Things to Do in St. Croix with Kids

We see a lot of families on our boats, and the kids are often the ones who don’t want to get out of the water. Here’s what we recommend for a St. Croix trip with children, on the water and on land, with the ages and prices that matter.

Kids’ ages and prices at a glance

Learn to snorkel at Buck Island

This is the one kids remember. The National Park Service says Buck Island concessioners can teach anyone, especially kids, how to snorkel, and that the water behind the barrier reef is usually calm (NPS for kids). On our Half Day Snorkel, the crew teaches everyone on the beach first, then a guide swims the underwater trail with you. Little ones who aren’t strong swimmers can hold on to a safety ring.

Bring a life jacket your child is comfortable in. Ours meet U.S. Coast Guard rules, but they may not be comfortable for young children, who wear one for most of the tour. Watch Captain Key’s snorkel lesson on our snorkeling tours page before you go.

A beach day on Turtle Beach

Not every kid wants to snorkel. Our Sunday Funday (Sundays at 1 pm, about 4 hours, all ages $65) is made for beach time and floats, and Beach & Hike (Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 10 am) goes straight to Turtle Beach with time to swim or hike to the overlook. Buck Island has no visitor services, so pack snacks and water. Read our Turtle Beach guide to see why it’s a family favorite.

The Family Friendly Sunset Cruise

Every Tuesday, Celebration leaves the Christiansted Boardwalk for a 2-hour sunset cruise built for families: $45 per adult, $35 ages 3–17, under 3 free, with a complimentary rum punch for the grown-ups plus a cash bar. See sunset cruises.

Parasailing (ages 6 and up)

An 8–10 minute flight over Christiansted harbor with our partners Parasail Virgin Islands. Flyers must be 6 or older ($95); a parent can ride along as an observer for $70. More in parasailing in St. Croix.

Forts and history

Fort Christiansvaern, at Christiansted National Historic Site, is a short walk from the boardwalk, and the NPS lets children under 16 in free with an adult; check current fees and hours on the park’s plan your visit page. On the west end, Fort Frederik in Frederiksted reportedly fired the first foreign salute to the newly independent United States, in 1776 (NPS).

Turtles, sunrise and glowing water

• Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge protects the largest leatherback nesting beach in the U.S. and its territories. Opening days are limited, so check with the refuge before you go (U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service).
• Point Udall is the easternmost point of the United States. Kids love saying they saw the first sunrise in the country.
• Salt River Bay has guided bioluminescent kayak trips at dusk, best around the new moon.

Tips for a family day on the water

• Pick the right boat. Celebration has shade and a full bathroom. Wave Dancer is boarded by a ladder, so it isn’t recommended for very young children.
• Reef-safe sunscreen only. Oxybenzone sunscreens are prohibited on our trips; a sun shirt is even easier.
• Big family? Groups of 10+ save 10% on the half day trips, or charter Mile Mark, our classic boat with lots of shade, for up to 40 guests. Compare private charters.
• Snacks and water keep everyone happy, especially on full days, when lunch isn’t included.