travelalert
The Department of Tourism looks forward to welcoming you to the U.S. Virgin Islands! Our recovery from last year’s storms has been very strong. Power has been restored, beaches and attractions have reopened, restaurants are serving up extraordinary dishes, and the USVI spirit is as warm and inviting as ever. Airlines and cruise lines have returned to our shores, and many hotels, bed and breakfasts and condominiums are available to overnight visitors even as our rebuilding work continues. The USVI yachting industry is unrivaled, and we have wonderful villas to accommodate groups large and small. More hotels will open near the end of 2018, and we are confident we will have an even better tourism product. Please contact your airline, accommodations provider and/or travel advisor for specific updates before you travel. The best way to continue help the Territory is to visit us! Also, please visit usviupdate.com for more details. #USVIStillNice
Attractions
By the water or under the sea, there’s a surprise around every reef, cove and dune.
Whether you seek surf and seclusion or excitement and adventure, St. Croix will satisfy your every desire.
The easternmost place in the United States offers a variety of unique diversions, from pristine beaches to fascinating historical sites.
Absorb Crucian culture in Christiansted and Frederiksted, the two largest towns on the island, explore Buck Island—one of only three underwater national monuments in the U.S—or just enjoy the Caribbean sun on one of our many breathtaking beaches. On St. Croix, there is simply no excuse not to have fun.
Beaches
It is well worth the necessary hike to access Annaly Bay. After conquering the difficult and scenic trek, reward yourself by relaxing in the tide pools and enjoying the excellent snorkeling.
Come and relax on this quiet beach located in Frederiksted. Any passing ships will be visible from Butler Bay. Explore the tide pools inhabited by many small fish.
Located on North Shore Road, Cane Bay Beach offers a wide sandy beach with moderate surf, great diving and snorkeling. A full-service dive shop, along with the hotels and restaurants nearby, make this a great place to hang out.
Home to a hotel with the same name, this cozy beach is open to the public. Windsurfers, snorkel gear, kayaks and sunfish rentals are available. There is also a beachside bar, restaurant and children’s playground.
Located on the east end of St. Croix, Coakley Bay Beach is a long and mostly deserted strip of beach with a lot of seaweed. The rocky water makes for some great snorkeling. There are also many areas with a sandy bottom that are good for swimming.
This beach is named after Christopher Columbus, who landed here during his second voyage in 1493. Here Columbus encountered a Carib Indian tribe, leading to the first documented conflict between Native Americans and Europeans. Today the area is a protected national park.
A great beach that’s very popular with residents on weekends for family picnics, parties and camping.
A long, sandy white beach, located at the Carambola Beach Resort, Davis Bay is quiet and serene. If surf conditions are right, visitors can body surf. Otherwise, hammocks provide a comfortable spot to meditate.
A pretty little beach located a short distance from Frederiksted, Dorsch Beach is a popular spot on weekends for family picnics and gatherings.
Known by residents as Frederiksted Beach, Fort Frederik Beach is walking distance from Frederiksted and the Ann E. Abramson Pier. It is also a popular evening spot, both for fishing and sunset watching.
Grape Tree Beach is a long, lovely, white sand beach extending both east and west past Divi Carina Beach Resort.
Located near Tamarind Reef, Green Cay has a wonderful view of both Buck Island and Green Cay itself. It is usually quiet and calm. Shade is available and there is good snorkeling.
Hike to breathtaking Isaac's Bay from Jack's Bay, or arrive by boat. This beach is home to Hawksbill and Green Turtle nests and is protected by the Nature Conservatory. The calm, deep waters at secluded Isaac’s Bay make it great for swimming and amazing for snorkeling.
Accessible only by foot or boat, you can hike to beautiful Jack's Bay from Point Udall or from the far left of Grape Tree Bay. Like Isaac's Bay, this beach is home to Hawksbill and Green Turtle nests and is protected by the Nature Conservatory. Enjoy snorkeling and privacy on Jack’s Bay, and then hike around the bend to Isaac’s Bay.
The beach at Judith's Fancy is great for surfing. When the tide is out, snorkelers can enjoy a sizeable portion of the reef. This beach is not good for swimming but it is a good place to find coral and shells washed up on shore.
Relax at La Grange beach with a free umbrella and beach chair. There are restrooms, showers, a restaurant and live entertainment every Friday and Sunday. If you need more action, rent snorkel or dive gear right on the beach.
Manchenil is a very long, white sand beach on the south side of St. Croix, accessible by a dirt road. Look for the pink pillars off South Shore Rd. The beach is mostly deserted during the week, but is popular on weekends with island residents.
Mermaid Beach is a spectacular white sand beach located at the Buccaneer Resort. For those seeking refuge from the bright Caribbean sun, the shore is shaded with tall coconut trees. A beach bar and open-air restaurant are located a short distance from the sandy beachfront. For non-hotel guests, a fee is collected for parking on the hotel grounds.
A rocky bottom and hollowed-out coral make quiet Monk’s Bath a good beach for snorkeling.
Northstar Bay has direct access to The Wall, a world-famous dive site. If you do not want to dive the steepest wall in the world, come enjoy the snorkeling instead.
Located at The Palms at Pelican Cove Beach Resort, this long, sandy beach is good for snorkeling. Enjoy the beachside bar and restaurant.
Take a three-minute ferry ride from Christiansted to Protestant Cay, home of Hotel on the Cay. The little sandy beach on Protestant Cay is delightful for sunning, swimming and enjoying the stunning view of the Christiansted and Fort Christiansvearn. (The ferry operates daily from the boardwalk next to Fort Christiansvearn from 7 am to 6 pm and costs $3 round trip.)
Less than a mile left of the Frederiksted Pier, Public Beach is a favorite among the locals on weekends. Take advantage of the shade under fruit trees at this sandy beach and take in a gorgeous sunset.
Rainbow Beach is a small, sandy bay that’s great for swimming. On weekends it’s a favorite hangout for enjoying live music and playing volleyball.
The Reef is a small, quiet beach popular with windsurfers. Enjoy a great view of Buck Island and a beachside restaurant.
A nice shady beach with calm waters and good snorkeling, there are two hotels here: Sandcastle on the Beach and Cottages by the Sea.
This three-mile beach is the longest in the U.S. Virgin Islands. It is located at the southwest end of St. Croix, just south of Frederiksted. Part of the 380-acre Sandy Point Wildlife Preserve, the beach is an important nesting area for the endangered leatherback turtle. The dirt access road is open Saturday and Sunday. The beach may be closed during the turtle-nesting season, from March through August.
One of St. Croix’s most appealing beaches, Shoy’s Beach is great for swimming, exercising and sunbathing. Enter at the Buccaneer Hotel’s entrance, then take a right into the Shoy’s subdivision.
Smuggler's Cove is secluded and relatively quiet. Surrounded by a coral reef, its deep, murky waters are filled with marine life. Further down the beach there is a section of clear, shallow water to relax in.
This is a pretty bay located a short drive from Frederiksted. The beachside restaurant is perfect for grabbing a bite to eat and a couple of cool drinks.
Located near Green Cay Marina, Tamarind Reef Bay is a tranquil beach with a small reef for snorkeling. Kayaks are available for rent, and there is also a restaurant.
The Grotto is located at the Buccaneer Resort, just one cove over from Mermaid Beach. Chairs, kayaks and a restaurant and bar are available at the resort. There is a fee for parking within the hotel grounds for non-hotel guests.
Stunning Turtle Beach is located on Buck Island. Here, you can relax on the white sand beach or partake in world-renowned snorkeling. Follow the underwater signs guiding you on a trail along the reef. Turtle Beach is the perfect spot to pack a lunch and spend the day.
Whistle Beach is one of three beaches at the Buccaneer Resort. Accessible only by path, this quiet, white sand beach is good for swimming and sunbathing.
Casinos
For excitement that never ends, our elegant casino resort is found on the east end of St. Croix among sweeping palms, aquamarine water and sugary sand beaches. As the sun sets, the night lights up at Divi Carina Bay Casino, where you’ll find free live entertainment in the Carina Bay Show Bar.
Distilleries/Brewers
- #1 Estate Annaberg and Shannon Grove, Kingshill VI
Visitors will experience an hour long tour of the distillery including history of the island and the rum industry. A movie theater, interactive learning screens, the Captain's Quarters Bar, a gift shop are all part of the experience. Tours top of every hour. Last tour is one hour before closing. $10 for Adults, $5 Military, $3 children, residents and seniors
The production of rum has been a part of St. Croix history since colonial times. Today, it continues to thrive at the Cruzan Rum Factory. Tour the facilities, including the Great House and old sugar mill, and taste why Cruzan Rum is one of the world’s most honored rums.
- William Roebuck Industrial Park #4 Negro Bay, Frederiksted 00840
Family Fun
- East End
Will be closed for repairs. Will be reopening fall 2018.
Family Fun at St. Croix’s only miniature golf course and driving range! Kids of all ages, and adults too, will have a ball playing The Links 18-hole miniature golf course. Miniature golf at The Links also makes a great way to celebrate birthdays or other special occasions. Looking to practice your swing? Grab a bucket of balls and head to the 300 yard driving range, then relax at the clubhouse. The Links is conveniently located at the Divi Carina Bay Resort and is open Wednesday – Sunday from 5:00pm – 9:00pm.
Air Skills Institute has 25 years of adventure seeking in the clouds! St. Thomas Jumps, Monday-Friday 10:00-4:00 PM. St. Croix Jumps on weekends 9:00-5:00 PM and you land right on the beach!
Golf & Golf Clubs
A par 70, 18-hole golf course encompassing 5,668 yards with spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea from 13 holes, The Buccaneer Golf Course was designed by Bob Joyce in 1973.
Nestled in the northwestern valley of St. Croix is the Laurence Rockefeller-built and Robert Trent Jones-designed Carambola Golf Course. Facilities include a clubhouse, practice putting green, driving range, restaurant, bar and pro shop.
Located at Teaque Bay on the island’s east end, The Reef offers a nine-hole course, par 35, with driving range. There’s a beautiful beach nearby and one of the island’s best beachside restaurants.
Historical Sites & Museums
Located in downtown Christiansted, this 19th century pharmacy was established by a Danish pharmacist around 1816 to prepare medicines for the Danish military garrison in Christiansted.
On July 3, 1848, "General Buddhoe" Gottleib rallied more than 6,000 armed slaves at this park to demand freedom. As a result, Governor Peter von Scholten proclaimed the emancipation of the slaves on this day. Located next to Fort Frederik Museum in Frederiksted, the park contains a bronze bust of the renowned slave rebellion leader.
Located in Frederiksted, the Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts serves and promotes the artists and art of the Caribbean. The center offers opportunities for learning, introspection, and connection with the cultures of the Caribbean.
History comes alive as you walk among the original early 18th century plantation buildings on the 12 acres of Whim Museum. Whim is the oldest sugar plantation museum in the Virgin Islands. The greathouse, fully restored windmill and sugar factory ruins are open for you to explore. You can see sugar cane growing nearby in one of the plantation gardens.
Completed in 1749, and later expanded in the 1830s, Fort Christiansvaern protected the town from pirates and other invaders. It once also served as a police station and courthouse. It was designated a National Historic Site in 1952 and now displays 1830s furnishings and an exhibit on local military history.
Construction on this fort began in 1752 and was completed in 1760. A recent project restored the fort’s courtyard, stables and the old garrison and soldier’s canteen. Today the fort houses a museum and art gallery.
This mission church was founded by Moravian brethren in the 1750s to minister to enslaved Africans, conveying useful skills as well as salvation. The parish house, or manse, was built in the 1830s as both a school and dwelling.
Government House consists of three buildings connected by walks and steps around a serene courtyard. The oldest building, the Schopen wing, was completed in 1747; construction on the Sobotker wing was completed in 1797; the new courtyard building replaced earlier structures at the end of the 19th century. The building serves as the official office of the governor and also houses the Department of Tourism’s Visitor Center.
Originally built in 1755, Holy Cross was extensively altered in the 1850s. It is located on Company Street in Christiansted.
This simple church was built in 1792 to replace an earlier wood structure built in 1766. Holy Trinity Lutheran Church is located on Hospital and Hill Street in Frederiksted.
Northeast of Frederiksted is an 18th century estate house showcasing the antique furnishings and lush fertile gardens of the prominent Danish-Crucian Lawaetz Family.
Built in the 1740s, the Lutheran Church is St. Croix’s oldest church. Originally the Dutch Reformed Church, it was transferred to the Lutherans in 1834.
The Customs House on the Frederiksted Waterfront is an elegant 18th century building and home to the Department of Tourism Visitor’s Bureau. (need to clarify)
Point Udall is the easternmost point of the United States. A sundial known as the Millennium Monument was built above Point Udall for the New Year's celebration in 2000 — it marks the azimuth of the first U.S. sunrise of that year.
Salt River Bay is a living museum on St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. It is a dynamic, tropical ecosystem with Prehistoric and colonial-era archeological sites and ruins. It is home to some of the largest mangrove forests in the Virgin Islands as well as coral reefs and a submarine canyon. Experience the beauty, sanctity and spirit of this place.
Please note: "Due to damage suffered from Hurricane Maria, the Salt River Bay NHP&EP Visitor Center is closed. For information about Salt River Bay - its history and natural environment - please visit the Visitor Center at Fort Christiansvaern, Christiansted National Historic Site. For tours, please call the Interpretation Division at 340.773.1460."
This museum houses a collection of artifacts from as far back as 4,000 years ago. Digs from previous cultures, including the Ortoiroid, Saladoid, Elenan Ostionoid, and Taíno tribes are displayed.
The St. Croix East End Marine Park (STXEEMP) is comprised of reefs, mangrove forests, sea grass beds and nesting sites for endangered sea turtles. STXEEMP aims to preserve marine life in St. Croix and to educate the general public. Park Rangers give free Interpretive Tours of different natural history and cultural aspects of the park.
St. Croix’s heritage trail traverses the entire island of St. Croix highlighting special sites, historical buildings, churches, flora and fauna and more. The trail is one of 50 Millennium Legacy Trails recognized by the White House Millennium Council. The St. Croix Landmarks Society provides the map at no cost.
Explore 16 acres of sugar plantation ruins, historical structures and a lovely botanical garden, including more than 1,500 native and exotic plant species.
St. John’s Anglican Church was built between 1849 and 1858, replacing a structure built in 1772. A fire destroyed much of the original interior. This design and rebuilding reflects fidelity to the Gothic Revival style prescribed for Anglican churches throughout the world.
Built in 1848 to meet the rising expectation of Emancipation, the church expanded shortly after construction to accommodate a growing congregation. Built from local cut stone, the west entry façade has elements of both Gothic Revival and Neoclassical style. St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church is located on Prince and Market Street in Frederiksted.
This hybrid church combines an 1812 West Indian hipped roof structure featuring classical and local details with a neo-Gothic, three-tiered tower erected in 1848. St. Paul’s Anglican Church is located on Prince Street in Frederiksted.
Built in 1750-53 by the Danish West India and Guinea Company as a Lutheran Church, the building later became a bakery, a hospital and a school.
The Customs House once housed Christiansted’s post office upstairs, while downstairs was used for the collection of taxes on imports and exports. The building is presently the National Park Service’s Visitor Center.
In the Scale House built in 1856, hogsheads of sugar and puncheons of rum were weighed before export. The weighmaster’s office was on the first floor and soldiers were quartered upstairs. This building replaced an 1840 wooden weighing house.
Unique to St. Croix
One of only three underwater national monuments in the United States, Buck Island and its surrounding coral reef ecosystem support a large variety of native flora and fauna, including the hawksbill turtle and brown pelican. Underwater trails make Buck Island a popular destination for snorkelers and a must-do for every visitor. A number of tour companies operate excursions to Buck Island. Click here to learn more about St. Croix Water Activities
One of the most popular things to do is take a drive into the west end tropical forest and buy a beer (non-alcoholic) for St. Croix’s “World Famous Beer Drinking Pig” at the Domino Club. You have to see it to believe it. Open daily, serving local food, and offering live music on the last Sunday of every month.
Point Udall is the easternmost point in the United States. It was named for Stewart Udall, United States Secretary of the Interior under Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson. A sundial known as the Millennium Monument was built above Point Udall for the New Year's celebration in 2000 marking the angle of the first U.S. sunrise of that year.
First event starting March 2018
Comprising more than one hundred acres of rolling green hills and valleys nestled in the highlands of St. Croix, VISFI exemplifies agritourism at its best. Visit the farm to learn about organic farming, take a course in bush skills or beneficial farming, or enjoy a Creque Slow Down Dinner prepared with organically grown local ingredients.