We are going to St. Croix July 30th thur August 6th. This is our first time and we're staying at Chenay Bay Beach Resort. I have heard that most roads can be traveled by car, but there are a few spots that a four wheel drive is needed. Any advice? Also, does anyone have any advice on what outfitter to choose for snorkeling? We don't want any extras, just snorkeling.
Thanks,
Cindy

I'm very anxious to read your trip report when you return. I've been considering this resort as an option when I go to St. Croix. I've not seen any recent reviews. I wish you a happy vacation.

I don't think you really need 4WD on St. Croix. We've vacationed there quite a few times and have always just rented a car. Have gone most spots on the island and never needed 4WD.

As for snorkeling outfitters, do you mean boats that will take you to Buck Island (a must)? We like Blue Beards but Diva out of Green Cay Marina (near Chenay Bay) is also good. But he's a sailboat for six and doesn't pull up on the beautiful beach the bigger outfitters do and we prefer that.

Thanks mbl340 and ccrosner for your reply. I'm really excited about going to St. Croix and have heard rave reviews. I will be glad to share any of my information I have with you. You can e-mail me at [email protected].

You realllllly have to want to go off road to need 4WD on St. Croix. There is so much to do (or not) that I can't think why you would want it. If you really want the off road experience, I'd suggest taking a tour with Wave Phillips of Tan Tan Tours - he has the vehicles to go where others cannot.

For Buck Island I'd recommend Big Beard's on the Renegade for the beach party, or a smaller outfit like Diva. There are also numerous beaches where you can drive and snorkel. http://www.gotostcroix.com/beaches/ offers excellent summaries of the various options at beaches.

Hi Cindy,

I am from the states but have lived on St. Croix for a little over two years. I would be happy to share with you any information you need to make this an enjoyable trip....from a locals perspective. Feel free to email me at [email protected]. Word of advice, stay away from Big Beard unless you want to be packed liked sardines on a boat with no place to sit but the deck. For the best tour and best comfortable boat with a private tour feeling, go with Capt. Heinz or Capt. Carl (they are father and son). I prefer Capt. Carl (he's called the island JFK junior) but I know he travels a lot during the summer. Here is a link with their information. http://www.visitstcroix.com/captainheinz.html

Again--please shoot me an email if you want any kind of information at all.

Enjoy!

Rob

I realized I didn't reply to your "real" question. You would be fine with a car but I prefer a jeep so you can take the top down and enjoy the open air and better view of the sceanery. A car will keep you cooler with the A/C on though because it is hot this time of year! If you want to see some of the most spectacular views of the island, you'll want to go up through Scenic Drive but you will need a 4x4 for that. You will still see beautiful sites without going up to Scenic drive but it truly is beautiful. You have to be brave though because some of those roads are hairy. The road goes from about the middle of the island up through the rain forest to the highest peak in STX. Email me if you want any additional information: [email protected]

Hi, We stayed in St. Croix in Dec. What a beautiful island and great people. Amazed at the # of retired Americans there, but I can see why. Sure wish I had jumped on land a few years back. Capt. Heinz is the way to go. He is great, small number of people at a time. great with my kids. Highly recomend him. As for car rental we had a mini-van last minute, change 4x4 was not available. But traveled every inch of the island with it without any trouble. Get out and explore each part of the island has something different to offer. We rented a villa on the east end accross from Buck Island it was fantastic. Plan on doing Buck island more then once. We kept putting it off because it was windy, and we were really sorry we waited. it was beautiful. Enjoy! We went to Chenay Bay Resort to Snorkle and we ate there as well . We were there at what they call the Christmas winds so the water was not as calm and clear as would have liked, but those are things you can not controll. The folks at the dive shop at Cane Bay were really helpfull with spots for snoekeling. That is all we cared about as well. Have Fun

I agree that you don't need 4WD, unless you're planning to go on Scenic Drive. However, we did it in a Taurus our first year there! Unexperienced then - wouldn't do it now. It's a great island to explore. Let me know what you think of the Chenay; we've always stayed at the Carambola. Take a drive there - they have a lovely beach.