What can I say, sitting on the beach with the beautiful ocean view is what hooked me and played a major role in our decision to move to St. Croix: the incredible turquoise water, ocean breezes, the smell of the salt and sound of the waves; so soothing, relaxing and refreshing all year round. No visit to St. Croix is complete without visiting the beaches.
All beaches in the US Virgin Islands are open to the public however access thru private property and hotels may have restrictions. Some are very popular with tourist and/or locals and some are very secluded. Some have amenities and some just have endless expanses of sand and sun. The beaches are as varied as your mood so choose accordingly.
Because much has changed on the island since Maria’s visit in 2017, I am only adding details and pictures for beaches that I have personally visited post hurricane Maria. I will add more as I continue to explore the island.
FREDERIKSTED AND WEST END
FREDERIKSTED BEACH
RAINBOW BEACH
DORSCH BEACH
Located .5 to 1 mile south of the cruise ship pier, it’s an easy walk on a port stop. Convenient beach with plenty of parking just pull over and enjoy. Some shade and plenty of sun and sand. Nice snorkeling spot but be careful of the rock out crops while getting in and out of the water. No amenities.
SANDY POINT
This beach has the longest, whitest and softest sand on St. Croix. It is part of the Sandy Point National Wildelife Refuge https://www.fws.gov/refuge/sandy_point/ and a nesting place for endangered Leahterback turtles. Access is limited to Cruise Ship days, Saturday and Sunday 10 am to 4 pm. and is closed to the public during the turtle hatching season from April to September. There are no facilities at this beach.
NORTH SHORE
CANE BAY BEACH
COLUMBUS LANDING
PRINCESS CONDO ROW
PELICAN COVE
CHRISTIANSTED AND EAST END
REEF BEACH
BUCK ISLAND
PROTESTANT CAY
Home to Hotel on the Cay in Christiansted Harbour – Accessible by short $5 ferry ride from the boadwalk in front of Fort Chistiansvaern.
You can relax on the beach while listening to live music. The sandy beach with gentle waves is perfedt for little ones. The more active types can enjoy volleyball, bean bag toss, giant jenja, as well as jet ski & kayak rentals. Two beach lounge chairs and an umbrella can be rented for $20. There is a beach bar and grill for refreshments.
BUCCANEER
CHENAY BAY
CRAMER’S PARK
A public park with beautiful sandy shoreline located in the East end of St. Croix with parking, restroom facilities, picnic tables, and shade. There are no concessions so come prepared with food, drinks, and chairs. This is a popular beach with the locals and you’ll find many camping there during Easter week.
SOUTH SHORE
ISAAC BAY
JACK BEACH
GRAPETREE BAY
TURNER HOLE
HALFPENNY
What to know before you go.
- Make sure to protect your skin from burning. You can still get sunburned even while sitting in the shade so prepare accordingly.
- After heavy rains there is a lot of water run off which could elevate the bacteria levels at the beach. So before deciding on a beach check the beach advisory at dpnr.vi.gov.
- Keep a used gallon jug filled with water in your car for washing the sand off your feet before getting in your car.
- Keep a plastic cup or zip lock bag in your beach bag for collecting sea glass.
- All native plants, animals, coral and shells are protected under the Indigenous Species Act. You will not be permitted to leave the territory with any plants or marine life in you possession.
- Do not leave valuables in your car. In secluded areas where your vehicle will be out of your sight it is safest to just leave the windows down and doors unlocked. That will prevent any smash & grabs and keep the vehicle cooler.
