There are few road signs on the island,

so enter the name of where you'd like to go

on your GPS, not a street address. ​

 

Horseback Riding with Cruzan Cowgirls

Ride through the rainforest and into the ocean. This is a family-owned and run business and the guides are very experienced riders and offer very well-trained horses. Your ride will last between 1.5 to 2 hours. There are tours at 11:00am, 1:00 pm, and a sunset tour around 4:00 - 4:45 depending on the time of year. 

          (340) 690-7433       https://www.cruzancowgirls.com/

 

Distillery Tour and Tastings - Cruzan Rum

The Aged Gold Tour embarks on a 30-minute walking tour of the Cruzan Rum Distillery where you get an intimate, first-hand look at the Cruzan rum making process. Additionally, guests will learn about the history and culture of St. Croix and the impact Cruzan Rum has had on it. At the conclusion of the tour, guests head to the Cruzan Rum Sampling Bar for their choice of 2 mixed drinks from our drink menu and up to 4 samples of any of our products (except for limited time offers). Minors (ages 17 & under) can get their choice of 2 soft drinks and juices available in lieu of cocktails.

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The Estate Diamond Experience is the most exclusive tour, designed for true rum lovers who want to go beyond the ordinary. Starting with a warm welcome in our historic plantation-era Carriage House, you’ll be guided through the heart of the Cruzan Rum Distillery on a journey unlike any other. Premium Highlights that are exclusive to this tour include:

 

• Distillation Tower Access – Step inside our 5-column continuous distillation tower.

• Barrel Sampling – Taste our exclusive Cooper’s Reserve straight from the barrel.

• Cruzan Keepsake

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and the tour also includes ...

• A guided presentation in the Carriage House on how we honor our heritage, support our community, and uphold our commitment to crafting the finest rum.

• A sensory tasting journey that compares Cruzan’s signature flavor to other rums.

• Access to our newly-renovated Visitor Center, featuring signature cocktails at the tasting bar and shopping at our gift store.

 

This premium experience is immersive, educational, and indulgent — the perfect way to discover what makes Cruzan truly unique.

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    (340) 692-4466 | information@cruzanrum.com        Website

 

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Distillery Tour and Tastings - Captain Morgan

Captain Morgan Visitor Center on St. Croix -

An intriguing experience awaits you at the home of Captain Morgan. Immerse yourself in an interactive exhibit that celebrates the adventurous spirit of Captain Morgan. The tour/tasting takes approximately 40 minutes. This will allow you to visit the tasting tavern and gift shop. Rum tastings take place every 40 minutes. You are encouraged to call ahead and reserve a place. Guests get an overview of the making of Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum process, the chance to sample their award winning spirits, and the opportunity to develop your inner mixologist as you learn how to mix our Captain Morgan portfolio. Includes one cocktail. The Captain Morgan distillery tour has a $10 General Admission charge for all. Guests who arrive intoxicated will not be allowed on rum tasting; it is at the guide’s discretion. 

 

The Captain Morgan Visitors Center offers indoor rum tastings Monday – Friday at 1pm, and the gift shop is open 10am-4pm.

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      (340) 713-5654   ​​

 

Lyric Sails

Join Lyric Sails for a beautiful sailing cruise on their 63-ft, custom-built sailing catamaran “Jolly Mon”. Captain Mike is in charge of the friendly crew and they serve rum punch. Choose a day sail, a sunset cruise, a full moon sail, or charter a private event for just your party. Day sails include anchoring out to dive into the crystal clear waters and snorkel over and through the incredible colors of the Caribbean marine life - snorkel equipment + guide and water toys (noodles, inflatables) are included.

 

A full-day sail includes a lunch of a fresh fruit platter, sandwiches, pasta salad, chips and homemade dips, and dessert. Half-day sails include snacks like a fresh fruit platter, chips and homemade dips, and a dessert. The cash bar offers Cruzan rum cocktails, Prosecco, mimosas, wine, beer, soda, water​.​

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Lyric's Sunset cruises and Full Moon cruises include live music from local and visiting artists, as well as unlimited rum punch. Sunset cruises sail daily, full moon cruises sail once a month.

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Lyric sails Tuesday - Sunday. Book ahead online. Space is limited.

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1D Strand Street, Frederiksted, St. Croix.  340-201-5227    lyricsailsvi@gmail.com

       https://lyricsails.com/

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Shopping in St. Croix​

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If you want gifts that actually feel like St. Croix rather than generic Caribbean souvenirs, there is lots of shopping in both townships. Christiansted has the strongest concentration, but I’d make a point of shopping in Frederiksted too.

 

If you are looking for Cruzan bracelets, visit Lisa's friend, Cheryl, at Tropical Bracelet Factory on Queen Cross Street. 1244 Queen Cross Street, Suite 1, Christiansted.    (340) 719-0672

​          https://islandbracelets.com/

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Eden South — One of the top choices for genuinely Crucian gifts. It carries locally made foods such as pepper sauces, preserves and seasonings, along with art, books, textiles and other items tied specifically to Virgin Islands culture. This is where I’d go if you want several interesting gifts without everything being T-shirts and refrigerator magnets.

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Many Hands Gallery — Best all-around for local art and handmade gifts. In Christiansted's Pan Am Pavilion. Paintings, prints, ceramics, sculpture, cards and smaller pieces by St. Croix/Virgin Islands artists. The USVI tourism office includes it among its seven standout St. Croix shopping destinations.

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Chaney Chicks — They make jewelry using sea glass and chaney—old pieces of pottery and porcelain that wash up around St. Croix. A chaney piece makes a wonderful gift because there's a real island story behind it.

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Crucian Gold — Best for a special gift. Beautiful locally made jewelry inspired by St. Croix, including chaney jewelry, Crucian knots and island designs. It's more of a keepsake than a conventional souvenir shop and is consistently one of Christiansted's highest-rated specialty shops.

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ib designs Handcrafted Feel Good Jewelry — Another excellent locally made jewelry choice. Their handcrafted bracelets and island-inspired pieces are very recognizable St. Croix gifts.

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Jolly Treasures Souvenirs and Gifts — Best traditional gift shop with a local emphasis. Particularly good for Moko Jumbie items (iconic stilt dancers on St. Croix who stand 10 to 15 feet high in bright clothes), dolls, fabric goods, clothing and inexpensive gifts that still have a distinctly Virgin Islands character.

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Mitchell Larsen Studio — Beautiful handmade glass. Island-themed plates, ornaments and decorative glass pieces, ranging from relatively small gifts to substantial art. It's another of the tourism office's recommended St. Croix shops.

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Undercover Books and Gifts — A particularly good one for you if you enjoy bookstores. It's St. Croix's independent bookstore, with Caribbean authors and books on Crucian history and culture, plus locally made soaps, candles, jewelry and other gifts.

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CMCArts - St. Croix in Frederiksted — Don't overlook this one. The Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts gift shop has work by Virgin Islands and Caribbean artists, including prints, crafts and Moko Jumbie pieces. It's a much better choice than a tourist shop if you want something authentically local.

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Crucian Clayworks — Also in Frederiksted and one I'd definitely visit. Locally made pottery, including functional pieces such as mugs, gives you something handmade on St. Croix that you'll actually use at home.

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Festivals

 

St. Croix Blue Bay Jazz Fest (November): Experience the smooth sounds of local and international jazz artists.

 

The ISCA Open World Championship brings some of the world’s best Sunfish sailors to St. Croix for an exciting week of international competition. Hosted by the St. Croix Yacht Club, this prestigious regatta is the premier event on the International Sunfish Class Association calendar, attracting elite competitors from around the globe.

 

While participation is by invitation only, visitors and locals alike can enjoy the spectacle from the shoreline as sailors race across the crystal-clear waters off St. Croix. The event includes the ISCA Youth, Masters and Women’s World Championships, showcasing rising stars and seasoned champions alike. The excitement continues with the ISCA Open World Championship, where the world’s top sailors compete for the coveted world title.

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Serenade on Strand Street: A late-November kickoff event in Frederiksted hosted by GoToStCroix.com to welcome the holiday season.

 

Crucian Christmas Festival: Starting in early December and running into January, this festival includes parades, music, dance and traditional food, showcasing the island's rich cultural heritage.

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The Three Kings Day (January 6): In the Virgin Islands, we celebrate Three King’s Day on the 6th of January. In many parts of the world, it’s also called Epiphany or Twelfth Night, occuring on the 12th day after Christmas. This day is a public holiday and most businesses and government offices are closed. Of course, the most important part is the food. The day starts with a walk and then a community breakfast. This is the last of the holiday celebrations so later in the day a special meal is usually served such as turkey, peas and rice, and kallallo. Traditionally, a dessert of Rosca de Reyes or King’s Cake is served. 

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St. Croix Agricultural Fair (February - President's Day): the largest agricultural festival in the Caribbean. You can find fresh tropical fruits, vegetables, and local plants; local foods, traditional Crucian and West Indian dishes, drinks, and local spices. There is live music, cultural dance performances, and contests. The fair also features Family Activities like petting zoos, livestock displays, and kids' attractions. For the adults there is great shopping with displays of handcrafted local art, clothing, jewelry, and skincare products.

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Easter Celebrations (late March or early April): Participate in local traditions, such as Easter parades and festivities, adding a unique Crucian cultural experience to your visit.

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St. Croix Food & Wine Experience (April): This culinary showcase occurs annually, featuring tastings, dinners and cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs.

 

Taste of St. Croix (April): A premier Caribbean food and wine event at Carina Bay All-Inclusive Resort & Casino, showcasing local chefs and island flavors.

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Mango Melee and Tropical Fruit Festival (July): Partake in a popular summer event that offers fun competitions, workshops and tastings all centered around mangoes. It is held at the St. George Village Botanical Gardens.

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Halloween (late October): There is up to an entire week dedicated to Halloween events each year on St. Croix! Everything from family friendly trick-or-treating to costumed dog contests to dancing the night away.  Don your scariest, funniest or most creative costume to win some fantastic prizes at one of many island wide costume contests. Get your candy fix while trick-or-treating with the kids. Visit a spooky haunt. Catch some live music. Join in the celebration at one of the island’s Halloween parties. Caravelle Casino in Christiansted hosts an annual Halloween Party & Costume Contest which includes free entry, live music and cash prizes for the top three costumes. Must be 21 years of age or older to enter since the party is hosted by the casino. Tamarind Reef also hosts a party for the adults out there. Tamarind Reef Resort’s Deep End Bar & Grille is known for their legendary Halloween dance party and costume contest. Get creative with your individual or group costumes for a chance to win prizes.

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​​​​​Virgin Islands Folklife Festival: A multi-week cultural showcase in the spring and summer featuring traditional music, quadrille dancing, and crafts.

 

Jump Up: Street parties held quarterly in historic Christiansted with music, food, and local vendors.

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