buying a business in St Croix

Dixie,
Welcome to the island. Your research so far has proved to be pretty accurate. Most of the bars with which I am familiar ( a very limited number I admit) do close earlier than most stateside bars. Although 7 pm is a little earlier than most. Most close around 9:30 or 10:00. Jet skis are not very popular here as they are noisy and can wreak havoc on the coral reef. Most of the tourist who come here come for the relaxing atmosphere. None of the big US banks you mentioned are here. Citicorp used to be, but they sold out a few years ago.

There are many folks on this board much better able to advise you about setting up a business in the islands than me. You will probably need a local realtor, CPA and probably an attorney here. Good luck.

Have you checked out St.Thomas or St.John as a potentially more sound business and fincancial decsion....especiall if you are planning on it providing retirement income.

Well Dixie, you are learning quickly. Yes, the late night bar business on stx is somewhat limited. For what ever reason (maybe hours in the sun) most tourists do not spend their time in bars late at night. That business is mostly "different "groups of locals.
That business can produce some income, but no more than any stateside bar business. You mention the "jetski"business. That is a sure way to turn some local people "off". Jetski's are noisy, smelly and polluting (&kill sea animals). Yes, some tourist's are attracted to them, but anyone who lives here (unless they rent jetski"s) HATE them.

While St Croix needs the growth that new investment and innovation bring, you will find that the "cruise" customers on St Thomas are more interested in what you are interested in marketing. Good luck in your new venture.
soc...

My wife and I are also looking at getting involved in a business in the Islands. My original idea 20 years ago was Buck's Beer and Bait in Bimini. Right now my wife is wants a B &B on either the St. Thomas or St. Martin (the island my daugher approves of most). As you can see we are in the preliminary stages of research.
Maybe we should talk.
Don and Carol Buchanan

Dixie,

Everyone has advised you well concerning the bar scene and jet skis... Hotel on the Cay is the spot that has jetskis as far as I understand. Other places have kayak tours, charters, sunset sails, diving... The night life seen on St. Croix is quiet, lots of eatting at a nice casual, friendly restuarant, listening to music at a casual beach bar and then thats it. You need to research it and maybe you could come up with something very innovative that would attract visitors and residents. St. Thomas does have more of a nightlife scene as mentioned. I think in both cases, St. Croix or St. Thomas you need to come with something unique and interesting, thats not there (but make sure that it isnt something that used to be there that failed because it was unwanted, like maybe a huge jet skis place - LOL) I think on your trip there you will be able to feel things out and see whats working, the climate and what you can think of that would work well. All the best!!

--Islander