Does your Caribbean cruise include a port of call in St. Croix? The beautiful island of the US Virgin Islands (USVI) is famous for its pristine beaches, cultural richness, and natural beauty. It also has some of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the eastern Caribbean. With so much to see and do, planning a cruise day in St. Croix can be challenging.
In this traveler’s guide to St. Croix, I’ve reviewed the top attractions if you’re arriving on a cruise. The island has plenty to see and do if you only have a day in port. From disembarking the ship at Frederiksted and exploring historical landmarks to relaxing on a stunning beach, snorkeling in the ocean, and hiking lush mountain trails, this article has you covered.
Are you ready to discover the secrets of St. Croix (USVI) and make the most of your cruise day in port? If so, please continue reading to learn how to plan an unforgettable cruise day in Saint Croix.
Where is St. Croix?
St. Croix is the largest US Virgin Island and a popular destination for Eastern Caribbean cruises. It is situated within the Leeward Islands of the Lesser Antilles. Because the island has only two cities, St. Croix is called “Twin City.” St. Thomas and St. John are other popular cruise destinations in the Virgin Islands.
The capital of St. Croix is Christiansted, on the island’s north coast. However, its other town on the western side—Frederiksted—is more commercially important. It has two deep-water ports for cruise ships and is also known as “Freedom City.”
St. Croix is unique for being the location of Point Udall, the easternmost point of the United States. Point Udall offers breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, making it a must-visit spot for any traveler to St. Croix.
Discovering St. Croix
St. Croix is steeped in history, and its towns have a rich cultural heritage with Danish, African, Caribbean, and American influences. The towns have historic streets with attractive, colorful colonial buildings and vibrant local life. The main attractions of St. Croix are its stunning beaches, coral reefs, superb diving opportunities, and snorkeling spots.
Spending a day in St. Croix gives you plenty of time to enjoy its diverse cultural influences. For example, you can sample Crucian cuisine and enjoy architecture during tasting tours in Frederiksted and Christiansted. You can also hike in lush rainforests, visit historic plantations, or visit Buck Island National Park to marvel at rich tropical marine life and stunning corals.
Where do Cruise Ships Dock in St. Croix?
Cruise ships dock at the deep-water Ann E. Abramson Pier in Frederiksted. Located on St. Croix’s west coast, the terminal can accommodate two large cruise ships at a time. Once disembarking from the ship, you are within walking distance of downtown Frederiksted and a beautiful beach.
Facilities at Frederiksted Pier When Arriving in St. Croix
Facilities within the cruise terminal area are limited, aside from public restrooms and a tourist information kiosk. However, the pier is a gateway to shopping in Frederiksted, and there is a public beach beside the pier terminal. You can find taxis and tour buses to explore the island at the terminal exit.
Depending on where you disembark from the cruise ship, you can use the electric trolley to travel from the ship along the 1,526-foot-long (305 m) pier to the terminal exit gates.
Getting Around St. Croix, USVI
Taxis and rental cars are the most practical way to get around and explore this tropical Caribbean paradise. If you want to stay close to the port in Frederiksted, walking or riding a bicycle is an easy way to tour the old town or head to beaches near the cruise terminal.
Taxi
Taxis are accessible at the cruise port and convenient for quickly reaching popular attractions. They offer fixed rates for different zones, and listed prices are usually for two people sharing. For example, the taxi fare to Christiansted is around $36 plus $17 for each additional passenger. Always agree on the fare before beginning your trip.
Safari taxis
Safari taxis are open-air trucks with bench seating and usually charge a flat rate. They follow set routes and are economical if you are exploring the island with a large group. Pre-booking safari taxi tours to your destination on your cruise day is best.
Car rental
Renting a car is one of the best and most flexible ways to explore St. Croix at your own pace. Several car rental agencies are located at the cruise terminal’s exit. The road infrastructure is excellent in St. Croix and above standard compared to other Caribbean islands.
Remember to drive on the left side of the road. Reserve a car in advance to ensure availability.
Public bus
The Virgin Islands Transit (VITRAN) operates public buses across St. Croix. However, they are not recommended when spending a cruise day on the island. Although inexpensive, the buses run infrequently and don’t always adhere strictly to schedules.
Map of St. Croix
Explore St. Croix’s top attractions with our detailed map. Discover pristine beaches, historic sites, and plan your perfect cruise day on this beautiful island.
Top Historical Attractions in St. Croix
St. Croix has a rich history, and there’s plenty to see and do in Frederiksted, Christiansted, and the lush tropical landscape. So whether you’re a history buff, enjoy hiking along nature trails, or want to learn about the island’s history, St. Croix attractions have something for everyone.
Take a Historic Frederiksted Walking Tour
When exiting the cruise terminal in St. Croix, you are right in the heart of the city. Beside the pier is Fort Frederik, where your walking tour can begin. As you wander the charming streets, you can soak up the town’s atmosphere and rich past and admire its Victorian townhouses and colonial heritage.
Here are some of the highlights of a heritage walking tour in Frederiksted.
Fort Frederik
Fort Frederik, completed in 1760, is a significant historic site in St. Croix. It played a vital role in the island’s Danish colonial period. The cannons helped deter pirates from landing at the deep-water bay. It is also the site of the Emancipation Revolt of 1848. Touring the fort gives a glimpse into St. Croix’s colorful past.
The fort’s stunning red hue against the ocean and blue skies makes it a convenient stop and photo opportunity for visitors. The bright red building is the first building you see on your left when disembarking from the cruise ship. It’s less than a five-minute walk away from the pier.
Emancipation Park
Located near Fort Frederik, Emancipation Park commemorates the abolition of slavery in the Danish West Indies in 1848. This serene green space features monuments and statues honoring the island’s journey to freedom. Large mahogany trees provide shade, and fragrant flowers enhance the park’s ambiance.
Frederiksted Clock Tower
While visiting Fort Frederik, you’ll see the imposing Eliza James-McBean Clock Tower. It’s important to note that the clock doesn’t show accurate time. It seems that all four clocks on each side show contrasting times, none of which are correct. There are lots of stalls and vendors nearby.
Old Danish School
After leaving the fort, head along King Street and turn left onto Torve Gade until you reach Prince Street. Along the way, admire the Victorian colonial architecture beside modern apartment buildings. Then, turn left onto Prince Street to reach the beautifully restored Old Danish School.
The Old Danish School is a historic building dating back to the Danish colonial period and showcases traditional architecture. It’s a testament to Frederiksted’s educational heritage, as it once served as a primary school. Today, it’s the city’s police station.
Visit the Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts (CMCArts)
From the Old Danish School, continue along Prince Street to Hill Street and turn right toward the sea. When you get to Strand Street, turn right toward the port, and you’ll find The Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts on your right.
The Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts is in a historic colonial building. It celebrates local and regional art and has regular exhibitions by local artists. There is also an open-air seaside gallery with rotating cultural exhibits.
After exiting the museum, you will see Frederiksted Mall. Walk up the small street beside the museum. The quaint street is ideal for some shopping before returning to the port. You can find clothing, trinkets, jewelry, rum, and souvenirs here.
Continuing along Strand Street toward the pier, you can admire the colonial buildings with their arches and balconies.
Walking Tour of Christiansted
Christiansted, the capital of St. Croix, is a fascinating city with important historical significance. A self-guided walking tour lets you stroll along picturesque streets, admiring colorful Victorian architecture and historic buildings. From the cruise port in Frederiksted, you can take a taxi to the capital—a journey of around 35 minutes.
Here are some highlights you can enjoy as you learn about Christiansted’s rich colonial heritage and vibrant culture.
Fort Christiansvaern
Fort Christiansvaern is the best place to start a heritage walking tour of Christiansted. Located on Hospital Street by the waterfront, the 18th-century fortification is one of the best-preserved forts in the Caribbean. Touring the fort gives you a glimpse into the island’s military past.
Fort Christiansvaern was built between 1738 and 1749 by Danish soldiers and enslaved Africans. Its strategic position overlooks the harbor and features cannons, a powder magazine, dungeons, and stunning sea views. Over the years, the fort has been a prison and courthouse. It is a must-visit for history buffs and tourists.
Part of the fortifications in Christiansted have two more historical attractions—Scale House and the Danish Custom House.
Scale House
Scale House is a historic building used for weighing and taxing goods during the Danish colonial period. Exhibits at the building include a 19th-century scale and other artifacts highlighting the island’s mercantile history and colonial past.
Old Danish Customs House
The Old Danish Customs House is located in the Christiansted National Historic Site beside Fort Christiansvaern. With its classic colonial architecture, this striking building stands on what was once a slave and sugar trading compound. The yellow color and monumental staircase are its main attractions.
Steeple Building Museum
Opposite Fort Christiansvaern on Hospital Street is the Steeple Building Museum. It was a Lutheran church built in the early 1750s with a baroque tower and cupola. Over the years, it has been a school, military bakery, and hospital. Now, it is a museum highlighting Taino Indian culture and artifacts from plantation life on the island.
Danish West India & Guinea Company Warehouse
Opposite the Steeple Museum is the Danish West India & Guinea Company Warehouse. The building played a critical role in the Danish West Indies’ trade network during colonial rule. Initially, the building also had stables, a large courtyard, kitchens, and slave quarters.
Government House
Standing proudly on King Street is Government House. This is an impressive building reflecting the grandeur of Danish colonial architecture. The building’s interior features reproductions of furniture from the 19th century. It is still used for official purposes today. You can see an elegant façade, yellow and white colors, and an impressive staircase and arches from the outside.
Visit the Apothecary Hall Museum
The Apothecary Hall Museum in Christiansted offers a unique glimpse into St. Croix’s medical history. This intriguing museum displays a vast collection of pharmaceutical artifacts, including antique bottles, medicinal herbs, and 18th-century medical equipment. Touring the museum, you can see well-preserved exhibits and learn about the island’s healthcare practices during the colonial period.
The Apothecary Hall Museum also features informative displays about medicine preparation in the late 19th century. It also features exhibits from the Indigenous tribes that inhabited St. Croix before Columbus arrived. Exhibits include an ancient canoe, handmade pottery, and axe heads. The museum is located about 17 miles (27.3 km) from the cruise ship port in Frederiksted.
Visit St. George Village Botanical Gardens
The St. George Village Botanical Gardens is a lush paradise displaying over 1,500 species of plants. Spread over 16 acres on a former sugar plantation, the gardens have bromeliads, cacti, succulents, and native and exotic plants—some of which are endangered. You can also explore themed gardens to learn about the island’s flora and fauna.
The St. George Village Botanical Gardens also has a museum in a restored building that originally housed enslaved people. The museum displays artifacts from over 2,000 years of the island’s history, from its first inhabitants to the plantation era and colonialism.
The botanical gardens are a 15-minute drive from the Frederiksted Pier.
Lawaetz Family Museum
The Lawaetz Family Museum gives a fascinating glimpse into Caribbean island life in the 18th century. The building was home to a prominent Danish family on St. Croix. In the late 1800s, it was converted into a dairy ranch. Wandering through the house, you can see colonial furnishings and antique heirlooms, which give you a feel of plantation life.
If you plan to visit the Lawaetz Family Museum, call beforehand, as the museum isn’t always open. You can also walk around the former plantation grounds, where you can see mango trees and remnants of the plantation. It’s 2 miles (3.2 km) from the cruise terminal in Frederiksted on Mahogany Road.
Estate Whim Plantation Museum
The Estate Whim Plantation Museum offers a window into St. Croix’s sugar plantation era. The beautifully restored buildings and grounds showcase how people lived and the plantations in the 19th century worked. The types of buildings you can tour include the following:
- Well-preserved 18th-century great house
- Sugar mill
- Windmill
- Quarters of enslaved people
The museum is one of the best places on the island to learn about its agricultural history. Located only a short 10-minute, three-mile drive from Frederiksted port, it is well worth visiting on a cruise day if you rent a car.
Estate Little Princess
Estate Little Princess is a historic site of an 18th-century sugar plantation and rum factory near Christiansted. The 25-acre estate includes the ruins of several buildings, including a windmill, hospital, great house, and factory. The grounds are also part of a protected coastal environment, making it a unique blend of history and nature.
If you take a day trip to Christiansted, visiting Estate Little Princess is well worth the effort. You can explore the ruins, walk the scenic trails, and enjoy stunning coastal views. The estate also offers educational programs on conservation and the island’s natural heritage.
The Estate Little Princess is located 14 miles (22.5 km) from the port in St. Croix and just outside Christiansted.
Point Udall
Point Udall is one of the most breathtaking and panoramic spots on St. Croix. The spot is the easternmost point of the United States. At Point Udall, you can see a giant sundial called the Millennium Monument. Here, you can enjoy amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
When standing at Point Udall, you are farther east than Maine. The island’s dry, arid climate, with its wild cacti, contrasts with the deep blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. You get an excellent view of Buck Island to the north and Goat Hill to the south. It’s one of the island’s most iconic locations.
Other Things to Do on a Cruise Day in St. Croix
St. Croix is known for its lush, tropical landscape, which offers a plethora of fun activities for spending a day on the island. You can choose from relaxing hiking on nature trails or birdwatching to ziplining, horseback riding, and off-road driving. Let’s explore what else St. Croix has to offer cruise passengers.
Exploring St. Croix’s Hiking Trails
Hiking in St. Croix is a superb way to immerse yourself in the island’s natural beauty, by getting close to its flora, fauna, and wildlife. With various trails to choose from, there is something for every level of hiker. Trails include stunning coastal views, exploring sugar plantation ruins, or discovering hidden tide pools.
Here are some popular trails to choose from when spending a day on the island:
Jack and Isaac Bay Preserve Trail: The 3.6-mile (5.8 km) trail takes you through green rolling hills skirted by stunning coastline and crystal-clear blue waters. Nearby attractions include Isaac’s Bay Beach and Point Udall at the island’s eastern end. Difficulty: moderately challenging.
Hike to Annaly Bay Tide Pools: The tide pools on the island’s rugged north side are a hidden gem. The 5.2-mile (8.3 km) hike takes you through lush tropical forests with magnificent views of the Caribbean Sea. Along the trail, you can spot vibrant orchids and colorful birds. At the end of the hike, you are rewarded with a refreshing dip in natural Annaly Bay Tide Pools.
Difficulty: moderately challenging.
Hams Bluff Lighthouse Hike: This scenic trail takes you on a short but intense hike 360 feet (110 m) above sea level to the historic Hams Bluff Lighthouse. Here, you get mesmerizing panoramic views of Carambola Beach, Davis Bay, and Annaly Bay.
Difficulty: short but intense.
Goat Mountain Trailhead: The trek up Goat Mountain rewards you with some of the best views of the Caribbean on the island. The well-maintained trail winds through lush landscapes, offering a refreshing escape from the bustling port area. You are 672 feet (204 m) above sea level at the peak.
Maroon Ridge Trail: Ideal for avid hikers and beginners, the 2.5-mile (4 km) trek takes you to the top of Maroon Ridge. During the hike, you may spot iguanas, tropical birds, wild goats, butterflies, and native flowers. The area used to be a place where enslaved people found refuge after escaping their harsh owners. You can get panoramic views from the abandoned lighthouse at the summit.
Visit a Rum Distillery in St. Croix
St. Croix is famous for its rum production. So, visiting a rum distillery is usually on the to-do list of cruise ship passengers. Remember to check with your cruise ship policy about taking alcohol on board if you decide to buy local rum.
Here are a few renowned rum distilleries worth a visit:
Cruzan Rum Distillery
A tour of the Cruzan Rum Factory lets you see firsthand the journey of turning sugarcane into molasses and then rum. The 30-minute walking tour tells you about the history and culture of rum in St. Croix. At the end of the tour, you can choose from two mixed drinks and sample four rum products. The distillery is 5.6 miles (9 km) from the cruise port and near the airport.
Sion Farm Distillery
Sion Farm Distillery produces a unique vodka from breadfruit—Mutiny Island Vodka. A free distillery tour lets you hear, smell, and taste this unique spirit as it gets distilled in copper stills. You can also sample some of the drinks the distillery produces.
Captain Morgan Visitor Center
The Captain Morgan Visitor Center provides fascinating insights into rum production in St. Croix. The center features interactive exhibits, a history of the rum industry, and rum tasting. It offers a glimpse into the history and production of the island’s most famous export—Captain Morgan Spiced Rum.
Horseback Riding on a Beach
Horseback riding in St. Croix is an unforgettable experience to enjoy the Crucian landscape. You can explore the beautiful coastline, lush rainforests, and historic sugar plantations and trot along pristine beaches. Most tours end with swimming on horseback in the crystal-clear Caribbean waters.
Booking a horseback riding excursion offers a slow-paced, relaxing way to explore St. Croix on a cruise day. Experienced guides share the island’s history and include historic landmarks on the trek. It’s a fantastic way to connect with nature and enjoy the serenity of the Caribbean waters.
Ziplining in the Carambola Valley
One of the most exhilarating activities on your St. Croix cruise day is ziplining in the Carambola Valley. Set in lush tropical forests, this adrenaline-pumping adventure lets you soar through the treetops and experience the island from a unique perspective. The tour includes a 30-minute safari bus ride, stories about the island’s history, and spectacular views of the Caribbean.
The zipline park has three zips, including a 205-foot (62 m) drop along a 2,473-foot (753 m) line. The two fastest zip lines reach speeds of 30 to 40 mph as you soar 200 ft. (61 m) above the valley. The Carambola zipline is 8 miles (12.9 km) from the Frederiksted cruise ship pier.
Experience Crucian Cuisine
A food tasting and cultural walking tour in downtown Christiansted lets you discover the unique flavors of Crucian cuisine. This unique Crucian culinary experience allows you to savor six authentic local dishes. Here, you can learn more about the island’s cuisine and what makes it unique in the Caribbean.
A guided food-tasting tour also gives fascinating insights into the island’s colonial past. During the tour, the guide will tell you about the island’s deep connection with Denmark and other influences on its local cuisine. Thanks to the guide, you will discover local delicacies that you otherwise wouldn’t know about.
Explore St. Croix on an ATV, 4WD, or Off-Road Vehicle
Embark on a thrilling two-hour shore excursion to drive off-road on an ATV. Guided 4WD tours take you through the lush rainforest and the rocky shores of north St. Croix. The off-road trails go through sugar plantation ruins and up to higher areas for panoramic views. End your adventure at a pristine beach to swim in the Caribbean.
Play a Round of Golf
If golf is your thing, you can play a round on one of the stunning golf courses in St. Croix. Here are the three top courses on the island:
The Buccaneer Golf Club: This 18-hole championship golf course offers incredible views of the Caribbean Sea. The par-70 course was designed by Bob Joyce in 1973 and features elevated tees, undulating fairways, and challenging greens. It is described as challenging but playable. It’s located near Christiansted, 18 miles (29 km) from Frederiksted.
Carambola Golf Club: It’s located in a lush tropical valley 8 miles (13 km) from Frederiksted. The golf club features a parkland design with several water hazards. It’s considered one of the best in the US Virgin Islands.
The Reef Golf Club: Located on the island’s east end, the golf club is a unique 9-hole course with a challenging layout. It features rolling fairways and challenging greens. The club also offers disc golf, pickleball, and tennis.
Shopping in Christiansted
Christiansted is the best place on the island for an authentic Caribbean shopping experience. You’ll find boutiques selling souvenirs, perfume, art, crafts, and locally crafted jewelry. Walking around downtown Christiansted, you can pop into the boutiques as you admire the Victorian buildings, quaint pavilions, and narrow alleys.
The best streets in Christiansted for shopping are King Street, Company Street, and Strand Street. Don’t forget to buy some famous St. Croix bracelets as a memento, gift, or souvenir.
Bird Watching at Southgate Coastal Reserve
Bird watching at Southgate Coastal Reserve is one of the most relaxing and tranquil ways to spend a cruise day in St. Croix. The reserve provides a unique opportunity to view birds in their native habitat. You may spot herons, egrets, pelicans, American flamingos, terns, and plovers in the mangroves, wetlands, and coastal forests.
Southgate Coastal Reserve is located 19 miles (30 km) from the cruise port in Frederiksted. You can include bird watching if you plan an excursion to the beaches or hiking trails on the island’s east end.
See Beer-Drinking Pigs
One of the most unusual attractions on St. Croix is the beer-drinking pigs at the Mt. Pellier Domino Club. These famous pigs in the rainforests of St. Croix will happily guzzle non-alcoholic drinks from a can. After enjoying a delicious meal at the Domino Club, you can treat the pigs to a non-alcoholic beer. Simply pop a can in their mouth, and they will gulp down the drink with enthusiasm.
You can incorporate the beer-drinking pigs as part of a trip to the St. George Village Botanical Gardens and Little La Grange Farm at the Lawaetz Museum.
The Best Water-Based Attractions in St. Croix
St. Croix offers a diverse range of water activities for cruise passengers to enjoy the island. From snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs to scuba diving and swimming, there are plenty of ways to enjoy your day on the island.
Book a Snorkeling Tour to Buck Island Reef National Monument
Buck Island Reef is one of the best snorkeling locations on St. Croix. Snorkeling at the small island lets you explore vibrant marine life and stunning corals. An underwater trail tells you about the type of corals you see. The maximum water depth is 12 feet (3.6 m).
Turtle Beach is the best beach on Buck Island, with powdery white sand and calm, crystal-clear waters.
Most snorkeling excursions to the Buck Island National Monument depart from the port at Christiansted. Therefore, you should plan enough time to reach the port from Frederiksted and return in time for the cruise departure. Some snorkeling adventures include stopping at beaches, swimming, and relaxing.
Book a Snorkeling Tour
Apart from Buck Island, St. Croix has several spectacular snorkeling locations. Many tour operators depart from Frederiksted, making it convenient for cruise passengers. Half-day snorkeling tours provide plenty of time to enjoy the best beaches, see colorful tropical fish, and relax in the sun before returning to the port.
Here are some of the best snorkeling sites in St. Croix:
- Cane Bay Beach: This popular snorkeling and diving location has a shallow reef and a deeper reef farther out.
- Frederiksted Pier: Easily accessible coral formations on the pier.
- Davis Bay Beach: Shallow waters and a spectacular beach.
- Shoys Beach: Seagrass meadows attract sea turtles, conch, tropical fish, and lobsters.
- East End Marine Park: The shoreline has 17 miles (27.3 km) of fringing reefs, which are ideal for snorkeling.
Scuba Diving at the Wall for Experienced Divers
St. Croix has one of the best scuba diving spots in the entire Caribbean at Cane Bay. The spectacular coral reef known as “The Wall” is located 440 yards (400 m) from the shore. This impressive underwater drop-off descends dramatically in some areas by 1,000 to 13,000 feet (300 m to four miles), with certain sections being vertical.
Apart from the stunning corals and the wall, you can see tropical fish, sea turtles, nurse sharks, and even humpback whales. Diving excursions to The Wall usually moor in 25 to 40 feet (7.6 to 12 m) of water, so you don’t need to be a deep-water diver to enjoy this breathtaking underwater world.
Other destinations for scuba diving in St. Croix include the following:
- Salt River Canyon Wall: It is ideal for exploring underwater canyons and groves and has the most fish in all the dive sites.
- Scotch Banks: Near Christiansted Harbor, the wall extends 1,000 feet (304 m). It’s a perfect spot to see manta rays, sea eagle rays, and whale sharks.
- North Star: Near Cane Bay Beach, the diving location has a 2,000-foot (609 m) wall. Here, you can see an anchor embedded in the wall and lots of schools of fish.
- Butler Bay Shipwrecks: The bay is home to six shipwrecks, and you can see most of them in one or two dives.
Paddleboarding or Kayaking at Salt River Bay
Salt River Bay is the best place in St. Croix for paddleboarding or kayaking. It’s a stunning ecosystem containing mangroves, coral reefs, and underwater canyons. Kayak or paddleboard tours take you through several bays to explore the rich natural beauty. It’s also home to bioluminescent bays which glow in the dark.
After enjoying the tranquil waters of Salt River Bay, you can explore the surrounding environment. The bay is home to the site where Columbus landed in St. Croix in 1493, ancient burial grounds, and mangrove lagoons. These historical sites offer a unique perspective on the island’s past and natural beauty.
Parasailing in St. Croix
Parasailing gives you an exhilarating bird’s-eye view of St. Croix as you parachute through the air. First, the thrill of an offshore powerboat ride gets the adrenaline going. Then, gliding high in the sky while attached to a parachute provides a unique perspective of the island’s breathtaking coastline. Most parasailing excursions operate from Christiansted.
St. Croix Beaches
No trip to St. Croix would be complete without a visit to its stunning beaches. The beaches of St. Croix are a tropical paradise with crystal-clear turquoise waters, powdery white sand, and palm-fringed shores. Some popular beaches include Sand Castle Beach, Cane Bay Beach, and Rainbow Beach.
Rainbow Beach Near Frederiksted
Rainbow Beach is the most popular stretch of white sand shoreline near Frederiksted. The pristine beach and crystal-clear turquoise waters are perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The beach offers water sports activities, beach bars, and a vibrant atmosphere. It’s popular with locals, vacationers, and cruise passengers.
Cane Bay Beach
Located 30 minutes by car or taxi from the cruise port, Cane Bay Beach is a palm-lined stretch of white sand. The beach has a gentle slope into the water and a sandy bottom, making it perfect for swimming. It is a laidback spot that is also popular for snorkeling and diving.
Facilities at the beach include restaurants, beachfront bars, kayak rentals, and snorkeling gear rentals.
Sandy Point Beach
Sandy Point Beach is the longest and one of the most beautiful beaches in the US Virgin Islands. The soft white sands and crystal-clear azure waters are a favorite spot for sunbathing and swimming. However, there are no amenities, so bring everything you need to enjoy a beach day.
Sandy Point Beach is a peaceful and serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. It’s also a nesting site for turtles.
Monk’s Bath Beach
Monk’s Bath Beach is a hidden gem on St. Croix, offering cruise passengers a secluded and peaceful environment. The beach features calm turquoise waters and soft sand that are perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The rocky part of the beach also features tidal pools. The beach is 15 miles (24 km) northeast of the port in Frederiksted.
Dorsch Beach
Dorsch Beach is a mile south of the port in Frederiksted. It is a stunning stretch of golden sand, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Plenty of palm trees and seagrapes provide ample shade. The calm, shallow waters make the beach ideal for families with children.
Spending a Cruise Day in St. Croix: FAQs
Can I walk to a beach from the cruise port in St. Croix?
Yes, you can easily walk to several beaches from the cruise port in St. Croix. On the island’s west end, Frederiksted Beach is just a four-minute walk from the port. Other nearby but slightly farther beaches include Dorsch Beach, which is a 20-minute walk, and LaGrange Beach, which is a 14-minute walk. These beaches offer convenient options for cruise passengers looking to enjoy the beautiful coastline of St. Croix.
Can you get around St. Croix without a car?
Taxis are the best way to get around St. Croix without a car. You can hire a taxi at the terminal gate to your destination. If you are going to a secluded beach or off-the-beaten-track destination, arrange a pickup time with your taxi driver. Walking or hiring a bicycle is the best option if you are staying close to the port.
Is tipping customary in St. Croix?
Tipping is customary in St. Croix, similar to the United States. The standard rate is 15-20% for most bars and restaurants. However, be sure to check your bill to see if a service charge is included. For taxi drivers, a tip of 10-15% is expected, and for tour guides, tipping $5 to $10 per person is customary.
How safe is St. Croix for tourists?
St. Croix is a relatively safe Caribbean island, but like any destination, you must exercise caution. Crime does exist, so it’s advisable to avoid flaunting wealth, stick to populated areas, and be aware of your surroundings. By taking these sensible precautions, you can enjoy a safe and enjoyable experience on the island.
What language is spoken in St. Croix?
English is the official language of the US Virgin Islands. Most inhabitants speak Crucian, a type of Creole English. However, you can speak English in all tourist spots without any problem.
What currency can I use during my cruise day in St. Croix?
The United States Dollars (USD) is the official currency of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Therefore, all shops, restaurants, and tour operators will accept dollars.
What is the best time to visit St. Croix on a Caribbean cruise?
The best time to visit St. Croix on a Caribbean cruise is from December through April—the dry season. This time of year has warm, pleasant weather with little chance of rainfall. However, it’s also the peak season; therefore, you can expect destinations and beaches to be busier and more expensive.
If you want a cheaper Caribbean cruise, the best time to visit St. Croix is between June and November. However, this coincides with hurricane season. So, you can expect more rain and possible disruption to the cruise schedule.
Related articles:
