What should I know about traveling to St. Croix?

St Croix is an island with two distinct towns, each with its own charm and history. Christiansted and Frederiksted each offer different attractions and experiences for visitors. The local cuisine, which is a mix of Caribbean, African, European, and American influences. Some of the dishes you should try are conch and butter sauce, johnnycake, and kallaloo.

St. Croix has lush mountains with a "rainforest", beautiful beaches with palm trees, arid hills and valleys with cacti. There are mountains with hiking trails crashing into beautiful beaches with quaint coastal towns but, St. Croix is not a walkable island outside of the small core of it's coastal towns. You'll arrive on St. Croix by cruise ship at the Frederiksted Pier (officially named: Ann E. Abramson Marine Facility) or by plane at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (STX), located about six miles southwest of Christiansted.

You'll need to rent a car so you can explore. Before arriving, know:

• You will need a passport to enter St. Croix, even if you are a US citizen¹. This will make your travel easier and avoid any hassles at the airport or customs.
• Be prepared to drive on the left side of the road. The roads can be narrow, curvy, and bumpy, so drive carefully and follow the local traffic rules. Follow our tips for driving in St. Croix.
• You should respect the local culture and etiquette, which are based on courtesy and decency. You should greet people with a “good morning”, “good afternoon”, or “good night” before starting a conversation.
• You should also cover up when walking around town or in shops, and not wear bathing suits or revealing clothing.
• Enjoy some Cruzan Rum, which is made on the island. But, drink responsibly and do not drive under the influence of alcohol.
• The Virgins Islands legalized recreational marijuana use in Jan 18, 2023 for adults aged 21 +, 2 oz or less. Read more about the Virgin Islands Cannabis Use Act (Act 8680).

What should I know about driving when traveling to St. Croix?

Driving in St. Croix can be a fun and adventurous way to explore the island, but it also requires some caution and adaptation. Here are some things you should know before you hit the road:

• You will need a valid US or foreign driver’s license to drive in St. Croix, but you must be 25 or older to rent a vehicle.
• You will have to drive on the left side of the road, in a car with left-sided steering. That's right, it's not like the UK. It's easy to forget to drive on the other side of the street when driving on the same side of the car. Turning and signaling can be confusing and difficult for some drivers.
• The roads in St. Croix are often narrow, steep, curvy, and bumpy. They can also be poorly surfaced and have many potholes. Drive carefully.
• The speed limit in St. Croix is usually 35 mph or lower, and it is rarely posted. But make no mistake, traffic moves at a brisk speed, constant speed considering all the hills and curves. Go with the flow and stay alert.
• The drivers in St. Croix are generally friendly and courteous, but they also have their own rules and customs. They often honk, with a light tap, to communicate with other drivers, such as letting them go first, saying thank you, or greeting them. It's a friendly island gesture when considering navigating streets with few traffic lights. Please drive carefully, locals may walking or gathering on the roadside.
• You may want to rent a 4x4 jeep or SUV to navigate the backroads and driveways of St. Croix, especially if you want to visit some of the secluded beaches or attractions.
• You are allowed to drink alcohol while driving in St. Croix, as long as you don’t exceed a .08 BAC. However, this is not recommended for safety reasons, and you should always drink responsibly and not drive under the influence.

What time of year is best for traveling to St. Croix?

The best time of year for traveling to St. Croix depends on your preferences and budget, but generally speaking, the months of April to June are considered the most ideal. During this period, the weather is warm and sunny, the water is calm and clear, and the island is less crowded and more affordable than during the high season of November to March. You can enjoy the beautiful beaches, the rich culture, and the delicious food without breaking the bank or dealing with large crowds.

However, if you don’t mind paying more and sharing the island with other tourists, you can also visit St. Croix during the high season and experience some of the festivals and events that take place during this time, such as Mardi Croix, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and Taste of St. Croix. The weather is still pleasant and dry, but the trade winds can make it cooler and rougher on some days.

You should avoid visiting St. Croix during the low season of August to October, as this is when the island experiences its peak rainy season and hurricane season. The weather can be unpredictable and stormy, and many businesses and attractions may be closed or operating on reduced hours. You may also encounter power outages, flooding, or road closures due to the weather conditions. If you do decide to visit during this time, consider having travel insurance and check the weather forecast before you go.

What are the best areas to stay when traveling to St. Croix?

St Croix is a relaxed island, great for travelers who want to enjoy its beaches, culture, history, and nature. Depending on your preferences and budget, the best areas to stay in St. Croix are:

• Christiansted: This is the main town on the island, and a perfect place to stay if you want to be close to the attractions, restaurants, shops, and nightlife of St. Croix. Christiansted has a rich colonial history, and you can visit the historic fort, churches, and buildings that date back to the 18th century. Christiansted also has a lively waterfront, where you can find shops, restaurants, bars, and galleries. You can also take a ferry to Protestant Cay, a small island with a small beach resort and a hotel. Christiansted has many accommodation options, from cozy B&Bs to luxury resorts.
• Frederiksted: This is the other town on the west end of the island, and a more relaxed and laid-back place to stay than Christiansted. Frederiksted is known for its stunning sunsets, sandy beaches, and calm waters. You can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, diving, and kayaking in the clear blue sea. You can also explore the town’s colorful architecture, art galleries, and museums. Frederiksted has fewer accommodation options than Christiansted, but you can find some lovely beachfront hotels and villas. If you want to stay in Frederiksted, we recommend Sandcastle on the Beach, which is an adult-only hotel that offers spacious rooms with balconies, an outdoor pool, a restaurant, and direct access to the beach.
• Cane Bay: This is a scenic area on the north shore of the island, and a great place to stay if you love nature and adventure. Cane Bay is home to one of the best beaches on St. Croix, where you can swim, surf, or snorkel along the famous Cane Bay Wall, a coral reef that drops over 3,000 feet into the ocean. You can also hike in the nearby rainforest or visit the botanical gardens. Cane Bay has a few restaurants and bars along the road that offer live music and local cuisine. Cane Bay has some boutique hotels and villas that offer stunning views of the sea and the hills. Travel blog Boundless Roads says one of the best places to stay in Cane Bay is the Tamarind Reef Resort, which features elegant rooms with patios, two pools, a spa, a tennis court, a marina, and a private beach.

What emergency services are available when traveling to St. Croix?

St. Croix is a beautiful island but it is also prone to devastating natural disasters such as hurricanes. Therefore, it is important to know some emergency services that you can contact if needed. Here are some of them:

• For all emergencies, call 911 from a land line or 340-772-9111 from your cell phone.
• The main hospital on the island is the Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center, located at 4007 Estate Diamond Ruby, Christiansted, VI 00820. The phone number at 340-778-6311.
• The V.I. Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) is responsible for coordinating disaster response and recovery efforts in the territory. The phone number for the St. Croix office is 340-773-2244. You can also visit their website here for more information and alerts.
• The V.I. National Guard (VING) provides support to the civil authorities and the community during emergencies. The phone number for the St. Croix armory is 340-712-7750. Visit the VI National Guard website for more information and resources.