Feb 02 2010
Why Vacation on St. Croix? Virtual Island Tour Stop #4: Sandy Point
Vacationers and locals alike visit Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge on St Croix. It is located on the southwest side of the island, just south of Frederiksted. Sandy Point is a habitat area for many endangered species, but was particularly set aside as a nesting area for the leatherback sea turtles. In fact, it boasts the largest nesting population of leatherbacks in the United States on its 2 miles of white sandy beach.
A MUST-DO if you are visiting St. Croix during turtle nesting season: April to August – is to participate in a “turtle watch”. Nightly volunteers “watch” the nests, collecting data and helping with any protection or relocation (due to erosion) needs. There are scheduled times when the public is invited to come on the “watch”, though you must be a member of the St. Croix Environmental Association to participate. At $50/year its a bargain that really helps the cause too! SEA also has other environmental centered events throughout the year, so no matter what time of year you are traveling to St. Croix you can take advantage of these learning expeditions.
Sandy Point is open for public use Saturdays and Sundays from 10am – 4pm during non-turtle watching season.
Waiting for the baby sea turtles to hatch from their nest at Sandy Point, St. Croix, USVI
