St Croix Beach Trip

St. Croix is the largest island in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Christopher Columbus visited St. Croix on his second voyage to the New World in 1493 and named the island “Santa Cruz” (Holy Cross), which became a major export of sugar in the late 1700s. The ruins of over 150 sugar plantations are still visible along the hillsides of Christiansted and Frederiksted, the two major towns on St. Croix.

The island, which became a U.S. territory in 1917, is filled with a diverse assortment of plant life including giant cacti on the eastern side of St. Croix and rain forest on the western end, which features Blue Mountain. To help protect the islands’ unique ecology, St. Croix locals host several workshops and garden tours through the Virgin Islands Sustainable Farm Institute, a certified Organic and Green Globe forest farm. Many of St. Croix’s native plants are also found in the St. George Village Botanical Gardens, where tourists can stroll through a cactus garden and an orchid house.

Visitors can also explore the protected waters and lush habitat of St. Croix by kayaking through Salt River—the historical landing site of Columbus’ expedition—or snorkeling in the underwater National Park, Buck Island Reef National Monument.

The Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort is located beachfront in St. Croix, approximately 12 miles from Christiansted, and 20 miles Henry E. Rohlsen International Airport. Local attractions include Point Udall, Buck Island Reef National Monument, and Estate Little Princess.Hotel amenities include two freshwater pools, two outdoor whirlpools, lighted tennis courts, fitness center, and PADI five star dive center. Onsite dining is available at the Dockside Cafe & Deli, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days a week.Guest rooms feature A/C, refrigerators, wet bars, coffeemakers, microwaves, satellite TVs, in-room safes, telephones, voicemail, and dataports.

Savant is one of those small but special places that only the locals seem to know about. With only 10 tables and a very romantic atmosphere, this restaurant can get busy. Fusion cuisine, a blend of Caribbean, Mexican and Thai, is the chef's specialty. Try the grilled calamari or the mahi mahi made topped with a black bean mango salsa. The restaurant also has made a name for itself with its extensive wine list.

Peaceful and serene, this white sand beach is perfect for some soul searching and self-reflection. The only entrance to the beach is from The Buccaneer Hotel. With very few people on the beach, Shoy's quite an intimate affair. You could go for a swim in the azure waters or try snorkeling—a day at the Shoy Beach is more relaxing than any spa you've ever been to.

While lots of hotel restaurants get a bad rap, the Starlite Grille is the exception. The restaurant has already garnered a slew of prestigious awards. Dine on dishes such as pork chops stuffed with plantains, raisins and mango or Seafood Bouillabaisse made with the catch of the day, mahi mahi, scallops and shrimp. Save room for dessert. Chocolate lovers will adore the Double Chocolate Overload. Its fudgy chocolate filling is surrounded by a rich chocolate pound cake. Breakfast costs just USD15 for and adult.

Sonya's is the home of the hook bracelet, now imitated in shops all over the Virgin Islands. The bracelet's hook-shaped clasp comes plain or with a swirl like weather forecasters use to designate hurricanes. It commemorates one of the several hurricanes that devastated the island starting in 1989. The handcrafted jewelry also includes island-style designs. All are available in silver and gold bracelets, rings, pendants, and earrings.

A guided three-hour hike with the St. Croix Environmental Association takes you to places most groups do not go. These Eco-tours include the historic ruins at Estate Punch, the scenic ridge and Salt River National Historical Park and Preserve. Trips with this non-profit group run USD30 for adults and USD15 for children. You must reserve five days in advance. Credit cards may be used for advance payment, but only cash is accepted at the departure point. Call for directions to departure locations.

Saunter into this remote and pristine pair of beaches owned by the international group Nature Conservancy. The footpath leads down from Point Udall along the main road. Its inaccessibility makes it safe for solo travelers to explore without worrying about who is around the next bend in the path. Windswept promontories connect long stretches of sand. On days when the water is calm, a barrier reef provides lovely snorkeling. No admission charge.

This colorful store right along the waterfront in Frederiksted stocks myriad items that make great gifts. Coffees, spices, jams, cookies, and rum cakes made across the Caribbean, art by owner Joffre George and others, stained glass pieces, mocko jumbie dolls on stilts, and fabric dolls in Caribbean costumes fill the shelves. Flip the skirt on the popular double dolls one way and a black face appears. Turn it upside down for a white face.

Explore the history and lore of St. Croix's main towns, Christiansted and Frederiksted, on a guided walking tour. The Christiansted tour takes you to the towns' historic buildings as well as the National Park Service's Christiansted National Historic Site. In Frederiksted, you will tour Fort Frederik and visit other historic buildings and includes entrance into the Historic Site. Both tours run 1 1/2 hours. Custom tours are also available. Schedule changes often, call for tour times.

Explore a working rum factory with a guided tour of the historic Cruzan Rum Distillery, one of the island's most important industries. Rum has been made on this site since 1760, back when most of the island was covered with sugar plantations. The visit concludes with a complimentary rum-based drink such as a piano colada. Tours last about a half-hour. Bottles of the several types of rum made here are for sale in the gift shop. No credit cards accepted.

Enjoy a comfortable trip to the National Park Services Buck Island Reef National Monument aboard the Teroro II. Since the boat, a tri-maran, has three hulls to hold it steady, you'll find less tipping than you would on a single-hulled sailboat. At Buck Island, snorkel the underwater trail, take an easy uphill hike to a panoramic view or spend a few hours sunning. Trips run USD50 for adults and USD30 for children 11 and under. Rent underwater cameras for USD30. Reservations necessary.

This small store carries a vast selection of cigars kept fresh in its walk-in humidor. Look for brands like Macanudo, Partagas and Arturo Fuente. Baci is also a place to shop for liquor, watches, Orrefors and Swarvoski crystal, Lladro and Limoges gift items, and more. Prices may be lower than you would pay at home, but if you are shopping with a certain item in mind, check before you depart. Baci has a second store at 1 Strand Street, where you will find mostly jewelry.

Stop by this cozy spot for something light. Morning Glory Coffee and Tea stakes its reputation on its fresh brewed coffee made with custom-blended beans from Jamaica, Costa Rica, Mexico, Hawaii and other exotic locales. Of course, you can always get a cup of tea, glass of juice or a smoothie if you are not a coffee aficionado. Add a New Orleans-style beignet, a wrap sandwich or a salad for a light lunch. Dine alfresco at the sidewalk tables or in air-conditioned comfort inside. No credit cards are accepted.