’ve seen!

Queen conch is abundant around the island, giving this little sandy spit her moniker – Shell Island.

After you’ve settled in, it’s time to go exploring. The South side of the little cay is loaded with coral from the dredging and budding black mangroves.

Aerial black mangrove roots push up from the wet sand like drinking straws to provide oxygen to the plant.

A beautiful growing black mangrove on this man-made cay.

Sea grapes provide lush foliage on Shell Island.

The South shore of Shell Island is littered with coral from the dredging of the channel.

If you’re looking for a new St Croix adventure – I highly recommend a trip out to Shell Island. Contact our friends at Virgin Kayak Tours to visit Shell Island, Salt River and the Biobay!

Find more images of St Croix at cindyleigh.smugmug.com

Sunscreens a Threat to Coral Reefs

October 21, 2015 by Cindy @ MyStCroix.VI Leave a Comment

Three-quarters of St Croix is surrounded by the largest living barrier reef in the Caribbean. And then we have the incredible reefs just off shore surrounding Buck Reef National Monument. These reefs provide homes for a myriad of plants and animals, including the colorful fish we love to see snorkeling and endangered sea turtles. Our community relies on the beauty of the reefs, the fish that live on the reef and the commerce that comes from diving and snorkeling these gorgeous coral reefs. So, we have a vested interest in preserving and protecting them. One of the ways that you can help us, is by using coral reef safe sunscreen for sun protection while on our island and in our waters.

Coral reefs worldwide have been struggling with rising water temperature, boat anchors, pollution and runoff among other factors. To put it mildly, our oceans’ reefs are in peril. Oxybenzone has been shown to deform and reduce the mobility of coral planulae (the larval stage). It also causes mutations in the DNA of the planulae and affects its endocrine system. And this has a debilitating effect on the corals’ ability to survive rises in ocean temperature due to climate change.

A recent study conducted in the US Virgin Islands and Hawaii has shown that coral reefs with the highest concentrations of oxybenzone, commonly used in sunscreens, are those most frequented by tourists. But, it’s not just the snorkelers in the water. Wearing sunscreen while touring around the island and then coming home and taking a shower eventually creates runoff that ends up in our waters and affecting the coral reef as well. “Oxybenzone is mixed in more than 3,500 sunscreen products worldwide, including popular brands such as Coppertone, Baby Blanket Faces, L’Oreal Paris, Hawaiian Tropic and Banana Boat” according to a Washington Post article addressing the issue.

Here’s how you can help!

We all know that protecting your skin from damaging UV rays is important, especially for the young ones. Make sure that when you are out in the Caribbean sun, particularly when you are out in the water, you are applying coral reef safe sunscreen and protecting yourself from UV rays. Here are some smart and coral-safe ways to protect yourself in the Caribbean Sun.

Surfer Style. Wear clothing with UV Protection like a Rash Guard while in the water. You can be cute and stylish while protecting your skin.
Au Natural. Use oxybenzone free sunscreens. Though controversial, some studies imply oxybenzone is harmful to humans as well. Did you know your skin is the largest organ you have… and what you put on it, absorbs into your body. Let’s face it, it may be safer for us too.

Shade Lovin’. Trust me, here in the islands you’ll get a nice glow simply walking from your car to lunch. Learn to love the shade like an islander and avoid basking in the harmful rays when possible.
Now that you’re in the know about avoiding sunburn and being kind to our coral reefs, check out our St Croix Snorkeling Guide!

Looking for Sunscreens that are not only guaranteed to be kind to the environment, but also safe for you and your family? Check out some of the options below!

Travel Channel’s Real St Croix

September 22, 2015 by Cindy @ MyStCroix.VI Leave a Comment

When producer and television host Shane Reynolds (aka Shane O of Color Earth Productions, Shane Untamed on NatGeo) contacted me about filming an episode of his new Travel Channel series Real on St Croix, I was so excited! I got to become friends with Shane and his wife, Romona, on their last trip to St Croix a few years ago. Shane has worked with my good friend Jerry of MJS Visions on several cool projects, so I was thrilled when he asked me to help him find the perfect locations and “characters” for this look at the island through a different lens. He sifted through long lists of local movers and shakers and business owners that I provided and we talked at length about the current challenges facing the island. And about the things that make us all fall deeply in love with the island. From there, he crafted a pretty terrific story line.

Meeting actress, journalist, activist and Travel Channel host Kinga Philipps was like meeting a long lost bff. We chatted nonstop and had so many of the same ideals and a need to share them with the world in our own ways. I really appreciate her perspective on our oceans and the duality of tourism and island life. Both the good and the not-so-good. Because though we certainly live in paradise – paradise isn’t perfect. Anywhere. The series Real (other episodes include Malibu, CA; Aspen, CO, Savannah, GA, and Nantucket, MA – Watch the series here) focuses on not just the negatives of a tourist destination, but it celebrates those who are working to make a difference in their own little piece of paradise. This story makes St Croix REAL and I desperately love her, imperfections and all. After all, it’s life’s bumps and challenges that make it interesting!

So, if you’re looking for a vacation destination where you can interact with people making a difference in the world; chat at the beach bar with locals from all walks of life; experience history and culture every day; enjoy world-class SCUBA diving and snorkeling; and eat some of the best food in the world … St Croix is for you! Surf through our pages to discover things to do and places to stay and create your own real St Croix Adventure!

Many thanks to Vacation St Croix Villas for hosting the crew at Amonoka!

7 Days in Paradise: Shaking the Winter Blues

March 20, 2015 by Cindy @ MyStCroix.VI Leave a Comment

When you live on an island far away from your family, your friends become your island family. And their family becomes an extension of yours. So, it’s fun when they visit over time, and you get to know them a little better each trip. My friend Greg’s sister, Jenni, has visited St Croix several times over the years. This February, she escaped the frigid cold and snow of Illinois and brought down her boyfriend and another couple (on their first trip) and played island tour guide… and she did a bang-up job too! She was lovely enough to allow me to share HER St Croix with you to give you some ideas for your next trip.

After a long day of flying and a plane delay in San Juan we have finally arrived!

Arriving on St Croix includes a breathtaking approach over one of the island’s most beautiful beaches – Sandy Point Wildlife Refuge. A wonderful Crucian Welcome!

Day 1: The gang was smart and rented a jeep to spend their first day taking an island tour with their expert guide Jenni leading the way.

We are having such a great time! The weather has been perfect so far. Sunny and 85! Still have lots more things planned.

Day 2: Scuba Diving! First time divers can participate in a “resort course”. A couple hours of instruction on deck and working on skills in the pool leads to your first dive into water up to 40 feet deep. Decide you love it (I did!) … the dive counts as your first dive towards full PADI certification. Learn more here.

Four very excited people getting ready to scuba dive! Cory and Jamie’s first time!

Sitting on a boat relaxing…sure beats sitting in my office! Life is good!

Day 3: More island touring with an exciting twist. The group started the day touring Whim Plantation for a historical perspective of the island’s history and then headed over to the famed Cruzan Rum Factory that’s been distilling fine spirits since the 1700’s. Then, it was off to the airport for the big reveal – an aerial view of our gorgeous island. Don’t have a hook up like Jenni’s bro? No problem! Local airline Bohlke International Airways offers aerial island tours for up to 3 people.

Today will be a fun day…We will first be touring an old plantation on the island and learn a little history. Then off to tour the Cruzan Rum factory. Bring on the rum drinks! Then lastly..we have a very exciting surprise for our friends Cory & Jamie to help make their first time on an island that much more exciting!

OMG that was awesome!!!!

Day 4: North Shore Fun! After hiking down to the beautiful and remote Anally Bay Tide Pools, it was time to hit the beach at Carambola while the guys took in a shore dive. St Croix has some of the best diving in the Caribbean. I mean where else can you literally walk into the water, kick out about 300 yards and descend into the water while looking over a sea wall into the abyss 1400 ft down. Cool stuff!!

Oh just being lazy at the beach today! Doesn’t get any better!

Later that day it was time to relax and join up with the happy hour crew at Ziggy’s Island Market & Libation Station. Jenni says it best:

Only in St. Croix can you go to a gas station that is also a bar…that has a deck in the back with bag boards [corn hole] ..ocean view..goats and a sugar mill in the background! Lovin the Island Life Mon!

Day 5: A trip to St Croix simply isn’t complete without an excursion out to the Buck Island National Monument. Hop aboard one of the registered concessioners like Big Beard’s Adventure Tours for a full or half-day snorkeling trip out to one of the most beautiful reefs in the Caribbean listed in 1,000 Places to See Before You Die

Buck Island snorkel trip. One of the best parts of our trip! Water is unreal!!

Day 6: Included an afternoon stop at the famous Domino Club to sample some mamawana and play with the beer drinking pigs. Then it was off to enjoy the crystal blue waters and white sand beach at Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge. This perfect West End day ended with pizza at the Lost Dog Pub.

Visited the famous beer drinking pigs at Domino’s Club in the rainforest today.

Day 7: The final day of their trip was still full of fun! A tour of the Captain Morgan Rum Factory, a little shopping in Christiansted and their final evening was capped off with a wonderful dinner and show.

Well folks…it’s our last full day on the beautiful island of St. Croix. We sure have had one hell of a trip! Can’t wait to see the kids…but are not looking forward to 9″ of snow back home!

moko jumbies at caribbean night — Perfect ending to our week…Caribbean Night buffet dinner at Palms at Pelican Cove

Thanks, Jenni, for sharing your view of St Croix with your friends and with us!

Do you have some favorite places and island tips that Jenni missed on this trip? Let us know in the comments below!

The Ultimate 5 Day St Croix Itinerary

June 15, 2014 by Cindy @ MyStCroix.VI 2 Comments

st croix us virgin islands vacation itinerary

So, I have friends from High School coming to the island for the first time later next week. Of course, I want to show them the very best that St Croix has to offer, so I’ve put together the ultimate St Croix Itinerary to make sure they see the island, experience the culture, and go back home raving and telling all their friends about what a magical place St Croix is. I’ve got five days to convince them that our little sunny island is the bomb-diggitty so here are my suggestions for the ultimate St Croix experience.

Arrival Day – relax, check-in and make your way into Christiansted to the Boardwalk for harborside sunset cocktails. Then head over to one of my favorite St Croix restaurants, Savant, for a delicious dinner on the über sexy back patio under the stars.

Day 1

Rum Tours! If you’ve heard of St Croix, you’ve likely heard of Cruzan Rum – but did you know that Captain Morgan Rum is also made here on St Croix? And both plants offer cool tours and, of course, tastings! I recommend heading first to the Captain Morgan Experience Center. The tour there is about an hour and you get two drink tokens to sample the goods in the Captain’s Lounge. The Captain Morgan plant is state-of-the-art and mostly automated. The Experience Center offers a museum-like walk through the history of rum, piracy, and the Caribbean.

After the tour, head West on the Melvin Evan’s Highway and take a right at the second set of lights – follow that Road down to the Cruzan Rum Factory. Here, the Nelthropp Family has been (and still is) making rum since 1760! You’ll take a tour through their facility and see how their hand-crafted rums are made and learn all about the rum-making process. As you wind your way through the warehouses of vats and rum aging in oaken barrels, you’ll end up at the appropriately named “Don’t Hurry” lounge. This is the perfect spot to sample the MANY flavors of Cruzan Rum and the bartenders will share with you their favorite recipes. And don’t forget to grab rum to take home! Travelers over 21 years of age can bring home 6 bottles of alcohol as long as one was made in the Virgin Islands. Price-wise, this is actually one of the best places to make your purchase and they’ll even box it up ready to check-in at the airport. Of course, you’ll want a few bottles to enjoy while you’re here too!

After learning everything there is to know about rum, take a ride up into the “rainforest” to the world-famous Domino Club to visit the “beer-drinking pigs”. It’s worth the trip just to sample some of beloved former owner Norma’s original mamawana which is a secret recipe of rum and spices that’s carefully aged. Sip it, shoot it or have it in a mixed drink … I love the “Mama Rosa” which is mamawana and ruby red grapefruit juice. Refreshing!

Following the Domino Club, come down the hill and head west to one of the Frederiksted Beach Bars which is the perfect spot to lime for the rest of the day and watch the sunset into the Caribbean sea. If you’re lucky, you may even catch the fabled “green flash”.

Day 2

Sleep in. Now that you’ve been properly indoctrinated into the rum culture here on St Croix, it’s time to hit the beach. Grab some snorkel gear and head out to the North Shore of St Croix and hit Cane Bay Beach. This popular beach is not only an awesome place to get in some excellent offshore snorkeling but it’s also the place to see the world-famous Cane Bay Wall.

If you’re a certified diver, you can grab tanks and head out on a spectacular and easy shore dive that will have you peering over the underwater cliff into the abyss. Over the side of the wall, you’ll often encounter sea turtles, schools and schools of bright tropical fish, and the occasional reef shark looking to see if anyone has a lionfish treat for them.

After a late morning/early afternoon of beach time, walk across the street and grab lunch from The Landing. This funky little beach bar has some of the best food on the North Shore and a fantastic array of fruity, frosty cocktails at their walk-up bar.

If you’re up for some more activity following lunch, take a hike down to the Annaly Bay Tide Pools – there’s a trail from the Carambola Beach Resort public parking lot. The hike takes roughly an hour in and an hour out. You’ll go up and downhill each way. It’s not a killer hike but is a moderate one. So be sure to bring a backpack with water and wear sneakers or tevas. Once you are down to the beach landing, you’ll climb over some rocks to get into the pools – so flip-flops aren’t recommended. Be sure to make your way back at least an hour and a half before sunset to ensure you have plenty of light on your way back.

Head back to your accommodations later in the afternoon to wash off the salt and sand and then treat yourself to a relaxing evening at one of Christiansted’s finer restaurants. St Croix has become a beacon on the culinary map developing some super start chefs. Each April the island boasts a week of food-centric events, seminars and competitions with the St Croix Food & Wine Experience. It also attracts some renowned chefs from across the country who share their talents and passion for the art of eating.

Day 3

Head out to the Eastern most point in the United States. If you’re an early riser, you can even try to catch the sunrise and be the first peeps in the US to feel the warmth of the sun on your face. From there you’ll see a little parking area and the entrance to the hiking trail down to Jacks & Isaacs Beach. This pristine white sand beach is surrounded by reef and coral heads and so has some of the best snorkeling on the island. There are no facilities so you’ll want to bring down a backpack with water, snacks, etc. to make a day of it. And don’t forget sunscreen!! I recommend bringing and wearing a rash guard to protect your back while snorkeling too. You can read about our fun family day a few years back at Jacks & Isaacs.

Beautiful Jack's & Isaac's Bay — Beautiful Jack’s & Isaac’s Bay

Following the day exploring the beach – stop by Ziggy’s Libation station on your way back. This fun little gas station/bar/deli is a popular happy hour spot for locals. Take a break and play corn-hole or if you’re there at the right time, sign up for one of their famous “Dinners on the Deck” by the uber talented Chef Aaron.

The Libation Station at Ziggy's — The Libation Station at Ziggy’s

Day 4

You’ve explored both ends of St Croix and honed your snorkeling skills, so now it’s time to head out to Buck Island Reef National Monument! Book a full day or a half-day trip out to this little gem that sits 2 miles off of St Croix’s North/East coast. In the 60’s this was a favorite spot of the Kennedy’s and so President John F. Kennedy designated it a National Monument to preserve it. Nowadays it’s managed by the National Parks and this uninhabited island is actually less than 1/3 of the park – the rest is below sea level. To get there you must book your trip with one of the official concessioners licensed to take guests out to Buck Island. Tour operators will supply you with snorkel gear (unless you have your own to bring along) and instruction for newbies. You’ll spend about an hour or so exploring the underwater trail and reef on the east side of the island. This spot has some of the most diverse schools of fish and marine life in the Caribbean and is featured in 1,000 Places To See Before You Die – so don’t miss it! Full day trips on Big Beard’s Adventure Tours include a beach barbeque on a secluded beach back on St Croix just across from Buck Island.

Big Beard Adventure Tours Buck Island MJS Visions — Big Beard’s Adventure at Buck Island. Photo by www.mjsvisions.com

Day 5

Spend the morning in historic downtown Christiansted to get in a little shopping and explore St Croix’s history. This 18th Century Danish colonial town was once the capital of the Danish West Indies and is a beautiful example of neoclassic Danish architecture. The town itself is on the National Register of Historic places. Take a self-guided walking tour through the Christiansted historic district starting at Fort Christianvaern. Here you’ll find the National Park Service office and can pick up a map that will lead you to historic points of interest following your exploration of the fort. Throughout the district you’ll find shops that house local artisans and jewelers – you simply MUST bring home a St Croix bracelet, all the cool kids where them. For true. You’ll find plenty of treasures to bring home to friends and family and to remind you of your St Croix experience.

In the afternoon, wrap up your St Croix adventure with a magical riding tour with Cruzan Cowgirls Horse Riding Tours. Most rides head out from Rainbow Beach in Frederiksted. You’ll explore the beach and the rainforest while riding horses who have been lovingly rescued and rehabilitated by Jennifer and her family. Read more here! After your ride you can catch one more West End sunset with a cocktail and reminisce about your week.

There are SO MANY things to do that I didn’t get to in this itinerary, but it’s a great first introduction to the island – so you’ll just have to plan another St Croix vacation to get to everything! Ready to explore? Plan your trip here.