Dive Into Paradise: Must-Do Adventures on Beautiful St. Croix

Discover the best adventures in St. Croix—from glowing bioluminescent bays and snorkeling Buck Island’s reefs to thrilling ziplines and secret tide pools. Get insider tips on top beaches and vibrant nightlife for your perfect island getaway.

6/29/20233 min read

My Top Must-Do Adventures in Stunning St. Croix

As promised in my last blog, I’m excited to share all the must-do experiences that make St. Croix such a magical place—especially for someone like me, a total water baby at heart. If you’re planning a trip here, these are the adventures and spots you absolutely can’t miss.

1. Bioluminescence Bay Tour

This has to be my absolute favorite experience on the island. There are a few companies offering bioluminescence tours, but keep in mind—they only operate when the moon phase is just right, so booking well in advance is key! Imagine kayaking on water that glows and sparkles beneath you, like paddling through a sea of stars. It’s truly otherworldly.

2. Buck Island Snorkeling Tour

Next up, the Buck Island tour is a must. You can choose between a half-day sail or a full-day excursion—the latter includes lunch and some refreshing rum punch to top it off. Starting from the Christiansted Boardwalk, you’ll snorkel at the stunning national reef and explore Buck Island’s pristine beaches. Pro tip: watch out for the native fruits that look like apples—they’re super poisonous, and their sap can burn your skin if it rains while you’re under the trees. Definitely a little local nugget to keep in mind!

3. Carambola Zipline Adventure

If you’re looking to get your adrenaline pumping, the Carambola Zipline tour is an absolute blast. I was nervous at first, but ended up loving every second. There are three ziplines—starting small, then building up to the longest and fastest. It’s a fun way to see the island from a completely different perspective, soaring high above the valleys.

4. Tide Pools in Carambola

One of my all-time favorite hidden gems is the tide pools tucked away within the Carambola rainforest. After a challenging 45-minute hike through hills and lush greenery, you arrive at a secluded beach surrounded by massive rocks. To get into the tide pools, you have to climb over these rocks, but once inside, it’s like stepping into a secret underwater world. The water is crystal clear, the rocks create a private little haven, and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even climb to the top and jump in. We started this adventure at 4 a.m. to catch the sunrise reflecting off the water—absolutely breathtaking.

My Top 5 Beaches on St. Croix

  • Sandy Point — Located on the west side, this beach boasts the softest sand and some of the clearest, bluest water on the island. It’s my personal favorite, second only to Buck Island.

  • Hotel on the Cay — Take a short boat ride from the Christiansted Boardwalk to this peaceful island getaway. You’ll find a hotel, restaurant, bar, and options to rent chairs, cabanas, or umbrellas. The boat ride is a small fee going over, but free returning.

  • Shoy’s Beach — A remote gem accessed through a charming tunnel made of tree roots and branches. You might even meet some local chickens or iguanas along the way!

  • Buccaneer Beach — Part of a golf resort, this beach offers a restaurant and bar, plus chairs and umbrellas for rent. There’s also a dock you can stroll out on.

  • Rainbow Beach — Known for jet ski rentals and a lively bar and restaurant scene. The water entry can be a bit rocky, but great snorkeling awaits among the rocks.

Nightlife Vibes on the Island

When the sun goes down, St. Croix offers plenty of spots to unwind and enjoy the local nightlife. The Christiansted Boardwalk comes alive with bars and a vibrant atmosphere. Whether you want a chill drink by the water or a lively night of music and dancing, you’ll find your vibe here.

I have so many stories and experiences to share about this incredible island and plenty more adventures from other destinations too. Stay tuned for more travel tips, hidden gems, and insider advice. And please, don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions—I love helping fellow travelers discover the magic of the world!