Saint Croix

The largest of the US Virgin Islands, known for Danish colonial Christiansted and the underwater trail at Buck Island, with a more laid-back pace than St. Thomas.

Saint Croix is the largest of the US Virgin Islands, lying in the Caribbean about 65 km south of St. Thomas. Ruled in turn by Spain, France, the Netherlands and Denmark, it was sold by Denmark to the United States in 1917 and still retains a strong Danish colonial character. The island has two small towns: Christiansted in the northeast is the tourist hub, with its yellow fort, arcaded old streets and waterfront boardwalk, and is the departure point for snorkeling trips to Buck Island; Frederiksted on the west coast has the cruise pier and the famous pier dive site, and its sunsets are especially beautiful. The island's east end is dry and dotted with cacti, and Point Udall is the easternmost point of US territory; the northwest has rainforest and steep coastline, where you can hike to the tide pools at Annaly Bay. The Dec–Apr dry season is best; Aug–Oct is hurricane season. US citizens do not need a passport; other visitors enter under US visa rules. There are direct flights from Miami and other cities, or connections via St. Thomas. Traffic drives on the left, and renting a car is recommended. Most visitors stay 3–5 days; the pace is more relaxed than on St. Thomas, and rum distillery tastings and night kayaking on a bioluminescent bay are signature experiences.

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Itineraries