Going for the first time and staying at the Buccaneer in a month. I know I need to rent a car for the week and since I want to explore the whole island I was thinking about renting a jeep. Are there some dirt roads off the main ones to travel and see things or should I just rent a convertible?
Thanks.

I don't recall that a jeep is necessary. The roads are in good condition, mostly level, and paved. We rented from "Judi of Croix" owned by a local couple. They were very helpful as well as reasonably priced and I would highly recommend them.

There is one dirt road from rainforest area that does require a 4 wheel drive vehicle..

Out favorite rental is AVIS Renat a Car simply because they will pick you up anywhere and get you into a car NOT charging you and excessive $500 "hold." They fharge $300.

Check out lifestyle culture site:
www.virginvoices.comn

I'm not sure you can even get a convertible on St. Croix, though it may be possible. I don't think it's worth the extra money. If you want a roofless experience, get a jeep, which doesn't cost that much more if you get a small one.

thanks for the responses. i believe i will get the jeep as opposed to a seibring convertible one company has. i just remember anguilla last year where i had so much fun going to the far eastern part of the island and there was no way you could navigate it without a jeep or something similar.

frankenfish- Ah, The Buccaneer. I envey you. The Buccaneer is one of my favorite resorts in the caribbean and St Croix is great also. We've been to the Buc 3 times, last Jan. most recently.
The island is small and should not take a full week to explore. A jeep isn't required as Publisher said near the rainforest.
If you want a drop-top remember the sun is strong as you will be closer to the equator. Also, rain showers or worse aren't out of question, especially in Sept. so be prepared to put the top up quickly or get wet.
Happy Trails.

Frankenfish-

Like BeCalm said, I envy you! We've been to the Buccaneer 7 times and will return for our eighth trip in February. Unless you are expecting the Ritz or 4 Seasons, you will love the Buccaneer!

We never rent a car for the week for two reasons: we enjoy hanging at the resort and just relaxing and we like to drink a bit at dinner and find that the taxis are a safer bet. If you'd rather not rent for the week, you can always as Maria and the concierge staff to arrange a rental for you for several days and they will drop the car at the Buccaneer for you. You should definitely see the island of St. Croix and a car is a must for that.

Enjoy! Don't miss Bacchus, Kendricks, Rumrunners (for atmosphere and Painkillers) and Duggans Reef (lobster pasta

thanks crosner,
is there a good tikihut kind of bar off the beaten path you reccomend? i like the places with good atmosphere (ala The Florabama Lounge type).

I may not be the best source of info on this. There are several restaurants/bars in the Cane Bay area that might fit the bill. You might want to ask others on this board or the tripadvisor.com st. croix forum (there are a few locals who post on that board).

Frankenfish- ccrosner's reco on Bacchus is perfect-don't miss it and be sure to call a few days in advance for a reservation. Its a favorite of the residents.

check out Off the Wall Beach Bar & Grill: http://www.offthewallstcroix.com/story.htm

Off the Wall is great! We ate there daily - when Jake was bartending and his parents had moved down from Vermont. Good food. Great place to hang. Loved seeing all the "business people" and delivery folks drop by for lunch. When we left at the end of the week it was like saying goodbye to friends. If Buck is still doing horseback riding trips from there, definitely do it. LOVED the chance to ride the horses while they swam after the ride.

We are going to the Buccaneer 30 October. If how they answer e-mails is an indication of the service they give at the resort, I'll be thrilled. They answer my e-mails promptly, are very helpful, and seem happy that we are going to be staying with them. I'm looking forward to exploring St. Croix for the first time, and enjoying the Buccaneer. Owa

bookmarking

Off the Wall has had management problems and is closed. Buck returned stateside a few years ago, but his riding estabishment - Equus - is still in operation out of the Full Moon Beach Bar (formerly the Cane Bay Beach Bar).

I have to say that there is so much to do on St. Croix that, unless you do nothing else, you can't fit it into just one week. I'd definitely recommend taking a full day tour with Tan Tan Tours http://www.stxtantantours.com/ - it's worth every penny just to get to the tidal pools at Annaly Bay. Other things to do: shop in Christiansted, crab races, beer drinking pig (honest - it's a ton of fun, even for adults), plane ride/tour of the island, snorkeiling, Buck Island, Divi casino, Laewetz Museum, Cruzan Rum factory, Whim Plantation, kayaking, Point Udall, St. George Botanical Gardens, and much more.

Just got back this weekend from a weeklong trip. You don't need a jeep on STX.

But you do need to be careful about how you use your rental car. Don't leave anything in it, including the trunk, and if you can stand it don't ever lock it. I speak from experience (see my long trip report posted today).