When planning your Caribbean vacation, St. Croix is an ideal destination for families, friends, and special group getaways. Our gem of an island is the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands and offers a blend of relaxation, adventure, and culture that caters to a wide variety of travelers. Whether you’re organizing a family reunion, a girls’ trip, an executive retreat, or a scuba diving adventure, St. Croix provides the perfect setting.
Here are some of our top tips to help you plan a seamless group vacation.
Why Choose St. Croix for Your Group Vacation?
St. Croix has an array of diverse activities and a truly welcoming atmosphere that make it a fantastic destination for group travel.
Families can enjoy safe, calm beaches along the West Coast like Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge, while history buffs can explore Christiansted’s charming streets and historic Danish architecture. Groups looking for a dose of adventure will find no shortage of options, from scuba diving the famed Cane Bay Wall to snorkeling at Buck Island to hiking through the lush rainforest. St. Croix’s balance of relaxation and excitement ensures there’s something for everyone to experience.
Add to that the ease of travel as a U.S. territory—no passport required for American citizens—and you have a stress-free, group-friendly tropical destination just waiting to be explored.
Tips for Booking Your St Croix Vacation Rental
Booking the right accommodation is crucial for group travel. Be sure to plan ahead so that you can reserve the perfect spot. Here’s how to ensure a great experience:
- Book Early: Our vacation rentals can book up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons like Christmas. And our return guests often rebook while they are still on island. Be sure to plan at least 4-6 months ahead, especially during busy weeks. By reserving your rental villa well in advance we can make sure you are booked into the best property for your group.
- Consider Amenities: When you book with Vacation St Croix, the entire property is yours. All of our vacation rentals have private pools (with one exception) and all the amenities of home like fully stocked kitchen appliances and cookware. Browse through our collection of privately owned villas to find the ones best suited to your group’s needs. You’ll find details such as the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, private pools, and outdoor spaces for gatherings, and the rates when you browse through our Collection of St Croix Vacation Rental Villas.
- Our Services: We live here and maintain a full-time office with support staff, maintenance, and cleaning crew. And we’ve been welcoming guests to our shores since 1996! When you’ve booked your villa, we are here to answer questions and help suggest the best vacation activities and tour operators, restaurants and private chefs, and ground transportation.
Vacation Logistics and Travel Tips
A cultural tradition with West African roots, they protect the community from evil spirits.
- Best Times to Visit: While St. Croix is lovely year-round, the fall and winter months offer cooler temperatures. Shoulder seasons May/June and November/early December offer lower rates, and fewer crowds with still plenty of activities. Consider planning your next trip around some of our exciting island events like:
- Crucian Christmas Festival
- Jump Ups – Evening street festival in Christiansted that happens 4 times per year
- Agrifest over President’s weekend
- St Patrick’s Day Parade
- Emancipation Day events, US Independence Day, and Mango Melee in July
- You’ll find a comprehensive list of annual events and entertainment on STXCalendar.com
- Packing Essentials: Our vacation rentals are privately owned and expertly managed by our full-time staff. Most owners provide amenities like beach towels, beach chairs, coolers, games, books, and more. You can focus on packing your clothes, shoes for walking and water shoes for activities, and your sense of fun! Contact us if you’re looking for something special.
- For families: Reef-safe sunscreen is a must and can be found locally or pack yours in your checked bags. You’ll find plenty of snacks for the kids at local grocery stores or consider having us provision your rental for your arrival.
- For divers: Bring your gear or rent locally. Most local dive shops offer high-quality equipment for scuba diving along with snorkel gear.
- Transportation: Renting a vehicle is strongly recommended for groups and any vacationers staying at our rentals. Larger groups can rent vans for comfort and convenience. Remember we drive on the left!
Planning Activities for All Ages and Interests
St. Croix offers plenty of group-friendly activities. Be sure to build an itinerary that balances adventure and relaxation. You’ll want to book your main adventures ahead to time to ensure availability. Here are just a few suggestions:
- Adventure Days: Spend a day snorkeling, paddleboarding, or exploring Salt River’s mangrove lagoon on a guided kayak tour. For land-based fun, hike to tidal pools or along the Nature Conservancy trails to Jack & Isaac Bays. Click here for some of our favorite family-friendly things to do
- Cultural Exploration: Dedicate a day to exploring historical landmarks like Fort Christiansvaern, a part of the National Park System, and Fort Frederik in Frederiksted aka Freedom City. Book a walking tour to learn more about the history and culture of St Croix. Did you know Alexander Hamilton spent his formative years in Christiansted? And don’t miss a local food tour to sample St. Croix’s culinary delights.
- Explore the Spirits of St Croix: Distillery Tours are a popular activity! The Cruzan Rum Factory has been distilling on St Croix since the 1700s – you’ll also find Captain Morgan, Mutiny Island Vodka, and Leatherback Brewing Co. Learn More about Tours
- Relaxation Days: Don’t forget to plan for downtime with beach picnics, poolside lounging, or massages from mobile spa services that can come to your rental.
Pro Tip: Make time for everyone to relax and recharge, especially if traveling with children or a multi-generational group. Your Vacation St Croix rental offers plenty of amenities to enjoy a day at home, including beautiful views!
View Our Collection of Vacation Villa Rentals
Sustainable and Responsible Tourism Tips
When visiting St. Croix, we love to support our fellow local businesses while encouraging travelers to vacation sustainably:
- Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life. It’s the law. You can learn more here.
- Support local businesses by dining at locally-owned restaurants and shopping for handmade goods. You don’t want to miss out on our signature St Croix bracelets hand-crafted by local jewelry artisans.
- Participate in eco-friendly volunteer activities like beach cleanups or nature tours led by local guides. Take a tour of The Nature Conservancy’s coral restoration lab!
- When visiting our beaches be sure to practice the “leave no trace” carry-in, carry-out method and avoid leaving trash on our shores. You’ll also want to leave shells and coral in their place!
Whether you’re traveling with family, colleagues, or friends, St. Croix provides an unforgettable experience for all types of groups. From world-class diving and rich cultural history to relaxing beaches and luxurious accommodations, our beautiful Caribbean island has it all.
Ready to start planning your Caribbean vacation with us? Explore our vacation rental options tailored for families, executive retreats, girls’ trips, and scuba diving groups. Make your dream group getaway a reality on the stunning shores of St. Croix!
