St. Croix Travel Resources
Explore The Vibe Like No Other
St. Croix is the largest of the US Virgin Islands and yet it is less than 23 miles between its most distant points. There are culinary treasures all around the island, as well as hiking trails, dozens of named beaches, and world-class snorkeling and diving.
The east end of the island is home to two of the three larger hotels, both of the casinos, a Marine Park with the largest island barrier reef system in the Caribbean, and Point Udall, where the sun rises first in the United States. Around St. Croix, the shoreline alternates between rocky, coral, and sand beaches, and crowds are not common. The west shore is the leeward side of the island for both prevailing winds and ocean currents, and the result is more sandy beaches.
Unlike the rest of the US Virgin Islands, the smaller accommodations have higher occupancy rates. The more personal small hotels allow you to feel more at home, and for an exclusive feel, renting a home is a great way to travel as a group. Most food on St. Croix is shipped in and prices are higher. Depending on your point of comparison and flexibility on brands, it can be reasonable. How you choose to spend your food dollar is an important decision. Many places have kitchens, and going shopping to prepare some meals or snacks allows more budget for eating out.
The Escape You Design
St. Croix is an exceptional destination for those who want to explore, enjoy, and experience their vacation. If escape from stress is your goal, and being in control of your daily activities is your thing, St. Croix is your destination. Let yourself connect with the island and its people. It is distinctly a vibe like no other!
There are dozens of named beaches and hundreds of incredible waterfront locations to enjoy. There are also incredible foods, excursions, and culture to experience. With so many things to explore, renting a vehicle is highly recommended. Other options to get around the island can be pricy and unpredictable.
English is the primary language, the US dollar is the primary currency, and as a US Territory, US citizens need no passport to visit. Give yourself the flexibility to design your own vacation... a Do-It-Yourself plan is ideal in St. Croix! There are a number of "things to do in St. Croix" articles on our Links page.
Is St. Croix part of the United States of America?
St. Croix is the largest island in the US Virgin Islands, and it is an unincorporated territory of the United States.
Where In the World is St. Croix and the US Virgin Islands?
The US Virgin Islands are east of Puerto Rico and about 3 hours by plane from southern Florida. Check out these maps to see where the USVI is in the Caribbean
Do you need a passport for the US Virgin Islands?
As a US Territory, US citizens do not need a passport to enter St. Croix, and there is no immigration process for entering the USVI. Upon departure, there is a customs process and while you don’t need a passport, there are times when having a passport allows you a more rapid process. Each person should have documentation of their home country like a state issued drivers' license or birth certificate for minors. US Citizens can transport up to $1,600 of duty-free merchandise every 30 days from St. Croix to the mainland.
What currency is used in St. Croix?
As a territory of the United States, St. Croix and the rest of the US Virgin Islands have the US Dollar as its official currency. Most businesses accept credit/debit cards when they have power and an internet connection. There are fees associated with card transactions, and cash is always accepted... often preferred.
When is the best weather in St. Croix?
The weather isn’t that different year-round with winters averaging highs of 82 and lows of 71 while summers average highs of 86 and lows of 77 according to NOAA.
In the first half of the calendar year, St. Croix averages less than 3” of rain per month, while in the last half of the year, that average is over 5” per month. More rain falls in the mountains of the northwest, which includes a 15-acre section of forest many call a rainforest, though technically not true. Less rain falls in the east where you’ll find cacti and more desert-appropriate plants. It’s safe to expect a passing shower almost any day, but all-day rain is very rare.
When is the best month to go to St. Croix?
The common advice is that April/May and September/October are the “best months” though each person may identify different months as their preference. Rates for accommodations are highest from Mid-December through April, with February being the busiest month.
Can you drink the tap water in St. Croix?
Most tap water is safe to drink throughout the US Virgin Islands. The sources may be varied, and the level of filtration may differ in each building. It may be worth asking, but most tap water is filtered and treated to be safe to drink.
Is There Cactus on St. Croix?
It may seem odd to have Cacti in a tropical paradise, but St. Croix has a number of native cactus species. They are most evident in the relatively dry east end of the island where the there is significantly less rainfall.