A Drive Around St. Croix

Stop 5 - East End Sights

St. Croix is shaped like a long, narrow triangle with the base towards the west and the tip toward the east. Two of the more attractive of the many beaches on the eastern end of the island are Grapetree Bay and Jack Bay. Before the devastating hurricanes that his the island in 1989 and 1995, Grapetree Bay was the site of a prominent resort hotel. Unfortunately, as of early-1999, the hotel had not been repaired and reopened. However, the beach is still a popular spot for local residents and visitors alike.

Grapetree Bay on St. Croix's southeastern tip

Just over the ridge from Grapetree Bay lies Jack Bay, an undeveloped beach that many consider to be one of St. Croix's finest.

The beautiful and undeveloped Jack Bay

[Photo copyrighted 1996-2003 by Claire Simpson]

The easternmost tip of St. Croix is called Point Udall, and it is also the easternmost part of the United States. Historians believe that when Columbus approached St. Croix during his second voyage to the "New World," Point Udall was the part of the Virgin Islands he sighted first. In the photo below, the small island near the horizon is Buck Island

Point Undall with Buck Island in the distance

Buck Island lies about a mile off of St. Croix's northeastern coast. It is officially called the Buck Island Reef National Monument and includes the only underwater national monument under the National Park Service. Licensed sail and power boats carry visitors to the island for a day of snorkeling in the unbelievably clear waters, where underwater markers guide you through the different types of coral. On the island itself, you can hike a one mile nature trail to view some of the more than 40 species of birds and 60 species of plants and trees.

Buck Island's crystal waters and white sand

[Photo from a U.S. Virgin Islands promotional brochure]

As we head back to the airport to catch the commuter plane back to St. Thomas, I hope you enjoyed this tour of St. Croix. Maybe this look at some of its historic charms will encourage you to make a real visit someday.

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Last Updated: January 1, 2003