15 Tips for Traveling to St. Croix

Due to its varied history, Saint Croix is home to a beautiful mix of cultures,

making it an interesting place to visit

Follow these helpful tips to check in to paradise with ease.

1. Passports and Visas

US citizens do not require a visa or passport to visit the US Virgin Islands, but we recommend taking your passport with you as your form of identification if you have one. Non-US citizens will require a passport and potentially a visa.

2. What to pack

Cotton clothing is advised, and women should bring wraps and sarongs to wear over their bathing suits when they leave the beaches. There is plenty of hiking to be done on Saint Croix, so pack your favorite hiking boots. If you plan on going snorkeling, an underwater camera will be a fun addition to your trip.

3. Booking Your Flight

The low season in the Virgin Islands is in May, and you could benefit from an average 6% drop in flight prices along with a quieter island if that is your preference. Of course, booking your flights a few months in advance will help you get better rates, no matter what time of year you wish to travel.

4. Traveling to Saint Croix

The low season in the Virgin Islands is in May, and you could benefit from an average 6% drop in flight prices along with a quieter island if that is your preference. Of course, booking your flights a few months in advance will help you get better rates, no matter what time of year you wish to travel.

5. Customs and Arrival

Visitors to the United States Virgin Islands are allowed to enter with 1 liter of alcohol (wine or spirits), 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars, and $800 of gifts, which must all be declared on arrival. Currently, Covid test results and travel certification must be provided on entry, and all visitors must wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines.

Henry Rohlsen Airport is a small international airport. Now that a number of airlines are offering direct flights from the US mainland to Saint Croix, it is possible to avoid long layovers.

6. Where to Stay

The St. Croix Blue House is a beautiful duplex vacation rental home near the St. George Village Botanical Garden in Frederiksted. Each of the two spaces sleeps four guests in two double bedrooms and offers a kitchen and free Wi-fi, along with many other amenities. The property has a large yard and easy access to downtown Frederiksted.

7. Breakfast Spots

If you survey locals, you will find that breakfast favorites include Martha’s Deli (on the top image, @marthasdelistx) and Ozzie’s. Both are located along Centerline road. Luckily, Ozzie’s is located inside one of the island's most popular bakeries, Thomas Bakery. Try the fresh butter bread, pineapple tart, guava tart, or coconut drop.

8. Places to Eat

Here’s a handful of recommendations you will enjoy.

• Roots-N-Kulchah (Vegan)

• Cast Iron Pot

• Corrine’s food van (Vegan)

• The Galleon

• Frontline

• Cibone

• Le Cuisinier

• Napoleon’s Pizza

9. Live Music

There are numerous sunset sail excursions with music onboard. If you’re looking for live music you can find music at several restaurants and bars. There are also a few nightclubs and lounges on the island.

10. Health – Sunblock and Hydration

Most sunscreens contain Oxybenzone, an ingredient that has been found to be very harmful to coral reefs, so please be sure to buy a coral reef safe sunscreen for your trip (My-StCroix.com). The Caribbean is a naturally humid part of the world, and Saint Croix is no exception. Remember to drink lots of water and replenish your body's hydration.

11. Experience the Culture

The complex heritage of Saint Croix is a result of its rich history, and the lively cultures that have grown together so artfully on the island come from African, European, American, and of course, Taino and Carib influences.

12. Greetings and Local Customs

A proper greeting is an essential part of Crucian life, and simple American greetings such as “Hi” or “Hello” won’t cut it. Greet everyone you meet with a friendly, “Good morning”, “Good afternoon” or “Good night”, including rooms full of people.

13. Getting Around the Island, and Vehicle Rentals

Vehicles can be rented at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, as well as in the cities, but please remember we drive on the left-hand side of the road! Rental cars are recommended but taxi buses are available. There is no Uber or Lyft on the island.

14. Things to Do

From historical museums and botanical gardens, from snorkelling to horseback riding, and from bar hopping to drinking with the pigs, Saint Croix has a never-ending supply of activities that will keep absolutely anybody busy.

15. Leaving – Customs and Duty-Free

All gifts received during your stay must be declared when you leave, along with all purchases, so be sure to hold onto your receipts. US citizens may return to the Mainland US with $1600 of duty-free purchases, and six bottles of liquor if one of them is Cruzan rum.


Citations

“Sunscreens a Threat to Coral Reefs”, My-StCroix.com, 21 Oct. 2015, http://my-stcroix.com/help-save-our-virgin-islands-coral-reefs-safer-sunscreens/

8. Places to Eat

Here’s a handful of recommendations you will enjoy.

• Roots-N-Kulchah (Vegan)

• Cast Iron Pot

• Corrine’s food van (Vegan)

• The Galleon

• Frontline

• Cibone

• Le Cuisinier

• Napoleon’s Pizza

9. Live Music

There are numerous sunset sail excursions with music onboard. If you’re looking for live music you can find music at several restaurants and bars. There are also a few nightclubs and lounges on the island.

10. Health – Sunblock and Hydration

Most sunscreens contain Oxybenzone, an ingredient that has been found to be very harmful to coral reefs, so please be sure to buy a coral reef safe sunscreen for your trip (My-StCroix.com). The Caribbean is a naturally humid part of the world, and Saint Croix is no exception. Remember to drink lots of water and replenish your body's hydration.

11. Experience the Culture

The complex heritage of Saint Croix is a result of its rich history, and the lively cultures that have grown together so artfully on the island come from African, European, American, and of course, Taino and Carib influences.

12. Greetings and Local Customs

A proper greeting is an essential part of Crucian life, and simple American greetings such as “Hi” or “Hello” won’t cut it. Greet everyone you meet with a friendly, “Good morning”, “Good afternoon” or “Good night”, including rooms full of people.

13. Getting Around the Island, and Vehicle Rentals

Vehicles can be rented at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, as well as in the cities, but please remember we drive on the left-hand side of the road! Rental cars are recommended but taxi buses are available. There is no Uber or Lyft on the island.

14. Things to Do

From historical museums and botanical gardens, from snorkelling to horseback riding, and from bar hopping to drinking with the pigs, Saint Croix has a never-ending supply of activities that will keep absolutely anybody busy.

15. Leaving – Customs and Duty-Free

All gifts received during your stay must be declared when you leave, along with all purchases, so be sure to hold onto your receipts. US citizens may return to the Mainland US with $1600 of duty-free purchases, and six bottles of liquor if one of them is Cruzan rum.


Citations

“Sunscreens a Threat to Coral Reefs”, My-StCroix.com, 21 Oct. 2015, http://my-stcroix.com/help-save-our-virgin-islands-coral-reefs-safer-sunscreens/

Explore St. Croix

History of Frederiksted

A beach town, originally designed in the 1700s by surveyor Jens Beckfor

History of Christiansted

Pictures don’t capture the refreshing ocean breezes or the gentle sounds of the waves

10 Apps You Need Before You Travel

Must have applications that will make your trip to Saint Croix easier and more enjoyable

Guest stories

What they are saying!

"

My overall impression of this property, it is exceptional!!!

I was thoroughly pleased with the newly, modern, beautiful, and immaculate accommodations. I would highly recommend staying at CARA's property, and I look forward to returning. She was a superb host, always gracious, accessible and responsive.

Michelle A.