Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Casino
Divi Carina Bay Casino
After much protest and controversy, this casino intro-
duced gambling to St. Croix in 2000. Many visitors who heretofore went to such
islands as Aruba for gambling now come here. The 10,000-square-foot casino boasts
20 gaming tables and 300 slot machines. No passport is needed to enter, but you do
need some form of ID. In lieu of a nightclub, the casino offers nightly live music on
an open stage on the casino floor. There are two bars, plus a smaller cafe-style bar
where you can order light meals. It's open Monday to Thursday noon to 4am and
Friday to Sunday 24 hours a day.
In the Divi Carina Bay Resort (p. 148).
&
340/773-7529.
www.
divicarina.com.
A SIDE TRIP TO
BUCK ISLAND
The crystal-clear waters and white-coral sands of
Buck Island,
a satellite of St.
Croix, are legendary. Some call it the single-most-important attraction of the Carib-
bean. Only about a half-mile wide and a mile long, Buck Island lies 1
1
⁄
2
miles off the
northeastern coast of St. Croix. A barrier reef here shelters many reef fish, including
queen angelfish and smooth trunkfish. In years past, the island was frequented by the
swashbuckling likes of Morgan, Lafitte, Blackbeard, and even Captain Kidd.
Buck Island's greatest attraction is its underwater
snorkeling trails,
which ring
part of the island and are maintained by the National Park Service. This 850-acre
National Monument features a snorkeling trail through a forest of elkhorn coral.
Equipped with a face mask, swim fins, and a snorkel, you'll be treated to some of the
most beautiful underwater views in the Caribbean. Plan on spending at least two-
thirds of a day at this extremely famous ecological site. Labyrinths and grottoes await
scuba divers. The sandy beach has picnic tables and barbecue pits, as well as rest-
rooms and a small changing room. There are no concessions on the island.
You can hike the trails that twist around and over the island. Circumnavigating the
island will take only about 2 hours. Trails meander from several points along the
coastline to the sun-flooded summit, affording views over nearby St. Croix.
Warning:
The island's western edge has groves of poisonous manchineel trees, whose leaves,
bark, and fruit cause extreme irritation when they come into contact with human
skin. Always bring protection from the sun's merciless rays—including a hat and sun
block.
Sometimes small-boat operators trying to make an extra buck will, for a negotiated
fee, run people to Buck Island from Christiansted Harbor. These services are
unscheduled and likely to be available in winter only. It's best to stick to the charter
companies we recommend, as they are more reliable. Nearly all charters provide
snorkeling equipment and allow for 1
1
⁄
2
hours of snorkeling and swimming. See “Fun
in the Surf & Sun,” earlier in this chapter, for companies in addition to the two below.
Mile Mark Watersports,
in the King Christian Hotel, 59 King's Wharf, Chris-
tiansted (
&
340/773-2628
), conducts two types of tours. The first option is a half-
day tour aboard a glass-bottom boat departing daily from the King Christian Hotel,
from 9:30am to 1pm and 1:30 to 5pm; it costs $65 per person. The second is a daily
full-day tour, from 10am to 4pm, on a 40-foot trimaran for $95. Included in this
excursion is a box lunch.
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