John: Pocket-sized and jam-packed with natural wondersĪs the smallest and least populated of the USVI, St.
and Mutiny Island Vodka, the world's only vodka distilled from breadfruit. For a sip of the island’s craft beers and celebrated spirits, head to Leatherback Brewing Co. The magnificent 16-acre park features over 1,000 species of endemic and exotic trees, flowers, and shrubs planted among the ruins of an old sugarcane plantation. On the western shore is Frederiksted, where you’ll find the Saint George Botanical Gardens. Croix’s picturesque capital with traditional Danish architecture and world-class dining. The entire island is like a living, breathing museum filled with storied treasure and colonial-era attractions, including old sugar plantations and two imposing fortresses, Fort Frederik and Fort Christiansvaern. Croix’s residents) share a mix of Danish, African, and European ancestry, an origin story enshrined in the local architecture, historical landmarks, and vibrant cultural traditions. To discover all that lies in the tropical rainforests and along untouched shorelines, embark on a four-wheel-drive expedition guided by Tan Tan Tours, or on a horseback riding journey with Cruzan Cowgirls, a local operator that contributes to the rehabilitation of rescued animals. For a more family-friendly beach day, head to Chenay Bay on St. Dive enthusiasts can enjoy some of the most diverse diving experiences in the Caribbean-exploring reefs, wrecks, walls, and piers, all in one day. Below the surface awaits an Eden of underwater coral gardens-a true paradise for snorkelers-and, on land, forests of fragrant flamboyant, yellow cedar, and shower of gold. Reachable by quick boat transfer from the Christiansted Boardwalk, Buck Island is home to several of those sugar-sand beaches, including the internationally-recognized crystalline waters of Turtle Beach. Perhaps that’s because much of the island’s natural landscape remains untamed, preserving some of the most wonderful beaches, animal habitats, and snorkeling sites in all the Caribbean. Croix might be the largest of the USVI, but it’s also the most remote (about 40 miles south of its sister isles) and the least visited. Croix: Filled with stunning beaches, storied history, and tons of soul