Dave's Top 10 Activities

The activities people enjoy on St. Croix are quite diverse. As individuals we all have things we enjoy doing and they are as varied as our personalities. However, in hopes that my past positive experiences can steer you to some good times on our island, I offer you:

Dave's Top 10 List of Things to do on St. Croix

10. Visit the Royal Poinciana and other fine shops in Christiansted.

Marion Bressi the owner of The Royal Poinciana, 1111 Strand St., Christiansted

While shopping is not normally a prime time activity for me, I always enjoy browsing for odd items and my next scuba toy at the many nice shops in Christiansted or C-sted as it is known by the locals.   Tip - To get to the best parking in Christiansted take route 75 into town. After you pass the Post Office on your left, the police department will be on your right. Turn left at this light onto Watergut. Follow this street to the end. Turn right on King Cross Street, and the paid parking lot will be on your right.

9. Tour the Cruzan Rum Factory.

While the highlight for some will be the free samples at the end of the tour, I enjoy hearing all the details of how this famous native drink is concocted, aged and bottled.   I learn something new each time I go.   Tip - The tour is best when the plant is actually operating.   Call 692-2280 first to see if they are on Holiday.

8. Play at the beach.

Walk directly out our back gate, turn right, go 50 yards and have hours of fun on our secluded " beach." You don't have to be a kid to do this, just a kid at heart. Dig holes, build castles, collect shells, get splashed or just soak up the sun while reading a best seller. Tip - Beautiful Cane Bay Beach is just one half mile from 2dive4 for those of you who enjoy a little more people watching.

7. Get a taste of island entertainment and good food at the Harbormaster Beach Club

On Tuesday nights the place to be for good food is on the cay located in Christiansted. Start by calling 773-2035 to make your reservation. Park your car along the street in town. Walk toward the sea until you hit the boardwalk. Next turn right and follow the boardwalk till just before the fort. From here you will hop on the ferry over to the cay. The walkway will take you to the Harbormaster Beach Club (the cay is also a great place to come during the day for some easy snorkeling and for jet skiing). Make your way to the cash register and purchase your tickets. The buffet feast will start promptly at 7:00. Even a vegetarian like me can get his money's worth from a menu including:

• Bread, Garden salad, Pasta salad, Potato salad, 3 Bean salad, Cole slaw, Sweet potatoes, Corn on the cob, Baked beans, Macaroni & cheese, Rice, BBQ ribs, BBQ chicken and BBQ fish.

All the meat is grilled in front of you. The food is kept warm and desert is included. Marina will keep you plied with your favorite beverage.

Once your belly is full it is time for the fun to start. First, the steel band uses traditional island instruments to play mainland favorites. Next, a Mocko Jumbie struts his stuff and has a good time with the crowd. Broken bottle dancing gets everyone in the mood for the limbo dancing climax.

Tip: Try to get a table near the stage but just off the patio so you will be close to the Mocko Jumbie performance while having a great view of the sea and the lights of Christiansted. For more information go to http://www.kronegadeinn.com/.

6. Play a game or watch a great movie.

Sometimes you just want to stay home and have fun. If you are a guest of 2dive4 you are in luck. The games room offers satellite TV with over 120 channels, VCR/DVD player, billiards, Ping-Pong and table hockey. There is also a water lovers DVD collection as well a large variety of VHS movies. The chest in the great room holds multiple games, and the top of the dining room table flips over to a card table. Tip - Beyond Balderdash is a great bluffing game for 4-6 people -- give it a try.

5. Race a crab.

On Mondays you can find the Soldier Crab Races at the Marina Bar in King's Alley and Fridays at the upstairs terrace of Stixx on the Waterfront. Both venues are right off the Christiansted boardwalk, attracting those passing by to join in the fun, or at least to see what the laughing and cheering is all about.  Here you will be given the opportunity to win some valuable and some not so valuable prizes.  (Kids always win something) . Win or lose, it is a safe bet that you will enjoy this quirkish St. Croix anomaly. 

Tip - Arrive at 5:00 to make sure you get the best pick of the contestants.  Be prepared with a good name for your crab. 

4. Tour Salt River on the Moonlight Kayaking Tour.

This is calm water, sit on top kayaking.  My 80-something father did it, so you can too.  You will learn about St. Croix ecology, island history, hear a few ghost stories and best of all make malay (island gossip).  What famous people have homes on St. Croix?  What movies were made here?  You will have a shot at winning prizes if you know some St. Croix facts before you go.  Don't study too much, but see if you can find out the very first name in recorded history given to the island now known as St. Croix.  Do some research. I can't tell you everything, that would spoil the fun. Call 778-1522 to make your reservations.

3. Sail to Buck Island with Big Beards Adventure Tours.

Whether you do the half day or the full day this is always a good time. You depart Christiansted for the white sandy beach of Buck Island known as turtle beach. Here you have a half an hour to brush up on you snorkeling skills, explore the island, or work on your tan. Next you depart by sail boat to one of only two underwater national parks. Here you will find a snorkeler's dream - reasonably calm water, a wide variety of fish, and all you have to do is jump off the boat. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned freediver the snorkeling trail at Buck Island is a must visit.

Tip: If you go on the half day trip choose the morning departure, as Sally the friendly sting ray will usually be waiting for you at the beach. She is much fun to covort with. Also, when you get off the boat walk down the beach to the left. As you round the corner keep a sharp eye out in the water for there is a good chance you will see baby reef sharks close to shore.

2. Hike to the Will's tide pool and experience the natural beauty of St. Croix up close and personal.

Turn right out of 2dive4 and continue straight along the coast line. Do not turn left up the hill called "the beast." After approximately 2.5 miles you will come to the guard shack at the Carambolla resort. Park in the parking lot and walk away from the hotel lobby up the asphalt grade toward the tennis courts. The trail head, bridge and sign will be evident on your right. If you have any trouble just ask any of the hotel employees you will see buzzing around on their golf carts. Once you are underway your only navigational choice will occur just after you have crossed a large grassy opening. At this point the trail either goes straight down over a steep hill or you can take the left turn. Both will get you to the tide pools. The first option is for the more adventuresome and requires holding on to the tall grass and being a bit of a mountain goat. The trail to the left is an easy walk but will add an extra 5 to 10 minutes onto your trip. Your 30 to 45 minute walk will reward you with awesome scenic vistas while en route. Upon arrival you will have an extremely cool place to jump into the water, swim, climb, snorkel, explore or sunbathe. This is the type of place upon which island fantasies are based.

Tip: The tide pools are very secluded and private.   Due to this, follow the boyscouts motto and "be prepared." Take a snack, water, sunblock, mask / snorkel, and, aqua shoes for use at the pools. There is a backpack in the utility room of 2dive4 to help you carry everything. Do not waste space packing a towel. I suggest going on a sunny weekday. Overcast days will not allow you to stay warm while in the pools. On weekdays you are less likely to encounter other people. Tennis shoes and socks are adequate footwear for the hike.

And Dave's #1 thing to do on St. Croix is ........Get wet! 

Go diving , snorkel, swim in the pool or just relax in 2dive4's heated spa and watch the boats and dolphins go by. Ahhhh this is the life. Enjoy!