St. Croix

[anonymus]

What do you think about St. Croix? We will be going there for the first time next month. What do you recommend we do?

[anonymus]

Any Help?

[bmundine]

Be cautious and use common sense....St Croix has had a lot
of crime issues..

[Carib Mark]

St Croix isn't a bad place. It has some nice beaches and some nice resorts. It also has the worst crime rate in the US Virgin Islands. Over the last couple years, efforts have been made to bring back cruise ships and open casinos on the island to get the tourist dollar back. However, when you have a sugar cane industry (Cruzan Rum) and oil production, there is less motivation for those with their hands in that, to move toward tourism dollars. If they don't do this, those who aren't in these two industries take lesser jobs or cannot get work. Improvements have and continue to be made, but the island is struggling to be tourist friendly and get rid of the crime reputation.

I say, if you're booked there, go, enjoy, take a tour of the island and see its beauty. However, as with anywhere on earth, know where you are, if it's someplace you should be and who is around you at all times. And don't bring valuables to beaches or lock them in trunks or leave doors unlocked on villas. Be smart, be safe and enjoy.

[stxdoc]

Check out the local newspapers online, the Daily News - www.virginislandsdailynews.com - and VI Source - wwww.visource.com.
The crime rate on St. Croix is identical to St. Thomas. It's true you want to have your wits about you if you're heading off the beaten track, but that advice applies to most destinations. I've lived on St. Croix for 15 years and never had a problem.
What's important to note, however, is that St. Croix is better experienced by adventurers who do their research in advance. We're not a cattle-car tourist destination with fakey tourist attractions to fill your time. We're a quieter island with distinct communities and it's up to you who visit to find out how to have a great time. We have fabulous snorkeling and diving, great hiking and lots of historical and natural attractions. But if you want to relax, this is your spot. Yesterday - Easter Sunday - my husband's blues band was playing at a gorgeous beach on the West End where a few people played beach volleyball, a few were in the turquoise water, a few more were sunning themselves on the sand. No wall-to-wall people. You don't get that everywhere. Check www.stcroixthisweek.com and gotostcroix.com for ideas on how to enjoy this beautiful island - much more quiet than St. Thomas, much more affordable than St. John.