Hello Randa,

I am sure one of the St. Croix folks will fill in the weather on St. Croix....

Bucanneer Hotel is beautiful and a great choice. I would say if you plan to hang out at the hotel most of the time then a rental is not necessary however if you want to enjoy St. Croix and sightsee, beach hop, check out some restaurants, go to Happy Hour perhaps... then rent a car.

What type of things do you enjoy; historical sites, rum tasting, beach hopping, casual bars, fine dining.... that way folks can make suggestions.

--Islander

Today on St. Croix was mostly sunny, very warm, and very breezy. We had a two-minute sun shower around noon. This is mostly what you should experience.

If you are going to rent a car, use Olympic. They are a very reliable local company with the lowest rates on the island. We have used them for more than ten years. If you pick up the pink magazine "What's Happening on St. Croix this Month" (You will find it at the airport or at your hotel) you will find a 10% discount coupon for them. Finally, don't sign up for the additional insurance. Your American Express card covers it/

REMEMBER, YOU DRIVE ON THE LEFT SIDE!

Randa,
If you're staying at the Buccaneer, I recommend you do a couple of things. First, a trip to Buck Island. Big Beard sent two boats yesterday. I didn't notice any of Mile Marks boats. Buck Island is one of the best snorkel sites in the Carribean. Second, take a taxi island tour. They take you all over the island. I can't remember which days they go, but the concierge can set you up. After you take the island tour, rent a car. Then you can go back to some of the places you saw on the tour. You will also want to snorkel the limestone shelf at the Grotto beach on the property. Tons of wildlife. Yesterday, it was still pretty churned up from the storm. I have to check it again this morning. Worst case, it will take another day or two to clear up. BTW, I'm a beach attendant at the Buccaneer. Stop by and say hi.

Ric

Hi Ric,
Thank you for your response. In regards to the taxi island tour, do you know what the price difference is in comparison to the bus tours? Also do you recommend Big Beard for the Buck Island snorkel tour? Where are some good places to go out at night in Christiansted? Happy hours, dinner, dancing, etc. We love reggae and calypso music do you recommend and bars that have bands playing?

Thank you and I will stop by and say hi when I get there on Saturday!

Randa

Can you rent jet skiis or a power boat at the hotel? If not where can we rent them? Thank you!

Randa

If you go anywhere in a taxi, agree with the driver on the fare beforehand. Trust me.

Randa,
Have the concierge set up the taxi island tour for you. The price is $40 per person and it takes 4 hours or so. They take you to the rum factory, the botanical garden and the Whim museum. All entry fees are included. I have been to Buck Island twice with Big Beard. Once for the full day and once for the 1/2 day. They did a good job both times. I have not been with Mile Mark, but the people who have indicate they also do a good job. I would suggest going with whoever is going on the day you want to go. It's slow season now and they are not going everyday.
We have neither jet skis or powerboats at the hotel. I believe you can rent jet skis at Hotel on the Cay in C-sted. I don't know about power boats. The activities we have at the hotel are pretty laid back.
As far as good places to eat, drive down the road, find a sign that says "Restaurant" and pull in. The good places to eat are almost too numerous to mention and sure as heck I'd leave someone out. Off the Wall has live music every night but Monday. Cheeseburgers in Paradise has music on the weekend. Changes in Latitude has music on the weekends.
Randa, I want you to come to our island with realistic expectations so you are not disappointed. This REALLY isn't a party place. Most of the bars & restaurants close by 9:30. Some of the younger folks on the board would be a better source of nightlife info than I would be. See you Saturday.

Ric- You just sold me on staying at the Buccaneer if we ever get over there! No jet skis!! Hurrah!

Forty dollars sounds like a real bargain for all that.

According to Thursday's Avis, a film crew from an upscale travel company was at the Buccaneer earlier this week taking footage for an upcoming TV promotional for St. Croix.