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Magen's Bay

St. Croix VS. St. Thomas: Which One’s for You?

Beaches, Caribbean, Showdown, US Virgin Islands, Vacation

If you’re an avid traveler like me, you can never have too many places to visit! And today as your go-to guide for everything relating to traveling, I’ll be breaking down the age-old question: Which island takes it home for the best one to visit: St. Croix or St. Thomas?

Wellll, don’t know how to break it to you but they both are ideal in their own ways. Wait wait wait, don’t bring out the knives just yet! Let me explain and then let me know which one will be your go-to spot this summer!

Let’s Talk Georgraphy

The largest island of the U.S Virgin Islands, St. Croix is just around 40 miles south of St. Thomas. Due to the island being the biggest one in terms of land, it’s got more diversity when we talk about landscape. Plantations, lush green forests, landscapes that will leave you in awe with their diversity are just a glimpse in everything that St. Croix offers!

St. Thomas has lesser in terms of lands that spread wide, but makes up for it through its mountainous views. Due to this geographic strength of St. Thomas, you’ll get to witness views of a lifetime and protected harbors like Charlotte Amalie that you’ve probably heard of. These aspects make St. Thomas a popular cruise ship port as well.

Photo by Caleb Holden on Unsplash
St. Croix Shoreline -- Photo by Caleb Holden on Unsplash
St. Thomas Oceanview -- Photo by Karl Callwood on Unsplash

History & Culture – Who Does it Better?

Agricultural heritage of St. Croix is one of significant parts of this island’s culture. Visitors today are welcomed to explore the restored plantation estates as well as rum distilleries which offer you a glimpse in the island’s past and complex history (PSA: An unspoken rule for travelers: being respectful is key to be in such places!). There is a rich cultural blend compiled with Danish influence which showcases in the form of architecture as well as historical sites which you can easily spot in Christiansted as well as Frederiksted. Don’t forget to send me pictures if this makes you go there!

Trade is what St. Thomas makes a bustling hub, and no, not the Wolf-Street kind! It’s known for its premier ports of Caribbean in Charlotte Amalie. The town’s architecture is as beautiful as a perfectly blended smoothie with all the bright ingredients you can think of. I’m talking about the fascinating step streets (“99 steps” in the local lingo) as well as the buildings enriched with history influenced by Danish, British and Dutch cultures! If you’re an artsy kid with a knack for shopping and dining in unique places with fascinating cuisines, St. Thomas is awaiting you!

“St. Thomas is the pulse of the U.S. Virgin Islands, with its vibrant nightlife, bustling ports, and luxury shopping. St. Croix, on the other hand, is its serene heart, offering a slower pace, rich history, and unspoiled natural beauty. Together, they embody the perfect balance of excitement and tranquility in the Caribbean.”

Nothing Wrong With Filters – But These Islands are All-Natural

Both islands give each other a tough time when comparing the natural beauty of the landscapes.

St. Croix is a top-spot for divers with its spectacular diving sites. Not only the divers, the Buck Island Reef National Monument offers the perfectly protected spot for snorkelling and diving among the mesmerizing coral reefs! Not to forget the rainforests where you can spend hours hiking in which lead to visiting Annaly Bay’s tidal pools and secluded beaches where you and your other half can have peaceful moments you’ll always reminisce together!

 

St. Thomas is no less when it comes to natural wonders that will have you awestruck. Magens Bay Beach is the one of the island’s most celebrated beaches, which provides priceless views and hiking opportunities such as Drake’s Seat’s trail. And wait, you thought I was done? There’s a lot more awaiting you such as sailing, fishing, parasailing and much more!

If You’re Not a Nature Lover – Than What Are You?

If Mother Nature does not excite you, maybe the luxury resorts, the cozy beds, the breakfasts, all in St. Thomas might. Compared to St. Croix, St. Thomas does have more options to choose from when it comes to high-end resorts, a more buzzing nightlife and shopping options for days. You’d come across a lot, and I mean a lot, of cruise passengers stopping by for these experiences, especially shopping, so don’t say you weren’t warned!

If you’re looking for a less people-filled, laid-back experience where you can mostly just chill and sip your favorite margaritas, St. Croix might be for you. It does have its fair share of luxurious options to have a good time at, but you’ll for sure find more boutique hotels, private villas and all that jazz.

Now you know what I meant with both of them being ideal in their own ways. It entirely depends on what kind of experience you’re going for. Want a more hang-over and adrenaline-filled experience? St. Thomas is for you.  But if you’d rather say goodbye to overwhelming noise, and want to connect with nature more, while still having some tourist-y options to choose from, St. Croix is the place to be at. But whichever you choose, you’re guaranteed to have unforgettable Caribbean experience of a lifetime at any of these islands!

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