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I've been reading all the posts. You are all really generous with time and advice! Here is my story, and my request for ideas/opinions/advice
I went to St. Croix about... gulp.... 45 years ago in my childhood youth... I am interested in returning for a vacation in Jan/February.
I can no longer scuba, but am an avid snorkler. My travel companion is a crazed scuba person. She usually finds a buddy one way or another. We will probably rent a car. What worked for us on Bonaire was to find someplace where I could entertain myself snorkeling at the "home" beach in case she needed the car to go to dive shop, etc. Given this situation, any ideas about the best "snorkel off the beach" hotel/condo/whatever?
Also, on a general note... I have usually gone to more remote islands like Bonaire, Tortola, etc. I just wondered how developed the Island has become? I found St. Thomas a little too much like home! (had great time, though). We are not much into shopping, McDonald's, etc...
One more question... on my first trip to St. Croix (which was the last 2 weeks in December..) I remember discussions of the "Christmas Blow" which I took to be serious wind conditions after Christmas. I did have one VERY windy vacation of Tortola (made snorkeling difficult, and sitting on Long Beach Bay impossible). Do the winds kick up like that every year at certain time?
Thanks
Chris
STX is more developed now than it was on your last visit, certainly more than Tortola is now, but not as developed as STT. The arrival of Xmas winds is variable, as is its duration, but if it's a problem on one side of the island you can find a beach on another side where it's a non-issue. I suspect someone on STX will chime in soon with lodging recommendations. Good Luck in your planning!
Sorry, confused everyone, I am sure. The trip I am planning is to St. Croix...
The Christmas winds are variable and maybe different due to the el nineo conditions but as Dntw8up said, just go to the lee side of the island where the wind won't be as strong.
If your companion wants to dive and you want to snorkel maybe Cane Bay is a good Place. Tamarind Reef has some good snorkeling and it's an easy drive to Csted to get a dive boat. Take a look at Sand Castles in Fsted too.
Stx is different but is still the same.
Hello Chris,
St. Croix is quieter than St. Thomas as far as tourist related areas go. There are some lovely historical sites to visit - forts, sugar plantation ruins, Christiansted has several buildings of interest; also beaches, boating activities, day charters to Buck Island, golf, island tour.
It is a great spot for scuba; there are reefs, wrecks, walls and the pier. Your travel companion might contact some of the dive shops and see if they have packages available. You will want to have a car on St. Croix, its larger than St. Thomas and things are more spread out. Taxis add up quickly. When she is going out on a dive you could always go with her, drop her off and then go to a nearby beach and return for her at the arranged time.
You might be interested in things going on, events. In early January the St. Croix Festival (Carnival). Landmarks Society usually has house tours at different times in the early months of the year. Whim Plantation usually has concerts, classical by candlelight. The Mardi Croix parade is in February. I think there is usually a Jump Up around Valentines Day also, which is a lot of fun. Each month there is a Jazz in Frederiksted event. There are crab races weekly, those are fun. Various restaurants usually have live music too in the early evening.
Let us know if you have more questions!
--Islander
