The Best St Croix Guide

St. Croix is the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands and is known for its scuba diving, rum making, marine sanctuary and 18th-century forts.  St. Croix is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands and is an island paradise complete with lush tropical hills, warm and brilliantly turquoise water, a rich history and a wonderfully tropical climate. It is the hidden gem of the Caribbean! You will find beautiful white sand beaches, tropical weather, great dining and restaurants, lots of duty free shopping, incredible SCUBA diving, three golf courses and two historic and charming towns, all wrapped up in a friendly and laid back island atmosphere. You won’t find the crowds that many other Caribbean destinations can have, and it’s easy to travel to St. Croix from the mainland. U.S. citizens don’t need a passport. St. Croix is only a 30 minute flight from the international airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and direct flights from the states on American Airlines (via Miami), Delta (via Atlanta) and JetBlue (via San Juan).  St. Croix is part of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles.  To learn more about all the beautiful beaches on St. Croix, visit here.  Now view our St. Croix travel  guide to help plan your next St. Croix vacation!

St Croix Weather – When to Visit

St. Croix has some of the finest weather in the world. The temperature averages 82 degrees year round and it only varies about 7- 8 degrees between the summer and winter months. Easterly trade winds generally keep it comfortable and keep the humidity down. Its the tropics, and with that comes some rain. Don’t worry though, because most of their rain comes in brief showers and many of them happen at night so they won’t interfere with your fun in the St. Croix sun.  Hurricane season runs from July to November and most tourists plan their getaways accordingly since temperatures do not really fluctuate throughout the year.

Many people like to come to St. Croix for the fabulous Christmas festival, the Crucian Christmas Festival which is full of costumes, music, parades, and celebration. This is the time that the people of St. Croix celebrate Carnival and it is their largest celebration of the year. New Year’s Eve brings more reason to party as does “Caribbean Night” the following day. The early part of the month of January is full of events as a part of Carnival, making it a great time to come to St. Croix and thus avoid winter.

The 7 Best St Croix Beaches

Rainbow Beach

Rainbow Beach has calm waters, perfect for swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding or snorkeling. You can also rent jet skis, and do jet ski tours at the West End from Rainbow Beach. Plan to spend the day here, rent some beach chairs and an umbrella for shade and treat yourself to lunch at the beach side restaurant and bar. This is also a very popular spot for cruise ship guests visiting St. Croix for the day. There is usually live music, and a volleyball net set up on the beach for players. 

Sandy Point Beach

Sandy Point is located on the West End of St. Croix and is absolutely stunning. It boasts a crystal clear blue water and a 2 mile long stretch of sandy white beach – one of the longest in the Caribbean. This beach is typically not as crowded as many of the West End beaches, but there is little to no shade here and no facilities. This beach is only open on the weekends (including holiday weekends), with the exception of April-August when it is closed entirely due to turtle nesting season.

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Frederiksted Beach

Frederiksted Beach is the most easily accessible beach from the cruise ship pier. There are some trees here that provide relief from the sun, and the park across the street is a great spot for young kids to play. With public restrooms, picnic tables, and plenty of space to spread out, you could easily spend the entire day here, relax, and then watch sunset.  This beach has calm water, making this a area for paddle boarding, swimming and snorkeling.

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Pelican Cove Beach

Pelican Cove Beach is located on the North Shore of St. Croix, a short drive from Christiansted. Pelican Cove’s long stretch of sandy beach dotted with swaying palm trees has something to offer for everyone. Parts of Pelican Cove Beach may be rocky, but there are areas conducive to swimming, just be aware as there can be strong current in this area. There is a stretch of reef just off the beach that is great for snorkeling. The towering palms lining the beach provide great natural shade, should you want to escape from the sun.

Cane Bay Beach

Cane Bay Beach is a popular place for families to spend time with their kids, and dogs, because it’s a one stop beach that has everything.  With access to several bars and restaurants right from the beach, it makes for an easy and enjoyable beach day. There is plenty to do to keep you occupied. Bask in the Caribbean sun, play volleyball, rent some beach chairs and dive into a good book, or take a dip in the clear warm water. Scuba diving and snorkeling are the most popular pastimes here, as Cane Bay offers easy access from the shore to great snorkeling, and shore diving the world famous Wall.

Turtle Beach, Buck Island

Turtle Beach is located about one and a half miles off the northeast coast of St. Croix…and it is beyond gorgeous. It is a long stretch of sugary white sand and crystal clear waters. Lay on the sun-kissed sand and bask in the warmth of the suns rays. The current here is generally calm, and makes for a great spot to swim and test out your snorkel gear. You can also choose to go for a stroll along the beach, or if you’re feeling up to it hiking up the island. If you want to take part in a hike, please make sure you pack good walking shoes. There is not much shade provided on this island oasis, so be sure to pack your sunscreen and a hat.

Jack’s Bay and Isaac’s Bay

Jack’s Bay and Isaac’s Bay beaches are located on the very East End side of the island. Accessible only by foot, you have to hike a little ways to get there. Hiking there just makes it all the more rewarding though when you reach these gorgeous beaches…there are no other words, except magnificent.  These beaches are typically a great spot if you’re looking to get away from it all and enjoy some privacy. The sand on these beaches is powdery soft, and offer a great spot to simply spread out your beach towel and enjoy the Caribbean.

Best St Croix Restaurants

Savant  $31 – 60

Savant is located near the Danish fort in Christiansted.  The outdoor patio is romantic and unbeatable on pleasant evenings. Savant’s chefs buy fish directly from fisherman at the nearby dock. The daily special will be something caught within the past few hours, so definitely worth considering.  Telephone:  340-713-8666  Web:  Savant

Rum Runners  $11 – 30

The view is as stellar as the food at this highly popular local standby. Sitting right on the Christiansted boardwalk, Rum Runners serves a little bit of everything, including a to-die-for salad of crispy romaine lettuce and tender grilled lobster drizzled with lemongrass vinaigrette. Heartier fare includes baby-back ribs cooked with the restaurant’s special spice blend and Guinness stout.  Telephone:  340-773-6585  Web:  Rum Runners.

The Deep End  $11 – 30

A favorite with locals and vacationers, this poolside restaurant serves up terrific burgers, steak, and seafood, as well as delicious pasta dishes and popular salads. To get here from Christiansted, take Route 82 and turn left at the sign for Green Cay Marina.  Telephone:  340-718-7071  Web:  The Deep End

Zion Modern Kitchen  $31 – 60

Zion Modern Kitchen’s creative chefs use local ingredients and sustainable products whenever possible. The mixologists prepare craft cocktails from custom infused blends, using local ingredients, rather than buying flavored liquors. Both use fresh herbs from the onsite garden.  Telephone:  340-773-9466  Web:  Zion Modern Kitchen

Cheeseburgers In Paradise  $11 – 30

A perennial favorite with local and visiting families, this open-air restaurant in the middle of a field serves up terrific New York strip steak, burgers with toppings that run from mushrooms to fried onions, and, of course, cheeseburgers. There’s room for kids to run around before dinner. Telephone:  340-773-1119  Web:  Cheeseburgers In Paradise

Best St Croix Bars & Nightlife

Beach Side Cafe

Dining at the Beach Side Café is truly an extraordinary experience. Lunches are casual, breezy, and scrumptious, and dinner is simply a magical moment wrapped up into a perfect evening. The Iguana Lounge features daily Happy Hour specials and small plates to accompany your favorite cocktail.  Web:  Beach Side Café

Best St. Croix Hotels