So glad I found this board. We are coming to St. Croix in April staying at a villa called Southern Exposure. Family of four, two teens looking for any recommendations on best beaches, best tours, best eats, also reviews of our villa choice. Any info on who gives best snorkeling tours, diving classes for the kids and "off the beaten path" ideas to keep everybody happy. Me, I'm happy with a good beach, a good book and a cocktail in hand, but you know these kids....many thanks for any help you can give me.

The 'best' beaches are along the North Shore but do not limit your exploration to that side of the island. Get a copy of either St. John Off the Beaten Track or Feet, Fins & 4 Wheel Drive. Both provide excellent information on the island and how to get the most out of it.
You don't mention how long you are visiting but if we assume 1 week, you will find the whole week taken up trying to see as much as you can. If you are into hiking, look into the Reef Bay hike, available through the Parks Department. They take you down hill to Reef Bay and ferry you back to Cruz Bay. Great trip, not strenuous and well worth it.
A rental car will take you to 90% of the island's beaches and 4 wheel drive takes you to the other 10%.
While your villa site mentions Reef Bay nearby, it is not like the North Shore beaches, which are more of the layout and swim type beaches you are familiar with. Great to hike along, beautiful views (the whole island is like that) and adventursome snorkeling but not one you need to visit if trying to decide between all of the others.
If you are all decent swimmers, I would not worry about snorkling 'classes'. If you intend to snorkle after your trip, look into buying the gear at home. If not, then yu can get quick class from one of the local rental sites.
Cruz Bay offers a wide array of food and prices. You should be able to find quick food for the picky teen as well as great food for parents. If you need the homeland 'fix', there is a Subway, but BBQ in Cruz Bay is excellent. Do a search for restaurant suggestions and you will find numerous suggestions. Many of the trip reports also provide insites as to choice and quality.
As you narrow down your plans and have more questions, ask away.

I thought you were going to STJ. Buck Island is a must for snorkeling. Christenstead has many great restaurants.
Many others can provide information on STX details.

Hello Matt

Just to start with, go to the top of this page and click on the St Croix link - the information found there about this island is very helpful & very detailed.

If I remember corrrectly, southern exposure is located in close proximity to the DIVI Hotel & Casino - you'll have two really nice beaches right there - Divi Hotel will let you use their pool & beach chairs & Grapetree Beach is just a mile or two down the road, this is a beautiful beach, but you'll have to pack a lunch and drinks and what ever else you need because it's remote with not too much shade.

Buck Island is a must see for snorkeling - Captain Heinz operates out of Green Cay Marina & Big Beards operates off of the boardwalk in downtown Christiansted - you can't go wrong with either one.

I would also recommend Shoy's beach (next to the buccaneer resort) Cane Bay Beach on the north side of the island - Cheney Bay Beach is alright but is has a lot of sea grass (they will let you use their beach toys and chairs for free if you use their bar or restraunt.

Downtown Christiansted is loaded with places to eat and drink - you will not starve on this island - also there is a couple of real nice places to eat in Gallows Bay - Case Place & Tutu Bene.

Your going to need to rent a car or mini van for your group - I've always had great success with judy of croix.

Just a note here - when you need directions or any assistance while your on stx call the realtor that you rented southern exposure from they are the experts they have the knowledge of the island.

There's 4 or 5 other members on this board their very knowledgeable (cripes is that even a word) I hope they answer you also

Anyway have fun - it's a beautiful island

Steve

When you arrive at the airport, look for information racks mounted on the walls just as you come out to the front of the airport. Look for the free guide called St. Croix This Week. In it you will find all kinds of advertised tours, restaurants, places to go, etc. plus the latest events going on for that week. We always grab one of these and the nice island pocket map.

You can view this online at www.stcroixthisweek.com

This might help you plan some things before you get there. Good luck and have a great trip. We always do!

Kerry

Hey mattrach,
I live on St Croix. Don't know where Southern Exposure is but if it is near the Divi Carina you are on an isloated But beuatiful part of the island. Definately have to have a vehicle. The Divi Carina has a very nice beach; also spend a day at The Buccaneer Resort - they let you use the beach for free if you are "having lunch at the restaurant". They have 2 main beaches that can't be beat. Drive the east end out to Udall Point for beautiful scenery and views. Do a snorkel trip to Buck Island (Yes, either Big Beard or Capt. Heinz) and definately don't miss a drive through the Rainforest where you will find a crazy little bar called The Domino Club run by a woman named Norma. It has beer drinking pigs (arrive before 4:00pm when they are 'cut-off'). Pick up info at the airport- there are a couple jeep tours you could do, too. I believe one is called TanTan Tours - I've heard its a blast.
Dive shops here also do what is called a Discovery Dive. For about $55. they will give you a quick scuba class then take you out for a dive deep under the Caribbean.
As for restaurants - its hard to find a bad one. Fabulous meals everywhere you look. Two of our favorites are Bombay Club (downtown across from the library) Rumrunners (on the boardwalk).
Enjoy St Croix!!

No one mentioned the horseback riding. There are two tours I found out about in a travel books.

Paul and Jill's Equestrian Stables. This trip takes you through the rainforest - here is the link :
http://pws.prserv.net/paul-and-jills/

The other one is called Equus. It is located directly across the shore road from Villa Dawn and is only 8 minutes from Caribbean Breeze. Meet at " Off The Wall Bar and Grill" next to Cane Bay Beach. Call Stephen O'Dea at 340-778-0933 to reserve.You may get to swim with the horse. Superb views of the mountains sweeping to the sea. Sunset and moonlight rides available.

Since the ferry service between St. Thomas and St. Croix is not operating we will not have a chance to go.

mattrach

According to the Island Villas web site it looks like the villa southern exposure is located on the southwest part of the island close to the whim plantation and airport, and not that close to the divi casino & hotel - sorry about the miss info, I was locked on to another villa

Heck - the island is only about 27 miles long - you can't be too far from anything

I'm not familiar with the west side but I've heard there are quite a few nice beaches on that side - Sandy Point beach is supposed to be one of the most beautiful beaches anywhere - I've never seen it believe it or not it's always closed when I'm there - closed for turtle nesting during most of the summer months.

Have a ball

Steve