Vacation or Moving to St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands?
Thinking about going on vacation or moving to St. Croix?
Moving from St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands to Florida, we’ve been asked the same questions over and over again about St. Croix. Sometimes we get questions from Florida residents and even when we travel to other places and people know where we are from, we also get the same kind of questions from them too.
Have you ever thought about visiting, taking a family vacation or moving to St. Croix? Maybe you’ve heard of St. Croix and are curious to learn more about it.
I have provided answers to the most frequently asked questions about St. Croix, U.S.V.I.
Question #1: How is St. Croix pronounced?
ANSWER: St. Croix is pronounced “Saint” “Croy” (sounds like “boy” or “toy”). It is not St. Crocks, St. Croo or St. Cricks! Now you know how to say what seems challenging to some. You’re welcome!
Question #2: What are the locals called and what language do they speak?
ANSWER: People from St. Croix are known as Crucians. The language spoken on St. Croix is English. Yep! English!
The English spoken on St. Croix does have its own dialect, or some may say English Creole, that may be tricky to understand, but if you speak English to the Crucians, they will speak English right back to you.
Read here to learn more about the Crucian dialect.
Question #3: Where is St. Croix and how do I get there?
ANSWER: St. Croix is the biggest island of the United States Virgin Islands, therefore, making it part of U.S. territory.
The other islands that make up the U.S. Virgin Islands are St. Thomas (second biggest), St. John and Water Island (can also be known as the “Last Virgin”). These islands in addition to, St. Croix are not governed by a different country as they are all part of the United States.
St. Croix is located in the eastern Caribbean Sea. It lies about 65 miles southeast of Puerto Rico and 40 miles south of St. Thomas.
St. Croix is 28 miles long and 7 miles wide. It is approximately 84 square miles.
St. Croix has two towns, which is why it is also known as “Twin City”. Christiansted is on the northeast side of St. Croix, while Frederiksted makes up the west side of the island.
The best and easiest way to get into St. Croix is by plane. There are many flights that fly into St. Croix daily from the United States mainland.
Living in Florida, our family travels from Miami, Florida straight into St. Croix. That flight is approximately 3 hours long.
We also have the option to fly with connecting flights from Florida through Puerto Rico to St. Croix.
You can fly into St. Croix on major airlines or by smaller airplanes from Puerto Rico or St. Thomas. Choose which is best for your comfort and budget.
Our family usually travels to St. Croix on American Airlines. Check here to find out when American Airlines can take you on your family vacation to St. Croix.
When flying into St. Croix, the major airlines fly into St. Croix’s Henry E. Rohlsen Airport. When booking flights use airport code ‘STX’ for St. Croix.
Question #4: Do you need a passport when traveling to St. Croix?
ANSWER: If you are a United States citizen, you do not need to travel with a passport to St. Croix. Like previously mentioned, St. Croix is considered U.S. domestic territory, therefore, American citizens do not need passports.
The same goes for St. Thomas and St. John U.S. Virgin Islands.
You will need identification for travelers in your family, therefore, it might be convenient to have a passport on hand, though not required. (This is the most updated information at the time this post was published).
Your identification can include your driver’s license, state ID, military ID, birth certificate or permanent resident card.
If you are planning to travel to other islands outside the U.S. when on your trip to St. Croix, you will need your passports. Please remember to check your airline’s requirements when planning to travel to St. Croix or other Caribbean islands.
Question #5: Can you go island hopping on St. Croix?
ANSWER: Yes, you sure can. You can visit one of the other neighboring islands on a smaller aircraft, ferry or by seaplane.
Find out how you can go island hopping by seaplane here.
You can spend a day visiting Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. John or the British Virgin Islands by island hopping.
Don’t forget to bring your passports if you plan to visit other Caribbean islands (outside the U.S.V.I.) when island hopping!
Question #6: When is the best time of year to go to St. Croix?
ANSWER: The best time to travel to St. Croix depends on your family’s needs. What kind of vacation are you looking for?
St. Croix has fantastic warm weather year-round. So, if you want to escape the winter from your hometown, winter may be best for you.
If you don’t like the heat too much and would rather visit in the fall when the rainy season is at peak, that cooler weather would probably fit your needs.
If the kids are out in the summer and that time frame works best for your family, St. Croix offers many summertime activities for you and your family to enjoy.
If you are concerned about hurricanes, the hurricane season starts June 1st through November 30th. If you would rather avoid hurricanes, then that may be the time for you not visit St. Croix.
Question #7: Is St. Croix safe for tourists to visit?
ANSWER: Does St. Croix have crime? Yes!! Does Florida have crime? Yes!! Does California have crime? Yes!! Everywhere has crime!
St. Croix’s crime is no different than any other place with crime. As you travel to any destination, you should always travel with caution– St. Croix is no exception.
The same rules that you and your family follow on your Disneyland vacation, should be the same rules you follow on your Caribbean vacation.
Always travel together with your family, keep all belongings in a safe area, locked up, and avoid isolated areas, especially at nighttime. These are some safety rules to follow when traveling to any destination.
Question #8: What is the best area to stay in at St. Croix?
ANSWER: The best area to stay at depends on your family’s budget and needs.
St. Croix has lots of accommodation choices for all types of visitors. If you are visiting on a solo trip, or coming on a family reunion, there are tons of choices for your stay.
St. Croix has beautiful seaside resorts and cottages. There are hotels if you prefer staying closer to downtown areas. There are also vacation homes and condo rentals.
Accommodations vary in type and budget. Stay on the dockside, near historical mills or charming inns. Whatever you are looking for, St. Croix provides in either Christiansted or Frederiksted.
Interested in staying in a more budget friendly, beach front condo style complex?
Question #9: What is St. Croix famous for?
ANSWER: For all you water lovers, this one is for you! St. Croix is known for diving and snorkeling in its clear blue ocean waters.
There are many diving and snorkeling opportunities throughout St. Croix. There is a wonderful national monument with acres of water and coral reef system. It is a paradise for snorkelers!
Learn more about this snorkeling paradise here!
Question #10: What to wear in St. Croix when on vacation?
ANSWER: Do you have flip flops and a swimsuit? Then you’re ready to go! Clothing in St. Croix is pretty much casual.
What are your plans when you get there? Do you plan to do alot of water activities? Then beachwear with a change of clothes is recommended.
What about shopping? Casual jeans or shorts with a light blouse or T-shirt with sandals or sneakers will do the trick. Polo shirts, sundresses or sun hats work too.
Dining? Depending on the restaurant, you will want to dress accordingly. If it calls for formal wear, cocktail dresses for women and sports jackets for men seals the deal.
All around, St. Croix is very laid back with no specific dress code. Leave your worries behind and just have fun.
Question #11: What is the legal drinking age in St. Croix?
ANSWER: 18 years old. Shhh, don’t let this one out. You must be atleast 18 years old to buy, order or drink alcohol.
However, individuals that are 18 years old are not allowed to transport alcohol back to the United States mainland with them. Must be 21. Sorry, the party starts and ends in St. Croix for you guys.
This article includes some of the most frequently asked questions about St. Croix. You learned where St. Croix is located, how to get to St. Croix, what to wear on St. Croix and what to do on your vacation to St. Croix.
The Best U.S. Virgin Island to Visit with Families
Interested in Moving to St. Croix: Read 3 Surprising Things to Know Before Moving to St. Croix
Use this information to help you plan your move to St. Croix or your fun family vacation in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
I hope I was able to answer most of the questions you have about St. Croix. If there are other questions you would like for me to answer, please leave your questions in the comment section.
I love this blog post! Great job with the pictures as well. The bright colors and beautiful scenery really caught my attention.
Thank you so much! Thanks for visiting!
Great information! Thank you this will help us when we visit!
You’re welcome! Have a great time in St. Croix!
Sounds like a lovely island to visit! Now if it wasn’t surrounded by water I’d be all good – hate flying over water!
You can also take a cruise from Florida. 😉 Thanks for visiting!
Makes me want to go to St Croix! Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome! Hope you get to go some day! Thank you for stopping by!
We love St. Croix! This is great info for anyone wanting to visit.
Awesome that you enjoyed your stay! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Definitely on the list…along with the rest of the Caribbean!
Fantastic! Thanks for visiting!
Love this! I never really gave much thought to St Croix- now it’s on the bucket list!
That is great to hear! I know you will have a wonderful time! Thank you for visiting.
I love St Croix, had my honeymoon there. I need to go back & this helps especially for island hopping.
How wonderful! I’m sure you guys had a lovely time! Hope you get to travel back again real soon. Thanks for stopping by!
What a great post! You really answer a lot of great questions!
You’re very welcome! Thanks so much for visiting!
I would love to travel here and snorkel!
You will enjoy all the beautiful underwater world of St. Croix. Thank you for visiting.
St. Croix is a place I have not been to yet and I am not really sure why. These pictures look lovely.
Thank you! I hope I’ve given you enough info to start planning your visit in the near future. Thanks so much for visiting.
What a great place to visit. Do cruises come into port? I have been on many cruises and this has never been part of the itinerary.
Yes, they do, but it’s not frequent. Cruises tend to port more at St. Thomas and you can island hop to St. Croix from there. Thanks so much for visiting!
good questions and thoughtful answers.
Thank you! Hope I was able to help you in planning your future visit 😉 Thanks so much for visiting!
Oooh! I had no idea we had such a beautiful place in the United States.
Ahhhh, yes we do!! Hope you and your family get to visit one day. Thanks for stopping by!
I’d love to snorkel in those pretty blue waters!
It’s great if you ever get the opportunity to snorkel in St. Croix’s clear blue water. You would have so much fun and see much beauty! Thank you for visiting.
A good selection of topics covered about St Croix
Thank you! Thanks for stopping by.
So much good content here, thank you! I love snorkeling so this sounds like a Paradise I need to go to STAT!
Thank you. That’s great! I hope you get to enjoy one day. Thanks so much for visiting!
One island I have yet to visit, I’m sad to say. As I sit here on a gray, gloomy day, the pictures were such a lift. One of my most favorite places is in the sea with the “happy fish” as I like to call them 🙂 Thanks for taking me there!
You’re very welcome. I hope that the weather brightens up soon for you. I also hope you get to swim with the “happy fish” one day in St. Croix. Thank you for visiting!
It looks so pretty! What is the usual temperature? Is it usually humid like Florida in the Summer?
The average weather in St. Croix can be around low 70’s to high 80’s. There is usually a nice breeze in St. Croix, so you don’t feel as uncomfortable with the humidity like you would in Florida. Thanks so much for stopping by!
These pics make me want to book my trip NOW! I’m from Florida, but have never made it to St. Croix.
Oooh, you are so close though. Just a 3 hour plane ride from Miami and your in tropical paradise. 🙂 I hope you get to visit some day. Thank you for visiting!
And I have been pronouncing the name incorrectly 🙂 Thank you for educating us! You guys are living the dream. We’ve been to St Thomas and would love to visit St Croix one day. Your photos are beautiful and what an awesome post!
Thank you so much and I’m glad to help you out! Hope you get to visit St. Croix real soon. Thanks for stopping by!
So much helpful info! Thanks!
You’re welcome! Thank you for visiting.
Thank you for sharing this gem of a place with us! I like how you taught us how to pronounce it because while I was reading I pronounced it “St. Crucks” lol. I’d love to visit this place one day!
LOL. My pleasure. I’m glad I could help! And don’t worry, you are not the only one to get the pronunciation wrong. 🙂 I hope you and your family get to visit beautiful St. Croix one day soon. Thanks for stopping by!
I just came across cheap flights to St. Croix but I’ve never been before. Thank you so much for answering some of the questions I had.
You’re welcome! I hope you and your family get to go real soon and have a great time! Thank you for visiting.
Beautiful pictures and great information! I would love to go there sometime!
Thank you! I hope you and your family get to visit St. Croix one day. Thanks for visiting!
This sounds like a great place to visit – lots of good information here, too. You answered some basics and some detailed questions that make St. Croix that much more intriguing a destination. Thank you for sharing. PS – I love the idea of clear, blue ocean water!!!
St. Croix really is a great place to take your family on vacation! I’m glad I could help. I hope you get to visit one day and enjoy the clear, blue ocean water. Thanks so much for stopping by!
So informative. Never knew much about St. Croix, but now I do!
I’m glad I could help out. Hope you get to visit St. Croix one day. Thanks for stopping by!
I didn’t realize that St. Croix was such a quick trip from Florida. Next time I’m down visiting family, I might just have to go check it out. I looks beautiful.
Yes, it’s really not a far distance from Florida. I hope you and your family do get to visit St. Croix one day. Thanks for visiting!
I would love to visit! St Thomas is the closest we have been.
Wow, you were just one island hop away! 🙂 I hope you and your family get to visit St. Croix real soon. Thanks for stopping by!