Travel Desk | Vacation St Croix Luxury Villa Rental and Management

More Things to Do with the Family on St Croix

When you start planning your St Croix family vacation, inevitably you’re going to include things to do with the kids while you’re here. No worries there, we’ve got plenty to keep you busy while you discover the island or just relax at your vacation rental. One of the great things about our villas is that really all you have to do is pack some clothes, flip flops and some walking shoes – and of course your swim suit. We’ve got pretty much everything else covered like beach towels and fully equipped kitchens.

Here are some more things to do while you are on the island
( Check out our origial list of Top 10 Things to Do with the Family on St Croix )

Family Pool Day

After a day of traveling, you’re likely pooped – but the kids are still a bundle of energy. No problem! Relax poolside while the kids play. Our villas come complete with incredible views so you’ll be in an island state of mind in no time – while the kids wear themselves out.

Play a Game or Watch a Family Classic

Most of our vacation villas are also thoughtfully stocked with games, old movies on DVD and other unique items provided by the home owners for guests to enjoy. With a poolside grill, you’ve got the ingredients for a picture perfect family vacation. Less screen time, more laughs!

Crab Races

A Caribbean classic past-time. Islands throughout the Caribbean for hundreds of years have bet on quick racing hermit crabs for money. On St Croix, Tito & Sue’s Crab Races are fun for the whole family! Participants get to choose their crab and for a dollar name them (they get marked with a handy piece of masking tape). With the sound of the horn, the crabs are poured out of a bucket and race to the outter circle. First across wins! Cheering on the races is great fun and there are great prizes too, including free island tour opportunities so be sure to catch a race at the beginning of your stay. You’ll find Tito & Sue Monday’s at Brew STX and Friday’s at the New Deep End Bar & Grill. Be sure to call in advance to confirm times and reserve a table if you plan to stay for dinner.

Look up At the Stars

The sun goes down a little earlier in the summer and later in the winter here on St Croix than in the 50 states. When it goes down, if you look up, you’ll likely be mesmerized by the brightness and density of stars above you. Being on an island, there is less light polution and so the stars seem brighter. Some nights you can even see the Milky Way and satellites as they wiz by. Download a star gazing app like StarTracker Lite that orients to where you are on the planet and the direction you are facing to tell you exactly what’s above. Sit out in some lounge chairs and discover the constellations right above you. A great opportunity to look up the Greek myths they are named after or plan your next adventure on a planet far, far away. download on itunes | download on google play

Picnic in the Park

The Christiansted National Historic Park not only features the historic Fort Christianvaern, but a large waterfront, grassy park. Pack a picnic lunch and head into town to let the kids run and play while you watch the boats sail in and out of the harbor.

Rainy Day? Head to our New Movie Theatre!

St Croix finally has a brand new state of the art movie theatre showing the latest box office hits – Caribbean Cinemas St Croix – located at the Sunny Isles Annex across from the Juan Luis Hospital. Best part, the ticket prices are still very reasonable and you can even purchase your tickets online in advance to avoid lines. Want to know what’s playing? Click here

With so many great family things to do on St Croix, you’ll have to plan another visit to accomplish them all!

Ready to plan your vacation? View our list of Family Vacation Rentals for the best options.

We look forward to welcoming you to St Croix on your next vacation!

5 Perfectly Romantic Things to Do on Your St Croix Vacation

The ocean breeze, white sand, brilliant blue water – these are the beginnings of the perfect storybook romantic honeymoon or getaway. St Croix is the perfect setting creating or reigniting the spark. Here are 5 off the beaten path things to do that we’re sure will make your vacation sizzle!

Hike down to a secluded beach. The hike down to Jacks & Isaacs bay from Point Udall (there are 5 parking spaces on the right just before you crest the hill, the path is right there) is moderate and absolutely stunning. The trail is well maintained and about a 15 minute trek either direction. Bring a backpack, water, snacks, your camera and snorkel/fins if you have them. There are no facilities but you’ll find a huge stretch of white sand beach and pristine coral heads for exploring in the water. On many week days, you may just find you have the entire place to yourselves!
Dive the Frederiksted Pier. For experienced and certified divers, you really don’t even need a guide. Just grab tanks and equipment from one of the waterfront dive shops and jump in. Rule of thumb is to head out under the pier West until you reach a half-tank, turn around and come back. It’s an easy shore dive but full of diversity and listed as one of the Top 10 Pier dives in the world! Not a certified diver? No problem. You can snorkel the pier too. Or if you’re adventurous, sign up as a couple for a PADI Discover Scuba Dive. You’ll be diving in 40 feet of water in now time and your dive will count as your first Open Water dive if you choose to go on with full certification.
Source: Sport Diver Magazine | Photogapher Steve Simonsen
Have lunch in a hidden Garden. If you’re looking for a romantic afternoon lunch in a garden setting that oozes romance, stop at Cafe Christine in Apothecary Hall in downtown Christiansted just off Company Street. This french-inspired bistro is the perfect place to sip wine over a lazy salad. Share a piece of the pear and chocolate pie for an indulgent dessert.
Book a couples massage. After your relaxing lunch, book a couples massage back at your villa. Vacation St Croix can help you out with the perfect massage therapist recommendations or visit one of the local spas like Pampered VI. Some even offer beachside massage for a real sensory getaway.
Take a Sunset Sail. There’s nothing more romantic than watching the Caribbean sun dip into the sea from a sail boat. During the winter season you can sail aboard the wooden hull Schooner Roseway for the ultimate sailing adventure, take a leisurely rum punch sail with Big Beard’s Adventure Tours (now offering a relaxing Salt River Tour) or head west for live music and cocktails aboard Lyric Sails. We guarantee you’ll fall in love with any of them.
Source: Big Beard’s Adventure Tours

Of course, there’s nothing sexier than a lazy afternoon at your own private villa pool too!

Whispering Winds Pool — Featured: Whispering Winds

No Hidden Fees | The Vacation St Croix Difference

Vacation Villa rentals are a wonderful way to travel and experience the world. Here at Vacation St Croix, we pride ourselves on representing a collection of privately owned vacation homes that reflect our high standards. We live and work here and our in-house staff provides cleaning services, pool and yard maintenance and even construction services. While you are here we are on call to make sure your stay is nothing short of amazing.

In addition, we are proud to say that we charge no additional service fees. Simply search for your vacation villa rental and you’ll find the weekly in-season or off-season rental rate. You’ll pay that rate, the USVI Hotel Tax and a refundable damage deposit. That’s it. You can find our terms and conditions here.

We like to keep things simple so that you can enjoy your vacation without additional hassles.

Browse our collection for the perfect St Croix vacation villa rental on our Villa Listings Page
Want to see what’s available specifically for your dates first? Click Here
Contact us with your arrival and departure dates and villa choice(s)
You’ll pay the weekly rate, mandatory USVI Hotel Tax and submit a refundable damage deposit. That’s it.

Experience the Vacation St Croix Difference:

Choose from over 20 Luxury villas with pool, luxury amenities and more . . .

Best St Croix Villa Rentals — Largest selection of professionally managed villas on St Croix are located in the most sought-after areas of the island.
Welcome Guide on Arrival — Vacation St Croix will lead you from point of arrival to your villa and orient you to its features and amenities.
Great Amenities — Fully furnished St Croix vacation homes include a pool AND most include mid-stay housekeeping!
Rental Date Flexibility — Start and end your rental on any day of the week. Other companies may rent weekend to weekend only. Minimum 7-night stay.
No Extra Charges or Hidden Fees — Your total cost is shown up front. We don’t add service or cleaning fees. You pay only for the rental and standard USVI hotel tax.
Excellent Service — We love living here and our friendly staff is ready to assist you with rental cars, groceries, and island activities — just ask us, we know the island.
Experience the Vacation St Croix difference! — Which villa below is right for your St Croix vacation? Browse the entire collection or choose from:

We look forward to welcoming you to St Croix!

5 Reasons Summer is Better on St Croix

Summer is here and the living is easy, especially here on St Croix in the US Virgin Islands. And though you may not normally think of Caribbean vacations for the summer, we’ve got some compelling reasons why it’s actually the perfect time to visit our shores!

Beautiful weather year round
Our year round average temperatures is about 86°F/30°C with temperatures rarely exceeding 90°F/32°C. Balmy tropical breezes brought to us by the Trade Winds help to cool things off a bit. You may be surprised to find out that in the summer months our temperatures are often cooler than those in the continental United States!

Click for weather forecast
Calmer Seas
Believe it or not, our waters tend to be calmer during the summer months. Because of this visibility is typically higher which makes for amazing Scuba or snorkeling conditions. With the calmer waters, the summer months are also when the corals spawn and bio-luminescence is at its peak which makes for thrilling night dives.
>>> Learn more about Scuba diving on St Croix
Lower Rates
St Croix’s “off season” runs from mid-April through mid-December. Midsummer months often offer additional savings on accommodations.
Check out our current specials here. >>> Vacation St Croix Special Offers
More Elbow Room
Well, honestly, St Croix is never crowded even in season though you may find some West End beaches busier on Cruise Ship days than on others. But, in the summer months you’ll find excursions are a bit less crowded and you may even find you have a beach to yourself on a weekday. Be sure to book your “must do” excursions in advance as many tour operators have minimum numbers to go out. Some also vacation or perform maintenance in late summer months so it’s always good to check in advance.

Solitude Beach
Get to Know Us!
During the summer months on St Croix – because things slow down a bit – you’ll find more islanders out and about. Crucians are some of the most warm and friendly people you will meet. They are always ready to embrace newcomers and offer advice on what to see and do. You may find yourself in a conversation with someone whose family has lived on St Croix for generations or who has made the leap to island life in the recent past. Before you know it, you’ll feel right at home.

10 Things to Do with the Family on St Croix

Updated June 2018

While some of our guests dream of a quiet beach (we’ve got plenty), a good book and a fruity cocktails, others have kids in tow that want to be active and explore. Our private vacation homes have pools that will provide ample opportunity for them to play while you relax – but how about getting out and discovering our beautiful island?! We’ve put together a list of ten family-friendly activities on St Croix sure to please kids of all ages.

Are you a National Parks buff? We’ve got three NPS locales here on St Croix that kick off our list:

1. Get your Snorkel on, Buck Island Reef National Monument – A snorkeling trip out to Buck Island is one of the top must-dos for visitors to St Croix. Declared a National Park in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy, today the majority of the park lies underwater. Local tour operators will provide you with all the gear you need to explore the incredible coral reef teeming with marine life. Guides will teach you how to snorkel and lead you through the marked underwater trail.
Our pick: Big Beard’s Adventure Tours

2. Step into History and watch it Glow, Salt River Bay National Park – Here’s an opportunity to make history come alive for the kids. Salt River Bay is the spot where Christopher Columbus landed on his second trip to the New World in 1493. And where the first clash between the Old and New worlds happened, forever changing history. During season, stop in at the Visitors Center sitting on a hill above the bay and learn about the pre-Columbian Taino Indian village below. You can take a dip at Columbus Cove Beach or book a kayak tour and explore the mangroves. If you really want a thrill, book a night kayak tour and experience the glowing water of the Bio Bay. Guides will teach you about the microscopic creatures that make the bay sparkle as you glide by.
Our pick: Sea Thru Kayak Tours
Note: Clairmont Overlook and Blue Vista come complete with spectacular views of the Bay!

3. Storm the Fort, Christiansted National Historic Park. Explore a real Danish Fort in the heart of the downtown district and learn about early colonial life on St Croix. Fort Christianvaern provides a self-guided tour of the fort that protected Christiansted Harbor for over a hundred years. The park is a 5-acre complex of several historic buildings and a beautiful waterfront park to run around in.

4. Storm Another Fort! – St Croix is known as the Twin Cities for its two towns Christiansted and Frederiksted. Frederiksted is also known as “Freedom City” because it’s 18th Century Danish Fort Frederik was the site of the slave rebellion in 1848. On July 3rd, 14 years before emancipation in the United States, St Croix’s enslaved peacefully stormed the Fort and demanded their freedom from Governor Von Scholten. Learn about the history of St Croix and more while exploring this important landmark.

5. Music to Wind down – Enjoy two free Sunset Jazz Concerts each month. Again at the Fort in Christiansted on the last Friday of each month OR head out to the Frederiksted waterfront on the third Friday of each month to watch the sunset and enjoy a free concert in the park and then head out to dinner. Concert times are roughly 5:30 – 7:30pm. For monthly event information visit: Jazz in the Park (Christiansted) or Sunset Jazz (Frederiksted)

6. Take a Leap – Another fun, free activity and a favorite pastime of local kids is jumping off the Frederiksted Pier. When cruise ships aren’t in port, the pier is open to the public. Walk past the information center out onto the main part of the pier, look for the ladder to the right. Only recommended for strong swimmers as there are no lifeguards on duty.

7. Dive Right In – Did you know that kids as young as 10 can try out SCUBA?! A great activity for the entire family, if you aren’t already certified, is the Discover SCUBA program. Kids as young as 10 can participate. The hour-long instructional class requires kids to pay attention and take instruction, but it’s a great opportunity to learn about the physics of gasses and buoyancy. St Croix Ultimate Blue Water Adventures offers daily pool instruction followed by a boat dive (or two!). You can explore depths up to 40 feet and get a whole new perspective of the ocean in our backyard. You’ll be able to participate in multiple shallow dives during your stay and if you’re hooked, it counts towards SCUBA certification.

8. Take a Hike – On St Croix’s easternmost end is a well-maintained hiking path that meanders down to one of the nicest beaches on the island – Jacks & Isaac’s Bay. This is a self-guided hike with some breathtaking views, you’ll want to take lots of pictures! Carry in some water and snacks, but be sure to it all out! If you want to explore more of St Croix’s coastline and trails book a guided hike with Ay-Ay tours and learn about local plants, island history and folklore.9. Hoist the Sails – During the winter months (roughly November through April) you’ll see the red sails of the Schooner Roseway sailing out of Gallows Bay Harbor. Operated by the World Ocean School, a non-profit organization that teaches sailing and teamwork to school kids on St Croix in the winter and Boston in the summer, the Schooner Roseway is a fun family activity that funds a great cause. She has a rich history and is a registered U.S. National Historic Landmark. Learn all about her as you help the crew hoist her huge red sails. While out on the sea, you may see dolphins or even a whale! Visit World Ocean School for sailing dates, times and more information.

10. Indulge – After all of the activity, it’s time for a treat! Make a stop at Armstrong Ice Cream on the Queen Mary Highway near the Whim Plantation. The Armstrong family has been hand-crafting creamy ice cream with tropical fruit flavors since 1900! This is one St Croix treat you won’t want to miss.

Visit My-StCroix.com for a list of family-friendly events and free community events while you’re on St Croix!

Ready to book your trip? Check out our list of expertly managed, private vacation homes on St Croix to find the perfect getaway.

St Croix Food & Wine Week

Each April, St Croix becomes the buzz of the culinary world with our St Croix Food & Wine Experience anchored by the annual Taste of St Croix Event held at the Divi Carina Bay Resort. This wonderful week of foodcentric events brings celebrity chefs from some of the best restaurants in the world to participate and share their knowledge and expertise with local budding chefs. The past 10 years have transformed our island into a mecca of diverse eats and our reputation as a culinary destination increases each year. Proceeds from the events benefit the St Croix Foundation, as well as providing scholarship and internship opportunities for culinary students in the US Virgin Islands.

If you are lucky enough to be here from April 8-14, 2016 be sure to attend at least one of these delicious events.

Friday April 8 | Cork and Fork Dinners 6pm $1,000.00/plate These intimate dinners, prepared by renowned Executive and Celebrity Chefs Sam Choy of Hawaii and the Food Network’s Robyn Almovodar, take place in spectacular private homes around the island. Each home boasts a luxurious menu developed by the Chef which is then perfectly paired with hand selected wines. Get Tickets for this event.
Friday April 8 | Sunset BBQ 6pm $50pp Visit the historic Frederiksted waterfront while savoring a barbeque feast prepared by grilling experts Chefs Billy Desimone, Negust Kaza, Ralph Motta, and Digby Stridiron and, of course, Anton Doos with our own local culinary students. Featuring live music from R&B Connection. Get Tickets for this event.
Saturday April 9 | Wine in the Warehouse 6pm $125pp In 2016, we turn back the clock for the one-night transformation of the warehouse into the Great Gatsby and Prohibition Era. With a few new twists, this favorite event promises to be a beautiful, surprising, and fun Experience. Featuring live music, a silent auction, a fabulous raffle, wines for sale, amazing appetizers and of course, the focus of the evening: wine tastings with winemakers present. Put your shawl on to combat the cool air in the wine warehouse and don’t forget to dress for the time: flappers, fringe, feathers and tassels are welcome! Get Tickets for this event.
Sunday April 10 | Cuisine on the Green Noon $200/golfer; $800/foursome; $75 for non-golfers Experience a beautiful Robert Trent Jones Golf Course while you enjoy culinary bites and cocktail samples at select tees. Golfers and non-golfers delight in this entertaining day. Non-golfers are invited to tour the tastings with or without a golf cart. Contact the Pro Shop at 340-778-5638 or Kevin Ferris at ferrisgolf78@gmail.com for Reservations. Get Tickets for this event.
Monday April 11 | Hawaiian Caribbean Fusion Luau with Chef Sam Choy $80pp Fusion Luau with Chef Sam Choy, legendary Hawaiian chef, author and award winning restaurateur and Chefs Billy Desimone, Jeremy Wright, Negust Kaza, Bio Kaza and Gary Klinefelter. Live music & DJ. Performance by Kiki & the Flaming Gypsies 6-7pm. Get Tickets for this event.
Tuesday April 12 | Gourmet Vintner Dinner $250pp 6pm Ha’ Penny Beach Club. It’s the “25th All Silver Jubilee” at the Gourmet Vintner Dinner in 2016. Join us for an intimate and lively dining experience where we celebrate the Foundation’s 25th Anniversary with celebrity guest Chef Javier Nassar, who will create a delectable menu paired with renowned wines from Terlato International Wines… and the results will truly astound! With its gourmet themed auction, this classy and lively dinner kicks off the week of indulgence and generosity. Get Tickets for this event.
Thursday April 14 |A Taste of St Croix $95pp 6pm The event that started it all in 2001! The largest culinary event in the Caribbean featuring over 60 restaurants, chefs, cooks, caterers & farmers coming together for an amazing night of revelry. Known nationally and abroad as one of the finest food and wine events in the Caribbean. It was the catalyst for the St. Croix Food and Wine Experience, named by Forbes Traveler one of the “top 10 international food and wine events.” A Taste of St. Croix has attracted thousands of guests including international winemakers, rum distillers, brewers, and celebrity chefs, who are all able to drink in the culture and vibe of our amazing island. Get Tickets for this event.

Cork & Fork Dinners

Sunset BBQ

Wine in the Warehouse

Taste of St Croix

Want to learn more about dining opportunities on St Croix? Check out My-StCroix.com’s Restaurant Guide