Frederiksted Pier © Prayitno

Quieter than St Thomas or St John, the port of St Croix doesn't see nearly as many cruise liners as it could, and for some travellers this is a big draw card. The unspoilt island is a haven for those who enjoy a less touristy destination and it offers a multitude of activities for day visitors.

Key sights include the rainforest, which can be seen on foot or horseback; the beautiful St. George Botanical Gardens; scuba diving in Buck Island National Park; and a visit to Fort Christiansvaern in Christiansted, which is one of the best-preserved colonial forts in the Virgin Islands and a US National Monument.

Most ships dock at the pier in Frederiksted, but smaller ships carrying less than 200 passengers dock in Christiansted, the larger of the two cities. Transport into either one of the cities and between the two is quick and cheap.

Contact

St Croix Tourism Office, 52 King Street

Tel: +1 303 680 5640

www.stcroixtourism.com

Transport

Visitors can stroll along the waterfront and taxis can be easily hailed at the foot of the pier: fares are set for two or more passengers, but some taxi drivers will negotiate fares for one passenger. Privately owned shared taxis, known locally as 'taxi buses', are also available. Fares should always be negotiated before setting off. Car Rental companies can also be found in Christiansted.

Attractions

Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve offers some of the best scuba diving in the Caribbean and is also where Christopher Columbus first docked; Fort Federik is a must see for history buffs; and Cruzan Rum Distillery is also worth a visit. The rainforests and old sugar plantations are justifiably popular sights, giving visitors a taste of the splendid natural resources and colonial history of the islands.

Restaurants

The Blue Moon - great affordable lunch spot with views over the water

Stixx on the Waterfront - casual eatery in Christiansted

Eat @ Cane Bay - popular brunch spot in Frederiksted.

Best Dish

Local linefish

Shopping

There is plenty of duty-free shopping to do in St Croix with the usual duty-free items available. Most of the shopping in Frederiksted is centred between two main streets, namely Strand St. and King St. In Christiansted there are more smaller shops selling jewellery and art around the tiny narrow streets.

Best Buy

Cruzan Rum and Crucian "hook" bracelet

Excursions

Explore Buck Island National Park

Ride on horseback through the rainforest

Take a guided kayaking trip

Tour the Cruzan Rum Distillery

Scuba dive the pristine waters