I still remember the moment we landed on St. Croix warm ocean breeze, palm trees swaying, and that instant sigh of finally. We had planned it loosely, nothing fancy, just one of those all inclusive trips to St Croix that everyone talks about but few really take the time to enjoy beyond the beach chair. But we wanted more.
By the second morning, the calm of the resort started to feel too still, so we grabbed our daypacks and followed a tip from a friendly bartender about a nearby trail tucked behind the Carambola resort. That was the start of something different. Turns out, all inclusive trips to St Croix can be more than buffets and cocktails, they can lead you into the jungle, under butterfly-filled canopies, and straight into the kind of adventure that sticks with you long after the sunscreen fades.
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The instructions directed us to park above the Carambola resort in one of two parking lots. At first, we couldn’t find the actual trailhead but eventually found the single track trail just above the lot which went off into the jungle.
The trail is single track most of the way and skirts the edge of the resort. There isn’t a huge elevation gain, but enough to see gorgeous Caribbean views at one point. The trail has many exposed tree roots in places, but that was it as far as hazards. We were thankful for the shade provided by the jungle, it was a warm and humid day. It’s a trail you will want to bring water with you to stay hydrated.
Due to the wind of the last few days, the ocean was especially rough. Scott climbed to the point and analyzed our options for getting around and over to the tide pools. We decided it was a bad idea and the tide was too high. Plus, we were unsure of the route.
All Inclusive Trips To St Croix : Hiking Trails
We love to hike and explore any new destination we visit. The Trumbull Trail came up on our search online for a nearby trail on the North Shore of the island.
The instructions directed us to park above the Carambola resort in one of two parking lots. At first, we couldn’t find the actual trailhead but eventually found the single track trail just above the lot which went off into the jungle.
The trail is single track most of the way and skirts the edge of the resort. There isn’t a huge elevation gain, but enough to see gorgeous Caribbean views at one point. The trail has many exposed tree roots in places, but that was it as far as hazards. We were thankful for the shade provided by the jungle, it was a warm and humid day. It’s a trail you will want to bring water with you to stay hydrated.
All Inclusive Trips To St Croix : The Nature Conservancy
We hiked in early March and there were butterflies everywhere. There was a mystical feeling as we walked and butterflies flew up all around us. Nature impressed us as we discovered a tree covered in thorns from top to bottom.
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All Inclusive Trips To St Croix : The Waves At Cane Bay
The trail is 2.7 miles long and after about 45 minutes we arrived at the waves at cane bay. It’s a small bay with rough water and a beach strewn with rock and coral. What a picturesque spot! Scott and I were all alone and it was a relief not to see crowds
All Inclusive Trips To St Croix : Annaly Bay Carambola Tide Pools
To the far left of the bay as you gaze at the Caribean Sea is a rock outcrop. Around the corner is the Annaly Bay Tide Pools. They are a natural swimming pool formation, protected by rocks from the rough ocean waves. We knew it was supposed to be precarious to get to as you need to climb up and around the sharp slippery rocks.Due to the wind of the last few days, the ocean was especially rough. Scott climbed to the point and analyzed our options for getting around and over to the tide pools. We decided it was a bad idea and the tide was too high. Plus, we were unsure of the route.
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Lucky for us, Cane Bay is just a few minutes drive away and we were able to relax at one of the beach bars and enjoy a cocktail. Scott and I were glad to hike St Croix and see for ourselves how it recovered after the hurricane. The trail was completely intact and in great condition.
To read about our snorkel trip to Buck Island, of St. Croix, please click here.
Hiking In St Croix
We ended up hiking back and stopped every so often to take pictures. It was such an enjoyable hike and hopefully, next time we make it out to the tide pools.
Lucky for us, Cane Bay is just a few minutes drive away and we were able to relax at one of the beach bars and enjoy a cocktail. Scott and I were glad to hike St Croix and see for ourselves how it recovered after the hurricane. The trail was completely intact and in great condition.
To read about our snorkel trip to Buck Island, of St. Croix, please click here.