Soft,

The Buccaneer might be a good place for you. It's got a nice beach, restaurants,golf,ect. It's also closer to town than the Divi, and that means more restaurants and nightlife. We looked at the Divi in April and it looked good, too, just more of a drive to get to anywhere. I believe the Divi has a small dance floor, too, but didn't go in it at night. Definately go to Buck Island! The Carambola was a VERY nice place, too-- very tropical and nice restaurants that have special nights with entertainment--- Wed. is Surf and Turf night, and Friday's are Pirate's night with a huge buffet and music. It's only drawback is that it's pretty isolated and you'll need to drive about 10 minutes over winding roads to get to other places. Georgous beach, too! If I was going back and didn't care about revisiting places all over the island I'd definately want to stay there. You'll love St. Croix-- we had a wonderful time on our visit! Take advantage of this message board, look back at what people have recommended-- I know it was amazing how much information we were able to use from the nice people here and it really made our trip so much easier.
Paula

Hello Soft,

I have stayed at the Divi and the rooms were clean, nice, comfy. The beach was nice. They had live music at the casino for listening or dancing. It is far from town, so rent a car if you want to restaurant hop and look around the island. They have a nice pool too. If you just want to plant yourself at one resort and beach, Divi would work. Buccaneer suggested above would also be great... nice beach area, nice property - no casino.

Parking is ok everywhere except in town. Usually when you rent for a week you get a package week price as opposed to daily or for 3 days... check it out and see if there is any incentive in price to go for more days.

There are tours of the islands... look for St. Croix Trip Reports - do a search using the feature above the top of this thread. There are quite a few really good ones with beaches, tour suggestions, restaurants. If you like horseback riding you can do a horseback tour on the northshore. There are sunset sails. You might do a day of visiting some of the sites; Whim, Botanical Gardens, Cruzan Factory. On a shopping day in town you can visit the forts and other historical sites in the towns.

Hit the happy hour at Rumrunners in Christiansted.

Welcome to the board - hope it helps you with your planning!!

--Islander

I think that you will be very happy with your choice of St. Croix for your vacation next May. This board is an excellent source of useful information - be sure to check out some trip reports.

Although we have not stayed there, we have been to the Divi several times and it is a nice hotel. It has good, clean facilities and a nice beach. It also has a casino which seems nice by Caribbean standards, but if you've been to Las Vegas there is no comparison. You should rent a car if you stay there because it is a ways from town. I think that the prices are reasonable.

The Bucanneer is a great resort with very nice beaches, pool, reataurants, the prettiest golf course I've ever played, tennis courts, and a spa. It is much more expensive than any other hotel on the island, but it is very nice. Even if you don't stay there, it is worth a visit for drinks in the lounge or dinner.

The Hotel on the Cay is a one minute boat ride from Christiansted. Someone did a report on staying there last week and it was positive. We looked at it for a friend who plans to stay there for a week in July. It was clean and has its own beach. It is on a very small island in Christiansted Harbor. One night a week there is a buffet with entertainment that is worth doing whether on not you stay there.

You are right about going to Buck Island for snorkling. We have used Mile Mark twice for half day trips and were very pleased. A recent post said that the captain was unpleasant on their outing, but that was not the case for ours.

A trip to the Cruzan rum factory is also worthwhile.

I suggest renting a car if you plan to travel around much at all. Taxis are readily available in town, but there are lots of places to drive to around the island. If you do rent a car be sure to get a map and directions, street signs are not always there, and do not leave anything in the car. Driving on the left is a little awkward at first, particularly when turning.

Street crime can be a problem, but in 4 visits we have not had any problems. Use common sense and err on the side of caution.

Thank you for your input. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it.....

As for a day trip to St Thomas, I recommend Seaborne. You can go roundtrip for less than 100/pp and its a wonderful way to go. They have specials many days. Call for the best available rates. www.seaborneairlines.com

Everyone's suggestions are right on. The Divi is somewhat remote, but has a nice nightlife and you won't have to drive. Definitely rent a car and go exploring. For a crazy tour guide, "wave" with Tan Tan tours takes you everywhere in his jeep, including down into the tidal pools. I don't have his info off hand, but I have a links page on my website with info. Carambola is great, but also a bit out of the way. Bucaneer is good but expensive. Really depends on your likes. The beer drinking pigs are a nice novelty and miss Norma, the owner makes great mamma wanna. You'll have to try it and see!

Abbi
[email protected]

www.mindspring.com/~stcroixcondo

Went to your website and clicked on links, but can't find the info on the crazy tour guide named "wave" with Tan Tan tours. This sounds like it might be fun.
Help me out.

YL

Hi YL-

Sorry, I don't have their info posted. I have it at the condo and I'm not going down to STX until the end of next month. If you want to call the front desk at Colony Cove 342-773-1965 and ask them, since they have his tour cards right there.

Have fun!
Abbi

Soft,

If you want to rent a vehicle, check out Judi of Croix, their # is 340-773-2123 or toll free 877-903-2123. The vehicles are compartively priced, the service is EXCEPTIONAL and they'll delivery the vehicle to most any part of the Island.

The recommendation for the Buccuneer is a good one. Although we didn't stay there, we visited the resort and even though we weren't staying there, the staff was exceptional and the resort was very nice and closer to various attractions than Diva, which is also nice but about a 15 minute ride to most places. If you can afford the $300+ per night, the Carambola resort is first class. We went for the Pirates Buffet on Friday and it was awesome but take your camera for the entertainment. The beach is awesome and it only a couple minutes away from Cane Bay which has awesome snorkling and great beaches.

Have a Great Time

Ahave been to 9 caribbean islands but not Aruba, seems too much like hi-rise Miami tye area. we prefer the no taller than the coconut trees hotels! stayed at Buccaneer 3 yrs ago this July. YOu can get good prices there in May as have variety of room tyes and you're only in your room at night! ths staff ws great, the restaurant very superior to Divvi, ate there oone night and froze as was indoor a/c restaurants which I hate-especially when in the tropics on balmy moonlit nights!! St Croix is more lush than Aruba w/ old sugar plantations, lots of great restaurnats in curtyards in Christiensted and interesting fort. there's an island band most nights at Buccaneer no loud rock disco type music-(thank goodness) buck island is a must! cat cruises are great. also sightseeing tour on openair bus around island.

Soft,

I have also been to Aruba and stayed at a nice resort. Have been to other Caribbean islands and always stayed at one resort. I felt the same as you on wanting to stay at a good place on the beach and not have to worry about driving around. However, after much research and talking to people on this board, we are going to STX August 5th and will be staying at Tamarind Reef. That gives up a nice beach or so they say, but close to things and we will rent a car. I think STX is different than most caribbean spots and is a place you might want to do some exploring. It seems to have some really cool beaches with good restaurants and places on the beach to hang out and also meet some locals. If you're not going till May, take some time to find the right place and read alot on this board. I will also post my trip report when I get back.

YL

Thanks again everyone...

YL I look forward to your report. I really hope you have an awesome time. I'm so jealous...lol

The Divi is on the dry side of St. Croix. Not very scenic really and a good distance from the rest of the island. We did visit the beach there but were not impressed. It is the only place that offers gambling so if that's what you want you have the right place. We stayed (twice) at the Pelican Heights Inn at Estate St. John. The room we had was the Pelican's Perch. It is like a studio in that there is a stove and full size fridge. The bedroom is separate from the living room/kitchen so it has just enough extra room so two people aren't waliking into each other all the time. There's a nice pool as well for a dip at night when you have spent the day at the beach. Carambola is by far the nicest of all St. Croix's beaches. It is on the Suntera Resort property but open to the public. Just stop at the gate and tell the guard you want to use the beach. If you go, walk all the way down to end (go thru the resort, down the stairs and bear left). It is a bit of a drive from where we were but it's North Side road and a beautiful scenic drive most of the way. This is important: on the way to Carambola you might see a big sign that says "Scenic Drive" on the left..........it's not! Unless all the brush has been cleared away you can't see the coast at all and the road is terrible. The best part of going to Carambola is on the way back to where you are staying you can stop at Off the Wall. Hands down the coolest beach bar we've ever been to. Good food and more than ample drinks. The Buccaneer Resort has a nice beach and restaurant although it can be crowded with families. Chenay Bay is nice and has an adequate bar. Sandy Point is wild and rugged with no facilities and only open on certain days. Downtown Christiansted is very nice and has lots of places to eat from burgers along the boardwalk bars (Styx being very good) to extravagant and elegant dining on some of the side streets. I don't recall seeing a lot of dancing going on but your best bet would be aloing the boardwalk again. A must do is Luncheria if you like Mexican food and weapons grade margaritas. It's easy to find. I think it's on Company St.
Big Beards catamaran trips to Buck Island are just O.K. The reef was severly damaged during the last hurricane and will take a long time to recover. If you go be sure to do the beach BBQ with Capt. simpson. That alone is worth the trip. Sunset sails are no big treat either. It's best to drive over to Changes in Latitudes or any of the west side restaurants. Beware! Right at sunset the biting insects come out. If you go to a place that has cans of bug spray on the tables that should tell you something. They don't last long but while out they are voracious. A drive thru the Rain Forest although different is no great thrill, but it breaks up the monotony. I wouldn't bother with Frederiksted. It's a ghost town now that the cruise ships don't go there. The first time we went it was a vibrant bustling town with street carnivals and great places to eat. On our second visit most all the shops and restaurants were closed. There's lots to see and do on St. Croix. Time wise 10 days is plenty. Any more than that and it gets to be a bit boring.

Do you have more information on Cat Cruises?

Thank you!

Dear St. Croix fan, this msg. is from someone who absolutely fell in love with and in St. Croix .

Went there in July 04 for the first time and went back 2 more weeks in August 04.

Since I am not sure how old your msg. is and if you still want advise, pls. reply to my e-mail.

I am going back in December (3rd time this year) and have found the most beautiful place. 1 and 2 BR Condos right on the beach, called Sugar Beach. Complete with everything incl. security.

Pls. reply and I will be glad to share everything that I know. Also have contact with locals in St. Croix.

Talk soon.

BC

Just to put things in prespective. The Divi is at the seven mile post on the South Shore Rd vs the Bucaneer which is about two miles from town 0n the East End Rd.

Look at what packages either is offering and make your choice based on that.

Rent a car to see the Island.

Jim

Hi there,

I have been to St Croix often. Carambola would be a great place to stay. The rooms are directly on the beach and it is beautiful. It is one of my favorite beaches on the island. Best place to boogy board. Buck Island is a must, I suggest the full day trip which includes a BBQ on the beach cooked by the captain. Rent this trip through Big Beards. They are the best.

I also suggest Lobster Reef for a great dinner.

Good Luck

Hi everyone,

Interesting responses to Soft's orig. question. I currently live here on St.Croix, and still consider myself very much a newcomer to the island life. I do however have first hand experience with staying at the Divi Resort, where I just moved out of after having stayed the last 14 days ( I just moved into my own place today, yeah!)
The Divi Resort is a very clean, safe, reasonably priced resort for what you they offer, within walking distance to the casino across the street, or they can shuttle you if you choose not to walk. They have a beach barbeque on Thursday nights ($25.00 per pers.), they show movies in the lobby on Tues. nights, have a fitness area, gift shop, arcade for the kids, beautiful pool and hot tub, dive facilities and kayaking (they will set up trips for you), snorkeling, (rental masks, fins at the hut on the beach - ask for Brett), beach bar, cafe style food on the ground floor just off the bar and pool, and finer dining up stairs (BTW, you can eat indoors where you have A/C or on the veranda overlooking the beach), laundry facilities on the property, half day or full day trips that you can book to take you to Buck Island (again, see Brett).
My room, on the second level, overlooked the beach, which is a matter of 7 to 10 paces to the beach if you are on the ground floor. The rooms have a small fridge, a microwave, lounge chairs and a small patio table w/4 chairs on the balcony. They also have shuttles that run you into town every hour on the hour. There is an ATM in the lobby, a laptop in the lobby (I believe it was $5.00 for the first ten minutes), and the staff are amongst the friendliest bunch of people you will ever meet (Kendella - front desk, Ann - accounting, Edmond - bellhop, Brett - beach staff). You won't be disappointed with your stay at Divi, they go out of their way to accomodate you. Golf is nearby (maybe a 10 min. drive), and Duggan's Restaurant is across from the golf course, they have a seafood alfredo to die for! Hope you enjoy your stay here in St. Croix, I know I have! And to think I live here......lovin' it, for sure!