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St Croix
The less developed island of St Croix is the most remote of the inhabited Virgin Islands, which is home to lush forested hills, enchanting beaches and surrounded by coral reefs for spectacular diving opportunities, particularly along the north coast.
Situated just forty miles from the larger island of St Thomas, St Croix has two main towns; in the north Christiansted and in the west Frederiksted. Both prospered as commercial ports during the 18th and 19th centuries. Christiansted is a lively town offering trips to the tiny Buck Island as a popular excursion. Frederiksted is smaller and a sleepy place until the weekly cruise ships arrive for a spree of duty-free shopping. Both towns contain numerous examples of fine Danish colonial architecture. The surrounding landscape is scattered with remnants of sugar plantations, stone windmill towers and ruined houses from the island's commercial heyday in the sugarcane industry. Whim Greathouse is an impressive planter's mansion, restored to reflect its glory days in the 1700s, and is one of the main historical sights on St Croix. Rum production was another of the island's primary industries and visitors can visit the Cruzan Rum Distillery for guided tours and free tastings. The Heritage Trail is a self-guided trip that links the main sights of interest on the island. Along with its picturesque beaches and superb diving, St Croix has a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, including hiking, historic sights and attractions, golf and horse riding. There are fine hotels, excellent dining and casinos.
Christiansted is one of the most picturesque towns in the Caribbean, with an idyllic harbour and quaint buildings and it is also the capital of St Croix. Dominating the waterfront is the large yellow building, Fort Christiansvaern, built in 1774 to protect the town's harbour against pirates during its days as capital of the Danish colony when it served as an important trading centre for sugar and rum. Much of the original Danish colonial architecture remains, including the Old Custom House, government buildings and the atmospheric wharf area lined with pastel-coloured warehouses. Original Danish streets signs survive among modern enterprises like tourist shops, courtyard restaurants and a spirited bar scene on the waterfront. There is plenty of beach activities nearby and a popular excursion is to Buck Island, offering superb beaches and coral reefs.
Buck Island
To the north of St Croix is the miniatures paradise of Buck Island, which offers one of the most enchanting excursions in the Virgin Islands. The entire island and its surrounding coral reefs is a protected nature reserve and includes a beautiful beach, an incredible coral marine garden, and two major underwater snorkelling trails with signs that introduce snorkellers to the types of coral and its sea life. Turtle Bay Trail and East End Trail together have become one of the most popular attractions in the US Virgin Islands. There is also some excellent diving off Buck Island Reef.
