Panacea Place STX Guidebook

Taxis are sometimes difficult to get and they run on a limited schedule. A rental car gives you flexibility to go where you want when you want.

Calling ahead for a dinner reservation or visit to an attraction is really a requirement. You're in the Caribbean and "Caribbean time" is a real thing. Make sure to make a reservation to ensure you can get a table at a restaurant and make sure it will be open. Don't show up too late, many places close when the crowd starts getting thin.

Don't be too intimidated by this, you will be quite alert since everything is different. Be especially careful when in parking lots or when backing out onto a road. Situations like those are the times your subconscious will guide you to the wrong side of the road.

Once booked, ask Pat for directions, they won't fit in the space provided here, he can email them to you.

Panacea Place has a keyless electronic lock, you will be given a unique code. Once your code is entered, push the "TOLEDO" button to unlock the door.

Inside the Judith’s Fancy guard gate go straight on Hamilton to the 4th road on the left. Go up Bacuba to the fork and then left again up Robin Circle. From the fork it is the 2nd drive on the right with the Panacea Place sign…139. Please park at the top of the driveway by the Parking sign.

Consider the weather and wave forecast before headed to a beach. Pat can provide much more detail about specific beaches and a weather app that will help you plan your beach excursion. Ask him to email you the sheet he has put together (too long to include here).

Pat can give you recommendations for shops and dive sites. Too much to communicate here, ask Pat for a sheet he can email you that will get you started on your diving adventures in STX. Pat is a certified DM, so he can also provide guided shore dives to certified divers.

If you want to go snorkeling, here are some suggested locations. Everyone wants to see something different and what you see depends on where you go. A conversation with Pat can help guide you. Honesty about your swim skills is critical to having a great time out, the open ocean can be too much for less proficient swimmers. Places to consider: The Pier, Cane Bay, Butler Bay, The Shoy's Beach, Mermaid Beach at the Buccaneer, Isaac’s Bay, or the beach by Sandcastles. Discuss with Pat, he's been to all these places and can tell you what to expect at each unique location.

Sometimes food portions at the local restaurants are just too big. Consider sharing a meal and save a significant amount of $ and feel much better.

St. Croix is a paradise and the help you get is often dependent on your tips for income (they are severely underpaid - that's why I don't do it full time). I have heard too many horror stories about dive masters and instructors who put in countless hours with their clients safety in their hands who get stiffed by no tip. Don't let that be you, be respectful!