St Croix Vacation Itinerary: A Week of Diving, Beaches & Island Exploration
- Kristin Hughes
- Aug 16
- 7 min read
By Kristin Hughes, Travel Advisor | travelmorewithkristin.com
Some Places Steal Your Heart in a Few Hours
We first visited St Croix as a shore day on our Virgin Voyage — and like so many of the best travel moments, it was never supposed to be the story. It was supposed to be a simple port stop. A few hours to explore, grab lunch, and get back to the ship by sunset.
But then we stepped off that boat and fell completely in love with the island.
The beauty of the landscape. The warmth of the people. The way the water looked. The energy of the town. All of it.
We went to Cane Bay. We found an incredible dive company called Sweet Bottom, ate at a restaurant called The Landing that completely spoiled us for seafood, and by the time we were walking back to the ship that evening, Will and I had already made a decision: we're coming back. For real this time. For a week.
Three months later, we did.
Coming Back: St Croix Vacation Itinerary
When we started planning our St Croix vacation itinerary, we knew two things for sure: we wanted to dive with Sweet Bottom (that company is genuinely world-class), and we wanted to eat at The Landing again. But we also wanted to experience both sides of the island — Christiansted on the north side where we'd fallen in love on that first day, and Fredericksted on the west end.
So we split our stay.
The Middle: The Waves
We started in the middle of the island off Cane Bay at The Waves — a small, intimate 8-room hotel that sits right over the ocean. It's not a big resort. It's not trying to be. It's exactly what an Airbnb-style hotel should be: beautifully decorated, impeccably maintained, and small enough that it feels like a secret.
The Waves has an onsite bar and restaurant, but we didn't eat there — we had our eyes on the places within walking distance, which was part of the appeal. You can literally walk from your room to the beach in minutes. The Landing is a short walk.
We spent three nights here, and those three nights set the tone for the entire week: slower, more intentional, less about rushing and more about being present.
The Diving
The first dive with Sweet Bottom wasn't a full adventure dive — it was a recertification-style class with a private guide, and it was exactly what we needed. Calm, gentle, thorough, in beautiful water with incredible visibility. It reminded me why diving is one of the most magical things you can do underwater.
But the dive that truly changed everything happened later in the week at the Fredericksted Pier.
Moved to Fredericksted: The Fred
After three nights at The Waves, we packed up and headed to the west end of the island to The Fred — a hotel that immediately reminded me of Melrose Place in the absolute best way. It has that aesthetic: sleek, modern, a little bit moody, totally cool. The beach is right there. The pier is right there. The snorkeling is incredible. And everything is walkable.
This became our home base for exploring the rest of the island and for the dive that is, hands down, the best dive I have ever done in my life.
The Pier Dive at Fredericksted
I can't adequately describe what it's like to be in 30 feet of water at a pier where the marine life density is so high that you feel like you're in an aquarium that just happens to be underwater.
We swam out to the Fredericksted Pier with Sweet Bottom for a private dive, and what we saw was extraordinary. The reef structure was pristine. The coral was healthy and thriving. There was so much life — fish of every color, massive sea creatures, and turtles. So many turtles. We counted about 20 turtles in that one dive alone.
Will and I came up from that dive in complete awe. This wasn't a dive we'd read about in a guidebook. This was something we stumbled into because we were staying in Fredericksted, working with guides who knew the island, and willing to just show up and explore.
Beyond the Diving
We rented a Jeep for the week — which immediately opened up the island. We drove down to the turtle area, which is a protected marine sanctuary that also happens to be the filming location for the Shawshank Redemption scenes set in Zihuatanejo (if you're a movie nerd like us, this detail alone is worth the trip). The turtles there are unbothered by humans and absolutely massive.
We drove to the other end of the island to King Christian Hotel where we ate at a restaurant that I'm still thinking about. We walked the pier there. We brunched and admired this spot, which was absolutely stunning and would be perfect for a future trip.
We spent one night playing bingo at Island Vibes, a cute hut-style pizza restaurant that sits roughly halfway between The Waves and The Landing. It was lively, full of locals, genuine, and exactly the kind of experience you can't manufacture on a travel show — you just have to be there and be lucky.
A Week of Being Beach Bums (And Loving It)
That's really what this week was: we gave ourselves permission to be beach bums. To dive when it called us. To eat when we were hungry. To walk to dinner instead of planning an "experience." To rent a Jeep and drive to a pier just to see what was there.
Not every trip needs to be optimized for maximum activities. Sometimes the best trips are the ones where you give yourself space to just be somewhere beautiful with someone you love.
Why Go Back to a Port You've Already Visited
This is the question people ask me a lot: why return to somewhere you've already seen?
Because the first time you're there, you're a tourist. You're seeing the headline attractions. You're moving at the pace of a port day (usually too fast). You're experiencing the curated version.
The second time, you can live there — even if just for a week. You can find your favorite restaurant and become a regular. You can work with guides who know the real island, not the cruise-ship version. You can discover the protected turtle sanctuary and the pier that belongs in a movie. You can sleep over the ocean at a small hotel and wake up to the sound of waves.
You become a visitor instead of a tourist. And that changes everything.
Why Work With a Travel Advisor for This
Planning a week-long St Croix trip might seem straightforward, but the details matter. Knowing which dive company is genuinely the best (not just well-reviewed on TripAdvisor). Knowing which hotel feels like a secret and why. Knowing how to sequence the north side and the west end so you're not wasting time driving back and forth. Knowing which restaurants are worth your evening and which are just okay.
I've stayed in both places. I've dived with Sweet Bottom. I've walked those piers and eaten at those restaurants. I know where to go and why.
When you book with me, you're not just getting a reservation — you're getting someone who has been there, has learned what matters, and can help you avoid the travel-blog version and find the real version instead.
Ready to Plan Your St Croix Week
Whether it's your first time or you're coming back because you can't stop thinking about the island — I can help you build a trip that feels personal, intentional, and completely yours.
Diving, beach days, great food, and time to just be somewhere beautiful. That's St Croix. And I'd love to help you plan it.
Or if you want to read about our first time in St Croix on our Virgin Voyage, check out this blog post.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I spend in St Croix?
Three to four days is the minimum if you want to experience both diving and the island properly. A week is ideal — it gives you time to settle in, do multiple dives, explore both the north and west ends, and actually be somewhere instead of constantly moving. We spent seven days and felt like we could have easily stayed longer.
Is St Croix good for non-divers?
Absolutely. If diving isn't your thing, St Croix offers snorkeling (the Fredericksted Pier snorkeling is world-class), beautiful beaches, great restaurants, hiking, exploring the island's history, and just being on the beach. The island has enough variety that non-divers will find plenty to do.
What's the best time to visit St Croix?
The dry season (December through April) is considered peak season for good reason — the weather is stable, the water is calm, and visibility is excellent. However, St Croix is visitable year-round. Hurricane season runs June through November, but direct hits are rare. Summer and fall can be quieter and less expensive if you're flexible.
How do you get around St Croix?
Renting a Jeep or car is the best option if you want flexibility and access to both sides of the island. Taxis are available but can be pricey for multiple trips. Some hotels offer shuttle services to nearby restaurants. If you're staying in town (Christiansted or Fredericksted), many things are walkable.
How much does it cost to dive with Sweet Bottom?
Sweet Bottom offers various dive packages — single dives, multiple dives, certification courses, and private guide options. Prices vary based on what you book, but expect to budget for quality instruction and small group sizes. It's worth every penny. I recommend contacting them directly at [Sweet Bottom website/contact] for current pricing and availability.
What should I eat in St Croix?
This is the question I get most. The Landing is genuinely excellent for seafood. Island Vibes is fun and casual for pizza and local vibes. Beyond those, exploring local spots will reveal hidden gems — ask your hotel for recommendations and don't be afraid to try places that look interesting. The food culture on the island is strong and worth exploring.
Can I visit St Croix as a shore excursion from a cruise?
Yes, and we did on our Virgin Voyage. But a port day gives you maybe 4-6 hours, which is enough to fall in love with the place but not nearly enough to truly experience it. If you fall in love like we did, plan to come back for longer.
Do I need a passport to visit St Croix?
St Croix is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, so U.S. citizens don't need a passport — a real ID or driver's license is sufficient. Non-U.S. citizens should verify entry requirements for their citizenship.
Is St Croix safe?
St Croix is generally safe for tourists. Use the same street smarts you'd use anywhere — don't leave valuables in your car, be aware of your surroundings at night, and stick to well-traveled areas. The tourist areas are well-populated and feel safe. Locals are friendly and helpful.
Will and I were in St Croix in May 2023. The Waves, The Fred, and Sweet Bottom Dive Shop were all booked and coordinated by us. Photos from the trip are available upon request.
Ready to plan your own St Croix adventure? Get in touch here.
— Kristin & Will
