We are going to St. Croix in October - any beach recommendations? Sites we should not miss seeing? <BR>Thanks.

<BR>Our favorite thing to do on STX is drive. The island has wonderful views that open up to you in surprising places. The best beach is probably Davis Bay, but it's part of Carambola (private) so unless you're staying there, you're out of luck. <BR> <BR>St. Croix is not known for it's beaches, altho there are many spots to stop & enjoy the sand & water. Buck Island is probably your best bet. <BR> <BR>Shopping in Christiansted was great --- wonderful variety of interesting goods. We didn't, but I'd highly recommend an aerial tour. Eat at Cheeseburger in Paradise (entertainment at night), Wahoowillys (blooming onion), Stixx (chicken or steak), or the little seaside joint that belongs to Sprat Hall (not much of a place, but quality burgers). <BR> <BR>We were there in October & there were no bugs at all, the trade winds were fabulous. Please post a report on your return. Lenny whacked her pretty good & I'd like to hear how the island has bounced back. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

Chris: <BR> <BR>I second what Julia said - STX is not known for "beautiful beaches" - however, there are several that are definitely worth a visit - Shoy Beach just east of the Buccaneer - the west end beaches of Fredericksted are nice, also Buck Island has a beautiful white sand beach and great snorkeling...STX was so nice - good restaurants (Duggan's for lobster, Cultured Pelican for Sunday Brunch, Harvey's in C'Sted for local cuisine...) STX was not "touristy" - we were there in early November - and it is quite diversified too - sprarsley populated east end which is very scenic (lots of yellow butterflies and cactus) - then there's the "rainforest" near the Carambola and the shopping in Christiansted is great too - on the last leg of our trip - the flight into STX - we were given a pink Visitor's Guide before boarding - this will have lots of info and will have beach info too. Enjoy!

The beach at Cane Bay is public and nice, best of all Boz's Cane Bay Beach Bar is there - wonderful Sunday breakfast!!! Davis Bay at Carambola is open to visitors for a fee. The beach at the Divi is open (no charge) and you can also use the pool, hot tub and other facilities free of charge. The beach at Buck Island is gorgeous, but you'll need a boat to get there - do it a part of asnorkeling tour. October is the end of hurricane/rainy season, so there might be mosquitos (might not, too). I was there for Lenny in November and again this past March and the island is fully recovered, although some of the swimming spots have lost a bit of sand due to hurricanes and have stony bottoms (which may have been replenished with sand by the time you visit). E-mail me separately if you'd like my lengthy list of "Things To Do" or my restaurant "reviews". ENJOY!!!

Hi -- I second several of the comments above. All beaches are public, but you may have to pay a small fee to use those at resorts (Carambola, Buccaneer). Cane Bay, though just off the road, is lovely, with incredibly good snorkeling about 50 feet off shore. Sandy bottom for easy access, then just float over a very (very) shallow area to where it opens up with the reef. (Waves at Cane Bay restaurant fantastic setting--unfortunately was closed the evening we stopped there.) We thought snorkeling as good here as at Buck Island... Snorkeling the reef and walking the beach at B.I. a MUST. Providers vary between 6 pax max sailboats to cats that carry 40 people. I vote for the 6 pax max myself (we had a great time on the Diva). Shoys is lovely, with sandy bottom, no crowds; perfect for swimming. <BR> <BR>STX is wonderful. we just returned (feels like months already). If I ever get an hour, I'll get my trip report posted. have a great time.