Travel plan idea blog

Vacation Advice on St. Croix (Virgin Islands) please

Here's a question from Larry - let's see if we can help him out. I've also collected replies from some travelers and included them after the question:

Our vacation plans fell through so me and the wife are scrambling trying to find somewhere to go starting on Friday. I know it's short notice but we both need a break from the office so rather then give the days back we are looking for somewhere to go. I've found a good deal on a couple places at St Croix, but having never been to the Virgin Isles I wanted to know if anyone had any opinions on the island in general.

Or any suggestions for another secluded place with more of an emphasis on nature than nightlife, and no passport required. Thanks

1. The Virgin Islands are wonderful. I haven't been to St. Croix, but St. John was fantastic. The perfect vacation. A much quieter island than the main one, St. Thomas, we found secluded beaches where we were the only ones there and if you do feel like going out there's a small downtown with restaurants and bars.

2. Have a great time w/ whatever you choose. I can second St. John - beautiful beaches and a low key night life if you are looking just to take a break from everyday life. Everything from 1st rate accommodations to eco-tourism.

3. St.Croix is not St John. There is a big difference. St John is a much smaller island of which about 80% is a national park. It is not very populated. Because of this it is very expensive. I think there is only one hotel on the island. Most of the rentals are private houses. It is however, a great place to vacation.

That being said, I am not familiar with St Croix. I just would not assume they are similar.
I've spent a lot of time on St John and HIGHLY suggest you trying to go there...Haven't been to St Croix.

4. I have lived in STX for 21 years and it is one of the most underated and beautiful places in the world. The big Island is not a huge tourist destination as most people got to St. John or St. Thomas, that said there are good hotels here, great places to eat, and beautiful beaches.

If you tell me which places your thinking of staying I will give you the skinny on them. Bucaneer is probably the most complete place and great for kids. We also have great golf here, and a casino.

5. I used to live on St. Croix for about 2 years when Marilyn decided to change my vocation. I worked for Miles and Mark Sperber of Dive St. Croix. I called the top of Strand St. my home in Christiansted.

St. Croix is a big island. Plenty to do and see. North end of the island has a rainforest while the East end is a desert. Great diving, golf, lounging on the beach, etc. Cruz Bay is a definite. Swim out from the beach, and you are over one of the deepest walls in the Caribbean. Excellent restaurants also. And like Big VI said, they have gaming also. St. Croix is a killer spot for scuba diving...

6. St. John is wonderful! Relaxtion, Beaches, Quiet! St. Croix is nice as well but a little more commercialized and NOT as laid back. Good Luck! I worked at the Hess refinery on St. Croix for a couple of months. It's very nice but I prefer St Thomas or St Johns.

7. Great snorkeling in both places.. St. Croix has an underwater national park at Buck Island. Chenay Bay is a little guest house type hotel. pretty beach, close to town, ok bar food but clean rooms with their own kitchen. You can probably get a better deal at Carambola but 20 minutes from town... great beaches, pools, rooms all 1st class... close to golf and everything if its just you and the wife carambola is very romantic and used to be a Rock Resort back in the day.. also just redid all the rooms.. carambola is also right by the rain forest very tropical...

8. Maho Bay on St. Johns is where I honeymooned. Excellent, "eco-resort." Right on the beach. Snorkeling in Waterlemon Key and exploring the old Sugar Plantations is a blast. St. Croix, I don't know about. But St. Thomas looked like a zoo to me from the ferry to St. Johns...

9. I would second the Carambola. It is on the north shore so it is tropical and lush as it is in/near the rainforest. Also, the proximity to Cruz Bay is ideal for you and your significant other to do some snorkeling/scuba diving. There is a watersports business called Cruz Bay Watersports. They can outfit you for some snorkeling or instruct you with a resort course certification in diving. You don't want to miss seeing the East or West wall. In all my years of diving, it is in the top 5 of wall dives in the world. I also worked in Grand Cayman and San Salvador, Bahamas so I do know my wall diving.

Buck Island National park with underwater snorkeling trail. Makes a nice day. The botanical garden is also nice to stroll through. There used to be (I'm not sure if they are still in business) a concession that would arrange horseback riding on the beach near Carambola. Perhaps Big VI knows the name. Also, be sure to head to Christiansted for some shopping and dining.

10. Take an island safari tour one day. there individual open jeeps with a driver/guide you get to see a little bit of everything and some stuff you wont see unless with them. Carambola can arrange for you. Have a great time you won't be sorry.

Posted by James Trotta at October 18, 2007 12:03 PM | TrackBack