St. Croix questions
 

Message: We (my husband, 5-year old and I) are going to St. Croix in March, staying at the Buccaneer and I booked our travel through Liberty Travel (never used them before--usually do everything myself and was pleasantly surprised--they found flights I could not and it was super easy); the package includes a trip to Buck Island; none of us snorkel, but when I went to the Park Service web site it indicated that it was a pleasant trip, nice place to picnic, etc. There is a reference to a 45-minute walk, however, which would not be optimal for a 5-year old. She loves boat rides, but if the destination will mean playing on the beach, she will be just as content to do that at the hotel.

If you've been, I'd love a description of this excursion--I just can't visualize it!

Many thanks in advance,

Mary in D.C.

P.S. And for you Buccaneer and St. Croix veterans, am wondering if we want to rent a car; my husband and I would enjoy driving around the island, that will not interest my daughter so the car would be to go to town to shop and go out to eat--are taxis and the hotel shuttle sufficient for that? Just don't know if taxis make no sense financially. thanks!

I don't know if we went on same excursion you did but we spent most of time snorkelling. Then they after snorkeling we did stop over on the island itself. We did not have time to take the "walk" so I can't comment on that. It did not appear to be a hugh island. The beach was very nice though and we would have liked more time there. It was a very nice beach but not alot going on. There were pretty many boats stopped there. But as you said if that is all you could do - you could just stay at hotel and do the beach.
We loved the Buccaneer!! Plan to return someday soon.

thanks; so here is my dumb/dense question--do you go to Buck Island to snorkle? The Park Service site implies you can picnic there, take walks, etc. but if the primary purpose is snorkling, this would be skippable in our book.

Thanks again,

Mary

You do go there to snorkle. You can take Big Beards Cat.---I wouldn't skip it---well worth it. You and husband can take turns with your son swimming on the beach while the other snorkles the marked trail. It was great when I was there in 00---several feet from a Barracuda.

As far as car rental---I would rent one and drive the island---the east end past the Buc. where the Contessa's house is and then the North Shore----eat at Off the Wall for breakfast or burgers. At night though I would cab it and be careful walking at night in not well lit areas. We stayed on the North Shore, but the Buc will be convenient to town for meals if you decide.

Hi marymarra,
We also live in DC with small children. I'd love to email you re: places to stay within good flight times from DC. Have fun in St. Croix. We've taken the children all over the Caribbean with great success. Threehearts

We were in St. Croix in Oct., 2004 and went with Big Beards to Buck Island. We did not go onto the island but spent the time snorkeling and then stopped at a spot on the way back for a BBQ. I love sailing so the Cat ride was great for me as was the snorkeling and scenery from the water.
We rented a car and I would definitely do so. Although the Buc is not far from town, it was great to have a car to travel all over the island. The rate was reasonable, probably less than a few taxi rides. Although driving is on the left, the drivers are not crazy and the roads were easy to get around on although very dark at night. We rented from Judi of Croix and I highly recommend them. The couple who own the company were very helpful with suggestions, will drop off and pick up the car at your hotel, and the rates were lower than the big chains.
We had great meals at Duggan's Reef, Sunset Grill, Cultured Pelican, and Carambola's Pirates Buffet on Friday. You will have a great time!

Marymarra,
Renting a car is definitely personal choice. We've rented one for one day at a time during two of our trips to the Buc. The concierge staff will arrange to have the car brought to the hotel for you.

Taxis to and from the restaurants are charged per person. My husband and I usually expect to spend $25 round trip for each dinner. We like to use them so that we don't have to worry about drinking and driving on the wrong side of the road. We have Buc friends who aways rent a car and do fine too.

The Buccaneer runs a shopping shuttle to Christiansted during the day which costs about $10 round trip. I like using it once or twice. Not a ton of shopping in town but definitely worth a few hours of your time.

Email me at [email protected] if you have other questions.

thanks everybody! CCrosner, excellent and well-taken point on driving on the other side--been there, done that in England, believe best avoided when able!!

Thanks again,

Mary

Mary,
I should have mentioned that we took our children to the Buccaneer 2 years ago when they were 5 and 7. We had 2 adjoining oceanfront rooms and were there for about 5 or 6 days. By the way, are you the same Mary Marra who had advocated for nurses in the area? I had done some reading several years ago about a Mary Marra in our area? All for now. Threehearts

By all means, rent a car! This is a great island to explore. You can drive to Pt. Udall - the eastern most tip of the U.S. - awesome views!! Drive to the Carambola Beach Resort,(where we stayed) for a beautiful beach. The swimming area is small due to sea urchins but plenty large enough for the number of people on the beach. I also recommend the Carambola Golf Course for a great breakfast or lunch. You sit on an open air terrace overlooking the course. Their food is great and reasonably priced. We also like the Ft. Christian Brew Pub and the Friday Night Pirate's Buffet at the Carambola. Make a reservation if you go. And, the Buck Island trip is beautiful - I've never seen such crystal clear water. We went on the 1/2 day cruise but only had about 45 min. on the island itself. The rest of the time was spent getting there (30 min. from Christiansted) and snorkeling. My hubby said the snorkeling was great - I got sea sick and didn't get in the water there. I will also tell you that when we stopped on Buck Island we had to swim a short distance to the shoreline as there are no docks. Just wanted to give you a heads up if you're taking your five year old. I'd also check with the boat operator, whoever you choose, to make sure a child that small can go with you.

Beth48..... see that you stayed at Carambola..... I am seeing miexed reviews on it and some say it is very run down? What was your take on it? When did you go? Thanks for feedback.... trying to find place for June family vacation and its our first time to stay on the island.....been there for the day on cruise but want to stay there a week this time... thanks

Threehearts--hope you got away and had a great time--you picked a good weekend to miss! I am the very same Mary Marra--do you do health care stuff?

Mary

P.S. Thanks for all the advice on Buck Island which, based on all your comments, will be skipped by my little family!!!

Hi Sitting Duck . . . we stayed at the Carambola in Feb. 2004 - prior to that was in Feb. 2001. We absolutely love the place and can't understand the bad reviews. The resort sits at the end of a road which makes it a bit secluded. We never had any problems with overcharges on meals and the staff has always been very friendly. Last year they were beginning to refurbish the rooms. Ours was not done yet and the only blemish I could see was paint peeling off the ceramic floors - not a big deal to us. The rooms are spacious and we especially like the screened-in porch. It's a great place to sit and read. The grounds and the beach are beautiful and well maintained. The swimming area is small due to sea urchins but plenty big enough for the number of people at the resort. We found the food to be very good and we especially like the Friday Night Pirate's Buffet, complete with live entertainment. Lots of locals come to the Carambola for this event so be sure to make a reservation. After driving all over St. Croix and checking out other hotels, we feel the Carambola is the nicest. We did not see the Bucaneer, but I understand that it, too, is very nice; but priced a lot higher than the Carambola. Be sure to rent a car - it's great to explore. If you want to eat off site, we really like the Carambola Golf Resort for breakfast or lunch (they're not open for dinner). You get a great view of the golf course while sitting on an open-air terrace. The food is great and reasonably priced. Last year I had a mahi-mahi sandwich, with a small salad for only $9.99. We also liked the Ft. Christian Brew Pub in Christiansted - it overlooks the water.
Kendrick's was nice but it is an upscale place so dress accordingly and be sure to make a reservation. I don't think they liked the fact that we showed up without one. If you stay at the Carambola, please write and let us know what you think. Like I said, try not to go by all the negative things written - we like it there!

Any recommendations on low to moderate on condos with good snorkeling and access to restaurants?