Facts
about St. Croix USVI and Gentle Winds Resort
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Gentle Winds Resort
St. Croix
U.S. Virgin Islands
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 About St.
Croix
St. Croix is the largest of the three islands
which comprise the U.S. Virgin Islands. It
is 28 miles long and 7 miles wide covering 82 square miles,
with a population of 50,000. Its vegetation ranges from
the semi-arid flora in the east to a tropical rain forest in
the west(click
here to view a map of St.
Croix).
Seven flags have flown over the island of St.
Croix, with the most recent being Denmark and the United
States. The island was originally inhabited by the
Arawak and more fierce Carib Indians. It was the Carib
Indians that Columbus encountered on his second trip to the
new world, in 1493, when he made landfall at Salt River on
the north shore of St. Croix. |
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The climate is generally sunny with year round
temperatures ranging in the 80's during the day to 70's most
nights. The gentle trade winds blowing in from the east
tend to keep the humidity low. Most island showers are
quick, tropical and over in a brief time. Annual
rainfall averages about 40 inches with September - October
rainier than the winter months.
St. Croix is on Atlantic Standard Time, so be
sure to adjust your watches and clocks when you arrive.
AST is one hour earlier than Eastern Standard Time and
the same as Eastern Daylight Savings
Time. |
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Christiansted, the main town on St. Croix, is
located on the north shore about mid-island. It is
known for its duty-free shopping, art galleries, and fine
restaurants and charming island bars. Here you can find
fabulous examples of Danish architecture in the town's many
buildings (dating back to the 1700's) and a restored fort
protecting Christiansted Harbour. A walking tour of the
town is well worth the time.
Water sports are a major part of island life --
with many beaches, reefs, and recreational opportunities
available on your visit. St. Croix has some of the best
diving and snorkeling in the Caribbean.
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For scuba divers, its famous wall dives are
without comparison -- with a high probability of an encounter
with some of our abundant sea life. Sea turtles,
barracuda, eels, a host of tropical fish, and an occasional
nurse shark are all part of the tropical dive experience.
To assist you with your diving needs, there are
many top ranked Dive Centers which can provide a wide variety
of diving opportunities.
A day sail to Buck Island National Park, an 800
acre natural reserve, provides the only under-water
snorkeling site in the U.S. National Park system. The
Buck Island beach has been touted as one of the Caribbean's
finest and is not to be missed.
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For those preferring a dryer island experience,
don't forget the excitement of St. Croix's new Divi Carina
Bay Casino. It is located on the east end of the island
and provides nightly entertainment while you try your hand at
the many table games or slot and video
machines.
Don't forget the challenging 18 hole golf courses
at Carambola and Buccaneer Hotel. The championship golf
course at Carambola Golf and Tennis Resort was designed by
Robert Trent Jones Sr. and combines a beautiful tropical
setting with a challenging array of fairway designs.
The Buccaneer Hotel has designed a scenic course with
outstanding views amid rolling hills and a tropical sea-side
setting. |
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Much of St. Croix's charm lies in the gently
rolling hills, vast stretches of beach, and the many ruins
dotting the island -- over 100 sugar mills and great houses
left from the plantation days. It is this blend
of old Caribbean charm and modern day activities that will
ensure your vacation will be a memorable experience.
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Additional
Facts
About St.
Croix
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Citizenship: |
Virgin Islanders are U.S. citizens. The
U.S. Virgin Islands is considered a U.S. Territory. The
Virgin Islands has a governor and legislature elected
locally, but the President of the United States is still the
Head of State. |
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Currency: |
U.S. Dollars |
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Climate: |
Average temperature
is 77 - 85 degrees. Rainfall can average 40
inches on the west end of the island and as little as 10
inches on the east end of the
island. |
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Dress: |
Mostly casual during the day and informal at
night. It is frowned upon to wear bathing suits, short
shorts or bare midriffs in town. |
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Electricity: |
110 volts, 60 cycles
AC |
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Income Tax: |
The U.S. Virgin Islands uses the United States'
IRS Tax Code, but the tax dollars are retained locally.
Social Security and Federal Unemployment taxes are paid
to the U.S. Government. |
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Language: |
English with Spanish spoken
frequently |
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Population: |
Approximately 50,000
people |
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Sales Tax: |
There is no sales tax, however, there is an 8%
hotel room tax. |
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Size: |
28 miles long and 7 miles wide (at its
widest point) |
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Time: |
Atlantic Standard Time -- Daylight Savings Time
is not observed |
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Water: |
Most people drink bottled or purified water.
Water is available from wells, cisterns (stored rain
water) and desalinated sea
water. |
Recommended
Reading:
Meet the Virgins… The Settlers
Handbook
Megnin
Publications
The Romantic History of St. Croix
Florence Lewisohn
Life in the Left Lane
Emy Thomas
Don't Stop the Carnival
Herman Wouk
(
Just for the fun of It )
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