Is it worth going to St Croix?

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.



In 2026, St. Croix is widely considered "worth it" for travelers who prefer a laid-back, authentic Caribbean vibe over the commercialized "cruise ship" feel of St. Thomas. As the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, it offers a diverse landscape ranging from a tropical rainforest in the west to a desert-like east. For U.S. citizens, it is especially valuable because no passport is required. Highlights include snorkeling at Buck Island Reef National Monument, exploring the historic Danish architecture in Christiansted, and visiting the Cruzan Rum Distillery. While it lacks the high-rise mega-resorts of other islands, its charm lies in its "slow-paced" lifestyle, vibrant culinary scene, and world-class scuba diving (especially "The Wall" at Cane Bay). If you are looking for a tropical escape that feels "removed" from the mainland but still uses the U.S. Dollar and English language, St. Croix offers a perfect balance of adventure and tranquility in 2026.

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This Caribbean Island Has Beautiful Beaches, Charming Hotels, and Incredible Scuba Diving. The perfect combination of cosmopolitan and rugged, St. Croix appeals to a broad range of adventurous and culturally curious travelers.

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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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St. Croix is known for it's top notch snorkeling and scuba diving. Outside of the town are white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and stunning views. Tourists will love duty-free shopping, delicious cuisines, hiking, sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and surfing.

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Thomas, the most developed, is brimming with activities and world-class shopping. St. Croix, bigger but sleepier, is the place to go for diving, snorkeling, and beach life. Both extend a warm welcome and both have interesting culture away from the beach.

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What's the Best Virgin Island to Visit?
  • St. Thomas. Magens Bay, St. ...
  • St. John. Honeymoon Beach, St. ...
  • St. Croix. Buck Island, St. ...
  • Tortola. Road Town, Tortola. The British Virgin Islands is home to some of the prettiest islands in the Caribbean, with Tortola being the largest. ...
  • Virgin Gorda. Virgin Gorda Baths.


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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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Yes, these Caribbean islands are fairly safe to visit. Be mindful that areas of St. John and St. Croix have increased in crime in recent years.

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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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Some of the more well-known Caribbean dishes you will find here on St. Croix are saltfish, conch in butter sauce, kallaloo, and fried kingfish steaks. Saltfish is fresh fish that has been salt-cured and dried until all the moisture has been extracted.

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Passports for U.S. Citizens are NOT required for the U.S. Virgin Islands, but you must be prepared to show evidence of citizenship upon leaving the territory (such as a government-issued photo ID or your passport). Citizens of countries other than the U.S. should follow U.S. travel regulations.

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The North Shore It is the most touristy region of St. Croix, site of the best beaches, the most hotels, and the densest shopping. It is also the takeoff point (at Christiansted Harbor) for excursions to Buck Island, St. Croix's most popular attraction.

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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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Croix, USVI. If you plan to do some serious sightseeing on the island, you'll need to rent a car, as getting around by public transportation is a slow, uneven process.

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A full-service bus line operates throughout St. Croix. Taxi and Jeep services are readily available. Most taxi drivers are able to provide their passengers with comprehensive tours of their island.

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Croix is known for it's top notch snorkeling and scuba diving. Outside of the town are white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and stunning views. Tourists will love duty-free shopping, delicious cuisines, hiking, sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and surfing.

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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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Croix had the highest poverty rate of the islands at 40.6% (nearly the same as the rate in 2013: 40.5%). In St. Thomas, 34% of children lived in families in poverty (up from 29% in 2013). In St.

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The water in town and at most hotels is perfectly safe to drink. If you are in doubt simply ask. The water at most of the villas on the island is collected rain water that is stored in cisterns below the villas. It may be safe to drink, but we recommend buying bottled water for drinking purposes.

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Although it's the largest of the three islands, St. Croix sees the fewest tourists, making it a great destination if you want a less commercialized Caribbean experience.

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FAQs About Traveling to the US Virgin Islands on The Cheap The cheapest Virgin Island to stay at is St. Thomas, as it has the largest airport, most conveniences, public transit, and many options for stay. See our guide to where to stay on St. Thomas.

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