Falling in Love with St. Croix: My First Out-of-Country Birthday Adventure

Starting My Journey Where It All Began: St. Croix, USVI

As I embark on this travel journey, it feels fitting to begin where my first out-of-country adventure took place—my birthday trip to the breathtaking island of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. I first learned about St. Croix years ago from a friend of my sister who hailed from the island, and her stories planted a seed of curiosity in me. As time went on, something inside kept whispering that this was where I needed to celebrate my birthday one year.

So, on a spontaneous whim, one of my oldest and dearest friends and I booked our tickets. We arrived with little knowledge of the island, but as soon as we stepped off the plane, a wave of peace and comfort washed over me. It felt like coming home. One early surprise: they drive on the left side of the road, which took a bit of getting used to—but we caught on quickly!

We stayed at the stunning Carambola Beach Resort, a paradise unlike anything we’d experienced before. From there, we were eager to explore all that this beautiful island had to offer.

Snorkeling Adventure at Buck Island National Reef

One of our highlights was a half-day excursion to Buck Island where we snorkeled around the national reef. The crystal-clear waters, pristine white sand, and vibrant marine life were truly mesmerizing. As a total water baby, being surrounded by colorful fish and breathtaking underwater scenery felt like pure bliss.

After our snorkel tour, we disembarked at the Christiansted Boardwalk to refuel. The boardwalk offers a fantastic variety of dining options. We chose Shupe’s, where their legendary burger and lively atmosphere did not disappoint. Other great spots include The Mill for pizza, Rum Runners with waterfront dining, and Brew STX for craft brews.

Magical Night Kayaking in Salt River Bay

Next up was an unforgettable evening kayaking tour in Salt River Bay, one of the rare bioluminescent bays in the world. Experiencing this natural wonder in person was nothing short of magical. For those unfamiliar, bioluminescence is caused by tiny organisms called dinoflagellates that emit a glowing light when disturbed.

Paddling in a clear kayak, it felt like we were floating over a sea of stars shimmering beneath us. Jellyfish lit up as they glided through the water, and the night sky above sparkled with countless stars, unobscured by city lights. To top it off, we saw three shooting stars in a row—a moment that truly sealed my love for St. Croix.

Soaring Over the Island: Carambola Zipline Tour

The next day, we tackled the Carambola Zipline Tour, which has three exhilarating lines designed to build your confidence. From the gentle first zipline, soaring 50 feet above the valley, to the breathtaking half-mile second line, and finishing with the fastest and longest line, the experience was a thrilling highlight of the trip.

Our guides were not only professional and informative but made the adventure so much fun. They even pointed us to some fantastic local eateries.

The Heart of St. Croix: Culture and Community

The people of St. Croix are incredibly warm and welcoming, with a deep pride in their culture and island traditions. They value visitors who come with respect and appreciation, embracing what has worked for generations without trying to change their way of life.

Since that first trip, I’ve been back to St. Croix more times than I can count. We even have a home there now! Every visit uncovers new corners of this island paradise. I’ll be sharing more about the incredible excursions and hidden gems in future posts.-Vic