drake2014

Drake do you know of a tour for a person who loves picture taking? Also any crafter in St Croix like Potters or Glass blowers?

:)

There are no tours that really focus on photography but the CHANT walking tour of downtown Frederiksted will give you lots of lovely architecture to shoot. Then walk along the beach to get the usual beautiful caribbean shots. :)

As far as crafters there isn't anything I know of thats available for people to watch. I'll check more into that for you though!

@ Drake

 

You should get in the travel excursion business, you are doing an amazing job.

 

I do however, have a quick question for you. We are looking at doing a Sweeney tour on Apr 12 (a dreaded Sunday)

 

Tour Description:

"Your island tour will give you a look at several of St. Croix’s top attractions, including the world famous Cruzan Rum Distillery, the historic town of Christiansted, the site where Columbus landed, and beautiful Cane Bay Beach."

 

It seems that we are doing a Cane Bay drive by with no stop. Is the tour really worth $48 per person for 4 hours?

 

Thanks

 

Laurna

Thank you!

My girlfriend and I just debated this over breakfast and we both agree we wouldn't pay that much for it.

Grab a taxi and go to just the spots you really want to. I would never recommend Cane Bay on ship day unless you're scuba diving.

A taxi from the pier to Cruzan is less than $20 for 2 people and you can get it less than that if you find a group going. Admission is cheap and it's a great time.

If you want to hit Christiansted for shopping (not my favorite activity) it's about $25 for 2 people from the pier.

Prioritize what all you want to see and try not to plan too much into your day. You need time to lay on the beach after all!

Drake2014

Thanks for taking time to educate us. We will be docking in Frederiksted and want to go see the rum factory and send a little time downtown. Are we best to just get a taxi on our own and go on a tour. About what is the cost of a taxi for 2 to the Cruzen Rum factory? Also are there any beach within walking distance from the pier?

Absolutely, there will be dozens of taxi vans lined up at the pier willing to take you. It should cost about $17 for 2 people to get to Cruzan but try to find a group going and you'll get a better deal.

When you come off the ship go left and you'll hit Fort Frederik beach, keep walking and you'll hit Freedom City Surf. That's my favorite beach, grab a drink and relax. [emoji2]

We are enjoying a great day at Sand Castles. Currently sitting on the beach enjoying a rum punch and a beautiful view of the ocean and Jewel of the Seas.

$25 (total for 2) gets u a lounger, umbrella and two strong rum punches. Yes it's a very short walk to food and bar but beach attendant happy to take care of that for you. Yes there are a few rocks at the water line but nothing to concern yourself with IMHO.

Just saw this, I was at the pool behind you! I would have bought you a drink! Glad you enjoyed it so much. :)

We have had 6 days of solid cruise ships full of people having a great time. Just thought I would check back in here and see if anyone had more questions for me, I figured some of you might be on these ships! :)

Thanks for the comments. I love to get out and meet the locals.

I work a few blocks from the restaurant, maybe I'll come buy you a beer lol

Is there more than one pier in St. Croix?

Only one cruise ship pier

I was wondering if you might know how much they charge for lessons on the paddle boarding? You have been so hopefully with the information you have provided on the island.

 

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Since I just got home from my first ever paddle board session I can happily tell you that the rental was $30 per hour including the lesson. The cool part is that after your hour as long as nobody is waiting for your board you can keep going! Just check in every hour and you're good. [emoji2]

How far is Pier 69 from where the ship docks? Do you feel it is safe for a lady to walk around Frederiksted by herself? My DH will be scuba diving until about 1:00--would like something to do for a couple of hours.

I made a picture to show you, I hope it's clear enough! Frederiksted during the day is one of the safest places around, you should have no trouble. Check out the fort and the parks or just lay on the beach, plenty to see down here! What day are you coming in?

We are kinda in the same situation as Sue....wondering what else is there that we should do? Thanks for any ideas....

 

Wendy

Groveland,FL

I hope my answer to her helps you too!

Hi Darrin, thanks ahead of time for any info. We have never been to St Croix before, it will be our 5th island so we will have done a couple of beach days and a couple of island tours. What is something that is a "must see" for St Croix. we will have already snorkeled...have already done some historic tours, so we are looking for suggestions. Thanks again.

Well there is always lots to do! The Botanical Gardens and the Whim Museum are great if you enjoy beautiful history. I just wrote a post about the Domino Club and that's definitely a must see up in the rain forest. Stand-up-paddle at Freedom City is amazing if you've never tried. I personally think some of the best food in the world is on the west end of St. Croix, Villa Morales and Pier 69 are my favorites.

I hope this gives you some ideas!

Hi Drake!

I see Caribbean Sea Adventures provides a Sunday Shuttle to Buck Island without snorkeling, with departure at 10am from Christiansted pier.

Do you know if this shuttle is a service reserved only for St. Croix locals or if everyone can use it?

 

Thank you!

I have to admit I knew nothing about it until just now! I think I might have to do that myself sometime soon! :) From what I can see on their website I think it's open to everyone but I strongly suggest you call them to find out.

I'd like to think I know everything that happens on my little rock but truth be told I go to Buck Island once a year and I always use Big Beard's tour. Plus I avoid Christiansted and all points east like the plague lol.

Thanks for the question!

Drake 2014: I was wondering if you could share some information regarding the restaurant with the drinking pigs. How far is it from the pier? Is it worth taking a taxi there---anything else to see? How much would a taxi cost (per person or per taxi)? Right now we're just planning a beach day but I like seeing unusual things :) Also, any thoughts about Coconuts Beach? Thank you so much for taking time to help us cruisers!

Sure, the Domino Club is always a great time and something everyone should see at least once. It's a bit of a drive from town but it's a beautiful winding rain-forest road with breathtaking views so it won't feel long. A taxi from the pier to the club should run about $15ish for 1-2 people. If you have more people there's an additional charge, usually $5-7 per person. Really it's not that expensive for the fun you'll have! Norma is always a delight and she makes the best Mamawanna shots on the island (be careful with those!!), plus the food is outstanding!! If you get there before 10am on a saturday you'll find the best breakfast around.

Coconuts is a decent beach although definitely not at the top of my list. Pretty good food and drinks, not much to see snorkling, and the beach is a little rough for my taste. That being said it's not usually very crowded if you want peace and quiet. :)

I was wondering if you might know how much they charge for lessons on the paddle boarding? You have been so hopefully with the information you have provided on the island.

 

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Last I heard it was $25 per person for a lesson and I think you get an hour on the board. I'm going there for dinner tomorrow so I'll double check for you.

We are docking on a Saturday and in all our research, haven't found anything that interests us on St. Croix. I'm so glad you're a local and can give some ideas. What is there are St. Croix that we don't want to miss? We are not beach people or snorkelers. We do not drink, so the rum factory is of no interest. Is there anything besides shopping that you would recommend? Any interesting historical landmarks or natural wonders? Thanks in advance.

Absolutely!! CHANT walking tours in Frederiksted and Christiansted, the Botanical Gardens, Whim Museum, the Lawaetz Family Museum, the Heritage Trail, and Point Udall just to name a few. The Domino Club up in the rain forest is always a good time with the beer drinking pigs. Gecko's ATV tours through the bush is fun, as is stand-up-paddle at Freedom City, or jetskis at Rainbow Beach. Live music at several different bars around the west end will keep you entertained along with great food. Tell me what you like and I can give you more info!

Thanks for asking!! :)

They take you to the gardens and the Captain Morgan deal..that's pretty much it. Too bad it isn't a better combo, the excursion (as is the norm with Ship's excursions) is a bit pricey as well. I think I will stick to the historical walking tour with CHANT, and lunch as you recommended near the pier.

If you haven't already paid for it I say screw that excursion. :) Grab a taxi to the gardens and explore them if you like, walk around town with CHANT, grab some lunch from Jodie, and relax on the beach. Not necessarily in that order but you get the idea.

Thanks for the extra effort in confirming that...I guess we will have to return another time :)

If at all possible try to come in on a Saturday! On this island Sundays are really a day of rest, if your income is not directly tied to the tourists you spend the day on the beach. Therefor if you really want to experience all of the things that I get to experience you need to be here Saturday afternoon. :)

I just got off the phone with the museum director and the official schedule is Wednesday-Saturday only for the foreseeable future. Sorry!

Oh I love the gardens! They are a beautiful part of our island presented with a nice historical angle. I think you'll enjoy it! I presume this whole tour is booked through the cruise line, where else are they taking you?

Which part are you referring to? Grab a taxi van, it'll be pretty cheap.

I have heard that The Whim Museum is closed on Sundays.. are there other historical sites that close down on Sundays. We will be coming in a Jewel of the Seas on a sunday.. I am hoping to do the Walking tour of with CHANT.. we like history. Would you recommend a lunch spot in walkable distance? And thanks so much for being willing to help out, it really is wonderful.

I will call Whim tomorrow and double check for you but last I heard they are still closed on Sundays. I'm a huge history buff myself and I'm sure you will love CHANT. Let me know what date you're coming in on and I will have more specific stuff for you. For lunch on a Sunday you have to hit Pier 69 in strand square! Amazing food and drinks right near the ship.

I give up on Safari tours. I just got a text this morning saying they can't confirm my reservation, but I should call back on January 25 th. My guess is they are waiting to see if they can book a larger group and don't want to be bothered with just two. Whatever their reason, I don't want to wait unti the last minute, so I will go with a ship tour. At least I know it will be reliable.

That's a shame but I completely understand. What is the ship tour?

Freedom City sounds like a great idea. I think north is walking to the left of the cruise pier toward Fort Frederik?

What is the rest of the downtown like, shops, markets etc., worth a walkabout?

Correct, up the beach past the fort. Left if you're facing away from the ship.

Truth be told if you've spent most of the day in Christiansted you're going to see more of the same. There is a nice market set up at the base of the pier on ship days that you'll enjoy, lots of little independent booths of local artists and craftspeople.

Oh and one final thought: if you can, try to sit at the bar. JT will tell you stories and jokes all night plus he makes the best rum punch and mojito on the island.

Thank you. I did call and had a short conversation. For all others trying to reach Safari Tours ---- He prefers a tex message - so I have send a tex message. We will be there on Sunday, February 1st. We are on the Celebrity Summit, if anyone else is interested in contacting him. We asked for a small group tour or a private tour, if he doesn't have a small group.

I'm so happy to hear that! They really are nice guys. Enjoy your trip!