St. Croix Eco-Tourism

St. Croix is unique in the fact that we are still considered "undiscovered". We are not over-run with tourists and you can still find quiet, out of the way places, just like the Caribbean should be! We get a "different" type of guest who does their research, wants to stay and explore our hidden treasures, dives into the local culture and environment and becomes part of the experience.

St. Croix has some of the best eco-tourism opportunities in the Caribbean, where you are free to explore an island environment from mountain peak to coral reef.

If you are looking for more ways to vacation green on St. Croix, you should check out our Green Guide and Top 10 Ways To Vacation Green.

St. Croix is truly an eco-lovers paradise.  The largest of the United States Virgin Islands, St. Croix boast more un-developed land than St. Thomas or St. John; and it is BEAUTIFUL!
The variety of ecosystems in the Caribbean and St. Croix, make it one of the richest areas in the world for eco-tourism. From the coral reefs to the rain-forests,and abundance of flora and fauna.

   

Not only are there many eco-tourism activities to participate in while visiting St. Croix, there are also eco-friendly events though-out the year to attend that are in sync with preserving our fragile ecology and focus on the natural world and its resources. Some of these events include Mango Melee, the Agricultural Fair, turtle nesting watches, beach clean-ups, coastal and organic walks, Buck Island, Scuba Diving and snorkeling charters. These events and more take place through out the year- check our calendar to see what is happening this month!

What are you interested in? Guided Eco-Tours, Self Guided Tours and Hikes, Eco-Observations



Virgin Islands Sustainable Farm Institute
We offer walking farm taste tours by advance request for small or large groups.

Virgin Islands Sustainable Farm Institute
West End Rain Forest, at Creque Dam Farm
340-332-8255 or 706-534-5033
VISFI.org

Visit the Virgin Islands Sustainable Farm Institute -the only certified Organic and Green Globe destination on Earth -a sprawling 200-acre conservation forest farm with comfortable guest cabanas, a seasonal variety of personal workshops, garden tours, and healing arts. See why VISFI was ranked as a “Top 100 Blue List” island travel activities in the world in 2007, a top 25 “New Favorite” in the Caribbean in 2008 (by ISLANDS Magazine), and a top “Geotourism” project in the world by National Geographic’s Center for Sustainable Tourism Destinations. We offer walking farm taste tours by advance request for small or large groups.


St. Croix East End Marine Park

2008 is the International Year of the Reef

St. Croix East End Marine Park
340-773-3367
StCroixMarinePark.org

The St. Croix East End Marine Park was established for the purpose of managing the resources within the boundaries of the park. These natural and cultural resources provide environmental, economic and social benefits to residents and visitors. Increased demand for recreational, educational and commercial uses require the resources be managed in a manner that guarantees the benefits are available for present and future generations.

2008 is the International Year of the Reef. We host monthly events (family-oriented) to help raise awareness and appreciation for all of the values and benefits they bring to us, both directly and indirectly. Find out more about this program and how you can help protect the reef and waters that surround St. Croix here.


St. Croix Environmental Association (SEA)

St. Croix Environmental Association (SEA)
Gallows Bay, Christiansted
Tel: 340-773-1989 Fax 340-773-7545
www.stxenvironmental.org

SEA was born in 1986, when a building boom threatened to crowd the island's waterfront with unrestricted developments. Recognizing the need to protect natural areas and prevent destruction of sensitive coastal zones, the founding members of SEA worked tirelessly to bring a halt to the potentially disastrous building projects.

As our message penetrated the local consciousness and the courts supported our positions, we have been able to evolve into a more productive leadership role. We are now establishing working partnerships with other environmental groups, community organizations, businesses and government agencies to promote sustainable development and work towards a healthy and vital environment for our island.

SEA is supported by memberships - you too can be a member!


GUIDED ECO-TOURS


Buck Island National Monument is the only under-water National Park in the Caribbean.  A beautiful beach and colorful reefs with friendly fish.  Click here to read about Buck Island.

Buck Island National Monument

White sand beaches, clear blue water and colorful snorkel trails is just the tip of what Buck Island has to offer. Take a snorkel trip at Buck Island.


Saddle up and go places not reachable by any vehicle.  Learn out our island's history as well as the unique flora and fauna that exists in our "rain forest."  Click here for more.

Horseback Rides through the rainforest

Saddle up and learn about our native trees, plants and cultural history of the lush rainforest area of St. Croix by a guide who was raised on the island. Click here to come along!


Upclose and personal look at mangroves, birds, iguanas, and marine life in ecologically protected Salt River Ecological Preserve. Click here to read about our adventure!

Kayak Historic Salt River

Upclose and personal look at mangroves, birds, iguanas, and marine life in ecologically protected Salt River Ecological Preserve. Click here to read about our adventure!


Sugar was once the main source of revenue on St. Croix. Sugar plantations remain all over St. Croix. Click here to learn the history about one in particular.

Ruins Ramble

Sugar was once the main source of revenue on St. Croix. Sugar plantations remain all over St. Croix. Click here to learn the history about one in particular.


Fantastic dive operators and even more fabulous diving conditions. St. Croix can not be surpassed in the variety of diving it offers. Click here to see what we mean!

SCUBA Diving

Fantastic dive operators and even more fabulous diving conditions. St. Croix can not be surpassed in the variety of diving it offers. Click here to see what we mean!


You never know what you might discover underwater around St. Croix!  Photo provided by Capt. J.P.

Snorkeling Charters

Take a serene snorkeling trip to unique out of the way areas and get friendly with the underwater life. Check out what St. Croix has to offer.


SELF GUIDED TOURS & HIKES


Our Caribbean island holds much historical importance. The National Park Services operates several parks for you to explore. Click here to begin your search.

Discover St. Croix's National Parks

Our Caribbean island holds much historical importance. The National Park Services operates several parks for you to explore. Click here to begin your search.


A special gem on St. Croix's rugged North Shore, Annaly Bay is a breathtaking hike that rewards you with fabulous tide pools to cool off in.  Click here to read more about the hike.

Hike to our Tidal Pools

Start off in the rainforest and end up in a cool pool of water in the area known as Annaly Bay. Click here to hike with us.


ECO-OBSERVATIONS


St. Croix has a variety of birds to observe, such as the Brown Pelican.  Click here to down load a PDF of a Bird Watch Checklist for St. Croix.

Birds on St. Croix

Our island is home to some warm weather fowl; migratory and native, even some endangered. Click here to download a pdf Bird-Observation Guide.


View our guide to St. Croix's flora and fauna so you know what to look for.  Something is always in bloom.  Our warm, humid climate allows for incredible plants.

The Flora & Fauna

St. Croix's humid climate allows for colorful flora and fauna. From flowers to fruit-bearing, click here to see what grows on our island.


St. Croix and its agencies, such as the National Park Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services, and the Nature Conservancy, play an important role in the preservation of endangered sea turtles, such as the leatherback and hawksbill.  Click here to read about our night observing these magical creatures.

Moon-light Turtle Watching

St. Croix is home to 2 types of sea-turtles. The endangered Leatherback and Hawksbill. Click here to read about how we got to observe a turtle hatching.


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