Beaches of all shapes and sizes ring St. Croix, some are long white sand stretches, and others are small patches shaded by low sea grape trees and towering coconut palms. Some have smooth sandy bottoms ideal for swimming, and others have rock and coral-lined entries perfect for snorkeling! All the beaches in St. Croix are, by law, open to the public. Some large resorts may charge a nominal fee for parking or use of their beach chairs.
Most important: Do not drive on any beach. St. Croix beaches are a primary nesting habitat for three very endangered species of sea turtles; leatherbacks, greens and hawksbills. Although leatherbacks have a nesting season, the other two nest year round. Driving on the beach, or building fires, or driving poles (such as umbrella or volleyball) into the sand can destroy nests; taking or harming turtle eggs is illegal.
Christiansted
A short $4 ferry ride away ($2 of which is good towards a drink) lies Protestant Cay, home of the Hotel on the Cay. The sandy islet beach is delightful for sunning and swimming. Watersports equipment is for rent, and lunch and drinks are served beachside. Shopping in town in the morning and going to the beach in the afternoon make for a great day.
Buck Island
A must for visitors of all ages, this is the only underwater National Park in the world. A clearly marked underwater trail introduces you to a fascinating undersea world of coral, plant life and a variety of tropical fish. Tour boats provide half or full day sails. The full day lets you enjoy the great snorkeling as well as the most beautiful of all beaches.
The Buccaneer
Make a left at the Buccaneer sign off Rt. 82. At the Gate House, explain you would like to use the beach, and a per person fee of $4 will be charged. Follow signs to the beach. Lunch is served at the Mermaid Restaurant. It is also the finish line for the Coral Reef Swim.
Shoys
Instead of going into the Buccaneer, make a right, stopping at the Buccaneer Estates gate house, explaining you are going to the beach. Continue on the road alongside the golf course until you come to the parking area. Across the road from the parking area is a path, and 150 yards later you are there. The beach is ringed by private homes. The east end of the beach is the best for swimming, the west end has great snorkeling.
Chenay Bay
Continue east on Rt. 82 till you see the sign on the left. The beach at this hotel is open to the public. Lounge chairs are free if food and drinks are purchased at the small pavilion restaurant. Wind surfers, snorkeling gear, and sunfish are for rent. Nice playground for kids.
Divi Divi
At the fork on Rt. 82, instead of the left to Cramer's, take the right and go to the Divi Carina Resort Hotel. The beach is known for great snorkeling. Watersports equipment is for rent, and the hotel offers a bar and restaurant.
Cane Bay
From Villa Soleil, go west on Rt. 75 and make a right onto Rt. 80. World renown as an excellent snorkeling and scuba diving spot it is only a 15 minute drive from Villa Soleil along St. Croix's scenic North Shore. The only turn to watch for is a little jag to the right (don't head uphill on Rt. 73). Soon you will come to Cane Bay beach. About 1/4 mile offshore, the depth plunges to 1,000 feet, so divers merely swim out and "jump off the wall"! The beach is great for sunbathing, plus offers plenty of shade. Off the Wall is a fun place for Philly Cheese steak sandwiches and Tacos with a "beach bum" atmosphere. Boz's Cane Bay Beach Bar is across the street.
Monk's Bath
Across from "Northside" and down the steps, the coral formation here have been hollowed out by years of continuous wave action. The snorkeling is excellent.
Rainbow Beach
Just a little further up the Route 63 from Changes in L'Attitude is one of our favorites, Rainbow Beach. Rainbow charges no fee, and entrance to the beach is through the small open air restaurant. The soft white sand and clear water makes Rainbow a perfect spot for snorkeling with young children or non-swimmers. There are a number of interesting fish 2 - 3 feet from shore, some nice shade trees, and very interesting rock formations further along the shore.
Sprat Hall Beach
Contuing north on Route 63 you will come to Sprat Hall Beach, nearly a mile long. Calm waters make for excellent swimming, and seashells are abundant. An excellent lunch and drinks are served in a leisurely fashion.
Isaac's Bay
Just around the East End from Point Udall lie two of the most remote beaches on the island, Jack's and Isaac's. Both are part of the East End Marine Park, and a protected area for sea turtle nesting. Accessible only by hiking in (the trail head begins just below Point Udall) they are well worth the effort. Isaacs Bay is the closest on the trail and has the calmest water of the two, both have great reefs. Look for squid, turtle nesting areas and nude sunbathers.
NOTE: no services are nearby and there is no shade. Please plan your trip appropriately. Read our blog about Isaac's Bay.
Jack's Bay
Walk the length of Isaac's Bay, then cross over the ridgeline to get to Jack's Bay.
Carambola
At the junction of Rt. 69 and Rt. 80 a little past Cane Bay, is Davis Bay beach, which is part of the Carambola resort development. The gate house attendant will direct you to the beach. Davis Bay has a long, white sandy beach, and a surf with gentle rollers. There is a beach bar, hotel restaurant and boutique.
Town Beach
Just north of the town of Frederiksted, shortly after the Fort, is this beautiful sand beach with tranquil waters, changing and rest rooms, and a small snack bar. Cruise ships, and naval ships and subs from many different navies provide interesting scenery. Diving and snorkeling off the prier is permitted.
Changes in L'Attitude Beach
Beach is maintained by adjacent Bar and Grill. No charge for use of chairs and showers.
Reef Beach
This beach is a favorite among wind surfers and East Enders. Watersport equipment and lounge chairs are for rent, and the popular Duggan's Restaurant serves lunch and dinner. Seagrape trees bordering the beach provide shade.
Southgate
Take Rt. 82 left past the Plantation Condominiums. Go around a sharp curve to the right and about 100 yards further there is a road to your left. This secluded beach has clear water and shade trees.
Cramer's Park
Continue east on Rt. 82, past the St. Croix Yacht Club, taking a left side of the fork. Cramer's Park is a popular beach with Crucians, enjoyed by many families on the weekends. It's a great place for beginning snorkelers. Changing rooms, rest rooms, picnic tables, and food and drink are available.
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