Top Activities and Experiences on St. Croix

Ultimate St. Croix Visitor's Guide

St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands is the largest and most diverse island in America's Caribbean. With so many things to do in St. Croix, it is an exceptional destination for those who want to explore, enjoy, and experience their vacation. Known for its laid-back, authentic Caribbean atmosphere, it is less crowded than many neighboring islands, allowing you to design your own escape.

If escape from stress is your goal, and being in control of your daily activities is your thing, St. Croix is your destination. Let yourself connect with the island and its people. It is distinctly a vibe like no other!

This guide, compiled from local resources, provides a condensed, single-page list of must-do activities focused on enhancing your guest experience, and allowing you to design your perfect vacation.

Explore the Caribbean - Water Activities & Beaches

Buck Island Reef National Monument - Take a half or full-day boat tour to this protected area. Snorkel the famous underwater trail and relax on the pristine sands of Turtle Beach. This is a quintessential St. Croix experience.

World-Class Diving & Snorkeling - Experience the Caribbean's premier dive sites. Dive the legendary Frederiksted Pier, often called the best pier dive in the world, or explore the famous Cane Bay Wall, where the ocean floor drops thousands of feet.

Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Tour - Visit one of the rare Bio Bays in the world, located at Salt River Bay. Take a guided kayak tour after sunset to witness the water glow around your paddle strokes.

Sailing & Watersports - Charter a sunset sail or day trip. Rental options include kayaking, paddle boarding (SUP), jet skis, and even kiteboarding lessons, especially on the North Shore.

Beach Relaxation - St. Croix boasts dozens of great public beaches, and legally all shoreline (to the vegetation line or line of highest high tide) is “public”. The varying personalities of the beaches around St. Croix along with a bunch of links to “Best Beaches on St. Croix” are discussed here.

A sunset cruise with Lyric Sail
Cramer Park Beach with clear blue water gently lapping the sandy shore, green trees lining the edge, and a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

Uncover Crucian History & Culture - Land & Attractions

Historic Christiansted & Frederiksted - Stroll the Christiansted Boardwalk for harbor views, dining, and shopping. Visit the preserved colonial architecture and the forts: Fort Christiansvaern (Christiansted National Historic Site) and Fort Frederik. There are guided tours of both towns by CHANTVI and walking food tours by VI Food Tours which pairs significant history with significant foods.

Distillery & Tasting Tours - St. Croix is home to the world-famous Cruzan Rum Distillery, the Captain Morgan Distillery, the Sion Farm Distillery (Mutiny Vodka), and the newest addition, Prosperity Farm Distillery, which grows its own crops as a farm-to-bottle spirit producer.

Hikes & Natural Wonders - Drive to Point Udall on the East End, the easternmost point in the United States, to catch the country's first sunrise. Hike Goat Hill and view most of the island from the east end’s highest point - 672 feet. Explore the lush "rainforest" area in the island's northwest or hike the trails at the Maroon Sanctuary Territorial Park. Hike to the Hams Bluff Lighthouse on the northwest corner of the island. There is a website with a family perspective on hiking St. Croix. That same site also has a broader perspective on family areas of St. Croix.

Arts, Shopping & Markets - Discover local arts and crafts at galleries and enjoy duty-free shopping in Christiansted. Experience authentic island life and fresh local produce at the La Reine Farmers' Market.

Botanical Gardens - Spend an afternoon wandering through the tropical landscapes, historical ruins, and plant collections at the St. George Village Botanical Garden.

The Millennium Monument at Point Udall where each day's first sunrise in the United States occurs.
Christiansted National Historic Site

Savor the Flavors & Relaxation - Cuisine & Wellness

Dining & Local Cuisine - Sample authentic Crucian cuisine, including dishes like kallaloo and goat water. Explore various dining spots from casual beach bars to upscale restaurants in Christiansted and Frederiksted. St. Croix is a significant “foodie” destination and you can find a wide range of excellent food options from fine dining to food trucks. Some of the best foods are served in the most rustic surroundings. Be adventurous and try new things! In some cases the cost of eating out may not be significantly more than making your own food. Explore more about restaurants and shopping options.

Events & Nightlife - Check the calendar for signature island events like Jump Up, a major street festival in Christiansted, or the annual Crucian Christmas Festival (Carnival). Enjoy local nightlife and entertainment options. Other than island events, night life is not extensive, and most folks on the island are home by 10pm each night.

Wellness & Recreation - Play a round of golf at the Robert Trent Jones-designed Carambola course, the Bob Joyce-designed Buccaneer course, or the 9-hole Reef course. Find beachfront yoga sessions, spa treatments, or a relaxing massage to truly unwind into "island time."

Ama seaside restaurant with ocean view, palm trees, and string lights at sunset.
Moko Jumbies at an event

There are many “must-do on St Croix” lists, and we like these:

Christiansted National Historic Sight Sign