St. Croix is one of the most popular stops on cruise vacations to the Caribbean. With so much to do, however, how to visitors decide how to spend their time on this beautiful tropical island?
As the largest island in the U.S. Virgin Islands chain of the Caribbean, St. Croix offers more than the rest of the territory. This means more beaches, more restaurants, more attractions and more island beauty to take in. Here, we offer a few of our favorite things to do in St. Croix to keep you occupied for your entire visit, and ensure you leave the island just as spellbound as we did.
Horseback riding – One of the top attractions on St. Croix is the island’s horseback riding. Visitors can choose between Equus, Paul and Jill’s Equestrian Stables or one of the other stables that provides a unique riding experience across the island. Take a guided tour of some of the St. Croix’s breathtaking sights, or go for a leisurely ride on the beach. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced rider, St. Croix offers a fun horseback riding experience for everyone.
Scuba diving – What’s a Caribbean vacation with scuba diving? St. Croix offers a plethora of opportunities for diving. Nearly all of the island’s beaches offer scuba opportunities, as well as snorkeling. Visitors can also take a boat out to one of the reefs, such as Buck Island Cove, for a more immersive experience. Take a guide to learn more about the area’s at risk marine life or rent equipment with St. Croix Ultimate Bluewater Adventures to take in the sights yourself.
Photo courtesy of St. Croix Ultimate Bluewater Adventures
Hiking – Whether on the beach, through one of the island’s rocky promontories or at the St. George Village Botanical Garden, hiking is a great way to spend the afternoon on St. Croix. The botanical garden is a beautiful ruin of a 19th century sugarcane plantation, with several ecosystems blended to provide a unique walking experience. For history lovers, Fort Christiansvaern offers a unique look at the island’s past, with a tour of a Danish fort built in the mid- to late-1700s. The fort is one of the only five remaining on the island and the best preserved.
Woodworking – One particularly unique experience St. Croix offers is the St. Croix LEAP, an interactive learning experience where visitors can see some of the island’s mahogany and other native woods turned into statuettes, furniture and other interesting items. The island has a rich history of woodwork that can provide fascinating fare for a lazy afternoon.
Golfing – St. Croix features several courses for golfers to hit the green. Visit the Carambola Golf Club or Buccaneer Golf Course for a great day of putting. Carambola is a par-72 course with some challenging water holes. Buccanner is a shorter course, with some elevation changes to challenge seasoned golfers.
Photo courtesy of Carambola Golf Club
Taking in the history – Visit the site where Christopher Columbus landed in St. Croix – the Columbus Cove – and learn a bit more about the history of the Caribbean and Americas. The cove features a marina, some shops and a restaurant, as well as a century plant in the parking lot. This is an infrequently visited attraction, so it can be an excellent way to escape from the crowded beaches and snorkeling areas as well!
Fishing – Of course, the Caribbean is an amazing place to go fishing. Visitors can charter a boat from one of many owners and head out into the open waters for a morning or afternoon of angling for tuna, mahi mahi and other local fish.
If you’re ready to head off on an exciting cruise vacation, now is the time to start planning. At CruiseExperts.com, we love to travel and can help you design an itinerary for your trip of a lifetime. We also provide tips for the best places to visit.
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