St.
Croix, US Virgin Islands
Information
St.
Croix is one of the U.S. Virgin Islands, which are considered an
unincorporated U.S. territory. The beautiful island of St. Croix
is the largest of the 3 inhabited US Virgins Islands (St. Thomas
and St. John are the other two) and is 84 square miles. However,
it only has a
 population of 55,000 residents. Christopher
Columbus is said to have discovered the island in 1493, landing
at Salt River on the north coast. The eastern part of the island is more arid
than the western end of the island. You will even see
large cactus plants on the east end. The east end has many beautiful
sunny beaches and is favored by the more wealthy of the island. The
western half of St. Croix is quite different. It is verdant and
lush, with beautiful green hills, a small rainforest, and wonderful
white sandy beaches. Tourism is a growing and thriving part of life
on St. Croix and tourists just love it!
The two main towns are
Christiansted and
Frederiksted.
Christiansted is on the northeast part of the island and is
filled with historic Danish architecture. Frederiksted has
charming "gingerbread" Victorian architecture. Fort Frederik dates back to 1700 and is the site where Governor
General Peter Van Scholten read the proclamation abolishing
slavery in 1848. Today it houses a museum. Frederiksted has a
colorful harbor that draws cruise ships and people from around
the world.
|
Christiansted
Harbor |
Frederiksted
Waterfront |
For a good time, try to go to
"Jump Up" (also known as Harbor Night) in Christiansted which is held several times a year. This "carnival-like" evening
in Christiansted is filled
with steel bands, dancing, local arts and crafts, food, and fun!
Both towns have duty free shopping and great
places to eat!
St. Croix lies approximately 40 miles south of St. Thomas and St.
John and is separated from them by a deep oceanic trench plunging down over
10,000 feet! St.
Croix has beautiful sandy
beaches. In fact, some of the best
swimming, snorkeling, and diving to be found in the Caribbean is right here on
St. Croix
Historic
plantations from the days when agriculture drove the
economy are scattered throughout the island. St Croix also has
fine
shopping areas and a variety of activities to keep
tourists
entertained. Among it's natural attributes are natural reserves
for plant and animal life (Buck Island Reef National Monument
with an underwater snorkeling trail), a rainforest, and botanical
gardens.
The
Cruzan Rum factory is also based in St. Croix.
Other Facts about St. Croix
St. Croix's currency is US Dollars. Most credit cards and
travelers checks are accepted. No sales tax.
The language is English, yet many locals also speak English with
a Caribbean twist. For instance, the 'H' is often discarded
("thing" becomes "ting", and "thanks"
becomes "tanks...mon").
The climate is subtropical with a year round average of about 78*F/26*C with
easterly trade winds to help keep the humidity level comfortable. Seasonal
temperatures fluctuate less than 10*F/6*C. Average annual rainfall is only 50
inches/1270 millimeters and occurs more in late spring and late summer. The island is
more susceptible to potential hurricanes September - October.
Electricity - the current and wall outlets are 110v/60 cycles,
like those in the U.S.
The water is safe to drink at most hotels and in town. Bottled water is
preferred, but not entirely necessary elsewhere.
St. Croix is on Atlantic Standard Time zone year-round (1 hour
ahead of Eastern Standard Time).
St. Croix has many festivals throughout the year, but any time is
a great time to visit St. Croix.
New
Travel Document Requirements
***** U.S. Citizens DO NOT need a Passport to
travel to St. Croix!!! *****
Please note:
This initiative DOES NOT affect U.S.
citizens traveling between the United States and
its territories!
Click
here
for more info.
U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service
The U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service maintains an office in St. Croix
and is happy to assist visitors by answering any immigration questions. Their
telephone number: (340) 778-6559. At the airport, their number is (340)
778-1419.
When you leave St. Croix by air, give yourself at least an hour and a half at
the airport to go through customs and immigration checkpoints. At the airline
counter you will be required to show photo identification for security purposes
and check your bags.
Before passing through Customs you have the opportunity to shop in the airport's
gift shop and/or get a bite to eat at the small local restaurant located in the
lobby. This is your last chance to try some local food before you return home!
After visiting the airport lobby, fill in the Customs Declaration form you were
given at check-in and proceed to Customs. Present your declaration form, along
with your passport, to a Customs Inspector. You then collect your bags from the
luggage carousel and pass through Immigration where you present your
identification and Customs Declaration form. Be prepared to have all your bags
checked thoroughly, inside and out.
Once past Customs and the airport screening area there are new gates with
comfortable chairs and a small snack bar which serves light snacks, soft drinks,
beer and cocktails.
Driving is on the left side of the street! Rentals cars are all left hand drive
models.
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