From protected reefs to rum distilleries, here’s how to get to know the Caribbean island.

But despite its convenient access from the United States mainland, this island seems to fly under the radar.

Go for a night dive at Frederiksted Pier to see underwater in a new light.

Beautiful scenery with harbor of St Croix, green mountain, water and town along the coastline.

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Indulge in St. Croix’s culinary scene one of the best among the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Visit Protestant Cay for beautiful beaches with an unusual history.

Tour a famous distillery and try regional rums, too.

A view of Buck Island, just off the coast of St. Croix, in the USVI.

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Read on for their tried-and-true suggestions.

Sail and swim at Buck Island.

With that in mind, a trip toSt.

Frederiksted pier

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Local companies offer half and full-day excursions to the island and its protected ecosystem.

Dive at Frederiksted Pier at night.

Indulge in a burgeoning food scene.

Bird’s eye view of a high end crucian dish

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Patio space and frequent live music makeShupe’s On the Boardwalka favorite in Christiansted.

Visit Protestant Cay.

This beautiful cay gets its name from its past as an age-old Protestant burial ground.

Twilight looking at the Palm Trees on Protestant Cay Beach in Christiansted Harbor, St Croix, US Virgin Islands

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Tour a historic rum distillery.

Celebrate with locals at the Crucian Christmas Festival.

There’s plenty of delicious local food available at every turn, too.

Cruzan Rum Distillery on St. Croix Island

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Spend a day at Rainbow Beach.

Sample local Crucian fare.

Explore hidden beaches.

Two young girls in a parade for the St Croix Christmas Festival

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“White-sand beaches like Shoys Beach are local favorites, quiet despite being so lovely,” she says.

Visit St. Croixs botanical garden.

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Over 1,500 species of tropical plants await at theSt.

Aerial view of St. Croix pier and coastline of beaches.

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Visit Christiansted National Historic Site.

Snorkel in tidal pools.

That also means it’s not overcrowded.

Plate of fried fish and fried plantains with slices of lime.

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Adventurous visitors will want this spot on their island itinerary.

Shop in Christiansted.

Colorful King’s Alley has a high concentration of shops in Christianstedand is worth exploring.

The pristine Cane Bay Beach in St. Croix US Virgin Islands

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Enjoy a sunset sail.

There’s nothing like taking in a St. Croix sunset from the water.

Local charters offer plenty of options for group excursions and private sailings year-round.

At St. George Village Botanical Garden, on a former sugar plantation on St. Croix, the gardens are overgrowing the stone ruins

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Sip drinks by the ocean at AMA at Cane Bay.

Sustainably sourced local ingredients shine, while the cocktail menu features both island favorites and new creations.

Kayak through bioluminescent bays.

Located on the northern shores of St. Croix, Ft. Christiansted provides a look into history on the island.

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Feast at the Taste of St. Croix.

Explore Fort Frederik.

The Tide Pools overlooking Annaly Bay, on St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands

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Dive at Butler Bay.

The wreck of a colossal oil barge is home to some of the bay’s most stunning marine life.

An aerial view of Christiansted harbor on the northern side of St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands

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Sunset view from a St. Croix beach with waves lapping.

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Pouring a cocktail at a waterfront table as the sun sets.

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Sunset kayak tour on a bioluminescent bay

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Dishes being served at A Taste of St Croix

A Taste of St Croix

Fort Frederiksted, St. Croix,

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View of the ocean, golf course, and tennis courts at Buccaneer Golf Course.

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Scuba divers swim to a shipwreck near St. Croix

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