#TBT: St. Croix Summer

This was my first time out to the USVI back in July. It was a perfect getaway, as the island was actually pretty quite on the east side where we stayed. We booked a breathtaking house from Luxury Retreats. Fun House fact, the house was built by the inventor of the dimmer light switch.This was my first time booking with them and I will be a returning customer. They offer luxury homes for rent within the US. Caribbean, and all over the world. I would recommend renting a house here as I felt the hotel selection was slim. Along with renting a house, definitely rent a car as taxis are not readily available on the island.

(Photos courtesy of Luxury Retreats)

The house perched on a cliff, overlooked the Caribbean with an unobstructed view of Buck Island. Buck Island is a National Park, as well as being listed as one of the best beaches by Travel + Leisure. The water is crystal clear blue on the southwest side. A large reef is located on the south west side which is great for snorkeling. Getting out to Buck Island is an easy trip with Big Beard's Adventures. You set sail on one of their large Catamaran's and take a 20 minute ride from St. Croix. They offer half and full day tours that include turtle beach and snorkeling. The full day includes lunch as well. The island was quite and we were the only boat docked there that day. 

Buck Island

We had some excellent food while on the island. Here's a list of restaurants to try:

Blue Water Terrace: They offer a wide variety of food so it's great for large groups. Everyone will be happy. Most importantly they have a bakery with delicious desserts. If you don't eat dinner there, at least stop by for pie!

Shupe's: Awesome lunch spot on the pier that serves burgers. It's a great stop after getting off a half day tour from Big Beard's boat. They have excellent frozen daiquiris too!

The Mermaid at the Buccaneer: Great for lunch and dinner. They serve quite a bit of everything but a lot of focus on Caribbean food. They have beach games and a gorgeous beach to float in while waiting on your food. The main blog photo is taken from the restaurant looking out. 

Duggan's: Excellent dinner. This place is on a dock on the east side and serves amazing seafood, it's a must. You will need reservations here, so call ahead. 

ZIggy's (Market): Small market to buy food, beer and wine. Ziggy's is located on the east side as well. They have a small bar/patio there as well. You'll meet many locals here.

Lizards roam the beach of the Buccaneer Hotel. They love Lettuce and will come pretty close to you. 

We booked a deep sea fishing trip to fish for Mahi Mahi. The waves were pretty rough that day, thank god I don't get sea sick. From most reviews I read on fishing in St. Croix, there are many fishing success stories off this island, Unfortunately we didn't catch anything that day. We did get pretty close to cathching a smaller Mahi Mahi, but he cut himself loose from the line as we reeled him in. 

The next day, I pretty much rallied everyone to try fly boarding. I mean how fun does it look? Well, let me just say that I find myself to be pretty athletic and fly boarding came as a bit of a struggle to me. We booked 30 minute sessions for $75 a person with Island Revel.  I wish I would have know a few things prior to getting out there so I'll pass along a few tips I wish someone would have shared with me, in case you want to try fly boarding. 

• Bring goggles for the journey from land or dock. You will be laying flat on your stomach and the water pressure from the fly board is pushing you forward so it tends to push water up your face and the salt will irritate your eyes. 
• Lean back when your starting your initial ascend. Don't point your toes forward.
• Being above water has a increased feeling of height, so if you start to fall over, go for the dive in. Don't belly or back flop, it's not pleasant. 
• Bring a GoPro!

I am not trying to make this seem tough, but there is a bit of a learning curve. Get out there a try it. You'll get some great photos. Most of my photos came out like the second one below, me crashing and holding my nose. I'll spare sharing all those with you. Island Revel will also create a video of your session and email it to you. 

Overall, St. Croix was such a calm relaxing island. I look forward to visiting other islands in the USVI and sharing them with you as well. I hope I have inspired you to visit St. Croix. As always, feel free to email me with any more questions about this destination. Stay Wandering!

View from Miramar

Buck Island Photo