Top 10 Budget-friendly Things to do in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

January 4, 2022 Toi Mattera

Isn’t it romantic? The Caribbean island of St. Croix is practically the backdrop of a Hollywood love story. White sand beaches and lush rainforests set the scene for tropical bliss. Take in the historic small town charm of Christiansted and Frederiksted, sip your way through a spirited tour of the Cruzan Rum Distillery or explore the ruins of a sugar plantation. And the diving…oh, the diving. Think shipwrecks, think vibrant ocean life, think endless underwater possibilities.
Restaurants in St. Croix

1. Isaac Bay

Point Road St. Croix
Excellent
82%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 182 reviews

Isaac Bay

You need a four-wheel-drive vehicle to get here, but it's well worth the trip to this scenic and secluded beach, perfect for swimming, and a barrier reef for snorkeling.

Reviewed By OregonLawyer

The hike to Isaac's is really easy--only 0.5 miles and pretty flat. The beach is nice. But go another mile or so to Jack's and I thought the beach was even better, and the bay better protected for better snorkeling. If the sea is calm you won't need fins, but if it's rough at all don't go out very far without fins. The hike from Isaac's to Jack's is moderate with a big hill, but I'd say "moderately easy" for anyone in decent physical condition. I'll repeat what other's have posted: park up by Pt Udall, take EVERYTHING out of your car, and leave it unlocked. We hiked into Jack's twice and didn't have any trouble at all. Bring MORE WATER than you think you will need because this hike is a scorcher--this is desert hiking--imagine Phoenix with a beautiful view of the ocean. Both beaches are beautiful; there were a few more people on Isaac's just because it's a shorter hike, but both days that we spent at Jack's we only saw a few other people. Can't wait to go back to do this hike again in a couple months!

2. St. George Village Botanical Garden

127 Estate St George Kingshill, Just north of Centerline Road, 4 miles east of Frederiksted, Frederiksted 00840-4459 St. Croix +1 340-692-2874 [email protected] http://www.sgvbg.org
Excellent
61%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 445 reviews

St. George Village Botanical Garden

You can stroll amid the ruins of this 17-acre estate, a former 19th-century sugarcane plantation village, which contains varied ecosystems from semi-arid cactus to lush green rain forest.

Reviewed By Queenbee148

We stopped here for a couple of hours of history and botany. Amidst the ruins of an old sugar plantation, grows a garden full of plants brought to St. Croix by the various waves of settlers on the island. The ruins and the excellent map and guide tell the story of the plantation, the enslaved workers and the others who lived here. Most plants are identified with their common and Latin names.

3. Davis Bay

St. Croix
Excellent
74%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 23 reviews

Davis Bay

Beside the crystalline waters of Davis Bay, this beautiful white sand beach lined with palm trees is a great spot for swimming, bodysurfing, snorkeling and scuba diving.

4. Cane Bay

St. Croix
Excellent
58%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 379 reviews

Cane Bay

Located on St. Croix's north shore, the waters are not always gentle along this palm-tree-lined beach, but scuba diving and snorkeling are very popular here where less than 200 yards out is the drop-off called Cane Bay Wall.

Reviewed By EmKay823 - Aubrey, United States

We nicknamed this beach, sunburn beach. We did not anticipate the sun to be this ... sunny. It was a great beach. Not too many people - we went on a Monday - so it was easy to find a good stop to lay and play for the afternoon. Snorkeling was great as well. Kids and husband said it was really cool! Bring the sunscreen!

5. Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve

Rte. 75 to Rte. 80, Christiansted St. Croix +1 340-773-1460 http://m.bushtribe.com
Excellent
57%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 237 reviews

Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve

Dedicated in 1993, this national, ecological preserve and park features the largest remaining mangrove forest in the U.S.V.I., a submarine canyon, plus objects of cultural significance such as a prehistoric ceremonial hall and burial site.

Reviewed By gregp885

We have done several tours including the night bioluminescence tour with Virgin Kyack as well as rented kyacking and self toured. The service iand guides are top notch as are the Hobie kyacks. The pedal mirage Hobie is used on most of the tours so even the most novice kayakers can feel comfortable. The rates are quite reasonable starting at $40 for a 3-4 hour tandem self guided tour. This is always a highlight of our trips to St Croix.

6. Shoy Beach

St. Croix
Excellent
58%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 91 reviews

Shoy Beach

This palm-frond Christiansted beach is great for body surfing.

Reviewed By bookladyjol

A fellow traveller told us ab out Shoy Beach, very near the Buccaneer Hotel. Plenty of parking to them walk through a mangrove arched path to the beach. We were speechless when we got through the arch aqs there was a gorgeous beach with some trees for shade well away from the water. And there were only 6 other people there. Talk about private and secluded. Bring your own chairs and cooler as there are no amenities. We will certainly make this a regular stop in our future trips to the isand.

7. Rhythms at Rainbow Beach

Frederiksted 00840 St. Croix
Excellent
66%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,042 reviews

Rhythms at Rainbow Beach

The Best Bar and Top Beach on the island is situated less than a 10 minute walk or short cab ride from the Cruise Dock in Frederiksted. One-of-a kind sunsets and beautiful views! We are the original home of the Lime In The Coconut. Relax on the beach, catch a live performance on our famous stage by the islands best musicians, dance, eat great fare, jet ski, snorkel, visit our T-Shirt shop for authentic souvenirs, and even plan an ATV tour around the island. Just Limin & Stylin at Rhythms at Rainbow Beach!

Reviewed By LoisR377 - Alpharetta, United States

Great Beach! Lots of fun watersports. The restaurant has good food and great frozen drinks. We had nice time here and visited twice while we were on the island. We would definitely recommend!

8. Buck Island Reef National Monument

17. 786505, -64. 626944 St. Croix +1 340-773-1460 [email protected] http://www.nps.gov/buis/index.htm
Excellent
78%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 903 reviews

Buck Island Reef National Monument

Lying 1.5 miles off the northeast coast of St. Croix, this 880-acre national monument includes 176 acres of land surrounded by 704 acres of water and coral reef system; it is a paradise for snorkelers, and the deep grottos and labyrinths are perfect for experienced scuba divers to explore.

Reviewed By kkeith37373 - Dallas, United States

Great sailing trip to the reef and beach on the Teroro II. Encountered 4 schooling sharks and thousands of colored fish exploring the reef.

9. Frederiksted Pier

Frederiksted St. Croix http://www.stcroixscuba.com
Excellent
60%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 642 reviews

Frederiksted Pier

A great day or night dive, the pier is home to a thriving population of marine and coral life.

Reviewed By dbcarswell - Atlanta, United States

Awesome place to Scuba dive! Great variety of sea life including lobsters, sea horses, crabs and turtles.

10. Judith's Fancy

Christiansted St. Croix
Excellent
66%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 41 reviews

Judith's Fancy

These impressive ruins of the 17th-century chateau, once home to the governor of the Knights of Malta, are collectively named "Judith" after the first name of a woman who is buried on the property.

Reviewed By R6945QOjuliet

Rainy day needed some activity so stopped at this nice neighborhood to go for a scenic walk. Sign in at the gate and walk in - do a large loop and can view the bay and the ocean side. You will see some homes still left damaged by the hurricanes as well.

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