Please Register / Login to take part in discussions about the Virgin Islands.
We are torn between the two islands. We want to play golf, snorkle, take day trips sailing and snorkling, visit beautiful beaches, etc. Everything seems to be less expensive on St. Croix and they have day trips to Buck Island. I was told that it is much quieter on St. Croix vs St Thomas. We want to go out and check out some of the nightlife as well. But since my wife is pregnant and can't drink we'll probably look for local places to listen to good music, etc. We plan to visit the Virgin Islands at the end of September, would love to hear some feedback from people who have visited St Croix or both islands and can give me a comparison of the two.
Thank you!
Ricky
My husband and I visited St. Croix two weeks ago and we loved it. There are definitely secluded beaches and lots of snorkling all through the island. We snorkled at Cane Bay and we swam off of Cheney Bay. We stayed at the Divi and we loved it there. Not much of a night life there bu I guess thats why there is the casino across the street from the resort. Our room was perfect since right outside our balcony was the pool, bar, hot tub and the beach. There is some night life there but I didn't stay up late enough to see the after hour clubs open up. On the Saturday night we were there we listened accoustic music right off the boardwalk in Christiansted and we had one drink the whole time we were there and we didn't stick out at all. If your not planning on renting a car downtown Christiansted is the place to be (great shopping too). I can't tell you anything about St. Thomas. Hope this helps
Hi Becky,
Thanks for your response. Did you do any island tours or snorkle trips to Buck Island? We're planning to stay at the Buccanneer Hotel nearby to Christiansted. Do you know anything about that hotel? Also was there any nightlife in Christiansted?
Thanks again!
Ricky
St Croix has two fine 18 hole golf courses,a great ocean front at the Buccaneer, the other at the West end "inland "at Carambola. There is also the"nice" 9 hole Reef golf course course on the east end. St Thomas has a good course at Mahogany Run. I have to admit I have not played it in years and I am told that it is much improved from years past.
St Croix is much quieter than St Thomas. It does not have the swarm of cruise ship tourists to deal with. However the cruise people are usually safely back on board by night fall so the night lfe on St Thomas is local, but very active.
St Croix nightlife is much quieter. I like to sit and relax with a glass of rum and listen to accoustic music. However there are other more active options.
St thomas has many more "off island" tour options than St Croix. On St Thomas there are many smaller islands and the nearby British Virgin's that can be explored by boat. St Croix has Buck Island, that while unique does not offer the variety of it's sister to the north.
The Buccaneer is a classic Caribbean hotel. The rooms are down an ocean hillside with great views. It has wonderful restaurants and usually excellent service. And ..the golf course. check it out at www.thebuccaneer.com
We were in STX in August and stayed at Tamarind Reef which is right next to the Buccaneer. The Buccaneer is beautiful. We walked around on the resort. We have not been to ST. Thomas, but have heard from friends that it is very crowded. That is attributed to the cruise ships going in there and it is alot more touristy. There is Green Cay Marina right down from the Buccaneer and would advise using Cpt. Heinze who goes out on Buck Island. He has a 42ft. catamaran and takes out a much smaller group to snorkle than some of the larger known tour groups. He has been sailing for 42 yrs. and is excellent. Cheesburgers in Paradise is about 5 minutes from Buccaneer and has live music most nights. I believe there are several other restaurants who have live music at night. You are also about 10 minutes from Christiansted.
Ric who frequents this board is a beach attendant at the Buccaneer so he can probably give you some specifics about what they have to offer. We rented a car and enjoyed touring the island as it is beautiful. Point Udall is in STX, which is the eastern most point in the US and that is a very beautiful site to see. There are many things to do and see in STX. West end of the island is rain forest. We spent some days just driving around and exploring several small beaches. It is a very calming beautiful island.
Yvonne
Ricky,
The two largest outfits taking folks to Buck Island are MileMark ( http://www.milemarkwatersports.com) and Big Beard's ( http://www.bigbeards.com). Both are excellent. Sweeny's Safari Tours ( http://www.gotostcroix.com/safaritours/) are also terrific - he is a wonderful and knowledgeable guide. There are self-guided options available as well through the St. Croix Herigage Trail ( http://www.stcroixheritagetrail.com/ht.html) and walking tours of downtown Christiansted.
The nightlife is laid back, but you can find local places that will be perfect for you. Near to the Buccaneer is Cheeseburgers in Paradise, which has local entertainment on the weekend. Check out St. Croix This Week ( http://www.stcroixthisweek.com) - it's also available on island in hard copy form.
Hello Ricky,
The Buccaneer is a beautiful resort and a wonderful place to relax. There are plenty of restaurants to be enjoyed - so you could spend evenings enjoying them. A few places have live music. Some favorites for dining: Off the Wall, the Brew Pub, Rumrunners, Tutu Bene, Bacchaus... Rent a car; St. Croix is worth exploring. Attractions worth visiting; Whim Plantation, the two Forts, St. Georges Botanical Gardens, Laweatz Museum.
--Islander
I'd put it this way. If you don't mind crowds, you'll like St. Thomas. If crowds bother you, visit St. Croix. You'll have more than enough to do on either island.
