Ecotourism on St. Croix

• Activities
• Accommodations

Activities

buck Island Reef National Monument

Less than an hour by boat from St. Croix, Buck Island Reef National Monument is a must-visit for eco-conscious travelers. As one of five underwater U.S. national monuments, it’s a protected marine sanctuary that limits boat traffic and anchoring to preserve its delicate coral reefs and marine life. Only licensed guides may bring visitors here. Tours offer an up-close look at elkhorn corals, tropical fish and even sea turtles along a marked underwater trail. With an emphasis on conservation and education, excursions help raise awareness about reef preservation while allowing visitors to experience the island’s underwater world.

BushTribe Eco Adventures

For a land-based adventure with a light footprint, BushTribe Eco Adventures leads guided hikes to the tide pools of Annaly Bay on St. Croix’s rugged North Shore. Hike along forested trails and coastal cliffs with stops to learn about local flora, fauna and geology. Guides share their knowledge about ecological preservation, turning this scenic trek into an engaging experience. Because the tide pools are remote and require hiking in, visitor numbers stay low, which helps protect the shoreline habitat where you can swim with juvenile marine life.

Ridge to Reef Farm

In the hills of northwest St. Croix, Ridge to Reef Farm is a certified organic farm and known leader in sustainable agriculture. Walking tours, led by a guide or on your own with a map, offer a behind-the-scenes look at permaculture practices and rainwater harvesting, as well as the farm’s plants and animals. Visitors can meet the farmers, learn about regenerative growing methods, and taste fruits and produce right in the field. Every tour supports the farm’s mission of environmental education and supplying organic food for the island’s residents.

Sea Thru Kayaks VI

Sea Thru Kayaks VI offers a unique way to experience one of the Caribbean’s rare gems via a nighttime bioluminescent bay tour in a clear-bottom kayak. Paddlers will be mesmerized by the glowing microscopic dinoflagellates that sparkle beneath them, creating an illuminating effect in Salt River Bio Bay. The low-impact tours allow a limited number of participants and are eco-sensitive, with guides offering insight into the science behind the phenomenon and the importance of preserving this fragile environment. It’s a magical, carbon-light way to engage with marine ecology after dark.

Carambola Zip Line

The Carambola Zip Line offers an adrenaline-filled adventure through St. Croix’s lush landscape without heavy infrastructure or environmental disruption. Set along the scenic northwestern hills, the zip line runs through a rainforest canopy and over ravines, ruins and a golf course, giving riders panoramic views of the island. Three sections propel riders up to 40 mph, with vertical drops as steep as 205 feet and lengths of 2,473 feet. On a course constructed with minimal clearing and built to respect the surrounding terrain, guides emphasize safety, conservation and the importance of preserving native plant and animal habitats.

Accommodations

Sand Castle on the Beach

Just steps from the Caribbean Sea in Frederiksted, Sand Castle on the Beach is an LGBTQ+-friendly boutique hotel committed to sustainability. Hotel guests participate in low-impact activities like rainforest hikes, kayaking and simply enjoying the island’s natural beauty. The landscaping incorporates local avocado, mango and star fruit trees, with the bounty incorporated into meals. Guests are encouraged to minimize waste, avoid single-use plastics and patronize local restaurants that use sustainably caught seafood and local produce. 

Feather Leaf Inn

Set on a restored 18th-century Danish estate, the solar-powered Feather Leaf Inn eco-retreat features rainwater collection, composting systems, organic gardens and native landscaping. Guests stay in breezy, spacious rooms with Caribbean Sea views and dine on a delicious vegetarian breakfast made from locally grown ingredients. The inn offers yoga classes and cultural tours, making it a hub for travelers who value following green practices while enjoying a restorative stay, disturbed only by the soothing sound of crashing waves.

Grapetree Bay Hotel

Tucked away on the southeast coast of St. Croix, the restored 1960s Grapetree Bay Hotel combines classic Caribbean charm with a commitment to environmental sustainability. The hotel uses solar panels, water-saving practices throughout its beachfront property and minimal lighting to protect nesting sea turtles. Guests can relax in sea-view rooms, swim in the freshwater pool, hike nature trails or snorkel in reef-protected waters. By emphasizing local sourcing, native plant restoration and the reduced use of plastics, Grapetree Bay offers an eco-conscious yet luxurious stay.

Northside Valley

Northside Valley offers eco-lodging in eight villas tucked away on a quiet hillside just a couple of miles from Frederiksted. Each villa operates off-grid using solar power and captured rainwater. Natural ventilation, high ceilings, fans and white roofs reduce the need for air conditioning. Gas stoves and water heaters are powered by solar panels. Surrounded by native gardens, mango trees and hiking trails, the six-acre property is ideal for birdwatching and stargazing. Hosts provide guests with tips on sustainable island living and nearby nature-based attractions.

Waves Cane Bay

Built directly on the water atop a natural grotto, Waves Cane Bay offers 11 luxurious rooms and suites with a green twist. The boutique hotel collects rainwater and operates the sustainable AMA restaurant that serves local seafood and produce. To help preserve the marine environment, the hotel partners with area conservation groups, and educates guests about reef-safe practices such as avoiding single-use plastics and promoting ocean-friendly sunscreen.

More to See and Do on St. Croix

Cozy St. Croix bed & breakfasts

Best St. Croix beachfront hotels

St. Croix boat tours: See the island by water

Explore St. Croix history & heritage

Go horseback riding on St. Croix