St Thomas vs St Croix: Which Island is Better?
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Ready to get away to the sublime US Virgin Islands? Not sure if St. Thomas or St. Croix is your cup of tea? Keep reading!
Both destinations offer breathtaking beaches, pristine waters, and an abundance of activities for all tastes – so no matter which you choose you can’t really go wrong.
Still, these islands have some unique quirks, so dig into this blog post and decide which one is best for your travel goals!
What's the Difference?
St Thomas is known for its duty-free shopping, island hopping opportunities, and lively party scene. It’s a popular destination for cruise ships and attracts a lot of tourists throughout the year.
But if you’re in need of some serious R&R, switch things up and visit St Croix instead.
This lesser-known island offers exactly that – quieter vibes, beautiful nature spots to explore, and some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving sites on the planet.
Sure beats being elbow-to-elbow with other tourists on the beach!
Why Should You Visit St. Thomas?
St. Thomas is the most commercialized of the US Virgin Islands and is home to the capital city, Charlotte Amalie. The answer for visiting is simple: it’s a tropical paradise waiting to be explored!
You’ll find duty-free shopping to scratch the retail itch, beautiful beaches, and plenty of resorts.
Take your pick from world-renowned Magens Bay beach or explore old colonial sites – the choice is yours. And if you’re looking for an adventure, there’s no shortage of excursions to take advantage of.
Why Should You Visit St. Croix?
If you’re looking for an island paradise with a more relaxed attitude and plenty of outdoor adventure, you should definitely visit St. Croix.
This gem is the largest of the US Virgin Islands and boasts some of the Caribbean’s most stunning beaches – not to mention unbeatable snorkeling, scuba diving, and hiking.
Plus, St. Croix is home to many fascinating historical sites, so history buffs will be in their element!
So if it’s a quiet holiday full of cultural discoveries and outdoor fun that you’re after, you really can’t go wrong with St. Croix.
Which Island is Right for You?
Overall, the main difference between St. Thomas and St. Croix is the atmosphere.
St. Thomas is a bustling, commercialized island with plenty of activities and attractions, while St. Croix is a quieter, more laid-back island with a focus on outdoor activities and relaxation.
Which island you choose to visit ultimately depends on your personal preferences and what you're looking for in a vacation destination.
Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit St. Thomas
St. Thomas might be one of the most sought-after tropical getaways year-round, but if you want the ultimate beach vacation – think white sand and soothing waves – it’s best to visit during winter months when temperatures hover around the mid-80s.
Plus, with the sunshine comes plentiful swimming, snorkeling, and hiking opportunities – just remember that December through March may be jam-packed with tourists and higher prices.
No worries though; the shoulder season in April or May brings quieter beaches and wallet-friendly deals.
Best Time to Visit St. Croix
Winter is the best time to visit St. Croix, with its dry and sunny weather and average temperatures in the high-70s – perfect for outdoor activities like swimming, snorkeling, and hiking.
The downside? It’s peak tourist season! If large crowds and high prices are not your thing, consider visiting during the shoulder season from April till June.
With thinner crowds and more affordable prices, you can still enjoy pleasant weather conditions.
Beaches
Beaches on St. Thomas
Visiting St. Thomas is like winning the beach vacation lottery. Not only do you have access to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, you also get to choose between popular and secluded spots.
Magen’s Bay is the most well-known beach in St. Thomas – you’ll find a large stretch of sand and calm waters here. Though it can get crowded, it’s still a must-visit spot.
For those looking for something a bit more peaceful, Lindquist Beach or Santa Maria Bay are great alternatives. Plus, both offer good snorkeling opportunities too!
Beaches on St. Croix
From the lively atmosphere of Rainbow Beach to the serene vibes of Isaac Bay Beach, there’s sure to be something on St. Croix that will fit just right.
For those looking for a bit of adventure, Jack’s Bay Beach and Judith’s Fancy Beach offer some unique opportunities to explore while Turtle Beach on Buck Island is perfect for a tranquil swim.
If you’re really looking to get away from it all, Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge will put your worries behind you with its stunning scenery and great snorkeling.
Things to Do
Things to Do on St. Thomas
St. Thomas is a bustling and vibrant island with plenty of activities to keep visitors entertained. Here are some of the top things to do:
- Visit Magens Bay Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean.
- Explore the historic district of Charlotte Amalie, with its colorful buildings and charming shops.
- Take a scenic drive up to Mountain Top for stunning views of the island and the surrounding sea.
- Go on a snorkeling or scuba diving excursion to see the colorful coral reefs and marine life.
- Visit Coral World Ocean Park to see sea lions, sharks, and other marine animals up close.
Things to Do on St. Croix
St. Croix is a more laid-back and relaxed island, with plenty of natural beauty to explore. Here are some of the top things to do:
- Visit Buck Island Reef National Monument, a protected area with some of the best snorkeling and diving in the Caribbean.
- Explore the historic town of Christiansted, with its colorful Danish-style buildings and charming streets.
- Take a hike through the lush rainforest of the West End or the dry cactus-studded terrain of the East End.
- Visit the Cruzan Rum Distillery for a tour and tasting of the island’s famous rum.
- Relax on one of the island’s many beautiful beaches, such as Sandy Point Turtle Beach or Cane Bay.
Nightlife
St. Thomas
If your idea of a perfect night out is finding some friends, having a cold drink and seeing just how far the evening can go, St. Thomas is ready to party with you!
The infamous Red Hook area is full of bars and restaurants offering anything from upbeat dance music to classic reggae sounds.
Grab a snack at Raw Sushi and Sake Bar before dancing the night away at Duffy’s Love Shack.
Or take a breather in Frenchtown. Here you can enjoy a few drinks on the waterfront while watching the sun dip into the horizon; now that’s an ending to a night you won’t soon forget.
St. Croix
While St. Croix may not have quite as lively a nightlife scene as St. Thomas, there are still plenty of options for those looking to have a good time.
The Christiansted area is home to several bars and restaurants, many of which offer live music and other entertainment.
With hot spots like Rum Runners, The Mill, and Brew STX all in the same area, it’s hard to come up short on fun places to hang out.
And if you’re looking for something a bit more laid back, Frederiksted has all the beachfront bars you need for an evening spent lounging with a few drinks in hand and admiring the stunning view of the ocean.
So whether you’re ready to dance your shoes off or just want to take it easy and enjoy some beautiful scenery, St. Croix has plenty of ways to keep your nights entertaining!
Where to Stay in St. Thomas
Are you looking to live la dolce vita while on St. Thomas? With its array of glamorous resorts and hotels, this beautiful island is guaranteed to deliver the luxurious experience you’re after.
Whether you’re in the market for a stunning suite with magnificent views or a cozy inn tucked away on a hillside, St. Thomas has something that will fit your budget and preferences like an expensive Italian suit.
Here are some of the best places to stay in St. Thomas:
The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas
Secret Harbour Beach Resort
Marriott’s Frenchman’s Cove
Where to Stay in St. Croix
For a truly laid-back getaway, nothing beats the charming options on St. Croix.
The accommodations you’ll find here offer a more intimate and authentic Caribbean experience and are also more affordable compared to the resorts in St. Thomas.
Whether you’re looking for a boutique hotel or an affordable vacation rental, you’ll find plenty of options for a carefree getaway.
Here are some of the best places to stay in St. Croix:
Tips & Other Things to Know
Before you head out on your trip to either St. Thomas or St. Croix, there are a few tips and other things you should know to make your trip more enjoyable:
- Bring sunscreen and insect repellent, as both islands can get quite hot and humid.
- Make sure to bring cash, as some smaller shops and restaurants may not accept credit cards.
- Consider renting a car to explore the islands on your own, as public transportation can be limited.
- Be aware that both islands are part of the US Virgin Islands, so US dollars are the official currency and English is widely spoken.
- Respect the local culture and customs, and be aware that some beaches may have different rules and regulations.
