Planning a Trip

Visitor Information

You can begin your explorations at the St. Croix Visitor Bureau, 53A Company St., in Christiansted (tel. 340/773-0495), a yellow building across from the open-air market. It's open Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm.

The U.S. Virgin Islands Division of Tourism also has an office at the Customs House Building, Strand Street (tel. 340/772-0357; www.stcroixtourism.com), in Frederiksted.

Tourist offices provide free maps to the island. St. Croix This Week, distributed free to cruise ship and air passengers, has detailed maps of Christiansted, Frederiksted, and the entire island, pinpointing individual attractions, hotels, shops, and restaurants. If you plan to do extensive touring of the island, purchase The Official Road Map of the U.S. Virgin Islands, available at island bookstores.

Staying Safe on St. Croix -- Violent crime involving tourists on St. Croix is an uncommon occurrence. However, random acts of violence against visitors (even murder) have happened in the past. Even if St. Croix is your idea of paradise, you should still approach the island as you would any unknown territory. A few simple precautions can go a long way. Petty theft comprises the majority of complaints, so you'll be wise to keep valuables at your hotel (in the safe) and to lock your car. And remember, you should never walk to your hotel alone after a night out.