Page 39 - Florida and the US Caribbean Isles
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Buck Island: This pristine little Caribbean island is a must visit for tenna observatory for exploring the Universe.
anyone who goes to St. Croix. This island is an unspoiled natural habi- GRAPETREE BEACH This white sandy beach is remote and usually
tat surrounded more than 70% by a rich coral reef barrier, which is empty, although Divi Resort has been repaired since being wiped out
much comprised of elkhorn corals, and all kinds of tropical Caribbean by Hurricane Hugo in 1989.
marine life. The Buck Island environment, including its surrounding GREAT SALT POND BAY Here there are salt flats and ponds in what
waters, has been protected since 1948 and has been a National Monu- appears to be an desert by the sea. This is a bird watchers delight.
ment since 1961. Beaches are nesting grounds for hawksbill, leath- CRUZAN RUM DISTILLERY This is from where the famous Cruzan
erback and green sea turtles. The island itself is a nesting ground for Rum comes. Tours show the history of St. Croix sugar cane and the
Caribbean brown pelicans and other sea birds. The reef includes a ma- rum-making process. Tourists may sample rums in the tasting room.
rine garden “trail” with underwater signs for snorkelers to follow and ST. GEORGE BOTANICAL GARDEN This is a 1700’s sugar planta-
learn about the tropical fishes, corals and sponges. Buck Island has a tion which has been renovated and surrounded by a collection of trop-
hiking trail to the 340’ (104m) peak, where the view of the turquoise ical flora, including medicinal herbs. There are also scant remnants of
waters below, as well as the Island of St. Croix, is absolutely stunning. the pre-Columbian Arawaks from well over 1,000 years ago.
Official concessionaires who take snorkelers, divers and explorers to THE ESTATE WHIM PLANTATION This is a restored 1700’s sugar
Buck Island include Captain Heinz, out of Green Cay Marina, and estate, complete with fancy furnishings of the era’s wealthy plantation
Dive St. Croix, from Christiansted. Excursions are half-day or full-day. owners. The green grounds, including a beautifully restored windmill,
PLACES TO VISIT AND THINGs TO DO ON ST. CROIX are toured with guides. The St. Croix Landmarks Society is located
COLUMBUS LANDING SITE OF ST. CROIX. It was here at Salt Riv- here, and many of its special events are held on the grounds. Novelty
er Bay that Christopher Columbus landed during his second voyage items are available at the museum gift shop.
in 1493. This is the site of the first European confrontation with the SANDY POINT WILDLIFE PRESERVE The Westend Saltpond is a
Carib tribe. This is the only site under the flag of the U.S.A. where Co- fantastic bird-watching spot, especially for flocks of great pink flamin-
lumbus made landfall. However, Columbus still figured he was near gos. This is one of the best places in the world to watch the sunset.
India!
JUDITH’S FANCY Named for 17th century estate owner. 250 year-
old Danish great house was the largest plantation on St. Croix.
POINT UDALL This scenic point is the easternmost point in the
United States. The Isaac Bay Trail here leads to a beach with a coral
reef. This remote point has a huge National Science Foundation an-
