ACTIVITIES

Diving is excellent in St. Croix and all the shops are reputable. We have had great experiences with Captain Ed and Molly at St. Croix Ultimate Bluewater Adventures. (SCUBA) They have locations in both Christiansted and Frederiksted and there there are amazing trips for divers of all  skill levels. Favorites include a pier dive in 30 ft of water out west, the Northshore wall, and a variety of wreck dives. 

One of our favorite activities involves loading up the cooler, stopping by Quality to grab a few cubanos, a bag of ice, some water and drinks, and then driving around the island.  We’ll stop at any beach that catches our eye and make the occasional stop for a beverage or lunch.  

You can drive out West, starting with Sand Castles then make your way up the coast to Frederiksted (stop at the Fred, maybe?) walk down Strand Street and then head north to Rainbow, Rhythms, and a handful of small beaches along the coast. If you are adventurous your road will dead-end at a trail that takes you to the Ham’s Bluff trail. (see below) 

When we head East, we’ll start in Christiansted, maybe with breakfast at Fresco, wander through town, and then drive to Shoys for a bit before making our way all the way East to Point Udall. We’ll stop along the way to visit Chenay Bay, The Reef, and a few more secluded beaches. On the way back we’ll hit Salt on the south shore. 

Same story for the north shore. Load up and head to Cane bay and then wander to Carambola for another beach visit and a beverage overlooking the water.  (Same play as Buccaneer, if you are going to the restaurant they will let you drive into the resort)

St. Croix offers a variety of manageable hikes with spectacular payoffs at the end. There's dozens of options but below are three of our favorites. All of these treks are manageable for folks with reasonable fitness levels, but in all cases water, sunscreen, and a plan are key.  Don't count on your phone for anything other than pictures.

Jack’s + Isaac’s is less of a classic hike and more of a trail to two of our favorite beaches. Located out East and originating at Point Udall, this trail is approximately 2 miles round trip over a loose dirt and rocky path. You'll enjoy sea views the entire time and both beaches are magical and (usually) quite empty.  The hike itself is relatively flat but there's no shade, services, or cell phone coverage.  Water is a must. As is sunscreen. If you can manage to carry everything you need for the day, this makes for a perfect secluded beach trip. We rate the difficulty of this hike,  on our - totally non-scientific or reviewed - scale, as medium. 

Goat Hill is a classic "walk up a steep hill for the view" hike.  Located out East and starting at the base of a VLBA telescope (think really big satellite dish) this is a mile up, mile down hike on a former dirt road.  There's not terribly much to see on the "trail" but the view from the top is stunning! (especially at sunrise or sunset) This is the most challenging hike on our list - don't head out at high noon or on brutally hot days. Lots of water, sunscreen, and decent shoes are a must.  Cell phone service is hit or miss. We rate this on our - totally non-scientific or reviewed - scale, as hard. 

The Ham's Bluff Lighthouse trail is located on the West end of the island and offers stunning views of the north shore from the top. This is a relatively easy (but steep at points) approximately half mile up, half mile down trek up a narrow but clearly marked and well trampled trail. Again, water, sun protection, and decent footwear are a must, To access the trail, go west and park next to the National Gaurd building.  The trail entrance is easy visible from the parking area.  We rate this on our - totally non-scientific or reviewed - scale, as easy medium. 

Those are the three we recommend but there's one more option that is pretty special but a bit less obvious - the tide pools.  Located at Carambola, a trip to the tide pools is simply magical and something we used to do as kids. (When it was just called Davis Bay!) If you are interested in a cool hike that culminates in a short trip across some razor sharp rocks to a series of sweet natural pools contact us ahead of you stay and we'll help you with the details. 

Designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr, Carambola provides a challenging but fair experience for both mid and low handicappers.  Located in the lush, western portion of the island, Carambola provides a lovely setting for a casual day on the course or a more serious round of golf. Carambola offers a driving range, as well as a pretty good putting and chipping green.  

The Buccaneer offers a lovely (but shorter) par 70, resort course experience, with occasional sea views and a manageable course design suited for all skill levels.  Due to its more arid location expect a  drier,  firmer course, especially during the dry season. Two things to know: the course is cart path only and  there's no range. So show up ready to stripe a driver off the first tee (If you must, miss left off the tee and do not fly the slightly elevated green!) and be ready to walk just a bit to your ball. 

Tennis is offered at the Buccaneer resort for a modest fee but we also hit at Canegata, a public court just to the east of town, for free. 

In case you need a break from the rum drinks or just don't like to miss a workout (show-off) St. Croix has a few terrific gym offerings. While on island we'll usually sign up for a week or month-long pass at  Beeston Hill Health.  Beeston Hill offers a standard weight room, cardio area, (that can get warm) classes,  and a terrific lap pool.  Tell Wendy, the manager, we say hi! 

If you prefer a bit more tractor tires and chalk in your life, 340 CrossFit can be found to the West of Christiansted. 

There are also a variety of yoga, wellness, and studio offerings  around the island that change regularly.