Low-impact tourism may not be the first thing we associate with the Caribbean.

But St. Croix is a bright, eco-friendly exception.

They have become a part of its ethos year-round.

Aerial view of a couple on a beach in St Croix

Sunbathers find a secluded cove on St. Croix, the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands.Credit:Meredith Zimmerman

Solar panels are everywhere installed on houses, in lush fields, and atop new hotels.

And the coral reefs are being restored and protected by public and private efforts.

The hotel strives for sustainability, including collecting rainwater in cisterns for bathing and cooking.

Pair of photos from St Croix, one showing the patio bar of a hotel, and one showing a sailboat

From left: Golden hour at Waves Cane Bay; sailing from Christiansted Harbor.Meredith Zimmerman

There are nice design touches, too.

The days catch included lionfish, an invasive species that threatens the fragile coral ecosystem.

Were just citizen scientists passionate about ecology, Flegal said.

Pair of photos from a farm in St Croix, one showing a table full of produce, and one showing a farmer and a chef with a box of lettuce

From left: Fresh produce at Ridge to Reef Farm; Nate Olive, Ridge to Reef’s owner, hands off ingredients for a Slow Down Dinner to chef Michael Matthews.Meredith Zimmerman

When we reached the shore, Jarvis had me gently scoop up a pile of white sand.

Moments later, the water began to glow with the blue-green haze of single-celled plankton.

With each swish of the paddle, a glittery constellation formed underwater.

View of cacti and beach in St Croix

The Jack & Isaac Bay Preserve on the island’s east end is a sea-turtle sanctuary.Meredith Zimmerman

My final meal showed me another facet of the islands sustainability push.

Held once or more a month, the dinner showcases the farms bounty.

Were all discovering it together.

Pair of photos from St Croix, one showing snorkelers preparing to go in the water, and one showing a man holding a cocktail

From left: A snorkeler enters the water near Buck Island, just off the coast of St. Croix; a guest at Waves Cane Bay sips a Jungle Bird cocktail made with local rum.Meredith Zimmerman

A version of this story first appeared in the February 2024 issue ofTravel + Leisure.

Pair of photos from St Croix, one showing palms and water at sunset, and one showing the view from a hotel balcony

From left: Sunset as seen from St. Croix’s northern shore; one of the private waterfront balconies at Waves Cane Bay.Meredith Zimmerman

Pair of photos from St Croix, one showing a hatched turtle shell in a man’s hand, and one showing a sea turtle under water

From left: A hatched sea-turtle egg found at Jack & Isaac Bay; green sea turtles inhabit the waters around St. Croix.Meredith Zimmerman

Pair of photos from the Coral Innovation Hub in St Croix, one showing a man working with the coral, and one showing coral plates in a bin

The Coral Innovation Hub is testing methods for breeding coral faster.Meredith Zimmerman

Yellowtail snapper swimming off of St Croix

Yellowtail snappers await snorkelers off the coast of St. Croix.Meredith Zimmerman

Pair of photos from St Croix, one showing breadfruit on a tree, and one showing a portrait of a boat crew member

From left: Breadfruit trees can be found throughout St. Croix; a crew member sets anchor at Turtle Beach, on Buck Island.Meredith Zimmerman