Can you drink the water at St. Croix?

The local Department of Health has set up hotlines and said testing for lead exposure was available. Officials noted that while the tap water in St. Croix should not be ingested, it is safe to use for showering and cleaning.



As of March 2026, the official advice for St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands is to exercise caution with tap water. Following a significant public health crisis in late 2023 caused by aging infrastructure and lead contamination, the "Do Not Consume" advisory was eventually lifted, but concerns regarding water quality persist. The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA) and the EPA have implemented extensive flushing and testing programs, yet many locals and tourists still prefer bottled or filtered water for drinking and cooking. If you are staying in a vacation rental, check if the property uses a cistern system (common in the islands) or WAPA city water. For cisterns, the water is generally safe for bathing but should be boiled or filtered for consumption. Always look for NSF/ANSI Standard 53 certified filters if you intend to use tap water for drinking.

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We suggest that you use the same precautions you would whenever you are in an unfamiliar place: don't carry a lot of cash with you (there are plenty of ATM's on the island to resupply as you go), lock your doors at night, don't leave any valuables in your vehicle or on any beach unattended, don't walk into dark areas ...

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Because it is a U.S. territory, the currency used on St. Croix is the U.S. Dollar. Credit cards are accepted by most St Croix businesses, however, there are still quite a few small businesses that only accept cash. ATM machines can be found at most banks, and many gas station convenience stores also have ATMs.

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St Croix has no more of a crime problem than any other tourist destination. That is not to say there is no crime on the island, of course, St. Croix, like anywhere, is not crime free, so just take normal precautions. Almost 100% of the crime is locals against locals.

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The risk for mosquito activity is extremely high. Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when spending time outdoors to prevent bites. The risk for mosquito activity is high. Consider an EPA-registered repellent to deter mosquito bites.

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The east end of the beach is the best for swimming, the west end has great snorkeling.

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St. Croix's signature drink, the Cruzan® Confusion, contains a combination of different rums and a house juice blend or punch. Its unique name comes from the fact that every bar on our island makes it a little differently, always with Cruzan® Rum and always in great company.

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China plates, tea cups, and urns being some of the items taxed upon weight caused these broken pieces to be thrown overboard in order to avoid paying the taxes. The second explanation is rather simple, while washing fine china after a meal some items began to chip or simply break.

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Croix Known For? St. Croix is known for its historic sugar plantations, white-sand beaches and the surrounding coral reef that's popular with snorkelers and scuba divers. Its two main towns – Christiansted and Frederiksted – have a colonial feel with arched, shaded walkways and sorbet-colored buildings.

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Croix; they are part of the charm of what makes the Crucian experience unique.
  1. The first thing you say to someone as a greeting should be “Good Morning,” “Good Afternoon,” or “Good Night” depending on the time of day. ...
  2. Don't be surprised if people toot their car horns at you. ...
  3. Enjoy the slower pace.


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Fredriksted St. Croix was struck by two large tsunami waves, each approximately 7.6 meters high, according to eyewitness accounts. These waves caused severe damage along the waterfront, washing several wooden houses and other structures a considerable distance inland.

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However, in St. Croix you can't take home any seashells, corals, or sand, nor can you mail them off-island.

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Is St Croix safe to travel alone? Yes, St Croix is generally considered safe to travel alone. However, as with any destination, it is important to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings. Be sure to research the area before you travel and take the necessary safety precautions.

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The largest of the US Virgin Islands, Saint Croix boasts the clearest turquoise blue water, sink your toes in sand, eclectic Caribbean cuisines and rich history and culture. There is so much to see and explore, we advise at least a week-long stay.

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