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 Fun, Free and Fabulous
Vacation dollars stretch far when you take advantage of no-cost pastimes that give great insights into the history and culture of St Croix.
Take a Ruinous Hike. St. Croix’s fields and roadsides are dotted with dozens of stone structures where slaves processed sugar in the 18th and 19th centuries. Some are found in public places — like the Carambola Golf Course — and others at private spaces, like Estate Mount Washington, where owners routinely grant access to visitors. As you would at home, ask permission before entering any fenced property.
Dance in the Streets. Islanders are party-minded parade lovers who schedule their biggest ones around Three Kings Day (January 6) to wrap up the Crucian Christmas Festival, a celebration that starts mid-December and lasts for weeks. Stake out a shady curb spot to tap your toe during Children’s and Adults’ parades, both complete with elaborate costumes and very loud music. Shake your booty at the Mardi Croix parade in February or the raucous St. Patrick’s Day parade mid-March. Or form your own parade when live bands play during “Jump Up” street fairs held several times a year in downtown Christiansted.
Get into the Ecological Swim. All beaches are open to the public by Virgin Islands law and some of the most gorgeous and peaceful stretches of sand are found within pristine ecological preserves, such as the Southgate Coastal Reserve, the Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge, the Salt River National Historical Park and the Nature Conservancy’s Jack and Isaac Bays. Bring your own food and beverages. Officials usually permit swimming and snorkeling, but some beaches may be closed during seasons of nesting and hatching by endangered sea turtles. Take home nothing but memories and leave behind only your footprints.
Visiting the United States Virgin Islands and want to go fishing or diving, charter a yacht or sailboat for a week, or rent a boat or sailboat for the day? Check out The Virgin Islands Activities guide for contacts and information.
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