Croix is the least popular of the three United States Virgin Islands, making it a great destination for those looking for a less commercial Caribbean experience. St. Thomas and St. John are the other two islands that make up the USVI.
These beautiful Caribbean islands are popular with US couples, as they are a short flight away from the East Coast and no passport is required. When planning a couple's trip or honeymoon to the US Virgin Islands, many people wonder which island is better: St. Thomas or St. John? It's easy to visit both islands in one trip, as there is an easy ferry between them.
But which one should you choose? There's really no clear answer to this question; it depends on what you're looking for on your Caribbean honeymoon or romantic retreat. Both islands are beautiful, with green mountainous interiors surrounded by white sand beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters. Thomas is the busiest tourist destination, known for its luxury resorts and exclusive shopping. It tends to have a more “American” feel; its capital, Charlotte Amalie, is also the capital of the US Virgin Islands and is a cruise port. Located about 40 miles south of St. Thomas and about twice its size, St.
Croix is a less touristy island with a quiet and more isolated environment. The two cities of St. Croix are Christiansted and Frederiksted. There are more things to do in St.
Thomas, as well as more dining options and more accommodation options; however, St. Croix has resorts, restaurants and activities, but offers fewer options in all three categories. When it comes to choosing between St. Thomas and St. Croix, it really depends on what type of experience you're looking for on your romantic getaway or honeymoon.
St. Thomas is more popular with travelers who like history, who want nightlife, or who want lots of options for dining and activities. Croix, on the other hand, is more popular with those interested in tranquility, relaxing on secluded beaches and doing natural activities such as hiking. It's fairly easy to get to both cities of St. Croix and St Thomas (remember that here you drive on the left side of the road).
While there are mountains on both islands, St. Thomas tends to have steeper and more winding roads; plus, since it's a more crowded island, driving around St. Thomas is more difficult and less pleasant than driving in St. Croix. It's also often easier to find parking in St.
Croix than in St. Thomas; however, there isn't much difference in cost between the two islands, so neither is really more expensive than the other.
St. Thomas
has beautiful beaches, but St. Croix offers more secluded beaches that are less developed than those in St.Thomas. The most famous beach in St. Thomas is Magen's Bay Beach, which can also be crowded; some of the best beaches in St. Thomas are Coki Beach, Hull Bay Beach and Sapphire Beach; all of them have services such as water sports equipment rental, restaurants and bars. A less developed beach in St.
Thomas is Lindquist Beach, which is part of a protected area; meanwhile, some of the best beaches in St. Croix are Jack's Bay Beach, Judith's Fancy Beach and Turtle Beach on Buck Island; Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge offers a beautiful beach and a chance to see some rare animals; it is closed during turtle nesting season but opens differently. One of the best serviced beaches in St. Croix is Rainbow Beach, which has a popular bar with live music; since this beach is located on the west coast of St. Croix, it's an excellent place to watch the sunset. Couples who love to go shopping will prefer St.
Thomas as there are a lot of boutiques and exclusive stores that offer tax-free shopping; however, St. Croix offers many small local stores that sell unique handmade items. A unique thing to do in St. Croix is visit an 18th century sugar plantation and sugar mill that houses the Estate Whim Museum; you can also go kayaking with dolphins at Coral World Ocean Park. If you're interested in day trips, you'll have more opportunities in St. Thomas; you can take the ferry to the third station in the USVI -St John- or visit one of the British Virgin Islands; you can also take a ferry to the small uninhabited Hassel and Water Islands from St Croix.
