St. Croix is the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, having passed in history through the various hands of the Netherlands, England, France, and Denmark, from whom the U.S. purchased the island in 1917. Named by Columbus Santa Cruz, or Holy Cross, St. Croix shares a common history with other Caribbean islands. Once a wealthy and prosperous island, St. Croix formerly flourished as a colonial settlement trading in sugar, rum, and slaves. Today, its colonial architecture, plantation houses, and sugar mills remain as a reminder of the past, welcoming tourists from all over the world. The two main towns of Christianstead and Frederickstead offer charming architecture and duty-free shopping. The first casino built in the U.S.V.I. is located on St. Croix.
The beaches of St. Croix are often uncrowded, in spite of the appeal of its soft white sands and tropical climate. Kiteboarders and windsurfers can find incredible spots with excellent conditions and wide open flat water. Visitors can choose to relax and enjoy the sun, or try their hand at golf, swimming, sailing, snorkeling, tennis, or horseback riding. One of the main attractions is Buck Island National Monument, a 176-acre island and surrounding coral reef ecosystem popular among snorkelers and scuba divers.
Several scheduled carriers serve passengers flying into the Henry E Rohlsen Airport located on the south side of St. Croix near Christiansted.
Departure Tax
Usually included in airline ticket price.
Like most of the Caribbean, St. Croix is gorgeous in winter with an average temperature of 82°F. Summers are warmer and wetter, averaging 88°F, but this rainy season is nothing to shy away from, as showers typically stop nearly as soon as they°ve begun.
Access area code: 340. Local coin operated phones are 25 cents per five minutes. Internet access is available from a few Internet cafes and several hotels?check with your accommodations provider. Some offer wireless reception as well.
Currency: US Dollars. Major credit cards and travelers checks accepted.
Meals
- Low-end: US$5-10
- Middle: US$10-25
- High: US$25-35
- Gourmet: US$35+
Lodging
- Low-end: US$50-90
- Middle: US$90-200
- High: US$200-300
- Deluxe: US$300+
Passport & Visa
U.S. and Canadian citizens require proof of citizenship. All other travelers must meet typical U.S. entry requirements.
St. Croix operates on a 110V/60Hz cycle electric current.
*Hepatitis A: Recommended for all visitors.
- Hepatitis B: Recommended for those who may make intimate contact with local residents, especially for stays longer than 6 months.
- Routine Immunizations: All visitors should have up-to-date tetanus-diphtheria, measles-mumps-rubella, polio, and varicella immunizations.
Official language: English
Common sense is always the rule in this relatively safe island. Valuables should be kept in a hotel safe and not left in plain view.
Standard time zone: UTC/GMT -4 hours
No sales tax. An 8% tax is automatically added to all hotel rooms, plus a 10% service fee to most hotels. Similar to the US, dining and other services are tipped at 15?20% depending on service received. Some dining and lodging establishments add a service charge automatically, and most restaurants include the tip for parties over six people.
