Have you heard the good news? The USVI is opening back up June 1st and we are excited to see all of your smiling faces! During this “new normal” we want to make sure everyone is enjoying this beautiful island but also staying healthy and safe. Our island’s small community has remained upbeat during these uncertain times.
While you’re visiting, there are several fun activities for you and your family to enjoy while successfully social distancing. Just don’t forget to pack your face mask and hand sanitizer!
- Go for a hike
There are several hiking trails for you to take advantage of on St. Croix. This is a great way for you to get some exercises and fresh air. This is something you and a friend can do without having to worry about large groups of people or their proximity.
On the Northshore check out the hike from Carambola to Wills Bay. You can start at Carambola and hike about 45 minutes one way to the water. The terrain is easy to moderate. There are several trees to keep you shaded along the way. When you reach Wills Bay you can spend hours beach combing, it is a rocky beach with plenty to explore.
Out west try the Ham’s Bluff Lighthouse Trail. The hike is only about 20 minutes one way but the terrain can be a little challenging as there is a steep grade. The historical Hamm’s Bluff lighthouse is located 360 feet above sea level and is a beautiful place to be surrounded by peace and quiet.
Goat Hill is a challenging East End hike that will reward you with amazing views. It normally takes about 30 minutes to reach the top. On Sunday morning people like to bring their dogs along on the hike also. You start the hike across the street from Cramer’s Park.
- Go Beach Combing
Walking the beach and looking for sea glass or chaney is a great way to spend the afternoon. It’s also an easy way to social distance yourself from others!
If you’ve ever walked around Christiansted you’ve probably noticed all of the jewelry shops selling handmade chaney pieces, most of which are made from Chaney found on the very beaches of St. Croix! The pieces are still found today all over the island and even around old ruins. You can make or design your own pendant, bracelet, rings or earrings.
It is believed that the word “chaney” comes from local children who made up the word while using the pieces as play money. If you combine the words “china” and “money” then, you get chaney! The chaney is said to have come on island after pieces of China were thrown overboard from European passenger ships in the 1800’s. They threw it overboard either because the china had broken on the journey or to avoid being taxed once in port.
- Go for a Dive
The ocean is calling! Diving on St. Croix is such a fun activity and there are several great spots to check out. From shipwrecks dives to patch reef or wall dives, the options are endless. You can go from the shore or the boat and there are several businesses that would be happy to take you out.
You can choose from the following:
Caribbean Sea Adventures Diving
- Visit a National Park
Much of the public land on the island has been designated as national, municipal and territorial parks. There are also wildlife refuges, historic sites, marine preserves and wetlands.
In 1916 the National Park service was created to conserve the scenery and the natural and historical objects. St. Croix is home to three properties jointly managed by the National Park Service and the Government of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Buck Island Reef National Monument was established in 1961 by John F. Kennedy. Many today love to charter out to the island to enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches. You can get there by powerboat or sailboat. On a calm day some like to even kayak out to the island. The park has 176 protected acres and is sanctuary for the Hawks bill Sea Turtle.
In 1952, Christiansted became a historic site, full of 18th century architecture. Fort Christianvaern sits on 7 acres and is a great tour to take while visiting. The fort was constructed around 1749 and later partially rebuilt in 1771 after hurricane damage. The fort serves as a great example of Danish architecture. The Christiansted Historic District also includes a historic Danish CourtHouse and the oldest church on island called the Steeple Building.
If you head west of Christiansted you can spend time at the Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve. The park is part of 1,015 acres and was established in 1992. It sits on the North Shore of the island. Christopher Columbus himself landed there in 1493 and met pre-Columbian indigenous people living on the island. You can also witness the bio luminescent bay that will light up your night!
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